Determining the proper metal detector coil for your metal detecting needs can help you find smaller targets deeper in the ground, with less ground interference, and will enhance your metal detector’s performance handsomely. With over 50 years of experience in this industry, Kellyco has tons of knowledge and experience that can help you pick out the perfect metal detector and other detector accessories, including search coils.

What Is the Best Metal Detector Coil?

Determining the best metal detector coil is not an easy task, since every metal detectorist has different needs that will weigh in on their decision. With that being said, several best-selling search coils can be discussed. Continue reading as some popular search coils are discussed in-depth.

1. Garrett 5″ x 8″ DD PROformance Search Coil

Garrett is known for making high-quality metal detectors, in addition to their line of high-performance search coils. Garrett produces many varieties of search coils that are built to be compatible with different metal detector lines they produce. The Garrett 5″ x 8″ DD PROformance Search Coil is designed to be compatible with the Garrett AT Max, AT Gold, AT Pro, and the CSI Pro. This DD coil is lightweight while providing a tight, smaller search area for trashy areas, and deep searching depth that can pick up the smallest targets way below the ground. This is a great coil for picking up the smallest gold nuggets with your Garrett metal detector. The PROformance DD search coil also works very well in mineralized soils and some areas of water, as it is a waterproof coil. However, I would avoid using the coil on beaches since it struggles with saltwater.

2. Minelab 15″ DD Smart Coil (Equinox)

Any treasure hunter who owns a Minelab metal detector can attest to their durability and overall performance. Luckily, Kellyco offers a wide variety of Minelab search coils, providing you with Minelab’s excellent quality in a variety of options and models. The Minelab 15″ DD Smart Coil (Equinox) is a very important search coil to have, as it offers maximum depth and ground coverage, meaning you can cover more ground with fewer swings. This will save you time and keep you finding more targets longer. Whether you have an Equinox 600 or Equinox 800, this large coil size will amaze you with its performance and durability. This DD coil is completely waterproof and comes with a coil cover included.

3. Fisher 11″ DD Search Coil for Fisher F70 and F75

Fisher has a wide range of metal detectors it produces, from entry-level options to more professional-grade models. They produce a variety of search coils, both concentric and DD coils>, for all of their different metal detector series. The Fisher 11″ DD Search Coil for Fisher F70 and F75 is an excellent search coil that combines the larger search area of a D coil while providing the sensitivity and compactness of a concentric search coil. This coil not only detects targets deep in the ground, but it also performs very well in high soil mineralization areas. Treasure hunting with the Fisher search coil is a blast, as this coil is very light for its performance, which will keep you in the field longer.

4. NEL Snake 6.5″ x 3.5″ Search Coil (AT Pro)

NEL produces several aftermarket search coils that are compatible with a wide variety of metal detector makes and models. These coils are specialized and built with a specific purpose in mind. The NEL Snake 6.5″ x 3.5″ Search Coil (AT Pro) is designed for the specific purpose of metal detecting in trashy areas with your Garrett AT Pro metal detector. The unique design of the Snake allows for easy separation of non-ferrous and ferrous metal, helping you dig less junky signals. It really shines when you are specifically looking for small targets, such as gold nuggets and small jewelry. The NEL Snake is fully waterproof and will last for decades.

Why Do I Need an Additional Search Coil?

While many detectorists may go their entire lives treasure hunting with a stock coil, many others will find an additional search coil that complements their hunting style and habits in one way or another. There are a variety of reasons that someone might choose to invest an additional search coil, with these ranging from performance to area-specific issues.

A search coil that you purchase has the potential to improve your metal detector’s performance in a big way. This improvement of performance is one of the most common reasons that people purchase a new search coil. Oftentimes, detectorists will look for a DD search coil or a concentric search coil that offers greater target depth or higher sensitivity, as this greatly improves the detector’s ability to find small targets at deeper depths. This is incredibly important, as many small objects, such as dimes, gold nuggets, and small relics, can be deep enough in the ground that a normal coil would not pick them up.

Another common reason that hobbyists purchase additional search coils is that they can help them metal detect either more of the ground or for a longer period of time. To detect more of the ground, metal detecting enthusiasts pick out large DD search coils that can cover a lot of ground per swing. This is very beneficial in areas that are not filled with trash targets. In wide-open places, a large search coil can be a lifesaver, as you can go dozens of swings without hitting any targets. Another reason that people might prefer an additional search coil is if they are looking for a lightweight option. Some of the DD coils are very lightweight, especially the smaller sizes. It is amazing how much of a difference a few ounces on the end of your metal detector can make as the hunt progresses. Both of these reasons will help you find more targets and make better use of your time.

