Best Metal Detectors for Land and Water: Top 3 Compared

If you want one machine that handles both dry land and water hunting, the best overall pick is the Minelab Equinox 800. It balances depth, target separation, and a fully waterproof design (to 10 feet) at a price that serious hobbyists find reasonable. The Equinox 800’s multi-frequency technology adapts to saltwater and mineralized soil automatically, making it the most versatile all-around choice.

What to Look For

Before comparing models, understand the features that actually matter for dual land/water use:

• Waterproof rating: “Waterproof” can mean rainproof, submersible to 3 feet, or fully submersible to 10+ feet. For true water hunting (wading or snorkeling), you need a fully submersible control box and coil. Check the IP rating (e.g., IP68) and the manufacturer’s depth spec.
• Frequency options: Single-frequency detectors (e.g., 5 kHz, 10 kHz) work well on land but struggle in saltwater. Multi-frequency (or simultaneous multi-frequency) machines like the Equinox series handle saltwater and mineralized ground far better. If you only hunt freshwater, a single-frequency can work, but multi is safer.
• Ground balance: Saltwater and wet beach sand are highly mineralized. A manual or automatic ground balance (or preset salt modes) is essential to avoid false signals and loss of depth.
• Target ID and discrimination: A numeric target ID (0-40 or 0-99) helps you decide whether to dig. Look for adjustable discrimination and notching to filter out iron and foil while keeping coins and jewelry.
• Weight and ergonomics: You’ll swing for hours. Balanced design, adjustable shaft, and a comfortable armrest reduce fatigue. Weight matters more when you add a waterproof battery pack.
• Battery life: Water hunting can be remote. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (like in the Equinox) are common, but some models use AA batteries for easy replacement. Check runtime—8-12 hours is typical.
• Coil size and type: A stock coil around 11 inches is a good compromise. Smaller coils (6-8 inches) are better for trashy areas and underwater maneuverability; larger coils (15 inches) cover more ground but are heavier and less sensitive to small targets.

Minelab Equinox 800

Strengths: Simultaneous multi-frequency (2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz) gives excellent depth and target separation in all soil types. Fully waterproof to 10 feet (IP68). Has a built-in gold mode and a wireless audio module. The 11-inch double-D coil is well-balanced. User profiles allow quick switching between land, beach, and underwater settings.

Trade-offs: The control menu is complex for beginners. The stock coil is not the best in heavy trash—you may want a smaller coil. Battery is internal, so you can’t swap AA batteries in the field. Price is mid-to-high.

Who it suits: The serious hobbyist who wants one machine for everything—from park hunting to wading in the ocean. It’s the best all-rounder for most people.

Garrett AT Pro

Strengths: Waterproof to 10 feet (IP68) with a standard 8.5×11-inch coil. Single frequency (15 kHz) but with excellent ground balance and a True All-Metal mode. The audio has a distinctive “Z-lynk” wireless option. It’s a proven workhorse with a huge aftermarket coil selection. Runs on AA batteries (4), which are easy to find.

Trade-offs: Single frequency means saltwater performance is not as stable as multi-frequency—you’ll need to use the salt mode and lower sensitivity. It’s heavier than the Equinox. No built-in Bluetooth; you need a separate module for wireless headphones.

Who it suits: Beginners and intermediate users who want a durable, reliable machine for land and water without breaking the bank. It’s also a favorite among relic hunters who like the iron audio.

Nokta Makro Simplex+

Strengths: Fully waterproof to 10 feet (IP68) at a very affordable price. Multi-frequency (though not simultaneous—it has a frequency shift option). Has a built-in flashlight, vibration mode, and a simple menu. Comes with a decent 11-inch coil. Uses a rechargeable battery pack that lasts up to 12 hours.

Trade-offs: Performance in heavy saltwater is not as good as the Equinox—you may get more chatter. The target ID is less accurate at depth. The build quality feels less premium, and the shaft can wobble slightly.

Who it suits: Budget-conscious beginners who want a waterproof machine for occasional beach and river hunting. It’s the best entry-level option.

