In this particular post, we will be focusing on the best underwater/waterproof metal detectors for 2020. All the products listed in the article are suitable to be used inside water.

Metal detectors, as the name implies, are sensitive equipment that is used to detect the presence of a metal in a specific area. These highly specialized instruments are used in different industries to identify valuable metals such as gold and silver, underground mines, armed weapons, and historical remains. Metals detectors are also very popular in the security industry as they are used at various check-points to inspect people or their luggage. They are also used in the construction sites for the reinforcement of bars in the walls or the floors of the building.

Since the equipment is heavy in technology as well as budget, it is essential that before buying these instruments. Either a single piece or a bunch of them, you are fully aware of the variations available in the market. Due to their diverse functionality in various fields, each metal detector manufacturing company produces highly specialized equipment that detects metal but has several other exclusive features that complement a particular task. Therefore, based on your requirements, usage, and price range, you should first perform a thorough market survey to understand the dynamics of various metal detectors and then choose one wisely.

Things to consider before buying an underwater metal detector

Before getting started with the list of best underwater metal detectors, it is better to provide you with an in-depth criterion about the qualities that you should be looking for when finalizing your waterproof metal detector. Some of these might apply to the kind of detector you are looking for while others might not, so be careful. These different factors include:

Is the metal detector waterproof?

It is common sense that not all metal detectors can get along with water. Most of them get broken or in worst cases cause a short circuit. Thus, before finalizing your purchase, it is eminent to confirm that the metal detector you have chosen is safe to be used underwater. We have encountered several customers who get moved by other efficient features of metal detectors that they forget that their fundamental aim was to buy an underwater metal detector.

Frequency of the metal detector

For a metal detector, its frequency determines the ability of the device to detect the presence of targets. If it is is a high-frequency detector, it means it can locate smaller objects with ease, whereas if it is a low-frequency detector, then it means it is more sensitive to larger objects and greater depths. So, knowing about the metal detector is not enough. You should also know about your requirements too. If you are from the mining industry and need to locate deeply buried reserves, you might opt for a low-frequency detector. On the other hand, if you are buying a detector for security purposes, then a high-frequency detector would be ideal.

The type of water ideal for the metal detector

An underwater metal detector does not necessarily mean that the sensor is suitable for all kinds of water. You cannot afford to forget that freshwater is a lot more different than seawater. Don’t forget that not all underwater metal detectors are ideal for all types of water. Yes, some do come with the option to switch modes from fresh to salty water, but others don’t. So, before choosing one, make sure your metal detector goes with the type of water where you will be using it.

Discrimination for the metal detector

In the context of a metal detector, perception is the ability to distinguish between various types of targets. The functionality of a metal detector is based on how it identifies the goals based on their properties like ferrous and conductivity. This feature is particularly helpful as it saves our time from digging up for junk objects. There are different types of discrimination for metal detectors. Some of them are an iron reject, notch discriminations, variable discrimination, and smart find.

Ground Balance for the metal detector

Ground balance is another critical thing that you should keep in mind when buying a metal detector. It determines the depths of the ground, which are mineralized. Usually, the grounds on which these instruments are used contain minerals and salts that hinder the detection process because they respond similarly to the magnetic field produced by the metal detector. Ground balance essentially removes the effect of these minerals that try to mask the buried targets. Rugged and mountainous regions have a higher level of salt and minerals in the ground as compared to the grounds in urban areas. Therefore, consider the location where you will be using the device when making the purchase. There are three types of ground balances for metal detectors. These include Manual Ground Balance, Automatic Ground Balance, and Tracking Ground Balance.

Some of the other factors to be kept in mind while making the purchase are the depth factor, ground mineralization, target orientation, target size, target material, and target shape.

Types of underwater or waterproof metal detectors

The next critical piece of information that you must have is about the different types of underwater metal detectors you will find in the market. If there are different types, they will be serving different purposes, and it is essential to know which ones suit your job the most.
The two main types of underwater metal detectors are:

• Pulse Induction (PI) Metal Detector

These are the metal detectors that transmit quick electronic signals to the ground, which remain inert to the ground minerals and salt. However, when it comes to valuable metals, it is highly sensitive to them. These detectors can easily be used in salty water so they are ideal for beaches or underwater treasure hunts. But the pulse induction circuit of the device has a limited capacity for discrimination. This means you might have to deal with more trash objects to get more precious metals.

• Very Low Frequency (VLF) Metal Detectors

The second type of underwater metal detectors is the VLF. These usually operate at a frequency of 3 to 30 kHz and are found to be more sensitive to moderately smaller objects such as coins, jewelry, or relics. Unlike PI detectors, these metal detectors can distinguish between junk and valuables. As a result, it can e a real time saver. However, on the other hand, they can get affected by the natural minerals and salt present in the ground. These effects can be minimized through using unique settings for the sensitivity and ground balance adjustment control. This means by acquiring some understanding of the product; you can use it more efficiently to search for valuable items underwater.

