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choosing a underwater metaldetector
- Thread starter bcboy
- Start date
The term "Best" underwater detector is sure to provoke some very interesting answers. Some people swear by their choice in detectors and will talk down any others.
Many, like me, are agonostic when it comes to which detector to use. I believe in using what you're most comfortable with and suits your needs and personality.
I've been using a Minelab Excalibur for years and it's the only one I use for UW work. I've found a lot of great stuff with it and it's the best machine for me. You can't go wrong with an Excalibur. I've used one with an 8" coil and a 10" coil. After using both I prefer the 8" because it's easier to pinpoint targets and seperate multiple targets. It doesn't read quite as deep as the 10" but I don't like fanning deep holes underwater anyway.
I've used pulse induction machines but the Excalibur really is great for masking out iron and the multiple tones help identifying targets. I've found some great gold and silver that were burried next to, on top of or below iron and the machine was able to pick out the good signal while masking the iron. The Excalibur works great for me.
The Excalibur does have a problem with black sand though. A little black sand doesn't mess it up but I've tried to work areas that had really heavy black sand and the Excalibur choked on it. I wasn't able use it at all in those areas. A good PI machine though will punch right through black sand but has little ability to seperate iron from non-ferrous metals so you'd have to dig everything including iron nails and spike.
I've heard great things about the White's PI (I think it's the surfmaster). Maybe someone who knows that machine can tell you the advantages of it.
If you're not around a lot of black sand I'd say get the Excalibur. If you're going to work heavy black sand mostly I'd say get a good PI.
Many, like me, are agonostic when it comes to which detector to use. I believe in using what you're most comfortable with and suits your needs and personality.
I've been using a Minelab Excalibur for years and it's the only one I use for UW work. I've found a lot of great stuff with it and it's the best machine for me. You can't go wrong with an Excalibur. I've used one with an 8" coil and a 10" coil. After using both I prefer the 8" because it's easier to pinpoint targets and seperate multiple targets. It doesn't read quite as deep as the 10" but I don't like fanning deep holes underwater anyway.
I've used pulse induction machines but the Excalibur really is great for masking out iron and the multiple tones help identifying targets. I've found some great gold and silver that were burried next to, on top of or below iron and the machine was able to pick out the good signal while masking the iron. The Excalibur works great for me.
The Excalibur does have a problem with black sand though. A little black sand doesn't mess it up but I've tried to work areas that had really heavy black sand and the Excalibur choked on it. I wasn't able use it at all in those areas. A good PI machine though will punch right through black sand but has little ability to seperate iron from non-ferrous metals so you'd have to dig everything including iron nails and spike.
I've heard great things about the White's PI (I think it's the surfmaster). Maybe someone who knows that machine can tell you the advantages of it.
If you're not around a lot of black sand I'd say get the Excalibur. If you're going to work heavy black sand mostly I'd say get a good PI.
You're welcome.
If you get the Excalibur I figure you should probably give me the first gold ring you find with it since I recommended it.
Just PM me when you find the ring and I'll give you mailing directions.
Seriously though you're going to be happy with the Excalibur. I recommend using it above water for several hours before diving with it. It's easier to get a feel for the machine above before you go below.
Have fun.
If you get the Excalibur I figure you should probably give me the first gold ring you find with it since I recommended it.
Just PM me when you find the ring and I'll give you mailing directions.
Seriously though you're going to be happy with the Excalibur. I recommend using it above water for several hours before diving with it. It's easier to get a feel for the machine above before you go below.
Have fun.
Chuck@TreasureHut
New member
Hello BCBoy.....I am a PADI DiveMaster and a metal detector dealer. I have used Tesoro UW machines, as well as DetectorPro, and they both work well. But when I go diving for gold these days, it is absolutely with the Excalibur 1000, and the short dive shaft. As a Minelab dealer, I feel fortunate to be able to use the best. If you haven't purchased your machine yet, I would love to chat with you about a good deal.
