Buying guide
Underwater metal detectors
Match the rating to the water. For wading and snorkeling, a 10 to 66 ft rating covers it, like the Manticore's 16 ft (5 m). For scuba, look at the PulseDive, rated IP68 to 200 ft (60 m). The Fisher CZ-21 lists 250 ft, but also IP54.
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The picks
Two diving detectors, then four rated from 10 to 66 ft, each submersible as a whole by its maker.
1. Fisher CZ-21
For divers who want a full-size machine. First Texas lists it as fully submersible to 250 ft (76 m), and also lists IP54 on the same sheet. It runs 5 and 15 kHz at once, with waterproof headphones permanently attached.
2. Nokta PulseDive
A handheld diving detector, IP68 to 200 ft (60 m), on pulse induction at 3 kHz. It weighs 19.4 oz with its coil cover.
Sold as a 2-in-1 set: the listing names the scuba detector and a pointer.
3. XP Deus II
For snorkeling and shallow dives. XP rates it IP68 to 66 ft (20 m), with an adjustable range of 4 to 45 kHz.
Sold as a bundle: the listing adds an MI-6 pinpointer to the detector and its 9-inch FMF coil.
4. Minelab Manticore
For wading the surf: IP68 to 16 ft (5 m) and a Beach mode with a Surf & Seawater setting.
The listing adds a PRO-FIND 40 pinpointer, an M9 coil and a backpack.
5. Nokta Simplex Lite
The light way into the water: 2.6 lb, IP68 to 16 ft, and vibration alerts for underwater use named in its title.
6. Minelab SDC 2300
Sold as a fine gold detector, for creeks and shallow rivers. It runs pulse induction with Normal and Salt modes, submersible to 10 ft (3 m) as a whole.
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Side by side
The same facts for every pick, read on each maker's page. Open a model for its full spec sheet.
| Model | Technology | Frequencies | Waterproofing | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fisher CZ-21 | Multi-frequency | 5-15 kHz5, 15 kHz | 250 ftDetector, IP54 | 5.69 lb2.6 kg |
| Nokta PulseDive | Pulse induction | 3 kHz | 200 ftDetector, IP68, 60 m | 19.4 oz550 g |
| XP Deus II | Multi-frequency | 4-45 kHzAdjustable range | 66 ftDetector, IP68, 20 m | Not checked |
| Minelab Manticore | Multi-frequencyMulti-IQ+ | 5-40 kHz5, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz | 16 ftDetector, IP68, 5 m | 2.9 lb1.3 kg |
| Nokta Simplex Lite | Single frequency | 15 kHz | 16 ftDetector, IP68, 5 m | 2.6 lb1.2 kg |
| Minelab SDC 2300 | Pulse inductionMPF | Not published | 10 ftDetector, 3 m | 5.1 lb2.3 kg |
Sources: First Texas Products (Oct. 16, 2026), Nokta (Oct. 17, 2026), XP (Oct. 16, 2026), Minelab (Oct. 16, 2026).
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How to choose
Rated depth
Diving needs a dive rating. The PulseDive is rated to 200 ft. The CZ-21 sheet lists 250 ft and also IP54. A 16 ft rating like the Manticore's covers wading and snorkeling, not scuba.
Headphones that go under too
Underwater, most detectors talk through headphones, so check that they go under too. The PulseDive can also signal by Vibration or LED. The CZ-21 has waterproof headphones permanently attached. On the Gold Kruzer, Nokta says the supplied wireless headphones are not waterproof.
Salt or fresh water
Makers add settings for salt water. The SDC 2300 lists a Salt mode, and the Manticore a Surf & Seawater setting.
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What to know before you buy
The CZ-21 sheet gives two ratings that do not fit together: fully submersible to 250 ft, and IP54. We cite both and do not settle it. Ask the dealer before a dive.
We read the Deus II rating, IP68 to 66 ft (20 m), on XP's range page and checked it against a detecting dealer's listing.
Rinse every detector in fresh water after salt, and dry the battery door and connectors before you open them.
Wrecks have their own rules: the United States asserts title to certain abandoned shipwrecks and transfers it to the state whose submerged lands hold them. Our rules page summarizes the federal texts.
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Questions
Answered from the makers' pages, read Oct. 16, 2026.
On paper, the Fisher CZ-21: fully submersible to 250 ft (76 m), though the same sheet lists IP54. Nokta rates the PulseDive to 200 ft (60 m).
With one rated for it. The PulseDive is, at IP68 to 200 ft (60 m). The CZ-21 sheet lists both 250 ft and IP54, so ask the dealer first. Many beach models stop at 16 ft (5 m).
Full-size ones work on land too, but they are heavy: the CZ-21 weighs 5.69 lb. The PulseDive is handheld and built for diving.
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