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For one detector that can cover submerged coins and relics, beaches, and dry land, the Minelab EQUINOX 900 is the strongest documented all-round choice. It combines simultaneous Multi-IQ operation, dedicated Beach/Park/Field/Gold modes, a 5 m (16 ft) IP68 waterproof rating, detailed target identification, adjustable recovery speed, and a relatively light 1.27 kg (2.8 lb) build. Choose the Garrett AT Pro instead for mainly shallow freshwater, creek, shoreline, and wading hunts where straightforward proportional audio matters. The Nokta Legend is a credible alternative for land and underwater use, especially when its package or local support suits you, but verify the exact bundle and numeric depth rating before buying.
Best underwater metal detectors at a glance
The three detectors below fit different kinds of water hunting. Waterproof depth is the control housing’s published limit; it is not a promise that a coin or relic will be detected at that depth in soil, sand, or silt.
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| Detector | Best fit | Published waterproofing | Frequency and target information | Weight and included equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minelab EQUINOX 900 | One machine for salt beaches, freshwater, land, coins, and relics | 5 m (16 ft), IP68 | Simultaneous Multi-IQ; selectable 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 kHz; ferrous IDs -19 to 0, non-ferrous IDs 1 to 99; 119 discrimination segments | 1.27 kg (2.8 lb); 11-inch and 6-inch coils included |
| Garrett AT Pro | Shallow freshwater, shorelines, creeks, river crossings, and wading | AT All-Terrain class listed at 10 ft (3 m) in Garrett’s underwater guide | Single-frequency details and numeric ID range are not stated in the cited material; proportional Pro audio and a coin-depth indicator are documented | Weight and included coil configuration are not stated in the cited material |
| Nokta Legend | Land and underwater hunting when its IP68 platform, package, or support is a good fit | IP68 waterproofing is identified, but the cited comparison does not state a numeric depth | Frequency and ID figures are not stated in the cited material | Legend Pro Pack lists Nokta Koss headphones with a waterproof connector; exact package contents vary |
Current prices, stock, and bundle contents change by retailer and region. Check those details at the time of purchase rather than treating a package shown in an older listing as universal.
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Waterproof rating versus detection depth
A rating such as 5 m (16 ft) describes how deep the detector’s control housing may be submerged under the manufacturer’s conditions. It does not tell you how deep a particular coin is detectable. Detection depth changes with the target’s size, orientation, metal, surrounding mineralization, coil, recovery settings, sweep technique, and the amount of sediment between the coil and target. Stay inside the published waterproof limit even if you are finding targets at very shallow depths.
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Salt water and mineralized ground
Salt beaches and wet salt sand can behave differently from freshwater or dry land. Simultaneous multi-frequency operation and a dedicated beach mode can make one detector more versatile across those transitions. The EQUINOX 900 documents both Multi-IQ and Beach mode. Garrett’s guidance emphasizes that the best waterproof detector depends on water depth, mineralization, salt conditions, and the targets you want. The AT Pro is positioned for wet conditions and shallow water, while the cited material does not document a comparable salt-water specification for it. The Legend is documented for land and underwater use, but the supplied specifications do not establish its salt-handling details.
Audio, target ID, and recovery speed
Underwater audio is harder to hear and interpret, particularly when the detector is moving through waves or current. The AT Pro’s proportional Pro audio gives more information in the response as the coil approaches a target, and its coin-depth indicator supplies a separate depth estimate. The EQUINOX 900 offers a much more fully documented identification system: ferrous IDs from -19 to 0, non-ferrous IDs from 1 to 99, 119 discrimination segments, and adjustable recovery speed. Those controls help separate nearby targets, but no ID number guarantees that an object is a coin or that a good-looking signal is valuable.
Balance, coils, and accessories
Water adds drag and makes a front-heavy detector feel heavier. The EQUINOX 900’s stated 1.27 kg (2.8 lb) weight is useful for long searches, and its 11-inch and 6-inch coils cover open areas and tighter, cluttered spots respectively. A waterproof pinpointer shortens recovery time once the main detector has located a target. If the headphone connection will go underwater, use headphones with a compatible submersible connector; ordinary land headphones can compromise the detector’s waterproof setup.
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Why it leads the comparison
The EQUINOX 900 has the broadest documented combination of water protection, frequency flexibility, target information, and modes in this comparison. Minelab specifies IP68 waterproofing to 5 m (16 ft). Simultaneous Multi-IQ lets the detector process multiple frequencies at once, while single-frequency choices of 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 kHz are also listed. That combination is useful when a hunt moves from dry ground to wet sand, shallow water, or mineralized terrain and you need more than one operating approach.
