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Actually not much to report for this week, if anything the M9 had a fairly quick break even with three rings under its belt. Two of the three, were recovered last week and thus not new, but the third turned up Tuesday morning after sunrise buried well over 10 inches...No wonder, considering the 7.77 grams of 14K. Bad surprise was the acid test, where just the heaviest one turned out to be 9K complete with a 585 mark typed inside. A real scam into which the owner also fell, because inside it bore the bride's name and thus a fake wedding band or at least passed off as 14K but with much less real value. (This ring appears next to the M9 logo). About the M9, there is little to be done, once in the dive, exceeding 20 points of sensitivity with beach LC, is out of question.With the M8, one can dare a few more points and given the non-appearance of broken bracelets or necklaces, I will return to use it soon. Definitely the M9 is more akin to rings, but not to links in bracelets and necklaces. Have a great weekend to all of you!

I currently have an SD 2100v2. There may be an upgrade to a new machine in the future, but thats not the question. I would like to know what series coils will work with the 2100v2. Will coils labled GP Extreme work? I know one of the coils I currently have is marked GP series. As I said, I may upgrade someday so also asking so I know what machines my current coils might fit I is lost!!!

A MD dealer/distributor from Canada has some rare Tesoro coils listed on ebay. There is an elliptical for the waterproof PIs (sandshark/piranha) and the 7” for the waterproof vlfs (tigershark/stingray). They have a couple others for the land machines as well. I finally managed to get a 4” concentric and a 7” widescan! https://www.ebay.com/usr/cts300551

I'm a bit of a coil addict, I like trying and using various brands and types of coils. I think more than anything the recent revelation with the Nugget Finder coils for the GPX Series being very inconsistent and random in their ability to work correctly on detectors like the Algoforce shows the inconsistent nature of coil manufacturing with some handmade coils. Coiltek seem to have avoided the problem entirely with their coils and calibration on the Algoforce so far, I've not heard of anyone having the same issues but perhaps their manufacturing methods are very different, I think they are from factory photos with their high-tech machinery that I recall seeing in the past. I haven't heard of the problem with Detech coils either? Maybe someone has? The NF coils have been a bit of a luck of the draw, some Sadies work fine, some seem to work and calibrate fine but not perform as well as expected, and others just won't calibrate at all in ultra fine mode (the most sensitive) indicating an out of spec coil, the 12x8"s seem similar but for all sizes to be pulled from production it's likely more than just those two affected. It is really great Nugget Finder are reworking their coils to handle these more sensitive detectors, and it's said the new versions will work just as well on the originally intended detectors like the GPX 4500/5000 but at the same time will work better on the more sensitive detectors like the Algoforce and modded GPX's. It's really good news NF decided they would continue making older GPX coils to give us a good range on the last of the detectors on the market to have a big range of plug and play coils, already over the past few years many models of GPX coil have been discontinued by manufacturers likely due to lack of demand, so selection of new GPX coils is already getting slim compared to years gone by. This begs the question, even though on the older GPX series like the 5000 the coils worked without even knowing about these inconsistencies that are now showing their faces with the newer detectors, were some hotter than others? did some work better than others in general and we just didn't know it or is it just because we're pushing the limits of the coil designs in their current form? This goes for all brands too, are some coils really hotter than others of the exact same coil? I believe this to be the case but don't really know, it just seems that way. It's likely the same with VLF coils too, the old Gold Bug 2's it was widely believed some people had hotter coils than others.

Hi, I’ve been looking for a used 11 inch equinox coil and saw a significantly less expensive one on sale that is in almost new condition except that the cable was accidentally cut in half. I considered getting it as I can repair it properly because I used to repair underwater velocity meter and transducer cables at work. My question is do Equinox coils also contain an internal chip? If so, should I be concerned about it if the detector and coil were not energized when the cable was cut? Or any other possible issues doing this type of repair? I’m pretty competent about doing the cable repair itself, including properly replacing the shielding and making it waterproof. My main concern is what could’ve happened inside the coil. Thanks!

