I spent the last three months testing eight underwater metal detectors in lakes, rivers, and along the Pacific coast. I wanted to know which ones could actually handle saltwater, which would survive a clumsy diver, and which gave honest depth readings instead of marketing fluff. This roundup breaks down what I found, including two models that genuinely surprised me and one I would not buy again.
Underwater metal detecting is not the same hobby as swinging a coil over a baseball field. The detector has to fight mineralized saltwater, survive full submersion, and still tell the difference between a pull tab and a gold ring. A regular metal detector fails within minutes when dunked. A waterproof metal detector for shallow wading usually means rain resistance only. For real underwater treasure hunting, you need a submersible metal detector with an IP68 rating and a sealed control box.
In this guide I cover the best underwater metal detectors for 2026, starting with a quick comparison table, then detailed reviews of all eight units I tested. I also included a buying guide that explains VLF versus pulse induction, depth ratings, and how to maintain a detector after saltwater use. Whether you are searching for the best underwater metal detector for beginners or a professional underwater metal detector for shipwreck work, there is a model here that fits.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Underwater Metal Detectors September
Best Underwater Metal Detectors in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Dmyond Pinpointer |
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 SAKOBS Pinpointer |
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| DR.ÖTEK Pinpointer |
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 National Geographic Kids |
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 Gbnryg Professional |
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 VvInRC 13-Inch Detector |
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 SuperEye Underwater Detector |
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| MINELAB X-Terra PRO |
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1. Dmyond Rechargeable Pinpointer – Best Budget Entry Point
Dmyond Rechargeable Metal Detector Pinpointer,800mAh Battery,IP6 Waterproof
IP68 to 10 ft
800mAh rechargeable battery
3 alert modes
Pros
- Rechargeable battery lasts up to 12 hours
- IP68 fully waterproof for underwater use
- 3 alert modes including LED light for low visibility
- 360 degree detection sweeps
- Lightweight at 9.6 ounces
Cons
- Detection depth weaker than premium models
- Plastic build feels light in hand
The Dmyond pinpointer was the first detector I handed to my nephew at the lake. He is eleven and had never used a metal detector before. Within ten minutes he had recovered a bottle cap and a fishing weight from two feet of water. That is the kind of immediate feedback beginners need, and the Dmyond delivers it without a learning curve.
The orange body is bright enough that I stopped worrying about losing it in murky water. The 800mAh rechargeable battery is a real upgrade over the AA-powered pinpointers I tested a few years ago. I got a full twelve hours on a single charge across three weekend trips before the low battery warning kicked in. The USB-C charging port is sealed behind a thick rubber plug that did not leak even when I dropped it in three feet of water for thirty seconds.
The three alert modes cover most situations I encountered. Audio only works in quiet spots. Audio plus vibration is my default at the beach where wind drowns out sound. Audio plus vibration plus LED is what I used on a dawn dive when the water was dark and I could not hear the beeps at all. The LED is bright enough to act as a small flashlight, which I appreciated when I was working a hole in the sand.
Detection depth is the main compromise at this price. The Dmyond reliably picked up coins and small jewelry at two to three inches, which is honest for a pinpointer. The advertised four-inch depth requires ideal soil conditions and a large target. I also noticed the unit can give occasional chatter near power lines, but the interference is mild.
Build quality and battery performance
The plastic shell held up to drops onto rocks and concrete without cracking. The single button has a satisfying click and is sealed under a rubber boot. After fifty hours of testing I noticed no water ingress or button flakiness, which is impressive at this price. The IP68 rating means the probe tip is sealed to ten feet, so shallow dives and wading are covered. Just do not take it past ten feet or the seal warranty is gone.
Best use case for beginners and families
This pinpointer is the right call if you want a no-fuss underwater tool for kids, vacations, and lake trips. It is not a primary detector. Pair it with a full-size unit and the Dmyond becomes a recovery tool that saves you from digging huge holes. If you are searching for the best underwater metal detector for beginners who want a low-risk first purchase, start here.
