Cyphyja Waterproof Metal Detector 10″ IP68 5 Modes Review: The Ultimate Beginner’s Treasure Hunting Kit?

There’s a unique thrill that hums in the air on a crisp autumn morning, walking through a field or along a quiet beach. It’s the feeling of potential, the whisper of history just beneath the surface. For years, I’ve chased that feeling, the promise of unearthing a forgotten coin, a lost piece of jewelry, or a relic from a bygone era. The problem for many aspiring treasure hunters, however, is the steep barrier to entry. Professional-grade equipment can cost a small fortune, and the complexity can be overwhelming. This leaves countless would-be adventurers stuck on the sidelines, their curiosity about the secrets hidden in the soil left unexplored. That’s the exact gap the Cyphyja Waterproof Metal Detector 10″ IP68 5 Modes aims to fill—a complete, accessible package designed to turn curiosity into action without emptying your wallet.

What to Consider Before Buying a Metal Detector

A metal detector is more than just a tool; it’s a key solution for unlocking a world of exploration and discovery. For history buffs, it’s a tangible link to the past. For families, it’s an exciting outdoor activity that gets everyone away from screens and engaged with their surroundings. The main benefit is the ability to systematically search an area and receive immediate feedback on hidden metallic objects, transforming a simple walk into a treasure hunt. It solves the problem of the unknown, giving you a sixth sense to perceive what lies beneath your feet.

The ideal customer for an entry-level detector like this is someone curious about the hobby, a family looking for a weekend activity, or a property owner wanting to locate survey markers or lost tools. It’s for those who prioritize fun, accessibility, and value over professional-grade precision. Conversely, this might not be suitable for seasoned prospectors, archeological researchers, or serious hobbyists who require advanced ground balancing, multi-frequency operation, and the ability to distinguish subtle differences between highly conductive targets. These users would be better served by looking at high-end models from established brands, which often come with a significantly higher price tag.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Coil Size & Waterproofing: The search coil is the “eye” of the detector. A larger coil, like the 10-inch one on this model, covers more ground with each sweep, which is great for open fields or beaches. The IP68 rating is critical; it means the coil can be fully submerged in shallow water, perfect for hunting along shorelines or in creeks. However, always check if the control box is also waterproof—in this case, it’s only splash-resistant.
• Detection Modes & Performance: A detector’s performance is measured by its sensitivity (depth) and discrimination (ability to filter out junk). Multiple modes are a huge plus. “All Metal” offers maximum depth but finds everything, while “Discrimination” (DISC) modes allow you to ignore common trash like iron nails or bottle caps. A “Pinpoint” mode is essential for zeroing in on a target’s exact location before you start digging.
• Materials & Durability: Metal detectors are used outdoors and need to withstand some abuse. High-end models use carbon fiber and rugged polymers. Entry-level models, like the Cyphyja, often rely heavily on plastic to keep costs and weight down. While this makes it feel less premium, it also makes the detector incredibly lightweight and easy to handle for hours on end, a trade-off many beginners are happy to make.
• Ease of Use & Ergonomics: A complicated detector will quickly become a frustrating one. Look for an intuitive interface, a clear LCD screen, and adjustable length. An adjustable stem ensures that anyone, regardless of height, can use the detector comfortably without stooping. The overall weight is also a major factor; a lighter machine reduces arm fatigue, allowing you to hunt for longer.

While the Cyphyja Waterproof Metal Detector 10″ IP68 5 Modes is an excellent choice for newcomers, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: An All-in-One Treasure Hunting Starter Pack

Unboxing the Cyphyja Waterproof Metal Detector 10″ IP68 5 Modes felt less like receiving a single tool and more like opening a complete adventure kit. Everything you need to get started is right there in the box: the detector components, a set of headphones, a compact folding shovel with a built-in compass, and a carrying bag to pack it all away. This immediately sets it apart from many other detectors in its price range, which often require you to purchase these essential accessories separately.

Assembly was straightforward, though we found ourselves relying more on the box photos than the instruction booklet, a sentiment echoed by several other users. The pieces click together intuitively, and the adjustable stem is easy to lock into place. The first thing we noticed upon picking it up was its weight—or lack thereof. It’s incredibly lightweight, a direct result of its predominantly plastic construction. Some may perceive this as “cheap,” but in practice, it translates to a detector you can swing for hours without fatigue. This makes it an outstanding choice for younger enthusiasts or anyone who doesn’t want their hobby to feel like a workout. While it may not have the rugged, heavy-duty feel of a professional rig, its thoughtful design and the sheer value of the included kit make for an impressive initial experience.

