What is the absolute best metal detector for metal detecting in freshwater? (lakes, creeks, and rivers)

[RandyMarsh]

I am looking for a metal detector that works well specifically in a river or creek, that can discriminate trash from the goodies, and does not false in highly mineralized soil. (Price does not matter)
I have been looking at the Tesoro Tiger Shark for awhile now, though theoretically, should the newer models such as the Minelab Manticore outperform it in freshwater with its newer features? Please answer these questions for me who have both used the Minelab Manticore and the Tesoro Tiger Shark in rivers/creeks. Tell me which performs better in freshwater in your opinion or if there is an even better option between the two I should know about.

 

[tvr]

Tiger Shark has no support now as the factory has been closed for years. I have used one (actually still have one sitting in the closet) and it is not as deep detecting as either my Fisher CZs or Minelab Excaliburs in fresh water. I have not used a Manticore. From what I've read, the Manticore will do a very good job detecting once you learn it. The Tiger Shark has a unique sound on targets ... sounds very much like a duck quacking. It would make me laugh when I used it and was kind of endearing, yet I would still go out mostly with the deeper CZ or Excalibur, just because they were deeper detecting. These days I am mostly detecting salt water beaches.

 

[OldBeechnut]

Not used the Tesoro and really don't have to ....to give you the best option. Manticore is the best. Light Years ahead of the Tiger Shark.
And the Big plus is Minelabs is still in business, Tesoro went out about 10 years ago so getting a repair would be a challenge. And one thing about water machines
there is a much high chance of issues. If your going for the best get the 9 inch coil for the Manticore, perfect for what your needs will be in a stream.

 

[RandyMarsh]

Tiger Shark has no support now as the factory has been closed for years. I have used one (actually still have one sitting in the closet) and it is not as deep detecting as either my Fisher CZs or Minelab Excaliburs in fresh water. I have not used a Manticore. From what I've read, the Manticore will do a very good job detecting once you learn it. The Tiger Shark has a unique sound on targets ... sounds very much like a duck quacking. It would make me laugh when I used it and was kind of endearing, yet I would still go out mostly with the deeper CZ or Excalibur, just because they were deeper detecting. These days I am mostly detecting salt water beaches.

Interesting, I did not know Tesoro was out of business for that long, thanks for the heads up. Also, from what you said you believe the Excalibur and CZ are better than the tiger shark in freshwater hunting. So, I gotta ask, which performs better in both salt and freshwater. The Excalibur or Fisher CZ? Is it specifically the CZ21 and Excalibur II you have?

Also which one is more sensitive to specifically small gold. (I will be mainly scuba diving looking for silver coins and gold nuggets in only freshwater) But if the CZ is better in freshwater then it will also be nice to get a bonus of having a good saltwater machine in one.



Sorry for all the questions

 

[RandyMarsh]

Not used the Tesoro and really don't have to ....to give you the best option. Manticore is the best. Light Years ahead of the Tiger Shark.
And the Big plus is Minelabs is still in business, Tesoro went out about 10 years ago so getting a repair would be a challenge. And one thing about water machines
there is a much high chance of issues. If your going for the best get the 9 inch coil for the Manticore, perfect for what your needs will be in a stream.

I am planning on scuba diving 60ft looking for mainly small gold and silver coins. Should I try waterproofing the Manticore by modding the housing? Or would it be better to just buy the Minelab Excalibur or Fisher CZ. I been looking at the CZ for awhile and heard it even surpasses the Excalibur. Though that's just what I heard from other forums.

 

[jmaclen]

I am planning on scuba diving 60ft looking for mainly small gold and silver coins. Should I try waterproofing the Manticore by modding the housing? Or would it be better to just buy the Minelab Excalibur or Fisher CZ. I been looking at the CZ for awhile and heard it even surpasses the Excalibur. Though that's just what I heard from other forums.

CZ and Excal can handle 60 ft depth. Manticore is 16 ft max depth. XP Deus 2 can handle 60ft max depth and can do submerged small gold nugget prospecting, micro jewelry and silver coin detecting

 

[tvr]

Interesting, I did not know Tesoro was out of business for that long, thanks for the heads up. Also, from what you said you believe the Excalibur and CZ are better than the tiger shark in freshwater hunting. So, I gotta ask, which performs better in both salt and freshwater. The Excalibur or Fisher CZ? Is it specifically the CZ21 and Excalibur II you have?

Also which one is more sensitive to specifically small gold. (I will be mainly scuba diving looking for silver coins and gold nuggets in only freshwater) But if the CZ is better in freshwater then it will also be nice to get a bonus of having a good saltwater machine in one.



Sorry for all the questions

Neither the CZ or Excalibur are very sensitive to very small gold. Running in discrimination mode, both will identify some pieces of small gold as low tone (CZ speak for iron) or null (Excal speak for iron). Both are good in saltwater. The lowest discrimination setting on the Excal identifies slightly less tiny gold as iron than the CZ does.
As noted by jmaclen, both CZ and Excal are rated to more than 60 feet deep in the water for diving while few other detectors can dive that deep.

 

[jmaclen]

As others have said CZ and Excal are not known for their micro target abilities or for small gold prospecting. Being great in saltwater often means not so great on small targets by default on deeper dive capable detectors.

XP Deus 2 is excellent for diving to 66 feet and is a very versatile detector in water and on land. If you get one buy the accessory water/dive shaft.

 

[OldBeechnut]

As others have said CZ and Excal are not known for their micro target abilities or for small gold prospecting. Being great in saltwater often means not so great on small targets by default on deeper dive capable detectors.

XP Deus 2 is excellent for diving to 66 feet and is a very versatile detector in water and on land. If you get one buy the accessory water/dive shaft.

One thing I always liked about the D2 was the warranty.. 5 years.. and sometime ago I seen you could buy the 10 year warranty?

If I were a diver or someone who hunted in adversed conditions that would be a Big Plus.

I love the Excalibur but a 1 year warranty is down right robbery. And I think the Manticore is 3 years?

 

[vito]

As others have said CZ and Excal are not known for their micro target abilities or for small gold prospecting. Being great in saltwater often means not so great on small targets by default on deeper dive capable detectors.

XP Deus 2 is excellent for diving to 66 feet and is a very versatile detector in water and on land. If you get one buy the accessory water/dive shaft.

Jeff, the CZ's are.