CZ 21 vs CZ 3D

[Tote]

I'm about to get back into the hobby after being on the sidelines for the past 35 yrs. I live about 25 mins. from the Jersey Shore and also a stones throw from some very rich Revolutionary War sites that are still accessible. I like the CZ 21 for it's all weather, all terrain, waterproof, built like a tank attributes that would be the natural choice at the shore. I also know the CZ 3D would do a better job finding Revolutionary War era relics and coins. I would like to search both locations including old Parks and river beds. Is there a unit in the $800.00 to $1000.00 price range that can adequately handle both tasks or am I going to have to convince my wife at some point down the road that I need to spend some of our vacation money on a second unit. Thanks for your help.

 

[NEBeachcomber]

Why not consider a used Fisher CZ3D and a used Fisher CZ21? You might be able to purchase both of them off of the forum before the spring and still stay within your $1000 budget?

Otherwise, I think you will have to decide what type of detecting you prefer to do more of... beach hunting or black dirt hunting.

Unfortunately, both detectors have their weaknesses. The CZ21 is locked in salt mode and will be weaker on smaller gold items and more cumbersome to use on the fields inland. The CZ3d is capable of using its enhanced mode for old coin & relic hunting and then be switched to salt mode for beach hunting and operate similar to the CZ21... but the CZ3D is only water resistant and not water proof like the CZ21.

-NEBeachcomber

 

[therover]

If you can only get one detector, and are going to hunt the Jersey Shore, get the CZ21. The salt air and water will bust up the CZ3D if used for a prolonged time no matter how much you try to protect it. You can rinse off the CZ21 with no worries. If you are going to land hunt with the CZ21, get one with the 8 inch coil. It can do a very good job on land, and will be slightly less sensitive to smaller lower conductive targets due to it being permanently locked in salt mode ( this mode eliminates the effects of salt water, which is in the same range as some smaller lower conductive targets). It will still hit silver deep and do a fine job coin and relic hunting. Only thing is there is no visual ID and it will be heavier than the CZ3D...but you can hip mount it or mount it on a straight shaft. The stock configuration is not very well balanced...top heavy. But it is built like a tank and can be taken into the toughest environments whether land or sea.

The main thing you need to take into account is how much of your hunting will be at the shore. If you plan to hunt at least 50% of the time there, the CZ21 is the better bet. I will always recommend a water proof unit for salt water beach hunting, especially if it will be your only unit.

One other suggestion is to get the CZ3D, be very careful, and save up for a dig it all used water proof PI unit for the beach. But be forewarned, some NJ beaches are loaded with iron and a PI unit will drive you crazy.

Just remember that beach hunting season is upon us, and when that nice Noreaster hits, you will want a unit that can stand the brutal weather without any worries.

 

[gmanlight]

If hunting in the water , anything but a waterproof unit is a huge risk.
If wet sand and land hunting the CZ70 unit is Rainproof and that's a good thing for working near the surf.
Some of the other CZ were rainproof also.