Best Waterproof Metal Detectors in 2023

Looking for hidden treasure underwater brings a whole new level of excitement to the hobby of metal detecting, whether you’re searching along the shoreline, in a local river, or even in the ocean.

A certain amount of mythology and thrill comes with the search for rare or costly goods that individuals who do not have access to the proper equipment will be unable to appreciate. Divers interested in metal detecting should try their hand at diving beneath the surface of the water using an underwater metal detector at least once.

It is necessary to use underwater and waterproof detectors, however, to do this task successfully. More to the point, waterproof metal detectors aren’t exactly inexpensive, and they’re also really complicated pieces of technology. That is why you must avoid purchasing a malfunctioning computer since doing so might result in a significant financial loss.

Do you enjoy going to the sea to find buried treasure? Enjoy the prospect of discovering hidden nuggets of gold, silver, or other precious metals? If this is the case, then this blog article is ideal for you! We’ll be talking about which metal detector is the best waterproof metal detector. This article will cover all you need to know about what a metal detector can be and how it operates.

It also contains evaluations of the greatest underwater metal detectors currently available on the market! But first and foremost, let us discuss what precisely a metal detector is and how it works. Continue reading if this seems like something you’re interested in!

What Is the Most Appropriate Sort of Underwater Metal Detector for You?

It is important to take the necessary time to pick the most appropriate type of underwater metal detector. Following the discovery of your intended location for your unit, let’s have a look at the other aspects of your purchase that you should consider.

Which type of water will you be searching in: fresh or salt? Will this be used as a primary detector, or will it be used with a different device for metal detecting on the ground? If you plan on hunting in saline water, a Pulse Induction system would be the best option for you.

If you settle on a VLF submerged metal detector, we ensure that it includes a saltwater mode; otherwise, you will be disappointed. If you plan on scuba diving, you should think about how deep your dives will be. If you’re contemplating a certain type of detector, check the depth level to ensure it’s appropriate for the job.

The depth rating does not refer to how deep it will enter the earth but rather how deep you may use it underwater. To ensure that your version comes with a shorter dive pole, check the box on the packaging if you plan on diving or snorkeling. It will help ease the pain to use while you’re working on it.

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Our Top 15 Picks for the Best Waterproof Metal Detectors:

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Product Reviews of Best Waterproof Metal Detectors of 2022:

1. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector:

You should take a careful look at the submerged metal detector produced by National Geographic if you have ever dreamed of pursuing your passion for treasure hunting but have never had the financial means to make it a reality. This simple-to-use gadget is available in two different types – beginner and professional – and is an excellent choice for any scuba diver there.

Thanks to the gadget’s three detection modes included within the device, you can filter out junk and identify the specific metals you are searching for. Additionally, the maker included four sensitivity levels that allow you to identify subterranean riches hidden as deep as 12 inches below the ground’s surface. This helps to ensure a successful quest.

Among its many features is a 10-inch search coil that is completely waterproof and hence submersible beneath the water. The information displayed on the LCD is quite simple to comprehend, allowing you to get the most out of your search experience to the greatest extent possible.

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2. Treasure Cove TC-3020:

It was impossible not to try Treasure Cove’s underwater metal detector, which has been around for 15 years and has earned a solid reputation in the industry.

A wide range of functions is available, besides an auto-ground control system that filters out spurious signals and a true discrimination mode that lets you search for gold, silver, or metal depending on your preferences.

In addition to the self-explanatory all-metal and focus modes, there are two more modes to explore with. They are noted for their high precision and are known for being quick and simple to use.

The smart LCD management display is also included – it has been configured to inform you about the battery and intensity essentials required for treasure searching as part of the experience.

As a bonus, you’ll have an armrest that will come in useful more often than you’d expect – after all, long days spent in the fresh air will unavoidably leave you exhausted.

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3. NALANDA 18KHz Metal Detector:

The Nalanda MD027 is a diving mask designed primarily for underwater treasure seeking. This is about as inexpensive as it gets, and even then, it is an extraordinarily low price for a simple underwater machine of this kind. This model is ideal if you are working with a limited budget.