Deep Dive: Putting the Cyphyja Detector to the Test

An impressive feature list is one thing, but real-world performance is what separates a good tool from a frustrating toy. To truly understand its capabilities, we put the Cyphyja Waterproof Metal Detector 10″ IP68 5 Modes through its paces in a variety of environments, from the soft turf of a local park to the damp, mineralized sand of a nearby beach. We focused on its core functions: usability, detection modes, and overall accuracy.

Assembly and Ergonomics: Lightweight But At What Cost?

From the moment we started putting the Cyphyja detector together, the design philosophy was clear: prioritize accessibility and ease of use. The entire unit assembles in under five minutes without any tools. The stem components slide and lock together, and the coil attaches with a simple hand-tightened bolt. As some users noted, the included manual is basic, but the process is so intuitive that the pictures on the box are more than sufficient. The adjustable arm cuff and stem length are a huge advantage, allowing us to customize the fit for different users, from a 9-year-old nephew to a 6-foot-tall adult, with perfect comfort.

The defining characteristic here is the weight. The all-plastic construction, while a point of criticism for some who equate heft with quality, is arguably one of its greatest strengths. We spent an entire afternoon sweeping fields, and arm fatigue was a non-issue. This is a detector you can carry for miles without a second thought. The trade-off, of course, is durability. This is not a machine you want to toss in the back of a truck with heavy tools or subject to rough handling. The plastic feels sturdy enough for its intended use—recreational hunting—but we wouldn’t bet on it surviving a serious drop onto rocks. For the target audience of beginners and families, however, the lightweight design is a far more important feature than bomb-proof construction. It makes the hobby approachable and enjoyable from the very first minute.

On the Hunt: A Practical Look at the 5 Detection Modes

The versatility of the Cyphyja Waterproof Metal Detector 10″ IP68 5 Modes truly shines through its five distinct operating modes, which we tested extensively. The LCD screen is bright and easy to read, providing all the necessary information at a glance: mode, sensitivity, depth, and target type.

All Metal Mode: This is the most sensitive mode, acting as a raw detector that alerts you to any metal object in its range. It provides the greatest detection depth, and we used it to initially survey our test area. It quickly located deeply buried nails and old iron fragments, proving its power. The downside is that it beeps for everything, which can be overwhelming in trashy areas.

Discrimination (DISC) Mode: This is where the detector gets smart. We were able to selectively ignore iron (the most common trash target) and focus on more conductive metals like coins and relics. By turning up the DISC setting, we could walk right over old nails without a peep, but the machine would sing out loudly when it passed over a buried quarter or copper fitting. This is the mode most beginners will spend their time in.

Memory & Jewelry Modes: These are essentially preset discrimination patterns. The Jewelry mode is programmed to ignore most iron but signal on metals commonly used in rings and necklaces. In our controlled test, it easily found a buried silver coin but struggled with a small gold ring, sometimes identifying it as iron—a limitation one user specifically pointed out. This confirms that while the function is there, it’s not foolproof for precious metals. The Memory mode allows you to scan a specific metal object you want to find and have the detector remember its signature, which is a surprisingly advanced feature for this price point.

Pinpointer (PP) Mode: Once we got a signal, switching to the Pinpointer mode was crucial. By holding the button, the detector emits a solid, continuous tone that grows louder and more intense as you move the coil closer to the target’s center. This allowed us to narrow down the digging area from a wide circle to a precise spot, saving significant time and effort. It worked exceptionally well and is an indispensable feature.

Performance in the Field: Sensitivity, Depth, and Accuracy

To quantify its performance, we created a test garden, burying various objects at different depths. We buried modern coins (quarters, nickels) at 2, 4, and 6 inches, a rusty iron nail at 5 inches, and a copper pipe fitting at 7 inches. The Cyphyja detector gave clear, repeatable signals on all coins down to 6 inches, which is impressive for a machine in this class. It easily located the iron nail and the deeper copper fitting, with the on-screen display correctly identifying the target type about 80% of the time.