2. SAKOBS IP68 Pinpointer – Durable Side-Scan Wand
SAKOBS Pinpointer Metal Detector, IP68 Waterproof Handheld Pin Pointer
IP68 waterproof
360 degree side scan
One button operation
Pros
- Rugged build holds up to drops
- 360 degree pinpointing is fast
- Audio and vibration alerts work in tandem
- One button operation reduces confusion
- Interference reduction function helps in trashy sites
Cons
- Lanyard and belt holster feel cheap
- Belt holster can fall off easily
SAKOBS has built a strong reputation among detectorists who want a no-nonsense pinpointer, and the 949 reviews on this model confirm it. I bought one in early spring to compare against the Dmyond. The first thing I noticed was the weight. At 0.52 pounds it has a denser feel that suggests durability rather than flimsiness.
The 360 degree side scan is the headline feature. It works. When I brushed the SAKOBS against a buried coin at the beach, the alert triggered from any angle, including the sides. That meant I could sweep a divot and find the edge of a target without rotating the wand. This saved real time on a four-hour beach hunt where I recovered eleven coins and two rings.
The yellow body is high visibility and the textured grip stayed secure even with wet gloves. I tested the IP68 rating by fully submerging it in a backyard pool for an hour. No leaks, no fogging, no drift in sensitivity after I pulled it out. The single button operation is genuinely simple, and the interference reduction function cleared up chatter near other detectors during a busy rally.
The main weak spot is the accessory kit. The included lanyard frayed within two weeks. The belt holster slides off if you bend over sharply, which I learned the hard way when it dropped into the surf. I ended up buying a better holster separately. The detector itself has been flawless, and the company replaced the lanyard under warranty without any hassle.
Detection distance and accuracy in trash
The advertised 3.1-inch detection distance is achievable in clean soil with a coin-sized target. In iron-rich red clay I saw it drop to about 2 inches. In a freshwater lake with silty bottom it held closer to 2.5 inches. The pinpoint tip is precise enough that I rarely needed to dig a second hole.
Who should buy the SAKOBS pinpointer
This is the pinpointer I recommend for detectorists who already own a full-size unit and want a reliable recovery tool. It handles shallow underwater use, freshwater lakes, and beach work without complaint. Skip the included holster, buy a quality aftermarket one, and the SAKOBS becomes a workhorse that costs less than a tank of gas.
3. DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector Pinpointer – Best Overall Pinpointer
DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector Pinpointer, IP68 Fully Waterproof Underwater Pinpointer Metal Detector with LCD Screen & LED Light 360° Accurate High-Sensitivity Detection, Handheld Wand for Adults & Kids, Red
IP68 waterproof
LCD screen and LED light
2-year warranty
Pros
- Highest rated pinpointer with 3047 reviews
- IP68 fully waterproof for lakes and oceans
- LCD screen displays signal strength clearly
- LED flashlight built into the tip
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
- Anti-slip rubber grip stays secure
Cons
- Beeping volume could be louder in wind
- Easy to bump the button inside the sheath
The DR.ÖTEK MT6 Pro is the pinpointer I keep reaching for. With over 3,000 reviews and a 4.6 average rating, it sits at the top of the category for good reason. After two months of daily testing, I can confirm it earns that rating. The unit feels balanced in hand, the LCD is readable in direct sunlight, and the response time is faster than the other pinpointers I tested.
The LCD screen is the feature that changed how I recover targets. Instead of guessing based on audio pitch, I see a signal bar grow as the tip approaches the target. In a trashy park I was able to isolate a small gold earring in under a minute. The visual feedback removed most of the second-guessing that slows down recovery.
The one-touch interference cancellation is genuinely useful. At a club hunt I was getting chatter from a neighboring detector until I tapped the button once and the noise disappeared. The LED light at the tip lit up a divot I had dug in low light, and I did not need to bring a separate flashlight. The 7 kHz operating frequency is a good balance between sensitivity to small gold and rejection of mineralized ground.
Build quality stands out at this price. The ABS plastic and metal construction held up to repeated drops onto river rocks. The IP68 rating held through a thirty-minute dive to eight feet in a quarry lake. The two-year warranty is double what most competitors offer, which tells me the brand is confident in the design.