The Nalanda is quite restricted in terms of ground balance right out of the gate. You won’t be able to alter it on the fly because it’s preset at the manufacturer. When you come across mineralized regions such as black sand or seawater, this may cause concern.

The Nalanda, on the other hand, has a sensitivity control that may be adjusted to reduce chatter. It may also be beneficial to know that the detector operates at a very low frequency of 2.4 kHz and is supplied with an 8.5″ search coil.

These characteristics may aid in improved identification in mineralized soils, and electronic pinpointing will assist you in reaching your destination faster and more accurately.

This detector was designed for underwater use since it can retract down to 12″, and includes knob controls and Indicator Lights. Divers will like the small length, and the knob controls will provide for simple adjustments.

The LED indications will be especially useful when the noise of underwater equipment obscures audio signals.

Even though the Nalanda detector relies on LED lights for signal interpretation, it also produces three audio hues: low, medium, and high. The headphones that come with it are underwater, and there is also a tiny speaker on the microcontroller if you want to use it for land-based hunts, like as on sand, without headphones.

Even with its additional features, it is still more expensive than the competition in its price category. The Nalanda is a keeper in every sense of the word.

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4. XP DEUS Metal Detector:

In addition to being a distinctive detector, the XP Deus is also dual-purpose equipment that can be utilized, including land-based and underwater detection operations. Beginners, on the other hand, should use caution. The XP is considered an expert-level detector, so there is a significant learning curve for individuals new to detecting and new to the Deus system.

The search coil has a depth rating of 20 feet; however, the remote control is not waterproof in its current configuration. What’s the catch, you ask? You must buy the underwater kit for the Deus, which protects the other components of the Deus from being submerged in water. It allows you to go further into the earth than most other detectors allow you to.

The Deus is also unique in that it has a three-part design. The search coil, earphones, and remote control have their digital signal processor and power supply, completely independent of each other.

They converse with one another using a digital radio connection. With this configuration, you may use the search coil in conjunction with a remote control or the search coil in conjunction with headphones as a full platform.

This XP detector is equipped with smart coils that allow for a wide range of frequencies ranging from 4-80 kHz. However, because the Deus is a selective frequency detector, only a single frequency may be used at a given moment by the device.

Multiple user options and an Expert Mode enable professionals and experienced users to get the most out of their detectors while accomplishing their intended objectives. There will be a lot to learn because there is so much to give.

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5. Fisher CZ21-8 Underwater Metal Detector:

With the capacity to be submerged up to 250 feet, this high-end equipment will cost you roughly a thousand dollars. Still, it is geared at fans who want to take underwater metal detecting seriously and are willing to spend the money.

This equipment, which is suitable for use in both fresh and saltwater, is great for diving. You can customize your hunt to meet the terrain thanks to its variable search coil. Its delicate ground balance also allows you to search in both mineralized soils and on solid ground.

The control panel of the CZ 21-8 is created using analog technology, which means that there are no displays to look at or little buttons to touch when operating the machine. Precision pinpointing is also available, and also three audible sounds for target selection.

There are no frills or extras on this metal detector to mess about with; it is just built to be one of the most durable underwater gadgets available on the market. This module is for you if you have a purpose and you are already skilled in the art of metal detecting, as described before.

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6. URCERI Metal Detector:

If a user-friendly interface is important to you, you should consider purchasing the URCERI underwater metal detector. You will be pleased you did when it comes time to use it. It is intended to serve both novices and experts, in part because of its big search coil of 8.7 inches in diameter and a high degree of accuracy in a wide range of soils.

It is possible to use two different detecting modes: all-metal and disc, which may identify all types of buried metals or ignore the rubbish and concentrate on a specific kind of metal. You can see the degree of sensitivity, depth, and battery life on the huge LED display so that you can make the most of your hunting experience.

In addition, you will discover a 0.125″ audio jack, which will allow you to attach your favorite set of headphones and not be distracted by outside noise while treasure hunting. Ensure to store your underwater metal detector in the travel case it came with and brought it with you on your next diving expedition.

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7. Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300 Metal Detector:

The dependable Bounty Hunter has yet to make another appearance in our guide – its Discovery 3300 model drew our notice for a reason, and we are going to put you in touch with one as well.

