To say the least both coils are great. I know some folks have problems swinging the larger coil for an extended period of time. Somehow, for me I am able to do it all day long sans harness and the shaft fully extended without an issue. I am not a big guy at all so I am not sure how I can pull this off, considering it does look and physically feels heavier than the stock coil. That coupled with the drag that I encounter in the grass by a coil is considerable but still it just doesn't seem to bother me. I think it is probably not a bad idea to use a harness of some sort to cut down on should wear, but I just hate that tethered feeling.
I am not exactly sure what Bill meant by the stock coil being more fun. I would guess he is talking about being in a trashier area that makes it slightly more difficult to pinpoint?
Fletch are saying that the seventeen incher is less stable in the wet sand? I don't recall folks mentioning that before, but I may have missed it.
I personally am not a beach hunter but do like to hear about what people are experiencing.