Metal Detecting is not a mere job or hobby but an exciting journey to uncover the secrets hidden beneath the layers of Earth. To embark on this treasure hunt, you need to be armed with the best metal detectors that fulfil the cause. 

As a beginner, it is truly challenging to pick the right detector among the sea of many. So, We have taken the responsibility to break it down for you. 

Today, We’ll be talking about what type of Underwater metal detectors are best for underwater treasure hunting. 

What Differs an Underwater Metal Detector from Other Metal Detectors?

As the name speaks for itself, Underwater Metal Detector is equipped specifically for waterproof construction and advanced technology, making it perfect for exploring rivers, lakes or oceans. Unlike simple metal detectors, These metal detectors allow unmatched detection capabilities under the surface of water. 

The built-in features of Pulse induction technology and adjustable discrimination settings allow these detectors to accurately locate and differentiate between several types of metals. Whether you are searching for a sunken artefact or lost jewelry, your underwater metal detector will find it for you even in challenging underwater conditions. 

Now that we know what use the Underwater metal detectors hold, Let’s begin the search for the best one in the market. 

Best Quality Underwater Metal Detectors

Picking the right detector matters a lot when it comes to underwater detections. From the type of coverage to the discrimination abilities of detectors, a good guide can help you pick the best out of the others. 

Let us be that ‘good guide’ and help you find out THE one.

Fisher Labs CZ 21-10

Crafted by one of the oldest standing metal detector manufacturers, Fisher Labs CZ 21-10 is the ultimate underwater metal detector fit to use for Dryland, Saltwater, or Fresh Water surface searches. This model operates on 10-inch coils as compared to its other version of 8-inch coils which we’ll discuss later on.

Key Features

Dual Frequency VLF Detector

CZ 21 is a dual-frequency VLF detector designed to be equally as functional 250 feet under the water surface as it is on land. It shares its FDSAS (Fourier Domain Signal Analysis System) circuitry with other Quicksilvers. This circuit transmits signals at 2 different frequencies simultaneously (5kHz and 15kHz) thus providing a top performance both in accurate target identification and improved detection depth. 

Robust Waterproof Built

It is complicated for detectors to hold their ground underwater while preventing any leakages that could harm the detector. But the CZ 21 -10 has proven to be the most reliable owing to a separate battery compartment.

So, if in an unfortunate incident, the water gets past the O-ring protecting the batteries, you can simply replace the batteries without any damage to electronics. 

3-Tone CZ Audio Target ID system

 This system allows you to identify metals with a higher degree of accuracy and judge if the target is worth recovering. 

Sensitivity Control

The sensitivity control serves a dual function of adjusting sensitivity and audio threshold in autotone mode. 

Pros 

• Quiet unless your coil is over metal.
• High-resolution sensitivity and GB adjustment options. 
• Versatile settings for both surface and deep water detections. 
• Submersible up to 250 feet without any anomalies in detection. 
• Hip mountable for adjusting the weight on your arms. 
• Simple operation with four knobs and a push-button control panel. 

Cons

• Out-of-the-box shafts are disliked and uncomfortable for some. 
• Heavily built and weighs around 5 lb 11 oz, but hip or chest mounting can help in distributing the weight. 

Fisher Labs CZ 21-8

Fisher Labs CZ 21-8 is quite similar to CZ 21-10 with the only difference of having 8 inches coil instead of 10 in the latter. This metal detector underwater allows precise pinpointing and easy manual ground balance to make your search fun yet productive.

Key Features

CZ 21-8 is almost similar to its 10-inch coil version having all the same features as we have already discussed, with the exception of coil sizes that set them apart. 

Higher Sensitivity than CZ 21-10

The sensitivity of CZ 21 is easy to adjust from 30 to 50 via the unique two-piece fibreglass shaft. You can purchase it with your choice of 8 or 10-inch search coils. CZ 21-8 holds an advantage of higher sensitivity owing to the fact that the smaller the coil, the more sensitive it becomes to small targets. 

It is more effective in differentiating good targets from the nearby trash. 

Low Drag

CZ 21-8 is also submersible up to 250 feet and allows lower drag while searching underwater as compared to a larger coil. 

Pros 

• Features all metal auto-tone mode. 
• High-quality performance in the mineralized soil, Saltwater or freshwater.
• Greater sensitivity to the valuables and accurate differentiation ability. 
• Good for shallow water, lake or beach hunting and diving. 

Cons

• Lower detection depth as compared to their competition. 
• Not very suitable for wreck hunters and divers.

Garrett Sea Hunter MK-II

Garrett manufacturers produce excellent metal detectors, particularly for beach hunting, however, their previous metal detectors failed to pass the Underwater test. 

However, With the launch of Garrett Sea Hunter MK-II, the company can hold its head high to have one of the best underwater metal detectors in store for consumers.

Let’s dial into some key features of this revolutionary product. 

Key Features

Waterproof Design

Garrett MK-II is entirely submersible up to a depth of 200 feet. Its functionality stays equivalent for both fresh and brackish water. Besides the device and its control unit, the headphones also have a robust watertight design for divers to use. 

PI Technology

PI or Pulse Induction Technology used to design this metal detector is particularly effective for detection in saltwater or highly mineralized conditions. This ability makes it renowned for deep-seeking capabilities. 

Adjustable Discrimination and D.I.G tech

MK-II allows you the flexibility to adjust the discrimination setting and focus better on valuable metals. The Discrete Trash Elimination (D.I.G) technology enhances its ability to eliminate and filter out unwanted targets.

Interchangeable Search Coils

The option of interchangeable search coils makes this detector more adaptable to various detecting conditions.

Pros

• It features neutral buoyancy.
• Twisted cables of headphones avoid hooking on clothes, bushes or any other obstacles. 
• Precise detection owing to extremely sensitive detectors.
• It contains eight rechargeable AA batteries, making possible an active use of 30-40 hours. 
• The Coloured panel of the control unit allows clear visibility underwater.

Cons

• The detector design contains sharp edges.
• The rod can be very wobbly. 

Fisher 1280X-8

Another best underwater metal detector featured by Fisher Labs that allows you to enjoy treasure hunting in any body of water and land is the Fisher 1280X-8. Its waterproof capability is quite similar to the CZ 21 models and is submersible up to 250 feet in fresh, or salt water. 

What makes it different from others:

Key Features

8-inch Concentric Coils

Fisher 1280X has two versions allowing the choice of either 8 or 10.5 inches coils. The 1280X-8 features a smaller 8 inches coil assembly. 

Sensitive to Smaller Targets

The closer diameter of the coil allows greater sensitivity and detects smaller objects with better accuracy. As compared to its 10.5-inch coil version, it allows better differentiation to all metals. 

Deep Seeking Design 

This detector is also fully submersible like all other underwater metal detectors and provides coverage up to 250 feet in depth. The deep-seeking aquanaut features allow an effective use for scuba divers and wreck hunters. 

Pros

• Collapsible pole assembly allows practical enclosure and storage. 
• Features Auto turn on and go operation. 
• Very easy to use without any need for threshold, fine-tuning or ground balancing adjustments. 

Cons

• Heavy in comparison to competitors and weighs around 5.8 lbs.
• Not suitable for saltwater or mineralized soil.

Conclusion

To Sum it all up, metal hunting can be enjoyable yet convenient only if you have the knowledge of the right options. We have listed some of the best detectors that feature top-quality waterproof designs for divers looking for bounties under the depths of the ocean or for wreck hunters trying to recover the lost. 

Keep our guide on check and find yourself the metal detector that fits the best for you. 

Happy hunting!