Minelab Excalibur II

Strengths: The legendary underwater machine. Fully waterproof to 200 feet (yes, 200!). Simultaneous multi-frequency (17 kHz) with a dedicated salt mode. It’s a pulse-induction (PI) machine, so it ignores salt and black sand completely. The 10-inch or 15-inch coils are options. It’s built like a tank.

Trade-offs: It’s heavy (about 5.5 lbs). The controls are limited (just sensitivity, threshold, and discrimination). No target ID numbers—you only get audio tones. Battery is a sealed lead-acid pack that lasts about 10 hours but takes 8 hours to charge. Price is high.

Who it suits: Dedicated water hunters who dive or hunt in extreme saltwater conditions. If you want maximum depth and don’t need target ID, this is the gold standard.

Fisher F22

Strengths: Very affordable, lightweight (2.2 lbs), and has a waterproof coil (the control box is not waterproof). It has a weatherproof control housing (rain-proof) and a 9-inch concentric coil. Simple to use with preset modes (jewelry, coin, relic). Runs on 2 AA batteries.

Trade-offs: Not submersible—you can’t wade deeper than the coil. Single frequency (7.8 kHz) means saltwater performance is poor. No manual ground balance.

Who it suits: Complete beginners who want a cheap machine for dry sand and park hunting, and who occasionally get caught in the rain. Not for actual water hunting.

How to Choose

Budget: If you can afford $800+, the Equinox 800 is the best value. If you’re under $400, the Simplex+ is the only fully waterproof option. The AT Pro sits in the middle ($600-$700) and is a solid choice if you prefer AA batteries and a simpler menu.

Use case: Ask yourself: Will you actually wade into the water? If yes, you need a fully submersible machine. If you only plan to hunt dry sand and occasionally wet sand (but not submerge), a machine with a waterproof coil but non-waterproof control box (like the Fisher F22) can work, but you’ll lose depth in wet salt sand. For diving, only the Excalibur II makes sense.

Common trade-offs: Multi-frequency vs. single-frequency: Multi is better for saltwater but costs more. Weight vs. depth: Heavier machines often have bigger coils and more power, but you’ll tire faster. Target ID vs. simplicity: If you want to know what’s in the ground before digging, get a machine with a good numeric ID (Equinox, AT Pro). If you don’t mind digging everything, a PI machine like the Excalibur is fine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a land metal detector in saltwater?

Only if it’s fully submersible and has a salt mode. Most land detectors will false signal in wet salt sand. Even then, single-frequency machines will struggle. Multi-frequency is recommended.

What does “waterproof to 10 feet” mean?

It means the control box, coil, and all connections are sealed to withstand submersion up to 10 feet (IP68). You can wade or snorkel, but not dive deeper than that. Always rinse with fresh water after saltwater use.

Do I need a pulse-induction (PI) detector for the beach?

PI detectors ignore salt and black sand, but they can’t discriminate between iron and other targets. For most beach hunters, a good multi-frequency VLF (like the Equinox) is better because you get target ID. PI is only for extreme conditions or gold hunting in black sand.

How deep can these detectors find coins?

In ideal conditions, a coin-sized target can be found at 8-12 inches on land. In wet saltwater, depth decreases significantly—often 4-8 inches. Larger objects like rings can be deeper.

Can I use a metal detector in freshwater lakes?

Yes, freshwater is much easier than saltwater. Any waterproof detector will work. You may find more trash (pull tabs, bottle caps), so use discrimination.

Do I need to buy a separate coil for water hunting?

Not necessarily. The stock coil is fine for most. But a smaller coil (6-8 inches) is easier to maneuver underwater and in rocky areas. Just make sure it’s compatible with your model.

Bottom Line

For the best all-around land and water detector, choose the Minelab Equinox 800. It’s the only model that combines multi-frequency technology, full waterproofing, and a reasonable weight at a price that serious hobbyists can justify. If you’re on a tight budget, the Nokta Makro Simplex+ is the best cheap waterproof option. If you’re a dedicated diver, the Minelab Excalibur II is the ultimate underwater tool, but you’ll sacrifice target ID and pay more. Avoid the Fisher F22 if you plan to actually get in the water—it’s not submersible.

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