Here’s something that we both can agree on, metal detecting is a fun addictive hobby.
Do you want to know something else? It is a whole different experience underwater.
Are you interested in purchasing the best underwater metal detector?
There are many models available to choose from.
Underwater metal detecting can be very lucrative.
Tourists flock to the beach, and they are losing valuable items all the time.
It’s not uncommon to hear someone say that they lost their ring or necklace in the water.
Keep reading, and you will get a chance to see our list of the top 7 best underwater metal detectors.
We have included short descriptions near the top, followed by “how to choose the best underwater metal detector.”
We concluded with in-depth descriptions of all the detectors and their features.
Below is a List of the Best Underwater Metal Detectors:
Take a look at our list of best underwater metal detectors. Every metal detector is different, and picking the best underwater metal detector for yourself comes down to your own individual preferences. When deciding on what underwater detector to purchase, take into account the features, not just the price.
7 Best Underwater Metal Detectors
1. Garrett ATX
The Garrett ATX is one of the best underwater metal detectors on the market. It can find treasures up to 18” deep under the right circumstances. It is also waterproof up to 10’ deep and works best in saltwater environments.
This metal detector folds down for easy storage. It is heavy which makes it a little difficult to maneuver.
2. Garrett AT Pro
The Garrett AT Pro is waterproof up to 10’ deep. It was designed for use in freshwater as well as saltwater.
It has a small learning curve and the audio tones may be a little difficult to get used to. This machine is able to find very small treasures up to 9” in depth. It also features manual and automatic ground balancing.
3. Tesoro Tiger Shark
The Tesoro Tiger Shark is a top of the line best underwater metal detector. It is waterproof and can be submerged up to 200’. It is best used in saltwater conditions, but it can also be used in fresh water.
It has 2 available audio modes to help with different types of searches.
It is heavier than some other models.
4. Whites TDI BeachHunter Extreme
The Whites TDI BeachHunter Extreme model is waterproof up to 25’. It offers extreme depth performance on land as well as underwater.
It is equipped with Pulse induction technology which allows it work very well in saltwater.
It weighs 5 lbs., so it can be hard to maneuver and be tiring to use.
5. Garrett AT Max
The Garrett AT Max is a mid-level underwater metal detector. This metal detector has most of the features that can be found on the AT Pro plus more. It was designed for use in freshwater as well as saltwater and can be submerged up to 10’.
This mid-level underwater metal detector features Z-Lync wireless technology that is stronger than Bluetooth. It also has an additional button that allows for easier use.
6. Fisher CZ21 Underwater Metal Detector
The Fisher CZ21 Underwater Metal Detector is leak-proof up to 250’ deep and comes with waterproof headphones. It can be used in freshwater as well as saltwater.
It is pulse induction and has 7 discrimination modes and adjustable sensitivity that makes it great for finding even the smallest objects even in saltwater.
This metal detector is a little heavy and weighs almost 6 lbs.
7. Fisher Pulse 8X
The Fisher Pulse 8X is considered the best underwater metal detector my many serious detectors. It is submergible up to 200’ and is works great underwater as well as on land.
It is equipped with visual and audio target indicators. Once an object is detected the alarm will sound and the meter will show the strength. The audio alarm is loud enough that you can hear it without the headphones being directly over your ears.
Tips for Choosing the Best Underwater Metal Detector
When thinking about metal detecting most people think about searching the beach, but most don’t think about going under the water. Hunting underwater is a great relaxing experience. But if you want to search there, you will need a specialized machine. You will also need to know what types of waters you will be searching and how deep you plan on going. Before you make a large investment in an underwater metal detector take into consideration the following:
• Will you be searching in freshwater or saltwater?
Not all underwater metal detectors are made for the same purpose. Some can only be used in freshwater, while others may be designed to work best in saltwater. More tourists visit saltwater beaches, so you are more likely to find valuable objects there. Freshwater beaches hold on to their treasures longer that saltwater beaches. This is due to the fact that salt eats away at metal and freshwater beaches don’t have large waves to carry stuff out.
• How deep will you be diving?
Some metal detectors only have a waterproof coil, so if you are going to be diving you need a machine that is completely waterproof. All of our best underwater metal detectors listed are fully waterproof. Different machines are able to be submerged up to different depths. The deeper you plan on exploring the more money you are going to be spending on an underwater metal detector.
• Are you only searching for Gold?
If you are only interested in finding gold nuggets, you need to purchase one of the best underwater metal detectors that specialises in finding gold. Most detectors are all-purpose but aren’t designed specifically for gold.
• How well do you know the ins and outs of metal detecting?
If you are a beginner to the metal detecting hobby you will want to purchase a machine that is easy to use. Purchasing a top of the line machine that has too many functions and dials can be discouraging and you may give up on the hobby very quickly. It is important that you have fun and are using a machine that isn’t overly complicated.
• Your budget
Underwater metal detecting can get expensive. When you purchase an underwater metal detector, you are making an investment. Knowing your budget beforehand can help you make your final decision when deciding which best underwater metal detector to buy.
• Length of the Metal Detector
Length is important when using an underwater metal detector. If you have one that is too long it will be hard to handle. On the other hand, if it is too short it will be uncomfortable to use and you can end up straining your back. Most metal detectors are adjustable, but not all, so check to make sure that the length is going to be perfect for you.
• Is this just a weekend hobby?
How serious are you about underwater metal detecting. As previously stated, the best underwater metal detectors are a real investment. If you are only planning on dabbling in the hobby you may want to go with a cheaper model. But, if you have been bitten by the metal detecting bug and plan on using it often you will want to invest in a machine that is going to last and will find those hidden treasures easily.
The Best Underwater Metal Detectors Ranked Best to Worst
When purchasing an one of the best underwater metal detectors take into consideration all of the features. We have does the research to make your decision easier. We have listed important features as well as our best underwater metal detector reviews.