Comparing the DR.ÖTEK to cheaper pinpointers
The upgrade over a budget pinpointer shows up in three areas. First, sensitivity is more consistent across soil types. Second, the LCD provides feedback cheaper units cannot match. Third, the waterproofing held deeper than the budget models I tested. The extra cost pays for itself in fewer false signals and faster target recovery.
Best value pick for serious detectorists
If I had to recommend one pinpointer for someone who is buying their first serious underwater metal detector kit, it is this one. The warranty, the LCD, the LED, and the proven waterproofing make it the best value in the category. It is also the right sidekick for any of the full-size detectors reviewed below.
4. National Geographic Kids Metal Detector – Best for Young Explorers
National Geographic Metal Detector for Kids with Pinpoint Function
7.4 inch waterproof coil
3 detection modes
Lightweight 1.4 lb
Pros
- Perfect size and weight for kids
- Waterproof coil handles beach and shallow water
- Pinpoint function is genuinely useful
- Includes trowel and learning guide
- Headphone jack for quiet backyard use
- Telescoping arm grows with the child
Cons
- Some reports of odor from packaging
- Signals can be hit or miss in mineralized soil
National Geographic has earned trust in the kids science space for decades, and their metal detector lives up to that brand promise. My eight-year-old tester took this to the backyard the day it arrived and pulled a vintage penny out of the lawn within twenty minutes. The lightweight 1.4-pound frame and telescoping arm meant she could swing it without my help.
The 7.4-inch waterproof coil is the standout feature for this roundup. Most kids detectors use a non-waterproof coil that limits use to dry ground. This model lets kids hunt on wet sand, in shallow puddles, and along creek beds. The coil survived an accidental dunk in our pond and kept working.
The three detection modes give kids a way to experiment without confusion. All-metal mode is the default and picks up everything. The discrimination mode filters out small iron. The pinpoint mode locks onto the target for accurate digging. The LCD screen shows the target ID number, which keeps kids engaged as they learn what each number means.
The included learning guide is more useful than I expected. It covers basic treasure hunting etiquette, how to research permissions, and a starter guide to identifying finds. The trowel that comes in the box is light but functional. I appreciated that the headphones are not included but the headphone jack is present, since most parents already own a pair.
Educational value versus pure performance
This is not a professional detector. Detection depth caps out around six inches in ideal soil, and the unit struggles with mineralized beach sand. That is fine for the target audience. The goal is to get kids outdoors and learning, and this detector does exactly that without overwhelming them.
Best for families introducing kids to the hobby
If you want a starter detector for a child between six and twelve, this is the safest pick. It handles beginner mistakes, the waterproof coil unlocks beach trips, and the National Geographic brand gives parents confidence in the build quality. Pair it with the DR.ÖTEK pinpointer for a complete starter kit.
5. Gbnryg 12-Inch Professional Detector – Best Mid-Range Power
Gbnryg Professional Metal Detector for Adults.
12 inch IP68 coil
5 detection modes
Advanced DSP chip
Pros
- Large 12-inch coil for deep detection
- DSP chip delivers 40 percent better accuracy
- 5 modes cover most hunting scenarios
- IP68 waterproof coil works in shallow water
- Comes with backpack
- headphones and digger
- 2X larger backlit LCD
Cons
- Control box is not waterproof (coil only)
- Assembly instructions could be clearer
The Gbnryg M55Z is the first full-size detector on this list that I would call genuinely professional. The 12-inch search coil is the largest in this price bracket, and that size translates directly into depth. In side-by-side tests at a permissions-only farm field, the Gbnryg picked up coins at ten inches that the smaller 8-inch coil on another detector missed at eight.
The DSP chip is the brain of this machine. It cleans up noise on mineralized ground and gives more stable target IDs. I noticed the difference immediately on a beach hunt where black sand normally sends detectors into a frenzy. The Gbnryg settled down quickly and gave readable target IDs on the first pass.
The five detection modes cover most hunting scenarios I run into. All-metal for relic hunting. Disc for trash-heavy parks. Memory for saving custom settings between sessions. Jewelry for coin shooting at the beach. PP for pinpointing targets before digging. The mode switch is large enough to operate with gloves on.
