Coil size

[buster76]

Hi

Went to a metal detecting shop today to have a look at some machines.

I thought the larger the coil the better and the more you would detect however the person at the shop said the smaller the coil the better.

Totally confused now, can anyone give any advice please.

John

[Buriedbytime&dust]

In general, smaller = better separation, larger = increased depth, but there are a lot of variables that need to be considered.

a big coil on a heavily iron infested site will be a nightmare and won't be able to achieve any depth either. That's when you want the small one to pick out the non-ferrous signals. Small coils are also good for getting in amongst stubble.

On clean ground, ground coverage with a bigger coil is a great asset.

In short, horses for courses

[dig-dog]

Small and large coils have different advantages.
Smaller coils for better separation of targets, larger coils for better coverage and depth.
So it depends on the ground you’re searching. Best to have one of each

[buster76]

Thanks for your replies.

I have a permission that is pasture, also access by local public / dog walkers etc, its fairly clear, low grass with a few hedges.

What size coil would you recommend for a total beginner, the two machines i looked at had widely varying coil sizes

John

[Buriedbytime&dust]

Thanks for your replies.

I have a permission that is pasture, also access by local public / dog walkers etc, its fairly clear, low grass with a few hedges.

What size coil would you recommend for a total beginner, the two machines i looked at had widely varying coil sizes

John

To give you a rough idea, a 6" coil would be regarded as small, say 9-11" as a medium/large and then there are even coils the size of coffee tables for some machines

The above relates to round coils. For elliptical coils, consider the width in relation to the above.

Most machines will come with a stock coil, selected by the manufacturer as a good all rounder anyway, so you're unlikely to go too far wrong.

[Macsen Wledig]

Best sticking with the stick coil 8-10inches and get used to that. It doesn’t mean it won’t find you the goods over open ground, just a little more patience than if you where on it with a 15”. As a beginner you don’t want too big a coil anyway, your shoulder is in for some aching as it is, better working up to that kind of weight

[Sirbleepsalot]

All sound advice above; learn the m/c with a stock 9-11" coil and only if conditions need/allow it go bigger or smaller. I have waivered for over a year deciding on a new coil, 6" for tight areas or 15" for coverage? Result is I stuck with the standard size 11" which is capable of both

I would add that as you are looking at m/c's with the option to change coils it shows you're looking a a good all rounder

[pengles]

As already mentioned, if you're just starting out, in my opinion it will probably be best to stick to a medium sized coil. Swinging a machine around to try it out in the shop is nothing like hours in a field, and although bigger coils don't actually (normally) weigh a ton, even a little bit of extra weight can take it's toil after a while. Also, although your permission is pasture, you may well gain another one which could be a stubble field or similar, and a larger coil is going to be very hard work, if not impossible going through that. To be honest, I've thought about getting a larger coil but stuck with my 9" coil on the Deus and find it a great all rounder. Just my opinion.

[Treas]

Some really good advice above. In my opinion, just consider that the manufacturers will have spent a great deal of development time in 'honing' the stock coils to be good 'all rounders.' If you are getting to know the machine, there should be nothing finer in the first instance.....

Having said this, I would consider buying a machine that offers a range of coil options, should you wish to purchase later on.

Hope this helps.

Treas