Florida beach detector guide · checked August 28, 2026
Choose the EQUINOX 700 for wet salt sand and shallow water. Choose the VANQUISH 340 for lower-cost Multi-IQ while its control box stays dry, or the SIMPLEX LITE when full waterproofing matters more than multi-frequency.
The quick answer
Choose the EQUINOX 700 for wet salt and shallow water, the VANQUISH 340 for lower-cost Multi-IQ with a dry control box, and the SIMPLEX LITE for budget full waterproofing.
Amazon product image · affiliate linkBest all-round wet-salt pick
Fully submersible Multi-IQ with two Beach profiles for dry sand, wet salt, and shallow surf.
Amazon package: VANQUISH 340 + carry bag · affiliate linkBudget wet-salt pick; box dry
Simple simultaneous multi-frequency use across the dry-to-wet salt transition.
Amazon package shown: the complete VANQUISH 340 plus a padded carry bag.
Amazon product image · affiliate linkBudget submersible compromise
A light, fully submersible detector with a dedicated Beach mode for occasional wet-sand use.
Side by side
Water protection and salt-sand stability are separate columns because one does not guarantee the other.
Swipe sideways to compare every beach fit.
| What matters | MinelabEQUINOX 700 | MinelabVANQUISH 340 | NoktaSIMPLEX LITE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach fit | Multi-IQ; Beach 1 and Beach 2; full detector waterproof | Multi-IQ for wet salt; waterproof coil only | Beach mode; single-frequency system; full detector waterproof |
| Water protection | Full detector: IP68 to 16 ft / 5 m | V10 coil to 3.3 ft / 1 m; keep the control box above water | Full detector: IP68 to 16 ft / 5 m |
| Detection system | Multi-IQ simultaneous multi-frequency | Multi-IQ simultaneous multi-frequency | 15 kHz single frequency |
| Search modes | Park 1/2, Field 1/2, Beach 1/2, All Metal | Coin, Jewelry, All Metal | Field, Park, Beach, All Metal |
| Weight | 2.8 lb / 1.27 kg | 2.6 lb / 1.2 kg with batteries | 2.6 lb / 1.2 kg |
| Included coil | EQX11 11 in round Double-D, waterproof | V10 10 × 7 in Double-D, waterproof | SX24 9.5 × 6 in DD, waterproof |
Manufacturer specifications reviewed August 28, 2026. No fixed price or universal depth claim is shown.
The full shortlist
Each card shows the beach fit, water limit, and main drawback before the Amazon button. The original model pages are listed in Sources near the end.
Best all-round wet-salt pick
Fully submersible Multi-IQ with two Beach profiles for dry sand, wet salt, and shallow surf.
Multi-IQ, two Beach profiles, 119 target segments, full 16-foot waterproofing, and a 2.8-pound build cover fresh water, salt water, and more adjustable target work.
The detector is waterproof, but the included ML85 wireless headphones are not the underwater option. Use compatible wired waterproof audio below the surface.
Product image from AmazonBudget wet-salt pick; box dry
Simple simultaneous multi-frequency use across the dry-to-wet salt transition.
Multi-IQ listens on several frequencies at once, while three search modes keep the first setup simple.
The V10 coil is waterproof; the control box is not. Keep it above water and away from surf spray.
Amazon package shown: the complete VANQUISH 340 plus a padded carry bag.
Product image from AmazonBudget submersible compromise
A light, fully submersible detector with a dedicated Beach mode for occasional wet-sand use.
The full detector is submersible, it weighs 2.6 pounds, and four simple modes cover common first-hunt ground.
The whole detector is waterproof, but Beach mode still uses 15 kHz single frequency. Choose it for the water rating, not for multi-frequency.
Product image from AmazonThree-question decision
The right detector still needs legal ground and a water limit you will respect.
If yes, remove every coil-only option from the shortlist.
If yes, start with the machine’s salt setup—not its dry-sand coin controls.
Check the exact beach manager before you buy for a place you cannot detect.
Buyer FAQ
A salt-capable Beach mode or simultaneous multi-frequency system is the useful starting point. Wet salt sand is conductive and can make a basic setup noisy.
It is the strongest all-round Florida option in this shortlist because Multi-IQ, two Beach profiles, and full-detector waterproofing cover dry sand, wet salt sand, and shallow water. The included wireless headphones must stay above water.
No. Its V10 coil is waterproof to the manufacturer’s stated limit, but the control box must remain dry and out of the surf.
Yes. Nokta rates the complete detector IP68 to 16 feet or 5 meters. Local water and submerged-land rules still decide whether you may use it there.
It depends on the beach and its land manager. A detector may be waterproof while detecting or digging in the water is still restricted. Check the Florida location guide and confirm locally before entering.
Official product and Florida sources
Last source review: August 28, 2026. These manufacturer pages support the beach-fit specifications above; the Florida agencies support the permission warning. Current offers and availability stay on Amazon.