Its four named search modes—Beach, Park, Field, and Gold—give you a starting point for different environments. They are not substitutes for learning the detector: confirm a promising response from more than one direction, and be willing to investigate an unusual signal rather than rejecting it solely because of its ID.
Identification and separation tools
The ferrous range is -19 through 0 and the non-ferrous range is 1 through 99. The detector has 119 discrimination segments, allowing substantially finer acceptance or rejection choices than a simple iron/not-iron switch. Adjustable recovery speed is particularly relevant around modern swimming areas, iron-strewn shorelines, and relic sites where several objects may be under the coil at once. A faster setting can improve separation between close targets, while a slower setting may be useful when a clean, deep response is the priority; the appropriate choice depends on the site and your testing.
Rank #2
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Coils and handling
The included 11-inch coil covers ground efficiently in open beach or field areas. The 6-inch coil is easier to maneuver around rocks, roots, submerged structures, and dense target patches. At 1.27 kg (2.8 lb), the detector is relatively light for extended searches, although buoyancy and water resistance can still change how it feels compared with a land hunt.
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- Choose it if one detector must cover salt beaches, freshwater, dry land, coins, and relics.
- Choose it if you want a published 5 m (16 ft) waterproof limit rather than a shallow-wading-only design.
- Choose it if target IDs, 119 discrimination segments, and adjustable recovery speed are more important than a minimal control set.
The documented specifications do not establish a guaranteed coin depth, recovery rate, or field success percentage. Treat the machine’s ratings as capability information, not as a promise for a particular beach or lake.
Garrett AT Pro: straightforward choice for shallow freshwater
Where it fits
Garrett describes the AT Pro as waterproof for wet conditions and shallow water, with proportional Pro audio and a coin-depth indicator. Garrett’s underwater guide places the AT All-Terrain class at 10 ft (3 m). That makes the AT Pro a practical match for wading, creek beds, river crossings, shorelines, and swimming areas where targets accumulate and you do not need a deeper-rated dive platform.
Audio and depth indication
Proportional audio changes with the target response instead of presenting every signal as an identical beep. Used with a controlled sweep and a repeatable response from different angles, it can help you judge whether a target is tight, broad, or likely mixed with nearby metal. The coin-depth indicator is another clue, not a measured excavation depth. The cited AT Pro material does not provide a numeric target-ID range, frequency list, or weight figure, so those values should not be assumed from another model or retailer listing.
Limitations to respect
The 10 ft (3 m) class rating is far below the EQUINOX 900’s 5 m (16 ft) rating. Do not select the AT Pro for a dive site or deep river bed simply because it is described as waterproof. Garrett’s comparison guidance notes that extra depth margin matters to dedicated underwater hunters working those environments. For predominantly salt-water hunting, the supplied documentation also does not establish the AT Pro’s salt performance in the same detail as the EQUINOX 900’s Beach and Multi-IQ specifications.
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Who should buy it
- Choose it for shallow freshwater and wet-land use where simple operation and proportional audio are priorities.
- Choose it when most targets are in wading depth and you can remain comfortably inside the 10 ft (3 m) class limit.
- Look elsewhere if regular hunting will involve deeper submersion, broad salt-beach coverage, or a highly detailed numeric-ID and discrimination system.
Nokta Legend: a credible IP68 alternative
What is documented
Garrett’s comparison identifies the Nokta Legend as IP68 waterproof, and Nokta’s Legend brochure describes comfortable land and underwater use. The Legend Pro Pack lists Nokta Koss headphones with a waterproof connector, which addresses the common problem of trying to use a non-submersible audio connection underwater.
Rank #3
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What is not established by the available specifications
The cited comparison does not give a numeric depth rating for the Legend. It also does not provide a frequency list, target-ID range, discrimination-segment count, recovery-speed range, or detector weight. IP68 alone should therefore not be converted into a guessed number of meters or feet. Confirm the exact depth limit in the manual for the edition and package you intend to buy, and check whether the headphones, coil, charging equipment, and other accessories shown by a seller are actually included.
When it makes sense
Consider the Legend when you need a detector documented for both land and underwater use and its Pro Pack, local service, or availability is more suitable than the alternatives. It is not possible to rank its numeric depth, salt performance, or target-ID behavior against the EQUINOX 900 from the supplied specifications alone.
