A better coil rant

[dirt lizard]

Is it me or is NEL a better coil then some of the stock coils being made for mid range detectors. I see a lot of depth comparisons between the two and NEL always out shines the rest. If this is true then why don't these companies learn from them and make the same type of coils or their own to better their profits? To me I think these companies are losing money by adding a low depth coil that will eventually be replaced by the latter when purchased.

 

[MI-AuAg]

Hello dirt lizard,

I can't disagree. As with any subjective comparisons, a " * result may vary * " should accompany the conclusions. The one NEL coil I have is at least equal to, if not better, than the comparable brand coil in terms of performance.

In general, I think the detector manufacturers have gotten complacent in their coil quality.

The NEL coils come with a cover (I think ALL new coils should come with a cover). They also come with mounting hardware, a dirt cap for the connector, when not in use, and a velcro strap for snugging the coil wire to the shaft. All at a very reasonable price. I like the fact that they use epoxy resin as a bed medium for the windings. The performance seems to be equal or better than most detector brand name coils from what I read, and from personal experience (*).

Most detector brand coils are more expensive, and they nickel and dime you on mounting hardware, covers, etc. NEL is providing a high bar for other manufacturers to match IMO.

 

[dirt lizard]

Why don't they learn how to make better coils like the ones from NEL and such? If they could come out with coils to match an NEL coil or other high brand name companies that would be great.

 

[MarkCZ]

Some of the things I didn't like about the two NEL coils I had were,
cheesy decals,
The poorly designed tapered mounting ears that will not mount flush against the lower mounting stem and if you get it to it puts a really bad arch in the coil mounting bolt,
Also, I didn't find ANY performance gain over the OEM coils.
And here is something else that I had forgotten, the coil comes with this cute little connector plug right? but it doesn't even come close to fitting in the connector!
If they can't do any better on the externals (that's what in your face) how cheap could they go on what you can't see?

I sold both of them.
That's not to say they were a bad performing coil.

Mark

 

[WV62]

Some of the things I didn't like about the two NEL coils I had were,
cheesy decals,
The poorly designed tapered mounting ears that will not mount flush against the lower mounting stem and if you get it to it puts a really bad arch in the coil mounting bolt,
Also, I didn't find ANY performance gain over the OEM coils.
And here is something else that I had forgotten, the coil comes with this cute little connector plug right? but it doesn't even come close to fitting in the connector!
If they can't do any better on the externals (that's what in your face) how cheap could they go on what you can't see?

I sold both of them.
That's not to say they were a bad performing coil.

Mark

Agree, but I still have a couple of NEL snake coils that I use, one for my F75 and the other for my Tejon. The actual detecting performance seems to be okay, but one would have wonder about the actual internal quality of the coils.

I had a NEL sharpshooter for the F75 and the actual performance was really close to my OEM 5x10DD elliptical coil so I sold the NEL and keep the Fisher 5x10.

MarkCZ's brother, Ron also in WV

 

[MI-AuAg]

Some of the things I didn't like about the two NEL coils I had were,
cheesy decals,
The poorly designed tapered mounting ears that will not mount flush against the lower mounting stem and if you get it to it puts a really bad arch in the coil mounting bolt,
Also, I didn't find ANY performance gain over the OEM coils.
And here is something else that I had forgotten, the coil comes with this cute little connector plug right? but it doesn't even come close to fitting in the connector!
If they can't do any better on the externals (that's what in your face) how cheap could they go on what you can't see?

I sold both of them.
That's not to say they were a bad performing coil.

Mark

Hello MarkCZ,

I'll address your issues about NEL coils, with my take, based on the NEL 6.5x3.5 Snake coil, which I like very much.

"cheesy decals": My take: Irrelevant

"The poorly designed tapered mounting ears that will not mount flush against the lower mounting stem and if you get it to it puts a really bad arch on the coil mounting bolt." My take: I used the two provided rubber rings when I mounted my coil. In doing so, I experienced NONE of the issues you describe. Similar rings were provided with my stock coil. If the rings were not used on the NEL, the issues you describe would indeed be encountered. In fact, I took off my NEL coil, and remounted it without the rings, ALL your issues were encountered at that point.