This tool is packed with features that distinguish it from the competition, including a manual ground balance, four audio tones, and five different modes of operation.

The depth one-touch spot mode is a unique feature of this gadget that allows you to pinpoint the item’s precise location hidden in the earth. This mode is only available on this device.

The 8-inch search coil is completely waterproof, allowing you to free dive with it and discover gems that are concealed from the view of the bulk of the public.

The stem has been designed to be adjustable for your comfort, and the digital 11-segment target ID has been added for the aim of making metal identification easy.

A 5-year limited guarantee is also included, which helps to ensure that your pool lasts as long as possible, which is always a nice thing to know.

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8. RM RICOMAX Metal Detector:

This is undoubtedly one of the finest waterproof metal detector solutions available on the market today, a high-quality piece of equipment that is great for beginning and intermediate treasure-seekers who do not want to break the bank to get a high-quality metal detecting system.

In addition, the 8-inch search coil provides for easy precision identification of rare metals, gemstones, and other objects up to 8 inches below ground with pinpoint accuracy.

An integrated headphone port lets you use your preferred headphones with this device, which produces crystal-clear audio signals anytime the machine detects the presence of something under the surface.

9. Minelab Excalibur II 1000 Underwater Metal Detector:

Minilab is yet another metal detecting powerhouse in the industry, and their Excalibur II detector is the exact embodiment of that stature. Because Excalibur 2 is perfect for hunting activities like jewelry searching, relic and coin hunting, deep metal detection and diving, and beach hunting.

Because it employs Minelab’s multifrequency BBS technology, which is housed on a durable platform, the Excalibur two is one of the most effective deep-diving undersea detectors on the market today.

One of Minelab’s technologies, Broad Band Spectrum, is a multifrequency transmitting, receiving, and analysis system that concurrently transmits, receives, and analyses a large bandwidth to provide significant sensing depth, precise marginalization, and high sense for an extremely wide range of target types.

In the end, users can obtain far more knowledge about their possible target and the natural landscape than they would have been able to obtain with single-frequency technology—the detector analyses all of these frequencies, allowing for greater depth and greater accuracy in target recognition.

Furthermore, this intelligent technology is capable of minimizing noise and enhancing signals from items that are tiny and buried deep under the earth’s surface.

The gadget distinguishes itself by being entirely waterproof and submersible, with the ability to operate in water depths of up to 196 feet.

Minelab Excalibur 2 is equipped with intelligent discrimination capabilities and settings that enable the device to distinguish between things made of ferrous metals and other metallic waste and to separate them.

The smart ground balancing feature also allows the gadget to avoid signal confusion caused by highly mineralized soils and to filter out bogus signals created by salty water, among other things. Overall, this allows users to function at their peak performance in both saltwater and freshwater environments.

10. We dig out Metal Detector:

Wedigout’s product is one of the best mid-priced pulse induction underwater metal detectors now available on the market, according to the company. The characteristics and capacities of this PI-type metal detector are proof that you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg to have a high-performance metal detector that works well.

In addition to being entirely waterproof and made of stainless steel, the low battery sensor has an LED light that glows and vibrates when it detects a target. Because of the automated tuning function, you won’t have to worry about adjusting the sensor on the gadget.

This type may be used both underwater and on land, depending on your needs. Furthermore, it can detect objects buried up to 4 inches beneath the ground’s surface in virtually any type of soil, even plain sand.

It is waterproof to a depth of 100 feet, making it an excellent choice whether you are preparing for a scuba dive or want to snorkel about in shallow water.

11. Quest 1V_1701.101 Scuba Tector:

If you want to go further into the ocean’s depths, the portable Tector gadget from Quest Scuba is a fantastic underwater treasure-seeking gear to have on hand. The detector comes with a built Li-poly battery that can be used for lengthy periods and can be dipped up to 200 feet without losing its ability to work normally.

With a lightweight of less than a pound, the ergonomic design fits comfortably in the palm of your hand. Being forced to carry it about for the duration of the underwater mission is not an issue.

