Fisher CZ-21 Information & Details:
– Three modes (autotune, target ID, pinpoint)
– Four knobs (Discrimination, Sensitivity, Volume, Ground)
– Three tone I.D. system (low, mid, high tones)
– Multi Frequency VLF technology
– Waterproof (200 feet)
– Pinpoint button
– Requires 4 9 volt batteries (alkaline or rechargeable)
– Available in 8 or 10 inch coil
– Total weight: 6.1 pounds /w headset
– 2 year warranty
Fisher CZ21 Review & Guide
The Fisher CZ 21 is a very popular water machine. It is durable and is known for finding the smallest of gold targets that many machines aren’t capable of. Here are the controls of the Fisher CZ21 to give you a feel of what the detector is like and its functions. It is controlled through four knobs and a push-button (pinpoint). Starting with the VOLUME knob, this is what turns the unit on and if turned past “5”, activates the audio boost feature which amplifies weaker signals from deeper targets while holding the response to larger targets constant. This is valuable in digging up those real deep faint targets. The DISC knob has seven separate settings which control the level of discrimination as well as the operating mode. Settings of “0” to “6” is the silent search motion discriminate mode with the amount of discrimination determined by the value selected. This is the most popular mode. Turning the knob to “autotune” will put the detector in all-metal mode. This provides no discrimination but is said to give slightly increased depth. The SENSITIVITY knob has two functions. Turning the knob completely counterclockwise will check the battery strength by listening to the audio signal. As with most metal detectors, the higher the sensitivity setting the more sensitive the detector becomes. Remember, that if it starts to operate erratically (false), dial back on the sensitivity until the detector is stable. Finally, there is the GROUND knob which is used to make adjustments according to the mineralization in the ground. The CZ-21 has the common three tone audio target ID system. This allows the user to identify targets based on the resulting sound. Iron will produce a low tone, pull tabs, foils, and most gold rings will produce a medium tone, and silver rings/necklaces, larger gold and most coins will give off a high tone.
Fisher CZ21 Settings:
Sensitivity: 5 (As high as possible without chatter and falsing)
Ground: 5
Discrimination: Zero (I am a believer in no discrimination other than iron)
Where to hunt with the Fisher CZ-21?
Popular trashy beaches are going to be where this detector thrives. The ability to discriminate is helpful. Hunt the low tides, get in the water, and if you don’t want to get wet, detect in the dry sand. All are perfect for the Fisher CZ21. However, this is a water machine, with people saying it is “built like a tank”, because it is rated for diving. Try to get out into the water as much as you are comfortable. Grab a good quality water hunting scoop because this will uncover the really deep targets. Check out more beach metal detecting tips here!
Fisher CZ 21 vs. Minelab Excalibur II:
The Fisher CZ 21 is often compared to the Minelab Excalibur II so I wanted to point out some of the key differences between these two amazing underwater metal detectors.
Technology: This is probably the biggest difference between the two. The Fisher CZ21 uses dual frequency (5 & 15 kHz) whereas the Minelab Excalibur II uses BBS (broad band spectrum) multiple frequency technology (17 frequencies total). Why is this important? The Excalibur is going to have better discrimination and hit on smaller targets. However, some say the Fisher CZ21 gets slightly better depth on the beaches and has a faster signal recovery so you have to decide what is more important to you.
Coil:The Fisher CZ21 uses a concentric coil whereas the Excalibur uses a Double D design. Thus, you will be able to cover more area with the Minelab Excalibur even though they have the same size coil. Pinpointing with the Fisher CZ21 is going to be easier due to its coil design.
Ground Balance: The Fisher CZ21 has manual ground balance while the Excalibur has auto. This is about your preference. Whenever something is auto you are relying on the machine to figure out what the best setting is. With manual configuration you are making that determination.
Build Quality: Both are built like tanks but when it comes down to overall toughness and service if there are any problems the Fisher CZ21 has a better record. Again, it is not by a large margin, my Excalibur has never had any problems but I have read when the Excalibur has an issue it is usually going to be expensive. The Fisher CZ21 is built more sturdy and is less prone to breaking over time.
Battery Life: The Fisher CZ21 uses 4 9 volt batteries for an average run time of 50 hours. The Minelab Excalibur uses a NiMH rechargeable battery pack with a run time of 10-15 hours.
Price: Fisher CZ21 is about $400 less than the Minelab Excalibur. If you are on a tight budget the Fisher CZ21 is a clear winner.
Final Thoughts: At the end of the day you are making a determination between two proven underwater metal detectors. If you have owned any other Fisher metal detectors it might make sense to stay in the same family so to speak. Also, where are you going to use this detector, specifically what type of beaches. Where I hunt, it is iron infested and that is why I choose a detector with great discrimination.
Fisher CZ 21 Beach Metal Detecting Accessories:
No metal detector is complete without having important accessories to help make your detecting easier. Check out the accessories below for the Fisher CZ-21.
Fisher CZ 21 Rechargeable Batteries
Fisher CZ 21 Carrying Bag
Wet Sand Metal Detecting Scoops:
Where to buy your Fisher CZ21?
Need a final push to help you decide if you are on the fence in purchasing this detector? Buy the Fisher CZ21 if you plan to work more trashy/iron infested beaches because of the multi frequency VLF technology. The ability for the detector to give you an idea of what is underground (three tone system) before you dig it is a huge factor to keep in mind. You can also hunt the dry sand with ease because of its great discrimination capabilities, something that will be more difficult for a PI machine which lacks discrimination. You can compare this metal detector to the Minelab Excalibur II as they have similar functionality but the CZ21 comes with a lower price tag. Ready to start the hobby that provides some exercise, allows you to enjoy the outdoors, and can pay for itself? Well the first thing you need is a detector of course. Why is the Fisher CZ21 so dang expensive? Well the VLF technology doesn’t come cheap. Also, these have to be made tough (waterproof to 250 feet). But where can you get one for the best price? The prices of detectors fluctuate slightly due to sales and if you want the best price why not buy from the websites that have consistently low prices. You might as well buy from a place you are familiar with also right? To the right is the best price on Amazon. Below are current Ebay auctions that include both new and used metal detectors. If you found the information useful and choose to buy from either of these sites, good luck in the water!
