Fisher 1280X Submersible Metal Detector with 8" Waterproof Coil

The Fisher 1280X, also known as the Aquanaut, is a fully submersible VLF metal detector waterproof to 250 feet, built for underwater coin shooting, relic hunting, and diving. It runs at a low 2.4 kHz with automatic ground balance and adjustable discrimination, so it stays simple and stable while you move from dry sand to wet sand to full submersion. With permanently sealed dive headphones, an 8-inch concentric coil, and a light fiberglass-reinforced shaft, it is one of the best-value underwater and waterproof metal detectors for freshwater, general beach, and diving hunts.

What's included

• Fisher 1280X detector with 8-inch concentric waterproof search coil
• Permanently attached submersible headphones
• Two-year Fisher manufacturer warranty

Why hunters choose the 1280X

• Turn on and go. Automatic ground balance handles soil transitions from dry sand to full submersion with no manual tuning, so you spend time hunting, not calibrating.
• Waterproof to 250 feet. The entire unit, control box, shaft, coil, and headphones, is sealed for full submersion, which puts real diving within reach at this price.
• Adjustable discrimination. Dial from 0 for all-metal to 10 for foil reject to filter trash without giving up depth on rings and coins.
• Sealed dive headphones. The headphones are factory-sealed into the housing, removing the connector that is the most common leak point on submersible detectors.
• Light and simple. At 5.4 lbs with headphones and 60 to 80 hours on AA batteries, it is easy to carry and easy to run all day.

Where the 1280X performs best

Freshwater lakes, rivers, and creeks

This is the 1280X's sweet spot. Automatic ground balance handles mineralized gravel and clay without input, and the silent-below-threshold audio makes faint signals stand out over submerged creek beds and old swim areas. Battery life of 60 to 80 hours on AA cells supports multi-day trips.

General beach and shallow surf

The low 2.4 kHz frequency and adjustable discrimination give stable target response on coins and jewelry in wet sand and light surf. In heavy wet salt, lower the sensitivity and raise the discrimination toward foil level to keep it quiet. The 8-inch concentric coil balances depth and separation in trashy beach zones.

Scuba diving and deep recovery

Full submersion to 250 feet and epoxy-filled coil construction make the 1280X one of the few detectors built for real dive work at an entry price. Slow-motion detection circuitry lets you narrow your sweep to pinpoint targets in low visibility without a dedicated pinpoint button.

Fisher 1280X vs CZ-21

Both are submersible Fisher machines to 250 feet. The difference comes down to how hard your saltwater is.

Feature	1280X (this page)	CZ-21
Operating frequency	2.4 kHz single	5 and 15 kHz dual
Ground balance	Automatic	Manual
Audio target ID	Fixed 400 Hz tone	3-tone target ID
Coil included	8" concentric	10.5" concentric
Waterproof rating	250 ft	250 ft
Best for	Freshwater, general beach, diving, value	Serious saltwater and dive hunting
Price	$469	$1,549 and up

Short version: the 1280X is the affordable, simple submersible for freshwater and general use. If you hunt heavy saltwater surf and want dual-frequency stability and tone ID, step up to the Fisher CZ-21.

Specifications

• Operating Frequency: 2.4 kHz
• Coil: 8" concentric waterproof
• Waterproof Rating: Submersible to 250 ft
• Weight: 5.4 lbs (2.4 kg) with headphones
• Battery: 8 x AA alkaline, 60 to 80 hours
• Discrimination: Adjustable (0 to 10)
• Ground Balance: Automatic self-adjusting
• Audio: 400 Hz unipolar, fixed tone
• Display: Analog meter
• Country of Manufacture: USA (Texas)
• Warranty: Two years

Why buy from Serious Detecting

As an authorized Fisher dealer, every 1280X ships with an authentic serial number and the full two-year Fisher warranty backed by Fisher's US support. Our team has logged hundreds of hours testing Fisher metal detectors in freshwater, black sand, and Gulf Coast wet salt, so we can help you set discrimination and sensitivity for your sites, or point you to the right beach metal detector if your ground calls for it. Free shipping, 30-day returns, and a price-match guarantee.