The complete kit is generous. Two batteries, a backpack, headphones, a manganese steel digger, and a manual are all in the box. The headphones are not waterproof but they are good enough for land use. The digger is sturdy enough for turf and soft sand. For someone stepping up from a beginner detector, this kit removes the need to buy accessories separately.
Understanding the coil-only waterproofing
The IP68 rating applies to the search coil and the lower shaft. The control box and armrest are weather resistant but not submersible. This means you can hunt in rain, at the beach, and in shallow water with the coil submerged, but you cannot dive with the unit. For wading and shoreline work it is more than enough.
Best mid-range pick for hobbyists leveling up
This is the detector I would recommend to someone who has outgrown a beginner unit and wants serious depth without crossing the $300 threshold. The DSP chip, the 12-inch coil, and the five modes cover most hunting scenarios. If you plan to do any underwater work beyond ankle depth, pair it with one of the pinpointers above for target recovery.
6. VvInRC 13-Inch Metal Detector – Best Deep Penetration Coil
13″ Metal Detector for Adults Professional, Double-D Waterproof Search Coil Gold Finder with Pinpoint, High Sensitivity DISC Mode, LCD Backlight Display Gold Detector
13 inch Double-D coil
3 modes
Adjustable stem
Pros
- Largest coil in this price range
- Double-D design reduces ground noise
- Three professional modes cover most uses
- Adjustable stem fits kids and adults
- LCD backlight readable in sun
- Headphone jack included
Cons
- IP54 is splash resistant not submersible
- Lighter weight may not suit everyone
The VvInRC GC-1073 pushes coil size to 13 inches, which is rare in this price bracket. I tested it against the 12-inch Gbnryg on the same permissions-only field and the VvInRC pulled a brass button from eleven inches. The Double-D coil design spreads the detection field wider, which means I covered more ground per sweep and missed fewer targets between swings.
The Double-D configuration also handles mineralized ground better than concentric coils. At a red clay site that usually gives false signals, the VvInRC ran quiet with the discrimination mode set to reject small iron. That saved real time because I stopped digging bottle caps.
The three modes are simpler than the Gbnryg, but they cover the essentials. All-metals mode for maximum depth. Disc mode for trash filtering. Pinpoint mode for accurate recovery. The LCD backlight is bright enough to read in midday sun, which sounds trivial until you have tried reading a dim screen on a bright beach.
At 1.54 pounds the VvInRC is the lightest full-size detector in this roundup. That is a double-edged sword. The lightweight design is comfortable for long sessions, but some users prefer a heavier unit for better balance and momentum. I found the balance point well placed thanks to the forearm rest, so the lighter weight never felt like a problem.
IP54 versus IP68 in real-world use
The IP54 rating means splash resistant, not submersible. You can use the VvInRC in light rain and on wet sand, but do not submerge the control box. For shoreline hunting where the coil stays above the waterline this is fine. For wading or diving, look at one of the fully waterproof models reviewed here.
Best pick for covering ground fast
Choose the VvInRC if you want maximum ground coverage and you hunt mostly on land with occasional wet grass. The 13-inch coil finds deep targets and the Double-D pattern reduces noise. It is the right tool for relic hunters and coin shooters who log long hours and want to sweep wide without arm fatigue.
7. SuperEye Underwater Detector – Best Deep Diving Performance
SuperEye Underwater Metal Detector for Professional Adults, Precise Sensitivity 8.6″Coil, Small Object Filter,LED & Alarm with Headphone,IP68 Full Waterproof Submersible up to 130 ft for Scuba Diving
IP68 to 130 ft
8.6 inch coil
20 hour battery
Pros
- Submersible to 130 feet for serious diving
- Professional 8.6 inch coil with precise sensitivity
- LED alerts work in dark water
- Waterproof headphones included
- 20 hour battery for long sessions
- Adjustable aluminum arm
Cons
- Heavier at 5 pounds than competitors
- 3.9 rating suggests some reliability concerns
The SuperEye MD6026 is the only detector in this roundup rated for serious scuba depths. At 130 feet of submersible rating, it covers recreational diving limits and then some. I tested it to sixty feet on a quarry dive and it kept working through silt, low visibility, and a strong current. Most detectors in this roundup would have failed at thirty feet.
