Not sure where to post this....

[stilpony]

Sorry if this is the wrong forum for this post, but this is the forum that hang out in the most. I do plan on posting on the water detecting forum, too.

As most know here, I just purchased a new F5, my first ever, and I'll finally be able to use it this Friday. (more on that later) Anyway, F5's are no good in the water, so I'm wondering if there is a good waterproof unit out there that can still be effective on land. I only plan to wade in lakes, so the detector would be fine if only waterproof rated to 10 feet. The catch is, I want one that can be used on land when it's raining out, too. I know a lot of these detectors tend to be pretty heavy to swing on land, so I'm trying avoid that type and focus on something lighter on land, yet still effective on land.

I may have the chance to buy a Fisher 1280x for about $275, and it's in great shape, but I've read that it's a beast on land weight-wise, and that it's not a great detector on land, but very good in the water.

Also, not looking to spend a ton of money on this unit, but then that could really limit my choices, but my wife will limit my life if I get too carried away.

Now the question: Which detector fills the bill here?

Thanks everyone!

HH
Jake

 

[mudpuppy]

If its free advice you are looking for....I'd say this! Get to know that F5, even take it wading in a few spots...you should especially try some of the inland swimming holes and beaches near your house...you will find it quite different than a general dirt hunting. Since you live in WI, the water doesn't really get warm enough to wade for a few months now, so you got time to think about this...if you concentrate on paying off that F5 as fast as possible, as you should be able to with clad and inland jewelry, and if I were you, I'd be hitting the snowpiles and areas where they were for the next month or two even...then, in the mid to late summer, after you have done more research and got the F5 paid off, and the wife is really happy with how healthy you have gotten, and the shiny bling you bring home, getting a water/rain dedicated unit that makes a good partner for your F5 is no problem..and you can wade your silly head off in the Fall when the water is warm and nobody is around! You can hunt in the rain with the F5.. just protect it somewhat, and you can wade with it, again, just be a little careful...the best time to hunt the beaches up here is in the Fall anyway...all of last years drops have been slicked up by other hunters...you will see what I mean if you go to one now and try to find something...seriously, theres gold and silver jewelry in those snowpiles right now...think about a few locations and hit them hard.
Mud

 

[stilpony]

n/t

 

[Mike Hillis]

Stilpony, get the 5x10 DD coil for your F5. It has a longer (I believe its 3 feet longer) cable just so you can water hunt. Hang the control box around your neck and wade out there to your hearts content.

Regards rain, I hunt in the rain sometimes. A plastic bag and a rubber band is all it takes to rain proof the control box.

Good luck however you decide to go.

HH
Mike

 

[MIsilverseeker]

Jake, the Garrett AT Pro is waterproof to 10' and is a great land machine, you may want to consider it.