"the coil comes with this cute little connector plug right? but it doesn't even come close to fitting the connector! My take: The "cute little connector plug" is identical to my stock coil plug with one inconsequential difference. That being, behind the flange for the thread connector is a metal sleeve. On the NEL coil that sleeve is 5/16" long, on my stock coil it is 7/16" long. That minor difference has absolutely nothing to do with abilty to connect the coil, as the pin connector and thread connector are identical to my stock coil.

"how cheap could they go on what you can't see?" My take: One of the reasons I chose the NEL coil is that they are filled with epoxy resin. (which you can't see, but, I'll take my chances that they weren't making fraudulent claims) I have seen the inside of several failed coils from major detector manufacturers, I was shocked! Some have only air surrounding the internal windings and electronics, some foam, some epoxy resin. If there is not a solid medium surrounding the internals, any bumps, or jostling can loosen the glued internal components, leading to possible failure! How many coils for sale even list the material inside the coil? Is it air, is it foam, or is it yesterdays newspaper? I'll take the epoxy resin every time!

Those are my views, opinions vary.

 

[MarkCZ]

All of the modern coils I've seen are now risen filled. (NONE of the older what are often called BOXED coils were filled)
The two sharpshooter coils I had preformed good, just not any better than the OEM coils I have, but both the NEL'S were the WORST fitting (mounting) coils I've ever seen bar none. The mounting tabs inside surface runs upward at an outward angle which makes it impossible to correctly mount to the lower mounting stem which has true right angles. Now, seeing how its been awhile sense I turned my back on the NEL's maybe somebody at the company fixed some of the problems with the coil it has been a couple of years sense I've tried them. When I bought mine the NEL's were really the HOT item on the forum's and I got in on this great wonder coil as many others did, I sold mine, then over the next couple months I notice that the forum classifieds were LOADED with barely used NEL coils bunches of people moving the NEL's, none because they were a junk coil but the just weren't seeing the MAGIC of the early market frenzy.
Keep mind, I'm not saying the NEL coils are JUNK, I'm just saying that some aspects of them are not well worked out, and that there is "No Fountain Youth" and No Magic in the NEL coils that I saw. Now, in certain brands and models of detectors where the manufacture failed to produce certain desirable size coils and NEL does then that's great. I do like some of the coil sizes NEL offers, but I can find the right SIZE in an OEM coil I'll most likely go with the OEM!

Mark

 

[Tom_in_CA]

Am I the only one here old enough to remember the "Hot Head" coils of the 1980s ? Those too were after-market coils touted in the advertisments to be a "better mousetrap". The ads craftily showed depth comparison charts promising xx more depth over the manufacturer's own coils. Hard to argue with that, eh ? Thus many people went out and bought them.

And at first glance, the question was EXACTLY AS THE OP'S question here: If there's a "better mousetrap", then WHY OH WHY isn't the manufacturer "all over themselves" to replicate this superior product for THEIR OWN products at manufacture time ?? It made utterly no sense. If you are a businessman company owner, you would most certainly be aware if something were lacking in your own product, and could be improved by another, etc.... Right ?? Then it only stands to reason that the manufacturer should be all-over-themselves to buy out this superior design, better innards patent, or whatever. Right ?

But a closer look at the advertisements revealed the deceptive advertising: In each case, where the reader was shown an art panel drawing of the added inch of depth, if you LOOKED CLOSELY, you could see that you weren't comparing the same coil sizes. So for example: they'd show a stock 8" Garrett coil, being compared to a 9.5" Hot Head coil. Thus lo & behold, the Hot Head "got more depth" !