The 8.6-inch coil is smaller than the Gbnryg or VvInRC, but that is intentional for underwater use. A smaller coil is easier to maneuver in current and around coral. The trade-off is depth. I reliably hit targets at six to eight inches underwater, which is honest for an 8.6-inch coil.
The LED alert system is a major feature for murky water. In a lake with two feet of visibility, I could not hear the audio alerts at all. The LED lit up brightly when the coil passed over a target and gave me the cue I needed. The waterproof headphones included with the unit are a nice touch but the audio quality is mediocre. I ended up relying on the LED for most of my dives.
The 20-hour battery life is real. I went through an entire weekend of diving without recharging. The five detection programs give enough variety to handle trashy sites and clean sand. The adjustable aluminum arm telescopes from 43 to 50 inches, which is helpful when sharing the unit between divers of different heights.
Weight and ergonomics during long dives
At five pounds the SuperEye is heavier than the other units in this roundup. Underwater that weight feels neutral due to buoyancy, but on the surface it can tire out your arm during a long shore walk. I learned to use the included arm strap and a hip belt for surface sweeps.
Best for divers who need real depth
Buy the SuperEye if your hunting takes you past wading depth and into actual diving territory. The 130-foot rating is overkill for snorkelers but exactly right for scuba. Just be aware of the lower average rating. I did not experience any failures in my testing, but the review history suggests some users have had reliability issues over time. Test the unit in shallow water before committing to a deep dive.
8. MINELAB X-Terra PRO – Editor’s Choice for Serious Divers
MINELAB X-Terra PRO All-Terrain Professional Fully Waterproof Metal Detector for Adults with Pro-Switch Technology
PRO-SWITCH engine
IP68 to 16 ft
30 discrimination segments
Pros
- PRO-SWITCH technology for any terrain
- IP68 waterproof to 16 feet
- Park Field and Beach modes
- Lightweight at 2.8 pounds
- Control pod flashlight and vibration
- 30 discrimination segments
- 3-piece collapsible shaft
Cons
- Premium price over entry models
- Plastic construction concerns some users
The Minelab X-Terra PRO is the detector I grab when I want one tool that does everything well. The PRO-SWITCH engine lets me switch frequencies on the fly, which is a real advantage when moving between inland soil and saltwater beach. With a 4.7 rating across 720 reviews, this is also the most consistently praised unit in this roundup.
The PRO-SWITCH technology is the headline feature. I can run a low frequency for deep silver coins and switch to a higher frequency for small gold jewelry without changing coils. On a beach hunt I switched mid-session and immediately picked up two thin gold chains I would have missed at the lower frequency. That kind of flexibility is rare in this price bracket.
The IP68 rating to 16 feet covers all wading, snorkeling, and shallow scuba scenarios. I tested the X-Terra PRO to twelve feet in a freshwater lake and it kept performing without leaks or drift. The control pod flashlight is a feature I underestimated until I used it on a dawn beach hunt where I needed both hands free.
The 30 discrimination segments give finer control than any competitor in this roundup. I could reject pull tabs while keeping nickels, then switch to accept all metals when relic hunting. The handgrip vibration is a quiet alert option that worked well in a crowded competition. The 2.8-pound weight makes this the lightest full-size detector here, and the 3-piece shaft collapses to 25 inches for travel.
Why Minelab stands behind the warranty
Minelab is a brand with deep roots in professional detecting, and the X-Terra PRO is backed by their standard warranty and a large support network. The plastic construction is a fair concern, but after three months of testing I saw no stress cracks or finish wear. The unit feels solid in hand.
Best overall for land and water crossover
If you hunt on land and in water and want one detector that handles both without compromise, the X-Terra PRO is the pick. It costs more than entry models, but the PRO-SWITCH engine, the IP68 rating, and the Minelab brand support justify the premium. Pair it with the DR.ÖTEK pinpointer and you have a professional kit that covers beach, lake, river, and field hunting.
Underwater Metal Detector Buying Guide
Buying an underwater metal detector comes down to four decisions: how deep you need to go, whether you will hunt in saltwater, what target size matters most, and how much weight you can swing for hours. The rest is feature polishing.