Feature comparison for real hunting decisions
| Decision factor | EQUINOX 900 | AT Pro | Nokta Legend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Control-housing depth limit | 5 m (16 ft), IP68 | 10 ft (3 m) for the AT All-Terrain class in Garrett’s underwater guide | IP68; numeric depth not stated in the cited comparison |
| Salt and beach documentation | Beach mode and simultaneous Multi-IQ are documented | Wet-condition and shallow-water use are documented; comparable salt specification not stated | Land and underwater use are documented; salt specification not stated |
| Operating frequencies | Multi-IQ plus 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 kHz | Not stated in the cited material | Not stated in the cited material |
| Target-ID and discrimination | Ferrous -19 to 0; non-ferrous 1 to 99; 119 segments | Coin-depth indicator; numeric ID range not stated | Not stated in the cited material |
| Recovery-speed control | Adjustable recovery speed documented | Not stated in the cited material | Not stated in the cited material |
| Audio | Multi-mode audio system; specific underwater audio behavior not stated here | Proportional Pro audio documented | Not stated in the cited material |
| Weight | 1.27 kg (2.8 lb) | Not stated in the cited material | Not stated in the cited material |
| Coils and headphones | 11-inch and 6-inch coils included; headphone package not specified here | Included equipment not stated here; use compatible submersible headphones when required | Legend Pro Pack lists Nokta Koss headphones with a waterproof connector |
Choose by the water and the targets
Salt beach and wet-sand coin hunting
The EQUINOX 900 is the clearest documented choice because its specifications combine Beach mode with simultaneous Multi-IQ and a 5 m (16 ft) waterproof rating. Those features address both changing salt conditions and the need to move between dry sand, wet sand, and shallow water. The available AT Pro and Legend material does not document equivalent salt-handling details, so do not infer parity from the word waterproof alone.
Freshwater wading, creeks, and river crossings
The AT Pro is suited to this use when the hunt remains within the 10 ft (3 m) class limit and you value proportional audio. Garrett specifically points to shorelines, swimming areas, river crossings, and creek beds as places where coins, jewelry, relics, and other metal targets collect. The EQUINOX 900 offers more depth margin and broader documented modes if the same detector will also serve salt beaches or dry-land sites.
Land and water with one detector
The EQUINOX 900 is the safest recommendation when the brief includes both land and submerged hunting and you want specifications that can be compared directly. The Legend is also documented for land and underwater use, but verify its numeric depth rating and package. The AT Pro can cover land and shallow water, but its published waterproof class is the most limited of the three.
Deep river beds or dive sites
Stay within the manufacturer’s rating and look for genuine depth margin rather than relying on marketing language. Garrett’s comparison notes that extra depth margin matters for dedicated underwater hunters working dive sites or deep river beds. Because the supplied Legend comparison gives no numeric depth and the AT Pro is listed at 10 ft (3 m), neither should be treated as a deep-diving choice without confirming current manufacturer documentation.
Rank #4
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How to prepare a detector before entering the water
- Confirm the exact model and rating. Read the current manual or technical page for your edition. Treat the rating as a maximum for the control housing, not a target-depth guarantee.
- Inspect every connector and seal. Make sure the coil cable, headphone connection, battery compartment, and covers are seated as the manufacturer specifies. Do not enter the water with a loose connector or damaged seal.
- Fit the right coil for the site. Start with the EQUINOX 900’s 11-inch coil in open areas and change to the 6-inch coil where rocks, roots, metal clutter, or narrow gaps make a large coil awkward.
- Connect submersible headphones. If the headphone connection will go below the surface, use a compatible waterproof connector. The Legend Pro Pack’s listed headphones include such a connector; do not assume another package does.
- Select a starting mode. On the EQUINOX 900, Beach, Park, Field, and Gold modes provide documented starting points. On the AT Pro, begin with the operating setup recommended for wet conditions in its manual rather than copying settings from a different detector.
- Test above ground and at the waterline. Use known metal objects to learn the audio and ID response, then recheck as the coil enters wet sand or water. A response that changes with the environment deserves investigation rather than an automatic rejection.
- Plan recovery before the first signal. Carry a waterproof pinpointer and a recovery tool suited to the bottom. Keep the detector’s control housing inside its depth limit while you work.
A practical underwater search and recovery workflow
1. Grid the area
Work in parallel lanes and overlap each sweep. Shorelines, swimming areas, creek beds, and crossings can have targets concentrated in small pockets, so an orderly grid is more reliable than wandering toward isolated signals.
2. Keep the coil controlled
Move at a steady speed and keep the coil level through the end of each sweep. Water resistance can make a fast swing feel normal while reducing the time the detector spends over a target. Repeat a promising signal from two directions before digging.
