thanks for the replys guys. it looks like i have alot to think about. i guess 5ft is deep in the rough shore off south Jersey. so if i only plan on detecting in the wash(ankle to knee deep water) then i only need a detector that has a waterproof coil as long as the control box doesnt get wet? also if i could get a detector that can do good on dry land like parks and on wet sand/shallow salt water, then that would be great. would a detector like the minelab etrac or the whites v3i be good choices? im still very new to this(only been detecting for 3 days lol) but from what i have heard and read it is better just to buy the best detector u can afford. when i get my income taxes in Feb, i think i want to buy the best unit i can afford(between $1000-$2000) i know there are so many choices at that price range, but the advice i get from here is going to really help my decision. even tho i have only been detecting for 3 days, im hooked lol. once again thanks guys, Kyle