Newbie detectorist looking for suggestions about detectors best for detection while diving

[Stryder]

Hey guys, I'm looking at heading to Colombia South America for a few months and I am hoping to do some diving while there and I would like to get into metal detecting as a new hobby. Can anyone who has used a detector either at the beach or while diving give me your thoughts on the best units to consider?

***EDITED***
I am looking more for the best bang for the buck in regards to an underwater unit. I've been looking at the Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II but I can't find any videos of anyone who seems to know how to use the discrimination adjustments for it. Does anyone have any experience using it that actually knows how to use the disc. knobs?
Thanks, BK

 

[BoltSnap]

This is the best and probably the most expensive:

https://www.minelab.com/metal-detectors/excalibur-ii

 

[Celt]

I’ve used Aquascan for over 20 years,

 

[Graeme Fraser]

I think @calabash digger is the resident expert on all things detector here. Hopefully he can give you some advice.

 

[calabash digger]

Excalibur II for all diving... Equinox 800 for beach and shallow water hunting... Minelab has the market cornered on salt water detectors. Excalibur II is a legendary beach hunter also but it is heavy and needs to be mounted on a aftermarket shaft if you use it to hunt the beach.

 

[BoltSnap]

Excalibur II for all diving... Equinox 800 for beach and shallow water hunting... Minelab has the market cornered on salt water detectors. Excalibur II is a legendary beach hunter also but it is heavy and needs to be mounted on a aftermarket shaft if you use it to hunt the beach.

What about this one? Is it a newer higher end model compared with the Equinox 800 you mention?

https://www.minelab.com/usa/metal-detectors/ctx-3030

 

[calabash digger]

The CTX is the older high end version... It is good on silver but weak on gold.

The Equinox has a NEW technology called multi IQ that makes it very hot on gold.. Low to mid conductive targets... Minelabs older FBS machines are great on silver but weak on gold.

The Equinox is good on both silver and gold and plus it will not break your shoulder when you swing it.....It is also half the price...
Minelab took over the market with the mid price range Equinox …..BTW I have a ton of review videos and test videos on my youtube channel...(calabash digger )

 

[BoltSnap]

BTW I have a ton of review videos and test videos on my youtube channel...(calabash digger )

Thanks!! Subscribed with notices!!

 

[Stryder]

Excalibur II for all diving... Equinox 800 for beach and shallow water hunting... Minelab has the market cornered on salt water detectors. Excalibur II is a legendary beach hunter also but it is heavy and needs to be mounted on a aftermarket shaft if you use it to hunt the beach.

So it looks like I will have to choose either diving or beach hunting since I am only going to buy 1 unit, and since I'll be doing more beach than diving I'll stick with it. You mentioned the Nox 800, what about the 600 for discrimination of trash on the beach? I'm trying to keep the cost down since it is my first unit, but I also understand about not "cheaping out" lol.
I appreciate the input!
BK

 

[kelemvor]

You might try checking local dive shops in your new town for rental detectors. There's a dive shop in my town (Bill Jackson's Shop for Adventure) that rents the Excalibur 2 units among others. I've been slightly interested in trying it for a few years now, but would not consider spending thousands of dollars just to try something I might not like. Rentals are just what the doctor ordered for me .