List of Top 5 Most Popular Underwater Metal Detectors for 2020

Finally, the wait is over! Now that you have all the necessary information about the types of metal detectors and the things to consider when buying a metal detector, we should get started with the list. All the items that have been mentioned here have been researched adequately. We have tried our best to take into account customer reviews as well as those of the experts. Also, this list is not arranged in an ascending or descending order. Instead, all the products mentioned here have some exceptional features and reviews.

RM RICOMAX Underwater Metal Detector (GC1028) – Best Waterproof Metal Detector

So, we begin our list with the metal detector from RM Rico. The company is known for making these instruments for over five years. Their metal detectors not only stand out in their quality but also in terms of cost-effectiveness. They present their customers with a wide range of products with distinct features like analog detectors as well as digital ones. Using state of the art technology and well-trained experts, they have been producing excellent quality products that include their recent model GC1028.
Prominent features of RM RICOMAX Underwater Metal Detector (GC1028)
GC1028 from RM RICOMAX comes with a bunch of extraordinary features that many of its competitors do not have.

These include:

Real-time discriminator mode: most metal detectors only recognize the presence of a valuable material underground. However, they fail to give any additional detail about the type of material. This means whether it’s gold, bronze, silver, iron, aluminum, or a piece of junk, they cannot tell. But with GC1028, you can distinguish between different types of metals. This not only saves your time but also allows you to only dig for the mineral you are searching. To specify what you are looking for; you have to press a button, and it will start searching up to 7.1 inches deep for the metal.

User-friendly LCD Control Box: without a proper display of all the settings, it is not easy to keep track of your metal detectors functionality. GC1028 from RM RICOMAX have taken special care to cater to the issue. The device comes with a control box with an LCD that makes the whole process easier. It displays all the settings for sensitivity level, detection mode, battery conditions, depth of the target, volume settings, etc. The LCD is not only more convenient but also accurate.

Improved sensitivity: for all metal detectors, the sensitivity of the device depends on its coils. The bigger the coils, the more sensitive the instrument. GC1028 comes with a large coil that is around 10 inches is waterproof and very efficient in detecting metals. It can be used on beaches and other water bodies for various fun activities. However, don’t make the mistake of putting the control box inside the water because it is not waterproof.

Distinctive audio tone: if you are searching for more than a single metal, you need a way to distinguish between them right before digging. GC1028 from RM RICOMAX gives you that option too through different audio tones associated with various metals.

Full Guarantee: Although the instrument is manufactured under supreme quality checks and each product is ensured to be working correctly before sent out to market. But even if there is the slightest chance of any glitch, you are covered. The company offers free replacement policy as well as a lifetime warranty for the product. If you ever encounter any breakdown, you need to contact them, and the technicians will be there for the rescue.

Garrett AT PRO Metal Detector with Underwater Pinpointer

If you are looking for a metal detector that works incredibly not only underwater but also on land, then looks no further. Garrett AT PRO metal detector is one of the most trusted metal detectors all across the world. Customers have only good things to say about this metal detector and if you are still having second thoughts, then here is a list of some of its finest features:

Large scale coil for better results: What makes this metal detector one of its kind is its quite large search coil. The 8.5” x 11” PROformance™ DD submersible search coil. This search coil can detect the tiniest metal that goes under its radar. The large search coil, along with an extremely accurate pinpointer covers the greater area in one go, which helps you save time and the metal detecting process is efficient.

Waterproof: Garrett AT PRO metal detector has a waterproof range of 10 feet or 3 meters. It also features an orange light that increases visibility underwater. It weighs only 7.4 pounds, which makes it super handy and easy to use.

All-Terrain Versatility: One thing that checks out all the boxes for this metal detector is its terrain versatility. It can be used in humid, windy, dusty, or wet environments, and the results won’t disappoint you. Furthermore, it also comes with a fantastic automatic and manual ground balancing, an extremely crucial feature for any VLF machine, especially to handle changes in saltwater and to change mineralization.

Quick recovery time: the superfast recovery time makes this metal detector extremely time-efficient. Working at a 15kHz frequency and a 0-99 target scale ID, Garrett gives you a better idea of what is underneath the surface. This feature also lets you know how deep you should dig once the target is located.

Other features: It has different search modes; standard and Professional. Each has its characteristics and can be used accordingly. The detector also has a battery condition indicator so that you do not run out of battery suddenly. The proportional audio and tone roll audio features enable the users to hear the characteristics of the metal, giving a better sense of direction. The iron audio, on the other hand, allows the users to change the detectors mid-tone signals, and the users can hear discriminated iron.