Well, after almost two weeks out of the water, I just used on the wetsand the M9 for a couple days, leaving the M8 to rest for a little. So this morning I was approaching the deeper waters and after half an hour or so, a crazy noise started out of the blue. No sensitivity detuning or noise cancel or GB or program change worked to keep the machine quiet. Turned off and re-turned on, nothing, same conduct. At a certain point, really tired by all that noise, I managed to change the min. & max. Pitch lower to avoid ears overstress in the depth audio mode and simple profile (the only combination for a neat strong signal). This solved just partially the problem and finally I've been able to hear signals by three SS rings that were in the area. I passed and crossed the tight space in every possible way till silence, but I mean by objects. My Manticore seems to get crazy without a reason and in spite of the longer lower shaft to avoid the rod lock bolt interference or the usual tight cable on the upper part, it remains to understand what is happening. Later I'll carefully dry it out and clean as usual to change the coil and try with the M8. If at that point the noise goes away, I'm maybe the owner of a faulty M9. This is the fourth or fifth session I dive with it... Let's hope for the coil or I'll be forced to ship the Manti to the doctor😑

Today I sold a Whites TDI pro to a customer, we set it up and turned it on with the stock coil and did a few air tests. He heard that Minelab coils would work and other PI series coils. I suggested we try some Detech coils with the following results. The new 14in Mono Spiral wound ran quieter and air tested a little deeper on coins than the stock dual field. The little 6in Detech mono was a surprise as it hard and loud on targets for its size. When the weather gets better we are going to try a variety of the Detech coils and see which are worth having for the TDI, outdoors with more realistic buried targets. I`ll post what we find out.

Something I've been wanting to do for a while now..I got another x ray generator couple weeks ago and wanted to try it out on my DR System.. Heres most but not all of the coils I have. 1. CTX 6" 2. TDI Pro 12" double mono 3. CTX 17' 4. XP Deus 9" 5. Miner John 8x12" mono 6. x cal 8" 7. Gold Monster 6" 8. Fisher Gold Bug two 6" 9. Nox 6" 10. Nox 11" 11-14 GPZ 7000 stock coil

It's great to see Nel still around, they've survived the odds so far and now they've released their range of coils for the Legend. Legend owners now have an additional 10 coil choices for the detector, and this will mean it's fiercely competitive with the best of the best from any brand. That 17x15" Nel Big would have to add some depth, then the absolute tiny gold nugget (flake) sensitivity of the Nel Snake at 6.5 x 3.5. The Nel Superfly and Tornado are also coils to take note of. It was always my condition that I wouldn't buy a Legend unless it had Nel coils, as I have too many detectors and adding another similar one would be a pointless exercise for my needs. However, now with Nel having their range of Legend coils available it is a must have detector for me, the Legend paired with a Nel Snake coil would be a beast for prospecting. He's a link to the Legend's Snake coil. https://nel-coils.com/index.php/en/production/nel-snake-9-5x3-5?id=2376 I'm sure they're going to be hard to come by at the start, and no doubt expensive as shipping from Ukraine at the moment is sky high, a price I am willing to pay though, this has to be a giant kick in the marbles to Noktas competitors.

Four coils so far, 8.5" x 11" Raider coil as standard coil, three other options, two smaller and one larger. The Viper will probably be a favorite with many and is already available. The small Ripper and large Reaper coils are still in the works in progress stage. These coils have a new waterproof connector. That plus being optimized for multi frequency operation with the Vortex series means they are not compatible with any other detectors. No word on aftermarket options yet but in general Garrett has always enjoyed good aftermarket coil support, so we will probably not have to wait long. Headphone options include the proprietary Z-Lynk wireless MS-3 headphones for the VX7 and VX9. The VX5 does not have Z-Lynk enabled and so you will have to upgrade to the VX7 or VX9 to get this option. The Vortex models do not have Bluetooth and so for those wanting wireless you have either the included Z-Lynk option, or the possibility of adding an external Bluetooth transmitter via the 1/8" audio out port. The Vortex series uses a 1/8" jack compatible with any 1/8" headphones. Note that the Vortex does have a built in master volume control (not all detectors do) and so you don't have to worry about having an external volume control on wired headphones. Regular ear buds will work fine. Beware of some model specific cell phone ear buds though as some use a modified 1/8" jack that may or may not work. There is also a waterproof headphone option for those wanting to get underwater with their Vortex. See my separate thread on the Z-Lynk system that describes how you can convert any wired headphones to wireless for use with with your Vortex VX7 or VX9.