The fisher Pulse 8X is our top choice for best underwater metal detector. It is submergible up to 200’ and can work on land but is intended for underwater use. It is also used by law enforcement, military, commercial and salvage dovers. It comes standard with all of the accessories that you need to get started.
This machine allows you to see as well as hear when you find a treasure. It is equipped with an audio alarm as well as a meter.
The metal detector can be placed on the bottom while you dig and will not easily float away due to its negative buoyancy.
Depending on the size of the target the Fisher Pulse 8X can locate objects ups to 12” underground. It uses a rechargeable battery pack that lasts approximately 12 hours before it needs recharged.
Features:
4 lbs
Audio Identification
7.5” Waterproof Search Coil Options
Waterproof Headphone Jack Connector
Visual Meter Identification
Best in – Freshwater and Saltwater
Average Price – $1099.00
2. Fischer CZ21 Underwater Metal Detector
The Fischer CZ21 is one of the best underwater metal detectors. It is completely waterproof and comes with waterproof headphones. It is leak proof up to 250’ deep. It isn’t a very good detector for land hunting.
It is easy to use but it does have a little extra weight to it. It is equipped with seven discrimination modes and adjustable sensitivity. The volume control is able to boost audio even on the weakest signals.
It is able to search deep into the sea bed. It requires 4 – 9V batteries to operate.
Features:
6 lbs
3 Tone Audio Identification
8” and 10”” Waterproof Search Coil Options
Hardwired Headphones
Manual Ground Balance
Adjustable Length
Pinpoint Mode
Sensitivity Adjustment
LED Visual Alert
Best in – Freshwater and Saltwater
Average Price – $1099.00
3. Garrett ATX
The Garrett ATX is near the top of our best underwater metal detector list. It is waterproof and can be submerged up to 10’ deep, but the headphones are not. It can be used underwater as well as on land.
The machine is heavy and can be hard to maneuver. It is collapsible which makes it easier to store and travel with. This machine is heavy and can wear you out easily.
This underwater gold detector has 3 search coils to choose from. The standard coil is 10” x 12”.
It is equipped with 13 sensitivity settings and 25 discrimination modes. This allows you to narrow down your search tremendously.
This model can find treasures buried from 12” to 18” underground depending on its size. It uses 8 AA batteries.
Features:
5.5 lbs.
VCO/Iron Audio Identification
10” x 12” or 15” x 20” Search Coil
Manual Ground Balance
Headphone Jack
Adjustable Length from 20” to 68”
Pinpoint Mode
Sensitivity Adjustment
LED Light
Best in – Freshwater & Saltwater
Average Price – $2120.75
4. Whites TDI BeachHunter Extreme
The Whites TDI BeachHunter Extreme is a great best underwater metal detector and is waterproof up to 25’ deep. It was designed for use in freshwater as well as saltwater.
It uses Pulse Induction technology which allows for extreme depth detection on land and in water.
This machine is heavy and weighs 5 lbs. This can cause the machine to be tiring to use and hard to manoeuvre.
This underwater metal detector offers extreme depth performance. It uses a heavy-duty MiMH rechargeable battery.
Features Include:
5 lbs.
2-Tone Audio Identification
12” Waterproof Search Coil
Full-Control Ground Balance
Hard-Wired Headphones
Adjustable Length
Sensitivity Adjustment
Best in – Saltwater
Average Price – $1,199.00
The Tesoro Land Shark underwater metal detector is completely waterproof and is rated for depths up to 200’. It works well in saltwater thanks to pulse induction technology that has a controllable pulse width.
It is equipped with 2 audio modes; VCO and normal. The normal mode is great for prolonged searches and beachcombing.
This underwater metal detector weighs 4.50 lbs so it can be tiring to use. This beach metal detector can find treasures that are buried between 12” – 16” deep. It requires 8 AA batteries to operate.
Features Include:
4.50 lbs
VCO Audio Identification
8” or 10.5” Waterproof Printed Spiral Search Coil
Preset Ground Balance
Hardwired Headphones
Adjustable Length
Pulse-Width Sensitivity Adjustment
LCD Screen
Best in – Designed for Saltwater / Can be Used in Freshwater
Average Price – $662.15
The Garrett AT Max is a great mid-level underwater metal detector. It is waterproof and can be submerged up to 10’ deep.
This mid-level underwater metal detector features Z-Lync wireless technology that allows you to use your headphones wirelessly.
There is an additional button on this model that allows you to use and adjust different functions with just one hand.
The handgrip is comfortable to use and will make your hunting experience more pleasant.
This model features enhanced detection depth, so you should see a substantial increase in your depth detection. It requires 4 AA batteries to operate.
Features:
3 lbs
3 Tone Audio Identification
8.5” x 11” Waterproof Search Coil
Headphone Jack
Manual Ground Balance
Adjustable Length
Pinpoint Mode
Sensitivity Adjustment
Graphic Target Identification
Best in – Freshwater and Saltwater
Average Price – $722.45
The Garrett AT Pro is waterproof up to 10’ deep. It easy to use and includes a large range of features, so there is a small learning curve.
Its appearance is striking and is all black. The audio feature allows you to know what you found before you begin digging.
The Garrett AT Pro is extremely affordable for an underwater metal detector.
It has an adjustable length so you can customize it for a more comfortable hunting experience. It is able to locate small items up to 9” in depth. It requires 4 AA batteries.
Features:
3 lbs
3 Tone Audio Identification
8.5” x 11” Waterproof Search Coil
Adjustable Length
Discriminative
Pinpoint Mode
Sensitivity Adjustment
Graphic Target Identification
Best in – Freshwater and Saltwater
Average Price – $552.45