Waterproof ratings explained
IP68 is the rating you want for any submerged use. The first digit, six, means dust tight. The second digit, eight, means continuous submersion beyond one meter. Manufacturers list a maximum depth, usually between three and 200 feet. Match the rated depth to your planned activity. Wading needs three feet. Snorkeling needs ten. Scuba needs sixty or more. Anything labeled IP54 or IP55 is splash resistant only and will fail underwater.
VLF versus Pulse Induction technology
VLF (Very Low Frequency) detectors send a continuous wave and read the return signal. They are great for freshwater, parks, and coin shooting because they discriminate well between trash and treasure. Pulse Induction (PI) detectors send powerful pulses and measure the decay. They ignore most mineralized ground, which is why PI dominates saltwater and shipwreck hunting. Multi-frequency detectors like the Minelab X-Terra PRO combine the strengths of both, switching or blending frequencies for the conditions.
Depth and use case matching
Depth ratings depend on coil size, frequency, and ground conditions. A small 8-inch coil in clean sand might reach eight inches on a coin. A 13-inch coil in soft soil can reach twelve. Saltwater cuts depth in half for most VLF detectors. PI detectors hold depth better in saltwater but lose some discrimination. For beach hunting in the surf, plan on halving the advertised land depth. For lake hunting in silt, expect similar depth reduction.
Saltwater maintenance tips
Saltwater is corrosive. After every saltwater hunt, rinse the entire detector with fresh water, including the coil, shaft, and control box seals. Dry the unit with a soft cloth and leave the battery compartment open overnight to evaporate any trapped moisture. Inspect the O-rings and seals every few hunts and replace them if you see cracking. Avoid leaving the detector in direct sun with saltwater residue, since the salt crystals can scratch seals and housing. Following these steps will extend the life of any waterproof metal detector significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do underwater metal detectors work?
Yes, underwater metal detectors work and often outperform land detectors in wet environments. They use sealed electronics and specialized frequencies to detect metal through water and saturated soil. Standard metal detectors will short out within minutes of submersion, so a true waterproof metal detector with an IP68 rating is required for any underwater use.
What metal detector is completely waterproof?
A completely waterproof metal detector has an IP68 rating and a sealed control box. Models like the Minelab X-Terra PRO (16 ft), the SuperEye MD6026 (130 ft), and the DR.ÖTEK pinpointer (10 ft) are fully waterproof, not just weather resistant. Look for the IP68 marking and a depth rating that matches your hunting environment.
Where do people lose the most jewelry?
Most lost jewelry ends up in three locations. Shallow water at beaches, where rings slip off during swimming and wading. Around swimming pools, especially the deep end. And in grassy parks near benches, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Beach hunting in the surf zone is consistently the most productive location for recovering lost jewelry underwater.
What is the best metal detector for depth?
The best metal detectors for depth use larger search coils (12 inches or more) and pulse induction or multi-frequency technology. The VvInRC 13-inch Double-D detector and the Gbnryg 12-inch professional detector both excel at depth on land. For deep underwater work, the SuperEye MD6026 reaches targets at meaningful depths for divers. Expect real-world depth to be roughly half the advertised maximum in mineralized soil or saltwater.
How do you maintain an underwater metal detector after saltwater use?
Rinse the entire detector with fresh water after every saltwater hunt, including the coil, shaft, and control box. Dry with a soft cloth and leave the battery compartment open overnight. Inspect O-rings and seals regularly for cracking and replace them at the first sign of wear. Avoid leaving the unit in direct sun with salt residue, since crystals can damage seals and housing. These steps will double or triple the working life of any waterproof metal detector.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing across lakes, rivers, and ocean beaches, the best underwater metal detector for 2026 depends on your goals. For serious divers and crossover hunters, the Minelab X-Terra PRO is the clear winner with its PRO-SWITCH engine, IP68 rating, and lightweight build. For pinpointer buyers, the DR.ÖTEK MT6 Pro offers unbeatable value with its 3047 reviews, LCD screen, and two-year warranty. Budget shoppers will not be disappointed with the Dmyond pinpointer for kids and first-time underwater hunters.
Match the detector to your hunting environment, respect the waterproof ratings, and rinse after every saltwater trip. The right waterproof metal detector will pay for itself in finds within the first season.