For the most part, Quest Scuba designed this with ease of use in mind, especially when controlling the equipment. You simply need to operate two simple control buttons, and the gadget will do all of the searches for you.

In salty settings, this model performs exceptionally well. Never be concerned if your detector becomes misplaced since the lost alert technology and the LED system that shines in the dark will make it easy to locate it once it is discovered.

12. Nokta Makro Coin Hunter Metal Detector:

The Anfibio is a dual-purpose Metal detector that may be used both on land and in water without the risk of causing harm to the detector. It possesses all of the characteristics that qualify it as a “do-it-all machine.”

Multiple frequency and selective detectors are difficult to distinguish from one another, and marketing terminology doesn’t help matters.

Although the Anfibio has a wide range of frequencies at its command, it can only use one of them at a time, classifying it as a single frequency detector. True multifrequency detectors are capable of operating at the same time.

Five, fourteen, and twenty kilohertz are the single frequencies used in this concept. Each sort of frequency will assist you in narrowing down your search for coins, fine jewelry, and maybe even gold chunks.

The Anfibio is reasonably priced for the detectorist who needs a single machine that can do various tasks. A submersible depth of 16.4 feet, nine pre-programmed search modes, and expert user-adjustable parameters distinguish it from the competition.

Because it removes the need to navigate through many panels to make a change, you’ll find the one menu display an appealing feature.

Time is money, therefore spend less time messing about and more time digging up treasure. When you’re underwater, the vibrating feature will come in for giving you that extra assurance that you’ve hit something solid.

With its single tone and lack of discriminating, it is similar to the All Metal mode. Still, it excels in regions with high mineralization, where false signals and background chatter frequently cover excellent targets.

However, while the Anfibio is entirely waterproof, you’ll want to ensure you get some waterproof headphones because the land-based headphones that come with the package will not survive the dive.

Asking a detector to perform the same functions on land and water is a big order to meet. The Anfibio, on the other hand, is up to the challenge.

13. Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II Underwater Metal Detector:

Surprisingly, the Sea Hunter Mark II is a pulse induction metal detector with a retail price of less than $1000. The manufacturer’s warranty only covers the Sea Hunter for one year after purchase.

To properly care for and maintain a detector that will be exposed to demanding circumstances as a result of its submersion in water, you should take extra precautions.

The Mark II detector has been designed to withstand submersion up to 200 feet below the water’s surface. Divers will appreciate being able to go deeper and retract the duration of their lives as needed.

While the knob controls allow for simple changes while the device is submerged, they do not provide a digital display for visual information. Visual data would be impossible to utilize anyhow when you’re that far down the rabbit hole. It’s a good thing the headphones and jack that come with the package are waterproof.

A pulse induction detector’s strengths include depth sensing and sensitivity, while its faults are discrimination and sensitivity. Even though there is some differentiation, it is still mostly a one-tone detector, with your shovel serving as the most potent discriminator.

Purchasing the Sea Hunter Mark II will provide you with excellent value for your money. Exceptional submergence level, pulse induction, and consistent quality from a name you can rely on, with detectors built in the United States.

14. Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector:

The AT Pro is entirely underwater and submerged to a depth of 10 feet, making it an excellent detector for searching in and near ponds, canals, streams, lakes, and even the ocean.

Because it was specifically developed for underwater hunting. It is remarkable to discover a detector like the AT Pro that is completely submersible despite many detectors having a waterproof coil as standard. Considering this, the Pro isn’t particularly well adapted to diving situations. It is possible to purchase separate detectors with a considerably higher depth rating developed expressly for scuba diving or shipwreck searching; however, we will get to that in a minute.

When used in normal audio mode, the AT Pro provides a full-range audio response with no distortion. This implies that the sound of the detector that switches on after scooping up an area will always be continuous and steady, no regardless of what the object is or how deep the object is located in the environment.

When you are in this mode, you will hear from your objective and receive information on the type of thing you have discovered. For example, if you step away from an object, the audio will weaken, and if you go closer to the target, the audio will become stronger.

A higher frequency has a variety of advantages over a lower frequency. First and foremost, this detector excels in picking up even the tiniest of objects while also providing great target separation. Its higher frequency also makes it better suited for identifying gold chunks than some of the other VLF versions, thanks to the device’s excellent ground balance function, which is particularly effective in this application.

