Coil field tests post

[automodeler]

Bryce, I checked out all of the field tests and had a few questions:

Did you prefer the Sunray X-5 over the Excelerator 6 " or were they comparable?

WHen you mention that you are able to run your detector on a hotter settting, do you mean higher sensitivity setting? If so, how high do you usually hunt? I usually am limited to 12-14 on my Explorer. What setting would either of the above mentioned coils be able to handle?

With the coils mentioned above, how fast are you able to sweep effectively? Do you have to slow way down with a small coil or can you speed up, or is speed not a factor?

Are these coils able to be used underwater ( I hunt swimming areas frequently and need a coil that can be completely submersed.)

Thanks for your expertise.

 

[Hotcz70]

Did you prefer the Sunray X-5 over the Excelerator 6 " or were they comparable?

I use all of my small coils extensively and they each exhibit a trait or traits that are unique to that particular coil.
The Sunray X-5 coil is absolutely deadly for me in extremely dense trash and gets great depth.
The 6" Excelerator coil is absolutely deadly in heavy trash and gets great depth.

WHen you mention that you are able to run your detector on a hotter settting, do you mean higher sensitivity setting? If so, how high do you usually hunt? I usually am limited to 12-14 on my Explorer. What setting would either of the above mentioned coils be able to handle?

I cannot answer what amount of stability your ears would consider "able to handle". It is a matter of personal preference.
For me personally...I run my small coils at semi auto 32 most of the time.

With the coils mentioned above, how fast are you able to sweep effectively? Do you have to slow way down with a small coil or can you speed up, or is speed not a factor?

Speed is 100% a factor...and is the main factor at how successful you will be in hunting in trashy sections of different sites. I will sometimes just stand in one spot and slowly scan the ground. I don't even consider it sweeping the coil....more like a slow scan. You need to remember you are trying to "see" the coin or good target hiding amid the trash so there is no "speed" involved. A more fitting description would be a "slow crawl" at best.

Are these coils able to be used underwater ( I hunt swimming areas frequently and need a coil that can be completely submersed

The 6" Excelerator coil is listed as waterproof but you would need to contact Kellyso and find out whether they are "submersible" because I don't know if the 6" is completely submersible...but it IS listed as waterproof.
The Sunray X-5 coil is listed for sale on the Sunray website as both waterproof and submersible.

 

[automodeler]

Thanks for the great clarifications there. My Minelab is so awesome, however, I know I could do better.

Would you consider posting a summary of settings you used for the field tests so that when we read the reviews we can relate your descriptions to the settings?
Basically the following settings: (and maybe you could use this as a template to post with any further coil reviews)

Mode:
Reject:
Audio settings: (Variability, Limit, Sound, Response and Recovery)
Iron Mask:
Sensitivity:

I realize these are subject to conditions, but I think it would help other detectorists better to have a starting point to achieve similar results.