New Garrett ATX Coils & 2016 ATX Detector Options

[hayesman76]

On 1/21/2016 at 5:41 AM, Steve Herschbach said:

Garrett is releasing two new, larger 11”x13” closed searchcoils for the ATX pulse induction detector. Available in either a DD or mono configuration, the new ATX coils will be lighter weight and offer increased depth versus the standard ATX searchcoil. The new closed style provides more resistance to falsing due to scrubbing of the coil against the ground and allows gold prospectors to use the upper coil deck to sift/find tiny nuggets easier. The new ATX searchcoil includes an exclusive Garrett design slide-lock system that creates a center-mount style while still allowing the ATX to collapse into its soft cover carrying case. Designated for a mid-year release, the new ATX coil will be available as the new standard offering on ATX detectors and can be purchased as an accessory coil by existing ATX customers. More details and pricing on the new ATX packages will be forthcoming.

http://www.garrett.com/hobbysite/pdfs/Garrett_New_Products_2016.pdf

Well Steve, you wrote the above almost two years ago. So why is it that when I visit websites selling the ATX the accompanying photos invariably show the (supposedly former) open 12"X10" coil as the stock coil? I don't get it. 

The main issue that would concern me were I to consider purchasing the Deepseeker package is that the big 15" X 20" coil it comes with is Mono. It would've been great if Garrett also offered a large coil of that size as a DD, as well. I would hate to have to deal with frequent false-signaling because when using the Mono Deepseeker coil the ATX's iron discrimination function can't be used.

[Steve Herschbach]

A 15" x 20" DD would be a real beast, and since the discrimination only works at shallower depths it does not help you when you need it most - on those real deep targets that have you digging pits.

The 12" x 10" was not discontinued and since many people buy the ATX for use in the water it may be the more popular option.

[undersc0re]

Is the newer 11 x 13 waterproof to 10 feet still? I know it would be a royal pita to wave around in the water but does garrett still make those ones waterproof to the same depth as the older ones?

[Steve Herschbach]

New Garrett ATX detectors that come stock with the new coils are being advertised as waterproof to ten feet.

[hayesman76]

15 hours ago, Steve Herschbach said:

A 15" x 20" DD would be a real beast, and since the discrimination only works at shallower depths it does not help you when you need it most - on those real deep targets that have you digging pits.

The 12" x 10" was not discontinued and since many people buy the ATX for use in the water it may be the more popular option.

Thanks very much for your feedback, Steve, it makes a lot of sense.

If you were deciding between the 11"X13" closed coils (either DD or Mono) and the 15"X10" Deepseeker Mono for use in the U.S. West/Southwest focusing on large nuggets which would you choose and why? Despite the Deepseeker's greater depth (BTW, do you have any information on that issue?) on deep targets vs. the 11"X13" closed coils which would you choose? Initially I was favoring the Deepseeker but the thought of digging one deep hole after another only to discover iron would make me reconsider.

Regarding your observation that the ATX with the Deepseeker coil is already quite heavy and that the same-size coil as a DD might even be heavier, my view is that the added weight of a 20"X15" DD coil wouldn't make a lot of difference. I assume most ATX users use a harness when swinging anyway; the added weight would be well worth it if it resulted in more nuggets. 

[Steve Herschbach]

There is no 15” x 10” mono. The Deepseeker is 15” x 20”.

I do not think the Deepseeker coil offers much depth advantage at all on the gold nuggets most people are likely to find. Mainly what you get is better ground coverage. I would not expect to see much depth advantage unless nuggets were a half ounce or over. With open space to swing a large coil being rare where I hunt and multi ounce nuggets even rarer, I sold mine.

My favored coil for the ATX at this time is the 11” x 13” DD. This link has a full review.

I would expect most people use a harness with the ATX regardless of coil - I do.