Well DUH ! ANY "larger" coil will get more depth than a smaller coil. With the inherent drawbacks of moving up to a larger coil, of course (eg.: more masking, fishier pinpointing, and a point-of-diminishing returns on coin-sized objects, etc...). SO TOO would the manufacturer's OWN "larger coils" ALSO get more depth than their smaller coils.

So there were many that felt the advertising was deceptive. Also many complained of poor and eratic performance on those hot head aftermarket coils anyhow.

It's true that not all of this is analogous to NEL brand after market coils. But just saying: Pay close attention to if you're comparing same-size coils. And as for performance (assuming they're the same size), don't be sucked into the easy psychology of self-fulfilling bias. That works like this: When you go out with an item that is touted as "better", "deeper", etc..... and you go to try to compare, it's very easy that when you find a goodie, you think "aha! the new coil works better". But this is not answering the question of whether your own stock coil (of the same size) couldn't have equally found/heard it.

 

[MI-AuAg]

I get where you are coming from Mark.

I just felt compelled to address the specific issues you brought up, since I encountered none of them. The mounting of the coil WITH the rings was fine. WITHOUT the rings every issue you described was encountered. As to earlier issues, this is my first experience with NEL coils and I am impressed. Unfortunately a lot of detectors, and accessories are released before any bugs or shortcomings are properly addressed. Perhaps that was the case in past years, I have no direct knowledge one way or the other in that regard, so I won't comment, or render an opinion in that matter. User feedback on current NEL models including the Tornado, and Sharpshooter have been very positive. I see nothing in the construction of my Snake coil I would consider inferior. That being said, I am not suggesting any other specific brands or models are bad either. The fact that NEL coils have a two year warranty, where some others are only 90 days is also a factor I consider.

In terms of performance, as I said in my earlier post, an * should accompany every opinion in that regard. Difference in detector used, user ability, ambient soil and EMI conditions, to name a few, make all opinions in that regard very subjective. The bottom line is, I am somewhat anal when it comes to choosing my equipment. I look for good value, coupled with good performance. In the case of the NEL Snake, it provided both in sufficient measure for me. Unfortunately, no perfect detector or accessory exists. We simply choose what works for us as best we can.

Good Hunting!

 

[MI-AuAg]

I get your point Tom.

In choosing the NEL, I had specific criteria in mind. First, I was looking for a trash sifting coil, separation was key. Second, I was looking for performance EQUAL to, or better than the stock 5" round coil. Finally, value was a huge factor. If the 5" round coil was best at all, that would be my choice. In terms of performance, there seemed to be little difference between the 6.5x3.5" NEL and the stock 5" round a draw in that regard. I liked the dimensions of the NEL better, the 3.5" width axis was very appealing, with slightly more coverage in the heel/toe axis. Advantage NEL. Lastly value. The NEL came complete with a coil cover, mounting hardware(nut, bolt, 2 washers), a velcro strap for the shaft, and it has a dirt cap for the connector when not on the machine, all for $122.00 shipped. The stock 5" round cost $135.00, plus $9.95 for a cover, said nothing about including mounting hardware, no dirt cover (minor, but details matter)

The NEL was at least equal in performance, better shape/size to suite me, MUCH better value/price! Advantage NEL, match,set,point! SOLD!

That's how I made my choice.

 

[Oldguy]

I have two NEL coils for my Tejon, Storm and Sharpshooter, I like them both. As for NEL coils going deeper this is my guess: Read the back of your detector's owners manual, it will have an FCC compliance statement and a maximum antenna (coil) gain limit statement. NEL coils (manufactured in Ukraine) do not have any FCC compliance statement packaged with them. My guess is that NEL coils simply exceed the maximum gain allowed for metal detector coils in America.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

.... My guess is that NEL coils simply exceed the maximum gain allowed for metal detector coils in America.

Well if it's true that they DO have "better mousetrap innard components", and this is because "it's illegal in the USA, then .... oh me oh my : We have legions of md'rs here all violating the "code of ethics". Because it most clearly says "I will know and obey all laws".

