Quest Scuba Tector models: what each one is
All three Scuba Tector models are pulse induction detectors built to be used underwater. They differ in coil size, body design, depth rating and how far they can be reconfigured. Lineup as of October 2026.
Scuba Tector (original)
The original Scuba Tector is the probe-style model: a one-hand unit rated to 160 ft (50 m), with a 5 x 4 in mono coil, buzzer, vibration and LED alerts, and Micro USB charging behind a sealed battery cap. It works as an underwater pinpointer and as a small-area search tool. Quest's current lineup has moved to the Scuba Tector II, so the original is the simpler, lower-cost way into the family while we stock it.
Scuba Tector II
The Scuba Tector II is the second generation, rated by Quest to 200 ft (60 m). Quest enlarged the search coil to cover more bottom per sweep and sealed the body as one piece with no external cable. It charges through a magnetic connection instead of an open port, runs from a single button, and has a rear thread for the included wrist lanyard or an extension pole. Per Quest, the body has positive buoyancy, and it enters a lost alarm mode after 15 minutes without use. Quest makes it in Passion Orange and Stealth Black.
Scuba Tector Pro
The Scuba Tector Pro is the configurable model, listed at 160 ft (50 m). The search head folds on a 180 degree hinge for the dive bag, an OLED display shows status, and a mode button sets the alarm mode and sensitivity. It has a snorkel mode for water under 10 m and a dive mode for deeper than 10 m. It charges by USB-C under a sealed battery cap. The box includes an anchor ring for handheld underwater use and a rod adaptor for a beach setup, plus spare O-rings, mounting hardware and a mesh carry pouch. Quest offers two search heads for the Pro: a narrow head for tight spaces and the round 8 in (20 cm) STP20 coil for wide scanning. We list the Pro with either head.
Which Scuba Tector fits which hunter
These are our recommendations, based on how each model is built.
- Recovering a known drop, or pinpointing for a larger detector: the original Scuba Tector or the Scuba Tector II is enough. You do not need the Pro for this.
- Searching open bottom on a dive or snorkel: the Scuba Tector II for its larger coil, or the Scuba Tector Pro with the STP20 round coil.
- Splitting time between diving and the beach: the Scuba Tector Pro, because the included rod adaptor lets you run it standing up.
- Diving below 160 ft (50 m): the original Scuba Tector or the Scuba Tector II, which carry the 200 ft (60 m) rating.
- Lowest maintenance: the Scuba Tector II. Quest describes it as maintenance-free, with the coil cover as the only part you replace.
A Scuba Tector is a handheld tool. If you want a full-length detector for wading and wet sand, start in our underwater and waterproof metal detectors or beach metal detectors.
Coils, rod kit and parts: what fits what
- STP20 8 in round search coil: fits the Scuba Tector Pro only. The Pro's electronics module moves into the coil's handle. It does not fit the original Scuba Tector or the Scuba Tector II, which have fixed coils.
- Rod Extension Kit (two-piece shaft, handle and armrest): listed for the Scuba Tector Pro, with either search head.
- Scuba Tector coil cover (orange or black): listed for the original Scuba Tector.
- Scuba Tector O-ring replacement: the battery cap seal for the original Scuba Tector. The Scuba Tector II has no user-serviceable O-ring. Quest says not to remove its rear cover.
Terms worth knowing
- Pulse induction (PI): the detection method all three Scuba Tector models use. Quest markets the Scuba Tector Pro's PI circuit as salt stable.
- Depth rating: the maximum depth the housing is sealed for. It is not how deep the detector senses a target.
- Lost alarm: an alert that helps you find a detector you have set down or dropped.
- Positive buoyancy: the detector tends to rise rather than sink, which is why Quest tells Scuba Tector II owners to attach the safety lanyard.
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