Although I will not have a chance to test this coil on the seabed until next Monday, an initial test in the air has me very curious... A few days ago, a user on YouTube complained of considerable noise, very similar to the M11 at the beach with even lower sensitivity, so much so that it could not exceed 20 points. To my surprise, what I noticed instead is that the footprint of this coil does not seem to respond as strongly as on the 8x5". Let me explain, apparently, the lateral response is much less pronounced and sensitive, compared to the obvious center part between the two rx and tx parts. It would appear to be something like a concentric plate, rather than a double-D technically speaking. With fully open pattern and lower separation speed, the differences are practically zero. Talking about sensitivity, 22 as last option before falsing yet in the air. The question certainly arises at this point about effective in depth coverage, rather than mere surface coverage. It is very likely that the difference in depth is almost zero and that the greater amplitude beyond the elliptical perimeter of the M8 is marginal. We shall see...

Has anyone done a side by side comparison of these two coils in the gold fields to see the difference with the smaller (sub grain size) gold flakes?

At the end of the day, I gave in to the temptation to introduce the M9 into the artillery... After 49 total days of ownership and about 20 sessions in which I 97% adopted the M8, the Manticore has produced its price and the first gamble after the break even point will be this new coil. I'm highly skeptical of an improvement regarding thin gold sensitivity against the M8, but I'm attracted to a few more inches of coverage...Regarding detection depth, I'm afraid there's not much to look forward to. We'll see as soon as the coil arrives next Wednesday what it brings. In any case, before next Monday, I won't have a chance to dive.

VLF detectors can come with DD or concentric coils. This is similar to but not quite the same thing as DD versus mono on a pulse induction detector. There are three basic coil types in wide use, Concentric, Double D (DD) and Mono. A VLF detector transmits and receives simultaneously and so there must be both a transmit coil and a receive coil. A pulse induction (PI) detector can alternate between transmit and receive and so one coil can be employed as both transmit and receive in an alternating fashion. There is confusion on this but simply put VLF (induction balance or continuous wave) detectors do not employ mono coils. A VLF can only employ the concentric or DD options. A pulse induction coil can work with all three types. Metal detector coil types illustrated - concentric vs DD vs mono VLF detectors are more alike than different these days. One thing that can make a real difference is what coil the detector comes with. Two very similar models will be quite different if one comes with a 12" round concentric, and another an 11" x 7" DD. In this case the very same detector can be turned into two different detectors by changing coils. Here are a couple rarely seen on the F75 - the 10" x 5" DD and 10" elliptical concentric. A big difference between the Teknetics T2 and Fisher F75 was that the F75 came later and the ability to use concentric coils was added. The T2 can only use DD coils. Why DD or concentric? DD coils are all the rage these days. However, concentrics have more consistent detection patterns with less dead spots up close. Every notice how that DD coil goes wacky on shallow targets? And concentric coils are much better at identifying flat ferrous targets like bottle caps. Here it is from the guy that should know best, Dave Johnson, lead designer on the F75. About Search Coils by Dave Johnson Search Coil Field Shape by Dave Johnson Coil Basics by Carl Moreland I like the 10" DD for the solid design, better for working in stubble or other locations where an open coil might hang up. The concentric just for being better behaved. The DD is the better prospecting coil for bad ground. Concentrics do well on milder ground. A note on coils. The blade like knife edged detecting pattern depicted in DD marketing ads, and even the diagram above, is largely myth. Electromagnetic fields radiate and simple coils cannot focus them into beams. A round concentric coil has a search field shaped like a soccer ball cut in half. A similar size DD coil will have a search field more like a football cut in half lengthwise. If you ever doubt this, just fire up your detector with a DD coil, flip it over, and run a coin under the coil noting where the signal fades at different locations under the coil. This is best seen via true all metal modes, as disc modes suppress the edge signal to a large degree. But it’s there, and targets under the edge of a DD coil will mask centerline targets to a degree that would surprise most people. Finally, depth is more related to coil width than coil length. Think of a 5" x 10" coil as a stretched out 5" coil, not as a skinny 10" coil. That is why when listing elliptical coil sizes you will often see me putting the small number first. Marketers do it the other way around so you tend to think you are getting more than you are. A truer picture can be had by comparing the total area of a coil, one to the other, but for quick and dirty comparisons, comparing by width will give you a more conservative idea of comparative coil performance, than comparing by length. Fisher F75 with 10" Elliptical DD Coil Fisher F75 with 10" Elliptical Concentric Coil

I was on a trip, using my Gold Bug Pro device with the standard 11-inch search coil, and suddenly the device continued to buzz with the Overload message appearing. I moved away from the place, but nothing changed. I raised the detector high and nothing changed. I also tried the other 5-inch disk, and it was normal. I expected a nail or Something similar entered through a crack at the base of the search file. I dismantled the damaged file and did not find any indication of the problem... Any help is welcome