A final reason that pushes detectorists to invest in an additional coil is area-specific problems. The problems can range from high soil mineralization to high trash areas. Finding the proper search coil for issues like these can help you be more efficient and will keep your hunts going smoothly. It is very hard to metal detect in areas with high trash volume if you are using a large search coil, and that is where the smaller coils come into play. Area-specific issues are always important to consider if you are deciding whether or not you should purchase a new coil.

Which Metal Detector Coil Size Should I Purchase?

When it comes to metal detector coils, it is important to keep your personal preferences in mind. One of the largest decisions you will have to make is the size of the search coil. There are advantages and disadvantages to both large and small coils. Depending on the situation, both options can be excellent for a variety of reasons discussed in detail below.

Large Search Coils vs. Small Search Coils

One of the biggest positive attributes for large search coils is their ability to cover a lot of ground with each swing. You will cover far more ground at the end of the day with a large DD coil compared to a smaller concentric coil. This benefit really shines in wide-open areas where there is not a ton of trash you have to contend with.

Another big reason people like large search coils is their ability to detect targets that are deeper in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, the deeper an object is, the older it is in most cases. Big search coils produce a deeper magnetic field and the receiving part of the coil can intercept the detection of a metal target more easily. This increased detention depth is great for finding valuable relics, coins, and jewelry that other detectorists before you have missed.

While there is a lot of upside to large coils, there are also some downfalls. One of the largest negative attributes of big search coils is that they are heavy. While larger search coils are only several ounces heavier than their smaller counterparts, this can make a big difference after an hour or so of swinging your metal detector. If you are planning on hunting all day long, a big coil may make you tire more quickly.

Another disadvantage to big search coils is trying to hunt with them in high-trash areas. Trash targets include junk iron, can slaw, and a variety of other unwanted targets. Super sniper concentric search coils and other small coils are much better suited to hunting in trash-heavy areas.

A disadvantage that is especially important for gold prospectors to consider is that large search coils are less sensitive to smaller targets. Gold prospectors are searching for small gold nuggets, and in many cases, a large search coil can swing right over them. Small coils, be them super snipers or any small DD coils can really help out in this area.

One final disadvantage to keep in mind is that electrical interference and ground chatter occur more frequently with larger search coils. This is due to their increased magnetic field they produce and receive. If you have a metal detector with manual ground balance, this can be less of an issue, but it is still something to consider.

How to Choose the Best Metal Detector Coil

Determining which search coil is right for you will take some serious consideration on your part. With the wide variety of options and varieties available on the market today, it can be overwhelming to narrow down your wishlist. There are many things to keep in mind that will be discussed in more detail below, in addition to the discussion on the coil size above.

DD Coils vs. Concentric Coils

One of the more common questions that metal detectorists have is about the differences between DD coils and concentric coils. Choosing between a DD coil and a concentric may seem like a difficult choice, but the short answer is that both will perform very well. With that being said, there are a couple of differences. One reason many prefer the DD coil is the increased depth you can get out of it. In addition to the increase in depth, there is also a wider detection range and better target separation in many cases. With all that being said, concentric coils can be better in trashy areas or many other scenarios. The debate between DD and concentric is essentially based on personal preference and experience.

Search Coil Compatibility

Obviously, one of the more important considerations you will have to take into account is whether or not the search coil is compatible with your metal detector make and model. While most of the options available for each specific model will come from the manufacturer of that model, this is not always the case. Companies like Detech, Coiltek, and NEL also produce a wide variety of aftermarket search coils that are compatible with companies like Garrett, Minelab, Fisher, Bounty Hunter, Teknetics, and White’s metal detectors. At the end of the day, there are tons of options from a variety of manufacturers out there.

Price of the Metal Detector Coil

One of the most important considerations for most hobbyists is the price of the search coil. Buying a metal detector already represents a large investment in some cases. Forking over more money for a search coil can seem like a bad move. For this reason, many detectorists look for options that are within their price range. While these additional search coils might not have all the features of a more expensive one, they will still get the job done in whatever scenario you need them for. It helps to keep in mind that an additional search coil or two is an investment, as you will find many objects that will eventually pay it off.

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, choosing the right metal detector coil to invest in can greatly improve your metal detector’s abilities and provide you with a more efficient, fulfilling treasure hunting experience. Here at Kellyco, we make it a top priority to provide our customers with the best search coils on the market today. If you have any questions about coils or any other metal detector accessories, please reach out to us, as we would love to help.