Sunken treasure enthusiasts have been longing for a submersible metal detector that can not only differentiate between various metals, but also could be purchased for under US$1,000.
Two-year-old California manufacturer Deteknix has done just that with their Quest series, but also says that it is doing so with more color, fashion, and ergonomic design and units actually retail under $700.
The display screen varies based on the model chosen and ranges from an incremental LED scale to a full LCD display reminiscent of modern dive computers.
Deteknix’s Maoquan Deng shared that while the components are manufactured in China, all of the assembly and quality control occurs in Los Angeles. Units have audible alerts, but do not require headphones, though they are available. Most importantly, the units allow users to differentiate between metals. By the intensity of the LED display or the incremental digital LCD display, the user knows whether the target is iron, aluminum, or even silver or gold — the more conductive the metal, the higher the reading.
Unique features include the ability to recharge the system by USB port, easy-to-reach volume and sensitivity settings, deep penetration TurboD Coil, and ambidextrous design.
The company offers a variety of accessories including carry bags, diggers, and carrying aids. Beyond the metal-differentiating technology itself, perhaps the most interesting innovation is Deteknix’s XPointer, which is the first pinpointer probe that can be recharged via USB port and has audible and LED alerts that increase in intensity as the user gets closer to the target beneath the sand or mud. Models include the introductory level Quest Diver, the intermediate Quest Gold, and the flagship Quest Pro.
This writer would be very interested in seeing real-time demonstrations in actual underwater environments. Typically, land-based differential technology has not been employed in underwater environments because the mineral content of common seawater tends to create false or even constant false positive readings.
Dr. Branon A. Edwards is a PADI Divemaster and former Scuba Editor for DeeperBlue.com. He is an avid diver, spearfisherman, and sailor who lives aboard a 32-foot sailboat in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