You can detect a wide range of metals, be it jewelry, coins and also gold nuggets. An all in one metal detector that does wonders for you. It is a one-time investment that will produce guaranteed results.

Fisher CZ21-8 Underwater Metal Detector

When it comes to buying underwater metal detectors, budget is always a constraint as some of these detectors can be quite expensive. But if you are looking for a sensor that is although at the higher price end but is once in a lifetime investment then look no further. Fisher CZ21-8 is one of its kind of a metal detector that can be used on land as well as underwater. Here are some of its best features:

Submersible to 250 feet: Yes! You heard it right, unlike most underwater metal detectors. That has a minimal submersible range, CZ21 can be used up to 250 feet deep all due to its pulse induction feature. It is ideal for your especially if you are a scuba diver who loves to wander deep in the ocean. Its 250 feet submersible feature allows you to hunt even the tiniest targets in saltwater as well as in freshwater.
Volume control and audio features: Another incredible feature of this underwater metal detector is its volume controls. The smart technology used enables this device to improve the audio even on the weaker signals that too from deeply hidden targets, making it very precise and accurate.

Discrimination mode:

Fisher CZ21 comes with a discrimination mode that offers seven different settings. This feature allows you to filter out the type of metal you choose. You can also switch to the auto-tune mode where all metals are detected with deeper penetration. The range of choice makes it feasible for all be it, beginners or professionals.

Other significant features:

Along with some of the features mentioned above, CZ21 offers some other exciting add-ons too. The underwater metal detector comes with waterproof headphones that are extremely helpful and will make your hunting much more comfortable. The waterproof headphones help you listen to the three different tones that beep low for iron, medium for foil and gold and beep high for other materials like coins and jewelry. Each distinct sound helps to identify the different metal, which enables you to save a lot of time. It also comes with a feature of adjustable sensitivity which allows higher sensitivity when there are more signals.

It weighs around 5.3pounds and is 12 x 6 x21 inches. Although it is a bit heavier than most VLF detectors, it produces better results by going deeper into the seabed.

Allsun Pro Underwater Metal Detector

One of the most common problems that most people face with underwater metal detectors is that they are usually designed following the use by professionals only. This makes the whole searching process very tiring as half of the time; you are just struggling with the equipment itself. So, if you are a beginner who has just started digging the grounds and wants a waterproof metal detector that is easy to use and fits in your price range, then Allsun Pro underwater metal detector is the one you should get. This underwater metal detector is a complete package and comes with many features that make it one of the best. Here is a list of things you should know about this all in one underwater metal detector:

Waterproof detection coil:

Allsun gold digger treasure detector comes with a full waterproof detection coil with a submergibility of 20 cm. As a beginner, it is an ideal depth, especially if you are targeting metals closer to the surface. The detection coil is exceptionally accurate and precise and detects target deep within the ground.

LCD Screen:

As mentioned earlier, this underwater metal detector is ideal for amateurs, therefore, this metal detector comes with a full displayed LCD screen that not only adds to the looks of the device but has some essential functions too. All the necessary information regarding the metal detector and the target is displayed on the LCD screen. You can monitor the mode, depth, and sensitivity that are all displayed on the LCD screen, which makes the whole hunting process less chaotic. Along with that, the LCD lights are yet another significant feature of this underwater metal detector. The LCD lights allow you to hunt for targets even at night, giving you a better vision.

Easy assembly:

This metal detector is really user-friendly and super easy to assemble. It came with an English assembly manual, and all the required assembly hardware are included in the package. The instructions are very easy and clear, and there is no need for any other professional tool. This saves you a lot of time, and you can start hunting as soon as you get your detector.

Other features:

Some other features of Allsun Gold Digger include its adjustable sensitivity that keeps altering as per the changing target. It also has discrimination mode along with an additional all-metal mode. And shifting from one mode to the other is just a matter of pressing a single button. It also features a battery charge level indication and audio alarm for quicker detection. All in all, it is an ideal metal detector for people. Who are new to this hobby and want to start with a device that is easy to use and generates satisfactory results too.

Tesoro Sand Shark Underwater Metal Detector

Anyone who has been using metal detectors for a while now can easily recognize any Tesoro metal detector. Known for its simplicity and outstanding performance over the years this underwater metal detector will win your hearts. Its simplicity and low price make it one of the best underwater metal detectors in the market. Here is a list of things you need to know about this incredible metal detector:

Pulse Induction:

One thing that defines an underwater metal detector is its pulse induction. And with this metal detector, you do not have to waste hours on adjusting all the features or fixing the ground balance every time you use it. Its advanced pulse induction technology monitors the high mineralization for you so that you can start searching directly without adjusting the scales first. The pulse induction is ideal for you if you prefer searching at the wet salt beaches.

