Fisher 1280X Submersible Metal Detector with 8" Waterproof Coil

The Fisher 1280X is fully submersible to 250 feet, with the entire unit (control box, shaft, coil, and permanently attached headphones) rated for underwater use. The epoxy-filled coil construction and waterproof housing withstand saltwater pressure and corrosion, making it suitable for scuba diving, surf wading, and deep freshwater searches. The automatic ground balancing system adjusts continuously as you transition from dry sand to full submersion without manual recalibration.

The 1280X operates at a single 2.4 kHz frequency, which is lower than most coin detectors. This low frequency provides excellent sensitivity to larger coins, jewelry, and relics while minimizing conductivity noise from saltwater. In turbulent surf conditions, lowering the sensitivity and increasing discrimination to foil level further stabilizes the detector. The trade-off is reduced sensitivity to very small gold nuggets compared to higher-frequency prospecting machines.

No, the coils are not user-interchangeable. Each 1280X is factory-calibrated to a specific 8-inch or 10.5-inch concentric coil at the time of manufacture. If you want to change coil sizes, Fisher offers a retrofitting service where the unit is returned to the factory for coil replacement and recalibration. This fixed-coil design ensures waterproof integrity and eliminates connector leak points that plague multi-coil submersible detectors.

The 1280X runs for 60 to 80 hours on a fresh set of eight AA alkaline batteries, which are recommended for best performance. Battery life depends on sensitivity settings, with higher sensitivity draining faster, and whether you run the detector in all-metal or discrimination mode. The long battery life supports multi-day dive trips or extended beach hunts without mid-session battery swaps. The eight-battery configuration provides reliable power for underwater detecting where battery access is limited. For step-up performance with dual-frequency operation, browse our VLF metal detector collection.

The 1280X does not have a dedicated pinpoint button. Instead, it uses slow-motion detection circuitry for target localization. You narrow your sweep pattern and slow your coil movement to zero in on the target's exact position. This method works well underwater where visibility is limited and you rely on audio response to guide your hand. The lack of a pinpoint button simplifies the control layout and reduces the number of sealed switches that could fail under pressure.

The 1280X features adjustable discrimination with a dial ranging from 0 (all-metal, no filtering) to 10 (maximum trash rejection). At lower settings, all metals are detected. As you increase the dial, common trash items like foil, pull tabs, and small iron nails are filtered out. Increasing discrimination can result in slight depth loss on smaller gold targets, so you balance trash rejection against sensitivity based on site conditions. The detector does not have visual target ID or numeric readouts, only audio tone and an analog meter.

The 1280X's turn-on-and-go operation makes it accessible to beginners, but its primary use case (underwater detecting at depth) assumes you already have scuba or freediving skills. On land or in shallow water, the automatic ground balancing and simple two- xxxx control layout (power/volume and discrimination) are beginner-friendly. If you're new to metal detecting and want to start on dry land before progressing to water hunts, check out our beginner's guide for setup tips and site selection advice.

The CZ-21 operates at dual frequencies (5 and 15 kHz) with three-tone audio target ID and manual ground balance, offering more advanced discrimination and deeper reach on smaller targets in mineralized soil. The 1280X runs at a single 2.4 kHz frequency with automatic ground balancing and a fixed 400 Hz audio tone, making it simpler to operate but with less target classification detail. Both are submersible to 250 feet and use eight AA batteries. The CZ-21 suits hunters who want finer control and multi-tone feedback, while the 1280X offers straightforward operation for divers prioritizing simplicity and reliability. Compare pricing and features across our mid-range detector lineup.