3. Use IDs as a filter, not proof
On the EQUINOX 900, ferrous and non-ferrous ranges help organize responses, and the 119 discrimination segments let you reject selected ranges. Coins, bottle caps, iron, and heavily corroded relics can overlap in response, so leave room for uncertain signals when the site’s history makes them plausible.
4. Pinpoint with the main detector
Shorten the sweep and cross the target at right angles. The AT Pro’s coin-depth indicator can help estimate how far to dig, but it is not a measured excavation depth. The EQUINOX 900’s 6-inch coil can make pinpointing easier in cluttered areas.
5. Finish with a waterproof pinpointer
Once the plug or scoop is removed, a waterproof pinpointer can locate the object without repeatedly waving the full detector over loose material. Keep the pinpointer’s own rating separate from the detector’s rating; a waterproof detector does not make another device submersible.
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Scan the recovery pile and the bottom of the hole before refilling. Relics and coins can be close together, and a second signal may have been masked by the first target.
Best Value
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Headphones and pinpointers: what you actually need
Waterproof headphones
Use compatible submersible headphones whenever the audio connection goes underwater. Garrett’s underwater guidance specifically warns that the headphones must match the detector’s submerged use. Wireless or land-only headphones are not automatically safe simply because the detector control box is waterproof. The Nokta Legend Pro Pack is documented with Nokta Koss headphones that have a waterproof connector; other Legend bundles may differ.
Waterproof pinpointer
A pinpointer is not required for the detector to function, but it reduces recovery time and limits unnecessary digging. Select one with a published waterproof rating appropriate to the depth at which you recover targets. Carrying a pinpointer without checking its own limit is a common way to damage otherwise protected equipment.
Coil choice
A larger coil generally covers more ground per sweep, while a smaller coil is easier to control around obstacles and in dense target patches. The EQUINOX 900’s included 11-inch and 6-inch coils make that trade-off explicit. For the AT Pro and Legend, verify the coil supplied with the package and whether alternative coils are rated for the intended underwater use.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
| Mistake | Why it causes trouble | Better practice |
|---|---|---|
| Treating waterproof depth as detection depth | The rating protects the housing; it does not predict how deep a coin will signal in real ground. | Use the rating only to set a safe submersion limit and judge detection depth from repeatable responses at your site. |
| Exceeding the published limit briefly | A short dive beyond the limit is still outside the manufacturer’s specification. | Stay below the maximum and leave additional margin for waves, current, and accidental submersion. |
| Using ordinary headphones underwater | The audio connector may not be sealed for submersion. | Use a compatible submersible headset and connector. |
| Assuming IP68 gives a universal depth | IP68 identifies an ingress-protection class, but the manufacturer’s numeric limit can vary by product. | Use the model-specific depth figure; for the Legend, obtain the current numeric rating before buying. |
| Rejecting every low or erratic ID | Corrosion, iron, and adjacent targets can distort an otherwise valuable response. | Repeat from multiple directions and investigate site-appropriate uncertain signals. |
| Comparing package photos as if they were specifications | Retailer bundles and regional editions can include different coils or headphones. | Confirm the exact SKU, included accessories, and warranty before payment. |
| Assuming a detector’s rating covers its accessories | A pinpointer, headphones, or connector can have a different limit. | Check each component’s own submersion rating. |
Care after a submerged hunt
Exit the water before disconnecting accessories, and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and storage instructions for the exact model. Inspect the coil cable, headphone connector, covers, and seals for grit, cuts, or looseness before the next hunt. If water enters a connector or control housing, stop using the detector and follow the manufacturer’s service procedure rather than continuing to power it on. Do not assume that a previous successful wade proves a damaged seal is safe.
Which detector should you buy?
- Buy the Minelab EQUINOX 900 if you want the most versatile documented specification set: 5 m (16 ft) IP68 protection, simultaneous Multi-IQ, Beach/Park/Field/Gold modes, 119 discrimination segments, adjustable recovery speed, detailed IDs, two included coils, and 1.27 kg (2.8 lb) weight.
- Buy the Garrett AT Pro if your normal hunt is shallow freshwater, creeks, shorelines, river crossings, or wading within the 10 ft (3 m) AT All-Terrain class limit and you prefer proportional Pro audio with a coin-depth indicator.
- Consider the Nokta Legend when its IP68 land-and-underwater platform, Pro Pack headphones, availability, or local support is the deciding factor. Confirm the numeric depth rating and exact package first because those details are not established in the cited comparison.
Whichever detector you select, pair it with a waterproof pinpointer for recovery and compatible submersible headphones when the audio connection will be underwater. Never exceed the manufacturer’s published depth rating.
Quick Recap
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