Thus , to be in-keeping with our own md'rs code of ethics, we must all send back those coils to the Ukraine. No .... better yet .... send them all to me. I will absolve your conscience of all guilt, and handle the matter for you. It's the least I can do for my fellow hobbyists.

 

[MI-AuAg]

.... My guess is that NEL coils simply exceed the maximum gain allowed for metal detector coils in America.

Well if it's true that they DO have "better mousetrap innard components", and this is because "it's illegal in the USA, then .... oh me oh my : We have legions of md'rs here all violating the "code of ethics". Because it most clearly says "I will know and obey all laws".

Thus , to be in-keeping with our own md'rs code of ethics, we must all send back those coils to the Ukraine. No .... better yet .... send them all to me. I will absolve your conscience of all guilt, and handle the matter for you. It's the least I can do for my fellow hobbyists.

Not sure what your beef is with NEL Tom?

From my perspective I don't see NEL coils as a "better mousetrap" by any means. I tend to look at things from a pragmatic view, not get all giddy about any huge perceived depth advantage. I agree the OP may have gotten a bit carried away in that regard. The fact is whether it be a detector or coil, there is generally parity amond brands when comparing depth all things being equal. VLF technology in detectors, and coils has remained pretty stagnant for a few decades. In terms of coils, the Deus, and CTX are somewhat different because of their added electronics in the coil which add something extra to those machines, but, not necessarily depth. An 11" coil is generally going to attain X amount of detection depth no matter the brand IMO. From what I have seen in NEL promotional materials, they have made no claim of being a "better mousetrap" that's your analogy from a misleading ad, from another company, long ago.

My main impression of NEL coils is, in terms of performance they are equivalent in most instances to competitors, sometimes better, sometimes worse depending on circumstances. In terms of build quality, once again, they are just as good as any out there. Speaking from first hand knowledge, my Snake coil build is excellent. Where they really outdo many competitors in my opinion, is value. They come with cover, mounting hardware, the velcro strap for the rod, and even provide the dirt cap for storage when not on a detector. All those things at a very reasonable price. Their basic warranty is two years, also better than many competitors. Many of those things may seem small, but to me those small details set it apart from others! Those things make it a better value! As I stated earlier, when purchasing accessory coils, a lot of manufacturers nickel and dime you to death. Extra for a cover, and hardware etc., which raises the cost considerably!

It was suggested in this thread that the internal quality is "cheap". If such evidence exists, I would love to see it. Realistically, it was just one of those cheap shots with no basis in empirical evidence. I see a lot of that on forums when people favor another product, simply discredit, or cast doubt, with no basis. The fact is, NEL does originate in Europe, which happens to be an enormous market for metal detecting equipment. Some very good equipment originates from there, and I wouldn't use that as a basis for suggesting inferiority by any means. In terms of FCC compliance, to the best of my knowledge, ALL imported electronics must comply with U.S. regulations.

NOT A "BETTER MOUSETRAP" A BETTER VALUE! IMHO

 

[MarkCZ]

It was suggested in this thread that the internal quality is "cheap". If such evidence exists, I would love to see it. Realistically, it was just one of those cheap shots with no basis in empirical evidence. I see a lot of that on forums when people favor another product, simply discredit, or cast doubt, with no basis. The fact is, NEL does originate in Europe, which happens to be an enormous market for metal detecting equipment. Some very good equipment originates from there, and I wouldn't use that as a basis for suggesting inferiority by any means. In terms of FCC compliance, to the best of my knowledge, ALL imported electronics must comply with U.S. regulations.

NOT A "BETTER MOUSETRAP" A BETTER VALUE! IMHO

What I said (and meant) was that based on the cheesy, misaligned, falling off trademark decal, the made not to fit dust plug, the poor fitting mounting ears made me also 'Question' (uncertain of) the out of sight (can't be seen) quality of the inside.
An automobile may have a great engine in it, but if the fenders are falling off, the glove box won't stay closed, the headlights don't work, the dash lights flicker then the consumer may question the overall build quality of the whole car!

