Metal Detector Advice??

[Rutger]

Hi All,

There seems to be a dearth of available information on the topic, and I don't necessarily want to rely solely on the available corporate propaganda.

If you have input, experience, or knowledge on recommending underwater metal-detectors, I'd like to hear from you.

I have always thought it would be cool to be able to detect semi-precious metals while diving, but I have a practicqal purpose in locating a gold/emerald ring of some financial and sentimental value that was lost off a dock. I would prefer to rent a machine, but for the cost, and frequency I dive, perhaps buying is better.

It would appear the most common / best machines are either Fishers or Garrett, but there is a hell of a price difference.

Feedback?

 

[newbie1968]

i have a garrett infinium and a cz 21 metal i use for underwater metal detecting both are awesome machines for detecting.
the fisher cz 21 actually has a small enough shaft that you can just shrink size and go diving is an awesome way to find valuables.

 

[DennisS]

I have a Fisher Impulse, it has no discrimination, dig, dig, dig, lots of non precious metal.

 

[UntamedSpirit]

I have a Fisher Impulse, it has no discrimination, dig, dig, dig, lots of non precious metal.

I felt the same way, had a tesoro sandshark, and it would ping on the twistie ties a foot deep, but it also found a thin gold band with a diamond pretty deep too.

Learning to work my excalibur now, and starting to like it more, but not 100% sure its a sensitive, however its nice not to dig every hairpin, twisty tie, and fishhook

 

[Rutger]

Today I found a good price on a Garrett Infinium LS so I snatched it up at my LDS. Tomorrow begins the hunt. I chose this one because of the discrimination, ability to tune out salt-water/high mineral background noise and electrical interference, as well as the 200' depth range.

 

[Togalive]

Hi All,

There seems to be a dearth of available information on the topic, and I don't necessarily want to rely solely on the available corporate propaganda.

If you have input, experience, or knowledge on recommending underwater metal-detectors, I'd like to hear from you.

I have always thought it would be cool to be able to detect semi-precious metals while diving, but I have a practicqal purpose in locating a gold/emerald ring of some financial and sentimental value that was lost off a dock. I would prefer to rent a machine, but for the cost, and frequency I dive, perhaps buying is better.

It would appear the most common / best machines are either Fishers or Garrett, but there is a hell of a price difference.

Feedback?

Hmm, I would suggest you google "Friendly Metal Detecting Forum". It is by far one of the best forums out there for metal detecting bar none, and there is a fairly large group of experienced UW detectorists from all over, and a HUGE base of general detectorists from around the world. You'll be able to get the information you need and much more then you ever wanted. I am also a member of those forums, and have been for some time now, as the name states, most everyone is quite friendly

Hope it helps!

 

[Zerovis]

The Vibra Tector is a good small and very cost effective machiene ,
As its pulse induction it finds everything.
it is not for searching large areas of flat seabed as it has a short handle that limits the sweep
it is great for small areas and pinpointing.

In my opinion Stay far away form Detector pro for under water work

 

[cruzandiver1]

My buddy uses the Garrett Infinium and does very well with it, I believe he picked it up at Kellyco for a nice price. I prefer the Minelab Excaliber I believe it to have better discrimination and have had better luck with the Excal vs. Infinium under water but I also have other Minelab detectors and probably just have a better feel for them than other detectors. I have heard that Garrett has a better service turnaround time than Minelab and customer service is also very good.

 

[Underwater Locksmith]

I run an old UW Tesoro. Lifetime warrenty is awsome! Called a couple of days ago because I lost one of the ear muffs. They flat out offered to send 2 new ones. Free! Put on a brand new coil about 3 yrs ago, also free. Just bought a vibra tector for 160.00 at MT.com. Would NEVER go back down without it. Hits on ANYTHING within 2". Also has a very narrow feild of view, striaght out the tip!

 

[tc]

Good luck with your search!

For anyone else looking for fedback I've had a Fisher 1280X since about 1990. Never had to do anything other put in a new set of batteries once in a while.