Water detector/ do all ?

[frediver]

I am buying my first detector in 10 years. I will be using it in the water (Salt) in Hawaii and in Calif.
I will also be doing some hunting in Utah and will need to deal with mineral soil (iron).
The submersible ability is needed but I'm not really sure how to compare the units available.
Right now I am looking at a Surfmaster PI Pro. but should I also consider the Garrett SeaHunterII ?
I do not mind digging all the targets but I am concerned with mineral soil and the lava/black sand of Hawaii.
Any advice will be appreciated, any other units I should be looking at?
Happy New Year.
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[Cfmct]

Originally Posted by frediver

I am buying my first detector in 10 years. I will be using it in the water (Salt) in Hawaii and in Calif.
I will also be doing some hunting in Utah and will need to deal with mineral soil (iron).
The submersible ability is needed but I'm not really sure how to compare the units available.
Right now I am looking at a Surfmaster PI Pro. but should I also consider the Garrett SeaHunterII ?
I do not mind digging all the targets but I am concerned with mineral soil and the lava/black sand of Hawaii.
Any advice will be appreciated, any other units I should be looking at?
Happy New Year.
<><>

Welcome frediver to the forum... I don't think you want a PI if you have to deal with iron... in the saltwater it will be fine but freshwater (I use mine in the freshwater but I wouldn't reccomend it) I think a PI would drive you crazy digging. Why not a BeachHunterID or Excalibur?

[TonyinCT]

I agree with Craig on this one. You will go nuts with the PI in Utah so the PI is out of the question there. You could go with the BeachHunter ID which can be used as a land and water/beach detector. If you can afford it go with the Minelab Excalibur. If you need any more help please let me know. 8)

[Cfmct]

Originally Posted by TonyinCT

I agree with Craig on this one. You will go nuts with the PI in Utah so the PI is out of the question there. You could go with the BeachHunter ID which can be used as a land and water/beach detector. If you can afford it go with the Minelab Excalibur. If you need any more help please let me know. 8)

You mean you don't agree with my other posts Tony?

[frediver]

I had considered a beachmaster but I will actually be using the detector when scuba diving. The depth limit for the beachmaster is 25-30ft and I need deeper unit. One of my prime areas is in excess of 40ft.

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[Cfmct]

frediver

I really don't think you will like the PI in freshwater so I guess you should look into a Excalibur...

I've used my PI in lakes, I was detecting in front of an old hotel from the 1800's I was pulling square nails and it drove me crazy so I haven't been back since

[frediver]

Thanks for the advice.
What can anyone tell me about the Garrett SeaHunterII ?
How does it compare for this price range.
I hate to limit thing by price however I do have a budge and can afford only about $500.-$700.00 top end.

[TonyinCT]

The Garrett works OK but in my opinion not as well as the others mentioned. The Tesoro Tigershark is also a good detector for your needs at a more budget price. I would put it also over the Garrett.

[sandyfeet]

CZ20 would be my choice. However I don't think they make it anymore but for your price range you may be able to find a good used one. I have owned about 10 detectors and would never sell my cz.It's rated to go 250 feet under water and is excellent on land for coins.

[frediver]

Ok thanks.
The more I look for information the more I find.
So the Surfmaster is on my list and I have heard good things about the cz.
I have also had various sources tell me I should just bite the bullet and get an Excalibur, has anyone used these other detectors And the Excalibur? Does the Excalibur give me that much more performance? Is this even a fair comparison? Getting the Excalibur would be a big stretch, is it worth the extra $500.-$600.00 or would two detectors really be the better option, one now-one later?

[Waterman]

I have used the Excalibur for about 8 years now and just last winter sent it in and had the Sunray S-12 coil and a pair of Grey Ghost underwater headphones hard wired to it by Minelab. The Excalibur is an excellent fresh/salt water detector, but if the salt in the water is excessive it may lose a little depth, that's why I purchased the Garrett Infinium LS with a 14x10 DD coil, which should be here next thursday according to my dealer. IMHO get an Excalibur as a good all round water detector and use the Bill Babbs straight shaft, it likes deep Gold & Silver! Good Luck with your decision,,,,H.H.:-)

[TonyinCT]

The Excal can be worth the extra money if you intend to use it in more palces than just salt conditions. If all you want to do is salt beaches then I would stick with the Surf PI and stay in the water. 8)