Chuck
Treasure Hut
www.treasurehut.org
Chuck
Treasure Hut
www.treasurehut.org
hi there Chuck, ya I already purchased my Excalibur 1000 and it should be here soon, thanks for the offer. I have a quick question for you, can I use my Excalibur 1000 for land search as well as underwater and if so can I purchase a longer steam for it and can I aslo purchase back-up batteries for it? thanks
Chuck@TreasureHut
New member
The Excalibur works very well on land as well. Unfortunately, Minelab does not list a "Tall Man Rod" for this machine like they do for the Explorer and Quattro. :sad: The only shafts listed are the standard and the short dive version. As far as battery back-up id concerned, both wet and dry versions of back-up battery pods are available, in rechargeable and standard battery models. If you would like a quote on either, feel free to PM me, and I'll be happy to discuss it with you. You made the right decision with the Excalibur....you're gonna love it.
Chuck.....Treasure Hut
Chuck.....Treasure Hut
Chuck@TreasureHut
New member
Hello again.....I have sent you a PM on the explanation and prices, and am attaching the pictures here for your review. Should you have any additional questions, please ask.
Thanks again.....Chuck
www.treasurehut.org
sales@treasurehut.org
Thanks again.....Chuck
www.treasurehut.org
sales@treasurehut.org
Chuck@TreasureHut
New member
I researched it for one of my customers about a month ago.....caution "buyer beware"! That was the general consensus.
Chuck
Treasure Hut
Chuck
Treasure Hut
WHY IS THE Excalibur 1000 BETTER THEN THE DETECTOR PRO.
I WANT TO BUY ONE BUT NOT SURE WHAT TO GET.
THE NEW DETECTOR PRO HAS A BIGGER LOOP AND SOME ELECTRONICS I HEARD.
iS THIS ONE THE ONE YOUR REFERING TO OR THE OLD ONE.
i FOUND A USED DETECTOR PRO AND THEY SAY I CAN UPGRADE IT FOR 350$
NOT SURE WHAT I SHOULD DO. ONLY DIVE ABOUT 20-50 FEET DEEP. AND WANT TO USE ON LAND ON THE BEACH.
WHEELER
I WANT TO BUY ONE BUT NOT SURE WHAT TO GET.
THE NEW DETECTOR PRO HAS A BIGGER LOOP AND SOME ELECTRONICS I HEARD.
iS THIS ONE THE ONE YOUR REFERING TO OR THE OLD ONE.
i FOUND A USED DETECTOR PRO AND THEY SAY I CAN UPGRADE IT FOR 350$
NOT SURE WHAT I SHOULD DO. ONLY DIVE ABOUT 20-50 FEET DEEP. AND WANT TO USE ON LAND ON THE BEACH.
WHEELER
Black Davy
New member
Wheeler,
I have two water units, the DetectorPro HH Diver and Garrett Infinium LS. I would not buy a DetectorPro unit used for $ amount? $100 or $200 bucks spend $350 and have no warrenty when at that level of investment you could own a new one and get the two year warrenty. I have sent mine back for service (it is top notch). After using the HH Diver I hit some swimming holes with hot rocks and they were driving the Diver crazy and could not work these area effectivly. My next choice was the Infinium (I also go to Alaska gold prospecting) so this was the best choice for all my needs. This unit can work in any condition and ignors bad ground extremly well. My brother has a Excal 1000 and loves it. We went head to head this winter in a local river with lots of trash (old rusty nails)and the iron masking ability of the Excal kicked butt on the HH Diver. If you are working trashy area I would take the Excal over the Diver and the Infinium. But my favorite is the Infinium!
I have two water units, the DetectorPro HH Diver and Garrett Infinium LS. I would not buy a DetectorPro unit used for $ amount? $100 or $200 bucks spend $350 and have no warrenty when at that level of investment you could own a new one and get the two year warrenty. I have sent mine back for service (it is top notch). After using the HH Diver I hit some swimming holes with hot rocks and they were driving the Diver crazy and could not work these area effectivly. My next choice was the Infinium (I also go to Alaska gold prospecting) so this was the best choice for all my needs. This unit can work in any condition and ignors bad ground extremly well. My brother has a Excal 1000 and loves it. We went head to head this winter in a local river with lots of trash (old rusty nails)and the iron masking ability of the Excal kicked butt on the HH Diver. If you are working trashy area I would take the Excal over the Diver and the Infinium. But my favorite is the Infinium!