Search coils:

Tesoro is known for its powerful search coils that detect the target in no time. Unlike a VLF-style metal detector which is impossible to use in saltwater, Tesoro’s single loop coils are oblivious to these changes and work just fine. And if you want to upgrade your detector to a PI detector. Then all you need to do is add the Tesoro’s exclusive interchangeable printed spiral coils, which are available in 4 different sizes and are worth buying.

Operating modes:

Although this underwater metal detector does not look fancy, it does have all the essential features. It comes with two distinct operating modes, VCO and the normal mode. Both these modes are handy and can be used when needed. In the VCO mode, Sand Shark makes a slightly higher pitched tone, which helps in pinpointing the target more accurately. While in the normal mode, there is a single tone and it is preferably used when you aim for a long search at the beach. These two modes really make it one of its kind.

Other features:

The Tesoro Sand Shark is an all in one underwater metal detector that comes with some additional features. It has a fantastic battery life that lasts for about 10-20 hours easily. Furthermore, it has the adjustable frequency for all metals along with VCO motion all metal. It features 8 AA alkaline batteries that will last a decent amount of time. It is very user-friendly and features a superfast microprocessor for quick resetting. It weighs 4.5 pounds and measures 21.1 x 11.1 x 4.7 inches.

Does the length of the metal detector matter?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions that users want the answer to when it comes to buying an underwater metal detector. Although, it is true that the greater length of the stem does give a better grip and can let you go down more in-depth in the water. However, it should not be the only thing that one should consider before purchasing a detector.
If you are buying a metal detector that does come with a long stem, then make sure that it comes with a suitable locking mechanism. The longer stems are usually adjustable; therefore, it is essential that when you decide a certain length, the stem stays in that position. And to make that happen, a functional locking system is extremely crucial. Also, longer stem usually means that the stem can easily break or can cause other weight distribution issues. I order to avoid these problems and to save yourself from the repairing troubles, try to get a metal detector that has an efficient locking mechanism.

Balance of the machine: Another thing that you should keep in mind before buying a long-stemmed underwater metal detector is a balance. It is usually observed that metal detectors with longer stems or wider search coils are generally too hard to balance. They keep toppling over and can create a lot of trouble for the user. The more massive coil makes it really difficult to use the machine for a more extended period of time. Therefore, it is suggested that buying a detector with longer stem usually evens out the weight and handling the sensor becomes less troublesome.

The significance of a good locking mechanism for an underwater metal detector

When it comes to keeping the system of the metal detector stable, a suitable locking mechanism plays a crucial role. Mainly when talking about an underwater metal detector, its role becomes more critical. A not-so-good locking mechanism can produce incorrect readings and can disturb the entire process. In some cases, a malfunctioning locking system can even result in the knocking off of the steam from the coil, in case of a strong current. Thus, when looking for other essential features of the detector, don’t forget to have a thorough research about the quality and the functioning of the locking system of the underwater metal detector.

What is the best time to go to underwater metal detecting?

If you are a newcomer in the metal detecting world, then there is a lot for you to learn. Although, most of your meta detecting lessons will be based on trial and errors and a bunch of mistakes that you would make. But even then, it is vital to keep a few things in mind when you go underwater metal detecting.

Summer is your time to shine

Experts suggest that some seasons are more rewarding than others when it comes to underwater metal detecting. For instance, summers are considered the best time to try one’s luck. It is usually because beeches are slightly crowded in summers, and therefore there is a higher chance for you to find something valuable.

Nighttime hunting; not the best idea

A lot of people prefer going hunting at night because it is less crowded out there and people can focus better on their target. You can also be protected from the scorching sun and avoid getting sunburned. However, hunting at night might not be the safest idea to start with. You cannot stay out for too long if you are searching a deserted area as it cannot be secure. Also, the light is better in the morning, and the vision is much clearer as compared to the night. You can keep an eye on your surroundings, and there are little chances of getting lost or facing competitive situations. So, to keep your hunting experience safe and sound, it is ideal to go detecting in the day.

Keep an eye on the water current

Another essential thing when it comes to underwater metal detecting is knowing the water current before stepping into the water. It is crucial not only because it is safer to go only when the tides are slow but knowing the present can help you to find out the direction of the sand. If you know where the sand is moving to, you can also deduce where the metal is being deposited. This way, you can easily find out where to look for right from the beginning. The current also lets you know to check the different cuts in the sand. Usually, these low spots indicate deeply buried treasures so you can dive right into it.

Lastly, most of the information required for you to invest in an underwater metal detector is available above. If you still have any queries, you can drop us a message, and we will love to help you!
Note: You can check the prices of the models mentioned above on Amazon (links have been provided). The models were under the suggested price when the article was written. Since there is always a chance of a change in price, we make no guarantees that the models will be sold at the same rate as written above.