The AT Pro also has high-resolution iron detection levels ranging from 1 to 40, which may be adjusted. Using the appropriate discriminating level setting, you’ll have the ability to filter out unwanted things like rusty nails and other debris.

Simple as it seems, setting the appropriate discrimination level is as simple as going to the iron differentiation menu and pressing the appropriate button (+) or (-). While this is true, it’s also vital to remember that you shouldn’t make your search parameters too high, or you’ll lose out on important goods or metals that you’ve been seeking all along.

Hovering the search coil over your possible target and pressing the eliminate button is yet another way of filtering your search so that you don’t end up detecting unintended items. Because you’ll most likely lose out on other suitable targets, this strategy is a little risky, but if you’re consistent and direct in your approach, you should consider using it.

The iron audio capability, comparable to pro mode audio, was absent in entry-level or beginning Garrett detectors until recently. When the system is active, you can hear discriminating iron in a way that makes you certain that there is iron beneath the surface.

It will be obvious whether you are collecting iron content when extremely low and groaning tones emerge from your gadget. It is most likely garbage at this point. Hunters of all kinds, but particularly coin collectors, will find this feature quite beneficial.

The digital target ID function also referred to as the target identification feature shows the potential identification and ranges from 1 to 99. For example, if or when you discover an iron item, the TID value will be extremely high, and the pointer will be located on the absolute right side of the scale.

15. FYSMY Fully Waterproof Pinpoint Metal Detector:

A portable underwater metal detector such as the FYSMY waterproof is the gadget to choose if mobility is a high requirement. Because of the tool’s long neck and wand-shaped body, your odds of discovering well-hidden treasures are as good as they can be.

According to the most recent revision, the detector is completely waterproof (note the IP68 sign) and submerged underwater for up to 35 feet.

Audio, quiet vibration, and sound vibration are options for the device’s built-in alert system, which is quite adaptable. However, although the audio alarm is most effective for on-land hunts, the other two methodologies are well suited for underwater search and rescue missions.

To get this gadget up and running, all you have to do is push the built-in button once to turn on the detector and hold it down for two seconds to turn it off again. This helps you discover your goal fast and spend the least amount of time possible digging it from under the surface.

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Suggestions for Using a Metal Detector While Underwater:

When you’re hunting under the surface, unseen hazards hide around every corner or quietly work against you. Make sure you’re prepared.

First, you need to ensure that you have the proper equipment, including more than simply an underwater detector. Sharp stones and pebbles, rubbish, glass, and coral may all cause serious damage to your feet and ankles.

The selection of the most appropriate sort of water boots for your hunting spot is critical. When you’re collecting stuff, having a mesh bag linked to your hip will make it easier to keep track of them and keep them secure. Using a sand sifter or sand scoop when beach searching will allow you to filter away the sand and other undesired minerals while still preserving the treasures you’ve discovered.

A sturdy, locking shaft on the detector can aid in maintaining balance and ensuring reliable operation while submerged. If your detector is particularly heavy and you intend to use it for land-based detecting as well, a chest strap or hip attachment may be necessary.

You should also take into account tidal movement. It is crucial to remain aware of when the water is moving out for your protection. Given that sand travels with the tide, it’s fair to expect that it will likewise shift treasures and make the seafloor more visible.

Summer is a fantastic time for metal detectorists because sunbathers and visitors are out and about, constantly losing their items. You will remain out and search for as long as possible because the weather is becoming warmer and the days are getting longer.

Swim gear is essential if you plan to go swimming underwater during the winter months to avoid hypothermia and other difficulties from occurring.

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What to Look For When Purchasing an Underwater Metal Detector: Detailed Buying Guide

To make an informed decision about which underwater metal detector to purchase: it is recommended that you make a list of the qualities that will help you distinguish one model from another.

Coil Size:

Exploring the sandy ocean floor with a bigger search coil enhances your chances of discovering hidden gems. Because of the larger diameter of the coil, it can cover a greater amount of ground in less time, resulting in less time spent searching for treasure.