I don't believe my brother Ron has found any great depth gain with the NEL coils vs others.
I do like the price of the NEL, if you can find someone selling them for the correct price.

I like Tom's phrase "Better Mouse Trap" does it do a better job, for less money? (will it snag more treasures, tiny targets, does it really perform better in the field)
The answer to that is as up as it is down based on online user reports.

If your happy with the NEL coils then I think that's GREAT!
Good Luck with the warranty, as I don't think there is anyone in the US servicing them, that may or may not be bad???

Good Luck In Your Treasure Hunting!

Mark

 

[MI-AuAg]

No intention to get into a knockdown, dragout with you Mark. I respect your opinions, but, when an opinion is factually incorrect, or unproven, I will speak up. There are a lot of people out there who are intersted in equipment and rely on fact based information.

In addressing your opinions, I simply based my reply on personal knowledge. My coil fit perfectly when using the supplied rings, it fit (or DIDN'T fit as the case was) exactly as you said, when the rings weren't used. No biggie! You mounted yours differently evidently, and it didn't work well. That's not by any means a design flaw of the coil, and shouldn't be described as such. Same goes for the connector. The connector on my Snake coil was identical to the stock coil, with the !/8" difference in the metal sleeve behind the connector. Connection fit is fine.

In terms of depth. Prior to purchasing mine, I did indeed read Ron's and MANY other user's opinions. I appreciated his and others honest assessments. The majority were similar to what Ron experienced, it performed on a par with the 5" coil. That was good with me, that was my expectation. I had no expectations of it being a depth demon, nor do I make any such claims, those things originate in fantasyland. As I said SEVERAL times, claims of huge depth advantages genarally can be accepted with a grain of salt, *results may vary* Separation was my main goal, it WAS achieved very well.

As to build quality, internally, or externally, I am open to any FACT based information on either, that would suggest they are of inferior quality. Innuendo doesn't do it for me. From my firsthand observation, and use, I have seen nothing that would indicate any inferior quality. If the coil fails, or falls apart, and NEL doesn't honor it's 2yr warranty, I will be the first to announce it from a mountaintop. In the meantime I have no reason to declare the sky is falling, when all is good. I stand firmly by my opinion of value! I know of no other manufacturer who provides a better all inclusive coil package for the price.

Good hunting, and continued enjoyment of the hobby.

 

[Tom_in_CA]

.... Not sure what your beef is with NEL Tom?.....

No beef at all. They may or not be superior products. I was just commenting on the legal perspective of it, when you say:

... In terms of FCC compliance, to the best of my knowledge, ALL imported electronics must comply with U.S. regulations....

Then how is it, that many of us are getting these here ? Sorry, I couldn't resist

 

[MI-AuAg]

Oh I get it. That famous Tom sarcasm.

 

[MarkCZ]

No intention to get into a knockdown, dragout with you Mark. I respect your opinions, but, when an opinion is factually incorrect, or unproven, I will speak up. There are a lot of people out there who are intersted in equipment and rely on fact based information.

In addressing your opinions, I simply based my reply on personal knowledge. My coil fit perfectly when using the supplied rings, it fit (or DIDN'T fit as the case was) exactly as you said, when the rings weren't used. No biggie! You mounted yours differently evidently, and it didn't work well. That's not by any means a design flaw of the coil, and shouldn't be described as such. Same goes for the connector. The connector on my Snake coil was identical to the stock coil, with the !/8" difference in the metal sleeve behind the connector. Connection fit is fine.

In terms of depth. Prior to purchasing mine, I did indeed read Ron's and MANY other user's opinions. I appreciated his and others honest assessments. The majority were similar to what Ron experienced, it performed on a par with the 5" coil. That was good with me, that was my expectation. I had no expectations of it being a depth demon, nor do I make any such claims, those things originate in fantasyland. As I said SEVERAL times, claims of huge depth advantages genarally can be accepted with a grain of salt, *results may vary* Separation was my main goal, it WAS achieved very well.

