Underwater Metal Detecting

[Narked1]

Am thinking about getting into MD'ing here and am looking at Underwater Metal Detectors since I spend the majority of my free time diving here on the north coast of Egypt. Have a couple of promising sites that I've found odds and ends at on the seabed. I'm sure that there's lots more to be found under the seabed. Was wondering if anyone could provide some advice/performance reviews/preferences on UW Metal Detector models. I am leaning toward the Garrett SeaHunter II but don't have enough experience on the pro's and con's of the various detectors out there. Most of my diving is in the 50-100 foot depth range in low-to-mediocre visibility. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

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[JohninCT]

That is a good all around detector for most work. If you are into hunting small gold, then I would go with a Pulse Power detector from England. An Eric Foster designed and made by him. They do cost more than the Garretts, also you are more likely to find a used Garrett than any other type underwater detector if you don't mind used. Good hunting.

 

[Sandman]

I dive also in mainly fresh water now and use many different kinds. For salt water diving and deep detection for all that moving sand I would use a new PI detector. Fisher, Whites, Garrett, and Tesoro all make good Pulse units and I lean toward Fisher and Tesoro as they have Life Time warrantees and are built like tanks anyway. Also the Minelab Excalibur 1000 which is not a PI, but runs on 17 diff. freq. and is pretty deep with discrimination. Make sure you get the largest coil.

You can check out the web sites for these brands and learn which one will suit you best. One thing I have to stress: Don't buy used. Try to purchase from a shop, but since where your at there won't be any, mail order will do fine so long as you stay away from e bay. I look at it this way.....If the detector is used, why not hang onto it as a back-up or give it to a relative. It's easy to sell a machine that doesn't work well to a stranger.

HH,
Sandman

 

[Doctor Detroit]

Sandman is right about buying a new detector. My first detector I bought from e bay since I didn't know of a dealer or this foum. I was very disappointed in the Bounty Hunter I got. It wasn't the cheap model either but it would hardly hold a threshold and beeped if you looked at it funny. So I bought a Fisher Coin Strike mail order and have been very happy with it. Now I want to learn water hunting as it's cooler in the summer.

HH,
Doctor Detroit

 

[Narked1]

Thanks for the info All,
I feel the same way as Sandman about buying used equipment. Have already ordered the Mini Excalibur (with the larger coil offered). To be honest, I don't know anything about MD'ing but will learn it as I go. But one thing that my father taught me about tools and equipment.....you get what you pay for (I'll add here that that was usually the case). Am looking forward to learning more about MD'ing underwater. The "swinging a wand thing" on the beach just hasn't sunk to me yet as something that I want to do. Maybe when I'm a bit more educated on detecting. We'll see.

Thanks for the inputs. Greatly appreciated. HH All!

 

[Sandman]

Narked,
I forgot to tell you to go to the web site www.thegoldenolde.com/ to learn more on "waving your thing on the beach." Old Norm is gone, bless his heart. He left a ton of information on how to detect ocean beaches, waves, finds, and detectors an related equipement.

HH,
Sandman

 

[JohninCT]

I have bought several detectors off ebay and other sites such as those that have classifieds on Findmall.com and others. If you check feedbacks, and pay attention, you can get some fine deals. I paid up to $1000 for detectors with no problems. I can understand being leary, but don't put down what isn't necessarily a bad thing. There are many fair and honest people out there selling detectors. You do know what you need to buy for your type hunting, and what brands are suited to your needs.

 

[Narked1]

Thanks Sandman,
Went to the site and there are some useful tips. Thanks again for the PM. Looking forward to "waving my thang" underwater.

To quote an song here: "If you ain't got that swing, then you ain't got a thing, Doo-Wop, Doo-Wop, Doo-Wop!" :P

 

[rjnail]

i too would go with the PI, units for salt water

 

[loganworks]

Welcome to the fun. I also dive and purchase a Excalibur. A great sight for help and ?s you may have is Minelabowners.com. this sight has helped me greatly. Good luck.