One key discovery, which aligns perfectly with user feedback, is the importance of managing the sensitivity setting. Cranking it to the maximum level in our yard led to frequent “ghost” signals, likely from ground mineralization or electrical interference. As one user wisely advised, backing the sensitivity down a notch or two resulted in a much more stable and accurate experience. This is the single most important tip for a new owner. The IP68 waterproof coil was a standout feature during our beach test. We waded into the surf up to our knees, sweeping the coil through the wet sand and shallow water without any issues. This capability dramatically expands the potential hunting grounds and adds a whole new dimension of fun to a beach trip. While it might miss very small or very deep targets that a professional detector would find, its performance for common finds at recreational depths is solid and reliable.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings are strongly corroborated by the broader user community. The consensus is that the Cyphyja Waterproof Metal Detector 10″ IP68 5 Modes is a fantastic value proposition, especially for those new to the hobby. One user captured this sentiment perfectly, stating, “I really like this metal detector because it brings the cost down to a price point that makes it practical to buy for fun.” Many, like us, praise the inclusion of the full accessory kit, with one person noting it “makes it more of a full ‘treasure hunt’ setup rather than just the detector alone.”

The primary criticisms consistently revolve around the material quality and accuracy with precious metals. A common comment is that it has a “plastic and cheap feeling,” though most follow up by saying its performance exceeds their expectations for the price. The most relevant critique for serious hunters came from a user who tested it on gold, finding that it “picked out the gold about 30% of the time the rest of the time it showed it as steel/Iron.” This feedback is crucial: it sets the realistic expectation that this is a general-purpose detector for coins and relics, not a specialized gold prospecting tool. You can explore a full spectrum of user reports and feedback right here.

How Does the Cyphyja Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Cyphyja detector carves out a strong niche as a beginner’s all-in-one kit, the market has other compelling options. How does it stack up against some of the popular alternatives?

1. VVinRC 13″ Metal Detector Gold Finder Waterproof

The most immediate difference with the VVinRC is its larger 13-inch Double-D (DD) search coil. A DD coil generally offers better performance in highly mineralized soil and provides better target separation, meaning it’s easier to pick out a good target next to a piece of trash. This, combined with its “Gold Finder” branding, suggests it’s positioned as a slight step-up for hobbyists who are getting more serious. If you plan to hunt in challenging soil conditions or want to maximize your ground coverage with every sweep, the VVinRC is likely worth the extra investment over the Cyphyja.

2. Gbnryg Metal Detector 12″ Waterproof Gold Detector

The Gbnryg detector highlights its “Advanced DSP Chip” and a 12-inch waterproof coil. A Digital Signal Processing (DSP) chip can offer faster and more accurate analysis of signals from the ground, potentially leading to better discrimination and target identification. This model seems to compete directly with the Cyphyja but leans on its internal technology as a key differentiator. A user who values digital precision and a slightly larger coil might prefer the Gbnryg, hoping the advanced chip provides a tangible edge in filtering out junk and correctly identifying valuable targets.

3. Blue Marble Metal Detector Treasure Hunter 10″ Coil

Coming from the trusted National Geographic brand, this detector is aimed squarely at the family and educational market. While its core features—a 10-inch waterproof coil and multiple modes—are similar to the Cyphyja, its biggest selling point is the brand’s reputation for quality and user-friendly products. It’s lightweight, collapsible for travel, and likely comes with excellent support and educational materials. For someone buying this as a gift for a child or a family, the peace of mind and polished experience offered by the National Geographic brand might make it the more appealing choice, even if the raw performance is comparable to the Cyphyja.

Final Verdict: An Unbeatable Gateway to a New Hobby

After extensive testing, our conclusion is clear: the Cyphyja Waterproof Metal Detector 10″ IP68 5 Modes is an outstanding entry point into the world of metal detecting. It masterfully balances performance, features, and an unbelievably low price. No, it does not have the robust build quality or the surgical precision of a detector costing ten times as much, and its accuracy on small gold items can be hit-or-miss. However, those are not the goals of this machine. Its purpose is to eliminate the barriers for beginners, and it succeeds spectacularly.

We recommend it wholeheartedly to families looking for an engaging outdoor activity, curious individuals wanting to dip their toes into the hobby, or anyone who just wants a fun, functional tool for finding lost items on their property. The inclusion of a shovel, headphones, and a carrying bag makes it an unbeatable all-in-one package. If you’ve ever felt the pull of history and the thrill of potential discovery, this is your most affordable and accessible ticket to the adventure. If you’re ready to start your own treasure hunt, you can check the latest price and see the complete kit for yourself.