As to build quality, internally, or externally, I am open to any FACT based information on either, that would suggest they are of inferior quality. Innuendo doesn't do it for me. From my firsthand observation, and use, I have seen nothing that would indicate any inferior quality. If the coil fails, or falls apart, and NEL doesn't honor it's 2yr warranty, I will be the first to announce it from a mountaintop. In the meantime I have no reason to declare the sky is falling, when all is good. I stand firmly by my opinion of value! I know of no other manufacturer who provides a better all inclusive coil package for the price.

Good hunting, and continued enjoyment of the hobby.

Here is where this gets all sideways, see Ron the poster above is my older brother and in talking to him about his NEL coils I have confirmed the same findings I posted here,
Cheesy decals, poorly designed mounting tabs, a stupid non working connector plug and you took offence to my NON praise of the coil.
I stated that by the cheap externals that in my mind I "Questioned" the rest of the build quality (see questioned speculation below)

Questioned=Place in doubt or express doubtful speculation

Speculation= A message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence

Offence= The action of attacking an enemy

and you took offence (see above) to even that.

I stated a possible warranty issue because the manufacture of the NEL coils is in Russia and that I hadn't heard of anyone in the US servicing them (I never said anything about them honoring a warranty), again you took offence of my NON praise!
You took offence to Tom's comment of the aftermarket coils in general, because of his NON praise!
I stated that I never seen any magic in the NEL coil and you took offence of my NON praise!

Then you insinuated that I didn't have the brain power to properly mount the coil, even though I've been mounting coils on detectors sense 1981 and the NEL is the only one I had an issue with, you took offence to my NON praise!
I've had upwards of 5 detectors at one time with 3-5 coils for each one and I never had a mounting issue with any of them, yes I've had BAD unusable coils I had to throw in the trash, but not mounting issues from poorly designed mounting tabs, you took offense of my NON praise!

And about that really great free coil cover,
In my view with a solid resin fill bottom coil (and not being able to seal the cover) I don't like the water catching, sand collecting tray that the cover creates, a little water and some lose minerals and you'll start having false signals, I mean its not likely to wear thought 3/8" of solid resin! and you'll take offense to that I'm sure.

Its good that you have confidence in your equipment it helps you in the field thinking (not fact) your stuff is working RIGHT!
You must be graced with the ability to overlook a lot of flaws because I'm not, the surface issue cast doubts in my mind.

In all of this I never stated that the NEL coils were a poor performer, I just didn't see anything magical about them compared to the OEM coils.
Is it possible that you really don't like someone singing a different praise than you do about anything?
Also, I never spoke badly about the performance of the NEL coils, I hate the way they mount and the little effort that the company put into the Nickel details, but if at some point in time a NEL coil will fill a coil gap I have and the price is right I would consider buying one. I don't feel that I EVER spoke badly of the coil, just some aspects of it, and that ruffled your feathers.
,

Bellow is a picture of 4 of my detectors all with properly mounted coils, and modified with low powered search lights for night hunting.
The other pictures are of a modified sealed coil cover I did and a applied coating of epoxy to the bottom of an open frame coil that was to much trouble to try and seal the cover, I also added sealer to the seems of this coil.
HH
Mark

 

[MI-AuAg]

This will be my last post in the matter Mark.

I take no offense whatsoever, in anyone not "praising" NEL coils as you put it. I have no vested interest in whether anyone likes them or not. If people are critical of ANY product incuding NEL coils I feel they should relay accurate information in their criticism. As I said, a lot of folks rely on accurate information on this forum in making equipment decisions. I merely stated accurately that I used the two provided rubber rings when mounting mine, and it was/is fine. I also stated accurately that I replicated your issues when mounting the coil without the rings. You said your experience with NEL coils happened a while ago. I have no idea if the rings were included at that time or not, but I do know that was clearly the difference when I looked at it objectively, NOT a design issue. I didn't insinuate anything about your "brain power". I did say you evidently mounted yours without the rings, as that was the logical conclusion I came to, since your exact issues were replicated without them. Frankly no specific directions in that matter were included, with some lower rods they may not be necessary, so you take it anyway you choose.

