Has anyone used one of these in a PSD environment? Are there any recommendations or units to avoid? Usage will typically be shallow (under 30') and black.
Underwater Metal Detector
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krawdady
Contributor
I have a fisher 1280-X for use underwater. I bought it used a couple of years ago with the hopes that I would find my fortune (didn't work out). Iv'e used it on the beach but not completely underwater yet. If you want to get together sometime and try mine out before you buy one we can work that out (maybe when the water gets a little warmer). Iv'e noticed a difference in the way it detects things on the beach vs. shallow water. I think it is because of the minerals in the saltwater. It seems like it is harder to adjust for being in the water but it probably just takes practice. I think the higher end models make it a lot easier but cost a lot more.
My choice is the Whites. :: White's Metal Detectors of New England :: EZ to use, affordable, surprisingly long battery life, compact, can be extended for shore use and very loud head phones that I just wear around my neck.
Mine is better than 10 years old and trouble free.
The ONLY time they work to their potential as a PSD is concerned is in non-tourist waters. Otherwise the nails, beer/pop cans, drug needles and all the other trash that gets tossed in will drive the diver nuts.
Good luck
Gary D.
Mine is better than 10 years old and trouble free.
The ONLY time they work to their potential as a PSD is concerned is in non-tourist waters. Otherwise the nails, beer/pop cans, drug needles and all the other trash that gets tossed in will drive the diver nuts.
Good luck
Gary D.
My Fisher 1280 has been going strong for about 17 years now.
OP
Thanks for the leads, guys. Krawdaddy, thanks for the offer, I may take you up on it.
Gary, most of the diving we do is not in touristy areas, but all of the canals and lakes here are loaded with junk from hurricanes. Everything from tin roofs (got stuck under one of those once) to furniture.
Gary, most of the diving we do is not in touristy areas, but all of the canals and lakes here are loaded with junk from hurricanes. Everything from tin roofs (got stuck under one of those once) to furniture.
My J W Fishers Pulse 8X gets only personal, not PSD use, but the sensitivity has a wide range of adjustment that makes it very effective if the target, like a weapon, gives a stronger signal than background trash.
The controls are easily adjusted just by feel when vis is poor.
Very rugged unit.
Dave C
The controls are easily adjusted just by feel when vis is poor.
Very rugged unit.
Dave C
My unit is a personal one that the team uses. They wanted to purchase one but I told them for what they are worth lets spend the money on something else. There is normally one around to borrow if it’s needed.
We were in 2 counties south looking for a murder weapon. The dirt bag has admitted involvement in the crime and told everyone where he tossed the weapon. After a trip to look for it Washington DOC transported him to the site to show us first hand. Even with that we didn’t find it.
Later we find out that area was a catch basin for a flood several years prior and all the debris for miles ended up there. We were digging up items 5 to 7 feet deep that the detector was locating.
Sounds like your area would be similar making the units fairly useless.
Gary D.
We were in 2 counties south looking for a murder weapon. The dirt bag has admitted involvement in the crime and told everyone where he tossed the weapon. After a trip to look for it Washington DOC transported him to the site to show us first hand. Even with that we didn’t find it.
Later we find out that area was a catch basin for a flood several years prior and all the debris for miles ended up there. We were digging up items 5 to 7 feet deep that the detector was locating.
Sounds like your area would be similar making the units fairly useless.
Gary D.
The team I was affiliated with for 27 years uses the JW Fishers Pulse 8x. I have used this detector on multiple operations and it has worked well for the job at hand.
One error I made early in my career was I purchased the small detector head (search coil) since the evidence we were searching for was not buried under much sediment. One a multiday operation, I learned the benefit of a larger search coil and using the "low" setting on the detector so we were not finding stuff 18+ inches below the sediment. With a larger coil, we covered a the search area twice as fast.
The other benefit to the Pulse 8x is the ability to swap coils, one detector with multiple heads. We have several sizes, up to approximately 48 inches.
One error I made early in my career was I purchased the small detector head (search coil) since the evidence we were searching for was not buried under much sediment. One a multiday operation, I learned the benefit of a larger search coil and using the "low" setting on the detector so we were not finding stuff 18+ inches below the sediment. With a larger coil, we covered a the search area twice as fast.
The other benefit to the Pulse 8x is the ability to swap coils, one detector with multiple heads. We have several sizes, up to approximately 48 inches.
Yotsie
Contributor
I can echo what others have said about the JW Fisher Pulse 8X... We purchased one last year and it works very well. Buy the small and large head, like Blades said. We have used it in our reservoirs to 25' and rivers with great success.
OP
We're looking at the Fisher Pulse 8x. Thanks for all the recommendations.
Gary, I am concerned about all the gunk in the water that we have here, but since the kidnapping/murder of one of our detective's daughters, the brass here is pushing for us to get one, so...
Gary, I am concerned about all the gunk in the water that we have here, but since the kidnapping/murder of one of our detective's daughters, the brass here is pushing for us to get one, so...
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