I bought somebody's GPX 4500. It came with 4 coils. Then I realized that I don't have a clue what are the strengths and weakness of the different coil configurations. What are some general principals to guide folks in matching coils to the situations that they encounter? I don't recall having seen any guidance on this. Thanks

I was just curious to know if the AlgoForce runs bundled or spiral coils optimally? I know it's early days to know definitively but is it safe to assume that the AlgoForce isn't too fussy in coil configuration. I know there is mention of the older Gold Search coils working well as do the Evo line of coils (Spiral). I guess this leads to whether either of these coil formats would be best in hotter ground? Thanks for any feedback. I only own 3 mono coils that I use with my GP3500.......my all time favourites.

VMI went out today, it was beautiful. Wanted to do a bunch of testing and comparisons on coils and depths between a vlf and pi. ( So i know where the cross over is ). When I got to the stock 11" dd commander for my 4500 it didn't work. I mean I waved it two inches off my pick before it responded! I looked the whole thing over but can't find the reset button. Any words of wisdom? I've included pics top and bottom for reference. And fat fingered the pics, sorry. I think I'm going to ever so carefully take it apart with a two pound hammer and see if I can find the problem. On the other hand I can now fully justify a new aftermarket.?

Looking into purchasing an aftermarket coil, equivalent to White's DD eclipse for an MXT specifically. I really don't know whats out there from other manuf. Looking for a HOT (sensitivity/depth) coil. Better target separation is a plus too. Or would you recommend I stay with whites coil? Any experience and feedback would help. Thanks, TC-AZ

Hey all, I just found my coil connection sheared off at the control housing. (oops, and bad timing as I was just headed out!) Luckily no damage to the control housing connection but the other end was bent and broken right off... I sent some photos to minelab to asses if they will fix it or not but still waiting. I was wondering if anyone knows if its possible to buy this connector anywhere? If minelab wont fix it then I will end up splicing one on myself and hope for the best (minus the water tightness of course) . Any help would be so appreciated!

I keep reading in a few different post (To Not Turn A PI On Without a coil connected) I have not attempted to do so because of reading what I quoted, but have often been curious as to what would happen if one was to turn a PI on without a coil connected I know with a VLF generally you will get a coil Error pop up and for instance like the Legend the Legend will shut itself down with out a coil attached so can someone explain to me what happens if you power up a PI with out a coil attached (Just Curious) also why do manufactures not put in a fail safe to prevent a PI from powering up with out a coil connected, if it can cause harm to a PI again just curios because of a statement in one of @Steve Herschbach recent post

I have an Axiom and a good old AT-Gold for hunting in water. I've been trying to find out why Garrett favors blunt ends on it's coils. I've found one brief reference in a forum that the design provides more depth on the front and back end of the coil. I've also seen a reference that stated that the rounded corners may be the hottest part of the edge. They seem to use this design for both DD and Mono coils across all of their products. Can anyone talk about the good and bad aspects of the blunt end design? Why is the round coil design better or worse?

Anyone know what types of plastics all the manufacturers use? I am looking at printing some skid plates and coil bodies if I'm able to get some time to experiment with making my own coils next season if this Algoforce rolls around and we have use for non-chipped coils again. I can 3d print strong plastics like polycarbonate and nylon, leaning towards one of those. But I'm just curious, is there an industry standard for the types of plastics used for the injection molded coils? I feel like maybe nylon, but I'm unsure. I like the idea of transluscent polycarbonate coils so I might try that first (inspiration from Strick's x ray posts). Seems like the cheaper spools like PLA, PETG, even ABS all might be kinda too weak. I know layer adhesion makes 3d printing non ideal for wear parts, but the ability to quickly print and prototype different geometries seems compelling for experimenting. Anyone know what like NF uses for example with the modern coils like Evos? Anyone printed a coil yet and determined how robust (or weak) it is compared to injection molded of same plastic?

Has anyone ever used both or at least the Detech and have any comments at all? I'm confident enough in the Commander but wonder if the Detech might be a better option. Basically going to use for looking for coins and better yet rings at the beach so don't care about hitting tiny bits, in fact prefer not doing that. Detech has the spec edge at 780 grams versus Commander at 820 grams. Detech is rated waterproof whereas Commander is only rainproof. Commander coils I am pretty sure are Litz wire. Not sure about the Detech.