This does not imply that smaller coils are less sensitive; rather, it indicates that selecting a detector with a small-sized coil will result in a substantially longer time to locate a significant number of metals beneath the surface of the water.

The Depth of the Water:

Even though underwater metal detectors are meant to function underwater, they are available in various depth capabilities. Submerging them to a depth greater than they were designed can cause part or all of their functionality.

If you want to go deep into the ocean’s depths in search of treasure, models with greater depth ratings will be the most beneficial to you in your endeavor.

Water and Audio Assistance:

Those who intend to use their underwater metal detector in seawater must get a device designed to withstand this sort of water.

It is possible that you may receive incorrect information and that your machine will be damaged if this does not occur. Those that provide extra underwater sound capabilities are better because they appear to deliver the most accurate results.

Waterproof vs Submersible:

Waterproofness is commonly used to refer to a search coil and shaft that are impervious to water. According to the manufacturer, these detectors are OK to use in shallow seas and at depths that do not jeopardize electrical components attached to and contained within the control box.

The headphones that come with these detectors are not waterproof and are designed for use on dry land. Extra caution should be exercised, such as not lifting the search coil over the control box when it is wet and avoiding splashing water about the control box during operation.

Submersible detectors, including the search coil, control module, earphones, and other accessories, maybe submerged. Submersible depths and protection, on the other hand, will differ among variants and makers.

The control box can sometimes be submerged, but the supplied headphones are not waterproof. Look for waterproof headphones, watertight headphone ports, and waterproof compartments in the items you are considering purchasing.

Type of Metal Detector:

Pulse Induction tech is used to create the finest undersea metal detector for salty beaches and scuba diving. Because of its deep-seeking circuitry, this sort of detector is extremely sensitive to rare metals and is particularly well suited for employment in difficult ground mineral settings.

If you use a PI detector, you will not have to dig through a lot of garbage to develop a significant number of riches since the short series of electrical pulses from the detector are not influenced by ground minerals or damp salt sand. This is because the PI circuits have a limited ability to discriminate.

VLF metal detectors are different underwater metal detectors that operate at extremely low frequencies (VLF).

This option functions in various frequency bands and is extremely sensitive to jewelry, artifacts, and coins, to name a few examples. Because of its superior discerning powers, it will disregard most rubbish things while detecting the majority of valuables.

On the other hand, a VLF detector is impacted by ground mineralization, making it a poor choice for usage in saltwater environments. If you intend to seek treasure in freshwater circumstances, the gadget will perform well for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Should ou buy pulse induction or vlf?

Pulse induction metal detectors, also known as various frequency detectors, are used to detect metal particles. When compared to a VLF detector, the precision of target identification is lowered or nonexistent. Less power usage than VLF detectors: necessitating more batteries and the replacement of batteries more frequently.

What is the price of an underwater metal detector?

The price varies greatly across models and, of course, between different brands of clothing. Underwater detectors from reputable manufacturers will cost between $500 and $700. There are several options available for under $1000 that will suffice for 10-20 feet. A deeper level of detail may be found in more costly models, and they will also feature complex user settings that allow for more customized user control under difficult situations.

Is it possible to use my underwater metal detector on dry land?

It is not against the law to use an undersea metal detector on the ground when looking over sand or soil, although it is discouraged. Because they function so effectively underwater, there’s no reason why they wouldn’t be able to function properly beneath the earth as well.

Can metal detectors be used in the water?

Yes! However, submersible metal detectors can operate in the water, but most waterproof metal detectors are not. Their construction differs from standard detectors in that they provide waterproof security for the whole detector, along with the control module and headphones.

Is it possible to locate diamonds with an underwater metal detector?

No, non-metal goods like diamonds, gems, and rubies will not be discovered with a metal detector. However, they may be able to direct you to indicator minerals. Following the route may lead you to a lava pipe that may hold diamonds and gold if you are lucky.

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Final Words:

There is a plethora of alternatives available, making it difficult to identify the finest waterproof metal detector. We hope that our list and review have assisted you in narrowing down your search and making an informed choice on which one is the best fit for you and your needs! Best of luck with your hunt!