The point I was making in regards to warranty/service, as I said, the sky isn't falling, all is good, I have no concern about it. If I do have any problem, I will address it then, I won't lose any sleep over it now, or then, for that matter. The coil I have is only a bit over 10 oz, it's not like sending a detector in.

In terms of anyone not liking NEL coils that's fine. If someone tells me they just don't like them, I can respect and accept that, they need not provide me a reason, it's their opinion. If someone were to tell me that they prefer to buy only American products, I can respect, and accept that. If someone complains about specific things like inability to properly mount the coil, and wire connector issues and suggest they are design issues, I would hope they can show evidence of such flaws. In this case I was able to objectively look at those claims and determine that no such design issues exist, with specific information to support my position.

In terms of performance, I think the OP was a bit off, and I stated the " *results may vary " opinion in that regard. From my point of view there is pretty close parity among brands, I certainly don't think NEL, or any other brand holds any magical power in that regard. In terms of quality, I believe them to be as good as any other brand. In terms of value, I believe them to be above average. I provided my reasoning in that matter, whether you agree is your choice

Finally as to Tom. I took no offense to his comment. Tom is very knowledgeable about past/present detector products. He is correct in his assessment IMO, that no magic aftermarket depth demon exists. I believe he was referring to a couple posts by others, where much better depths were suggested. If you read what I said, I disagreed with his anolgy of using a 20 plus year old false claim by another manufacturer in comparison to NEL. To my knowledge, NEL has made no such claims.

I like the picture with the lights on the machines, nice touch. As I said, I'm done with this subject, I've stated my position clearly, several times, and I stand by ALL.

 

[Mega]

I use NEL coils mainly on my T2,these are mainly the NEL Sharpshooter,Storm and the Big fella the BIG NEL,these are in my 'personal' opinion very good coils especially the 'Storm' the main reasons being is that on my permission here in the UK are mainly deep pasture,so i need a coil that is not only deeper than the stock coil but also still pretty good on small coin size targets as well,the Storm ticks all the boxes on this one.

But of course for all out deep relic hunting then BIG Nel come out too play,but i mainly only use this large coil when the reward to effort ratio is in my favour after doing alot of homework,its not good digging deep holes every day,but these large coils do have some use.

I did look at getting a 15'' coil for the T2 from the factory,this in theory you would have thought would have been ideally matched by the makers of the detector,its possibly true,when they 1st came out the price was horrendous but with the recent upgrades on the T2 range they had in the basically alot of stock and started selling them off cheap just to cover production costs,i did buy one at the giveaway price but dont use use as it heavy enough for a boat anchor.

Regarding detector makers producing the best coils for the detectors that they make,in recent times Whites have been using and suggesting 'Detech' coils,which are a 3rd party coil makers,the coils are even on the Whites main website as a general all round coil and even the new 7'' coil for the MX-S is also made by Detech as well.

The main reason i tend to go for makers like NEL,Mars or Detech coil is that 'like for like' coil size they are cheaper than factory made coils,and infact i perswonally think they are of a higher quality,i am not saying every one is perfect or every coil is better than factory made ones,but that is the beauty of us having a wider choice.

I have about 40 coils that i use,most are after market ones,have never had any major problems that i can recall apart from the coil plug on my as new T2 original coil having problems,was not prepared to pay premium price when i can and did buy a after market coil that does exactly the same job and also saved me alot of money into the bargain.

Bottom line,i pay out of my own pocket for all my equipment,so not biased,but i use what i feel is the right tool/equipment for the job on my sites and for my detecting needs.These are just my personal thoughts and opinions.