Underwater detector guide · checked August 28, 2026
Choose the SIMPLEX LITE for a simple fresh-water start. Choose THE LEGEND 2 for regular wet salt and two coil sizes, or the EQUINOX 700 when you want two Beach profiles. All three full detectors are rated to 16 ft / 5 m.
The quick answer
Choose the SIMPLEX LITE for a simple fresh-water start, THE LEGEND 2 for regular wet salt and two coil sizes, and the EQUINOX 700 when you want two Beach profiles.
Amazon product image · affiliate linkSimple fresh-water start
A light, simple detector that can enter the water as one complete unit.
Amazon package: two-coil kit + DetectoBag · affiliate linkMore adjustable regular-saltwater setup
Full waterproofing, simultaneous multi-frequency, five modes, and two included coil sizes.
Amazon package shown: THE LEGEND 2 factory two-coil kit plus a retailer-added DetectoBag.
Amazon product image · affiliate linkTwo-profile beach setup
Multi-IQ with two Beach profiles for frequent fresh- and saltwater hunts.
Side-by-side
“IP68” is useful only when the stated depth applies to the complete machine. This table keeps audio and saltwater behavior visible too.
Swipe sideways to compare every water limit and audio option.
| What matters | NoktaSIMPLEX LITE | NoktaTHE LEGEND 2 | MinelabEQUINOX 700 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water job | Simple fresh-water start | More adjustable regular-saltwater setup | Two-profile beach setup |
| Complete detector | Full detector: IP68 to 16 ft / 5 m | Full detector: IP68 to 16 ft / 5 m | Full detector: IP68 to 16 ft / 5 m |
| Saltwater setup | Beach mode; single-frequency system | Simultaneous multi-frequency with Beach mode | Multi-IQ with two Beach profiles |
| Detection system | 15 kHz single frequency | Simultaneous multi-frequency plus 4, 10, 15, 20, and 40 kHz | Multi-IQ simultaneous multi-frequency |
| Weight | 2.6 lb / 1.2 kg | 2.6 lb / 1.2 kg with coil | 2.8 lb / 1.27 kg |
| Included coil | SX24 9.5 × 6 in DD, waterproof | LD28 11 in DD and LD21 8 × 5.5 in DD, both waterproof | EQX11 11 in round Double-D, waterproof |
| Standard audio | Vibration alert; confirm compatible wired waterproof audio for submerged use | Bluetooth headphones are included; confirm separate underwater audio before submerging | ML85 wireless headphones only while the control box and headphones stay above water |
Official model specifications reviewed August 28, 2026. Prices and stock stay on the shop page.
Read the water line
A waterproof search coil cannot protect a dry-only control box. The three picks below keep the full detector inside one stated limit.
The full shortlist
Compare the water limit and salt fit first. Then check the coil, audio and main drawback before looking at today’s price.
Simple fresh-water start
A light, simple detector that can enter the water as one complete unit.
The full detector is submersible, it weighs 2.6 pounds, and four simple modes cover common first-hunt ground.
Its Beach mode uses 15 kHz single frequency. Choose THE LEGEND 2 instead if simultaneous multi-frequency is important for regular wet salt sand.
Product image from AmazonMore adjustable regular-saltwater setup
Full waterproofing, simultaneous multi-frequency, five modes, and two included coil sizes.
It combines full 16-foot waterproofing, simultaneous multi-frequency, five search modes, and two included waterproof coils.
Bluetooth headphones are included, but only the detector has the stated 16-foot water rating. Confirm an underwater audio option before submerging.
Amazon package shown: THE LEGEND 2 factory two-coil kit plus a retailer-added DetectoBag.
Product image from AmazonTwo-profile beach setup
Multi-IQ with two Beach profiles for frequent fresh- and saltwater hunts.
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 included ML85 wireless headphones are not the underwater option. Minelab requires its wired waterproof EQUINOX headphones for submerged detecting.
Product image from AmazonGround still matters
Before entering, check mud, rocks, weeds, visibility, current, and the lakebed owner.
Learn the first underwater huntSalt is conductive. Start in Beach mode, reduce false signals one setting at a time, and treat surf, tides, and rip currents as separate safety checks.
Set up for wet salt groundFive-minute decision
Buy for the water you can legally and safely enter—not for the deepest number on the page.
Read the control box limit, not only the coil label.
For regular wet salt, compare Beach modes and simultaneous multi-frequency.
Choose wired waterproof headphones or a useful vibration alert.
Practice in calm, shallow water before moving closer to current or surf.
Detector use, recovery tools, water, and the ground under the water can have separate answers.
Buyer FAQ
The Nokta SIMPLEX LITE is a simple starting point here. Choose THE LEGEND 2 if wet salt sand will be regular ground and you want simultaneous multi-frequency.
No. A detector may have only a waterproof coil. Every pick on this page has a complete control unit officially rated IP68 to 16 feet or 5 meters.
Yes, but waterproofing and salt stability are different. Wet salty sand can create extra signals. Simultaneous multi-frequency and a proper Beach mode can help with those conductive salt signals.
The manufacturers rate all three complete detectors to 16 feet or 5 meters. That is an equipment limit, not a safe target depth. Stay within your swimming, snorkeling, or diving training and local conditions.
Normal Bluetooth or low-latency wireless signals do not travel usefully through water. Use the manufacturer’s compatible wired waterproof headphones, or vibration when the detector supports it.
Not for every hunt, but it can help inside a scoop or dark hole. If it may enter the water, its own full-device waterproof rating must match the job.
Official product sources
Last source review: August 28, 2026. These manufacturer model pages and manuals support the water, salt, audio, and package specifications above. Current offers and availability stay on Amazon.