How Important Is A Waterproof Metal Detector To You?
The buzz word in the detector world these days seems to be “waterproof”. Not water-resistant or showerproof but fully submersible waterproof. And one or two manufacturers have been making great use of this “waterproof” feature in their advertising and promotion. Often pointing out the lack of waterproofing in their competitor’s products. But Just how important is a fully waterproof detector? Is it really the must-have feature we keep being told it is?
If like me, you have been detecting for a good few years you will remember those machines from the past, all of which worked really well and were decidedly NOT waterproof. A control box cover was as good as it got…or a plastic bag and elastic band. That would keep off a light shower but not much else. I have no intention of detecting in the rain anyway so perhaps it is all a moot point.
So, ok you actually don’t need a fully waterproof detector in an average use situation. Why then all the hype surrounding its inclusion on certain machines?
I keep hearing that, being fully submersible means you can detect underwater. Well, that would indeed be a great feature. Only all the people I know who have purchased one of these new fully waterproof machines have absolutely no intention of going anywhere near water let alone under it!
That being the case a non-waterproof machine with a control box cover is just as useful as a machine that is fully waterproof. In other words, perhaps it is a bit of a marketing red herring. They get you to think you need something that really you don’t.
Which brings me nicely to the Minelab Vanquish. Those who intend to buy one of these new machines are doing so because of the rather wonderful ‘Multi-IQ’ detection technology inside it. I have a fair bit of experience with ‘Multi-IQ’ and I can tell you it is no marketing gimmick. It works superbly and does exactly what Minelab claim it does.
The Minelab Vanquish is not waterproof, not even showerproof unless you put the supplied control box cover on it. And you know what, that is just fine.
However certain other manufacturers know they are up against it with the Vanquish. It’s ‘Multi-IQ’ simultaneous multi-frequency detection tech dwarfs everything else out there and especially landing at this price point. The Vanquish starts at just £229 here in the UK.
So what do you do if you have recently released a machine that has been selling really well but you know is going to stall once the Vanquish hits the shelves? You bring up the waterproof card. Yes folks, completely forget about the “detecting bit” let’s just concentrate on the superfluous things that we have convinced people are deal-breakers.
It is very simple. IF you really do intend to detect underwater then, of course, it makes perfect sense to purchase a fully waterproof machine. And the fact that you can do that for under £300 these days is a wonderful thing.
If on the other hand, you are not going to be entering our rather chilly waters then why sacrifice superb detecting ability for a feature that has nothing at all to do with how you will be using your machine?
Vanquish 340 – £229.00 Check Minelab Vanquish 340 Prices Here
Vanquish 440 – £299.00 Check Minelab Vanquish 440 Prices Here
Vanquish 540 – £399.00 Check Minelab Vanquish 540 Prices Here
Vanquish 540 Pro Pack – £499.00 Check Minelab Vanquish 540 Pro-Pack Prices Here
Check out the Vanquish range at https://crawfordsmd.com
Would love to know what you think. Why not head over to the Minelab Vanquish UK Users Group and share your thoughts.
The vast majority of detectorists are unlikely to go diving with their detector, but many will be found detecting on beaches. Accidents happen and things get wet. The detector slips off the spade it’s been resting on and takes a dunk in a rockpool, or a stray wave submerged the control box while you’re busy digging up a bottle top. Much more likely scenarios than going scuba diving, but potentially as damaging to a non-waterproof machine. A raincover might protect it in these situations. Maybe…
Some of us also detect in all sorts of weather (particularly here in Scotland) a few hours detecting in driving rain can normally see you and your machine looking like you’ve just emerged from the depths. Again, a rain cover might protect. Maybe…
While waterproof machines might not seem essential, it’s interesting that almost every machine these days is being designed in such a way. The simplex, quests, even the big brother of the vanquish (the equinox). So why not the vanquish? To keep the costs low to meet the entry level price point. Multi IQ technology costs more than single frequency, so costs had to be cut somewhere, and in the case of the vanquish that’s been in the lack of waterproofing and out-of-the-box recharging (in the 340 and 440 models, directly competing with the quest q30 and Nokta Makro Simplex price points)
So, while we don’t ‘need’ waterproof machines, it’s a nice feature to have, and good peace of mind that your detector will be just fine in any situation. Similarly, we don’t ‘need’ multi IQ in entry-level machines, but it’s a good feature to have. If we want all of the features, we pay a lot more.
If you are searching anywhere near water and you think you are likely to drop your machine in the drink then, sure, buy a fully waterproof machine. There is more choice now too. Garrett has the Ace Apex, not fully submersible but it will stand up to a quick dip in a rockpool and a soaking in heavy downpour. The Nox 600 which you can get used for around £400-£450 or you can stick with a single frequency machine such as the Quest Q30 or Nokta Makro Simplex+. For single frequency go with the Q30/Q30+ as it’s wet sand mode works really well and makes it a better “beach machine” than the SImplex and it is great inland too.
Most people still don’t “need” a fully waterproof machine. Likewise “most” people don’t ever detect in the rain or go anywhere near a river or the sea. In which case a Vanquish is the best option for the majority. In terms of sheer detecting power it leaves the Simplex and Quest standing. And “detecting” is really what this game is all about.
You don’t need that is you are detecting at Sahara dessert.
And why would you be detecting in the Sahara desert?