Underwater means the whole machine goes under — not just the coil. We rank by verified submersion depth.
The XP Deus II is in a class of its own underwater: IP68 to 20 m, fully wireless (no cable leaks), dive-ready. For wading and snorkeling depths, the Minelab Equinox 700, Nokta Legend, and Garrett AT Pro are proven at 3–5 m.
This category is full of misleading language. Our rule: IP68 + a depth number (e.g., "IP68 to 5 m") means the whole machine is rated for that depth. "Waterproof coil" means the control box must stay dry — fine for rain, useless for diving. "Weatherproof" means rain only. Every pick below is ranked on its verified rating, and the spec tables show exactly what each manufacturer claims.
20 m IP68, fully wireless — the only true dive detector in our database.
IP68 to 5 m; Multi-IQ handles saltwater. Great snorkel-depth machine.
5 m waterproof, multi-frequency, 3.0 lbs — the value dive pick.
Submersible to 10 ft with waterproof control box; freshwater favorite.
10 ft waterproof with true All-Metal mode for deep targets.
| Model | Technology | Frequencies | Weight | Waterproof | Coil | Best for | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XP Deus II | Multi-Freq | 45 kHz + MF | From 750 g | IP68 · 20 m | 9" DD | Underwater | Flagship |
| Minelab Equinox 700 | Multi-Freq | Multi-IQ | 1.2 kg | IP68 · 5 m | 11" DD | Coins | Mid-range |
| Nokta Legend | Multi-Freq | 4 kHz–40 kHz + MF | 1.3 kg | 5 m | 12" × 9" DD | Coins | Premium |
| Garrett AT Pro | VLF | 15 kHz | 3.03 lbs | 10 ft | 8.5" × 11" DD | Coins | Mid-range |
| Garrett AT Max | VLF | 13.6 kHz | 3.03 lbs | 10 ft | 8.5" × 11" DD | Relic | Premium |
Specs verified against manufacturer pages in October 2026. "Not published by the manufacturer" means the spec is absent from official pages — we do not fill it from retailers.
Understand the tech behind these picks: VLF vs pulse induction vs multi-frequency, the metal detector frequency guide (kHz explained), how discrimination and sensitivity work, the history of the metal detector, and detecting laws and permits. Compare head-to-head: Equinox 800 vs ACE Apex · Legend vs Equinox 700 · Deus II vs Manticore.
Only the XP Deus II (20 m) is rated for scuba depths here. The 3–5 m machines are for wading, snorkeling, and shallow dives — exceeding ratings floods machines and voids warranties.
Cabled headphones are a leak path and a snag hazard. The Deus II's fully wireless system (coil, remote, headphones) is a genuine underwater advantage, not a gimmick.
Saltwater demands multi-frequency or PI; freshwater is far more forgiving and most VLF machines cope. All our underwater picks handle both, but check the tech column.
Rinse the whole machine — coil, shaft, control box — in fresh water after every salt session, dry it before storage, and check seals and O-rings periodically. Salt corrosion kills more detectors than depth ever will.
For wading and snorkeling, no. For scuba-depth detecting with a machine like the Deus II, yes — get certified and never dive alone. Detecting adds task-loading to diving; the diving comes first.
Yes — all of these detect on land too. But they're heavier and pricier than land-only machines, so buy underwater capability only if you'll actually submerge the machine.
Water hunting adds real risk: currents, boat traffic, and limited visibility. Never dive alone, know your machine's exact depth rating, and rinse everything in fresh water after salt exposure.