More Sovereign Coil Opinions wanted

[seahunter34]

For shallow saltwater and beach hunting, SEF 12X10 or Sunray S-12? The Sunray has good reviews, but so does the SEF. I'm leaning towards 12X10 SEF because several say improved stability and locks onto targets better than 10 inch Tornado? (I'll be swinging in the water so a WOT might be too big?)

Then for trashy beach/shallow water areas the EXcelerator 5" or Sunray S5? I'm leaning towards the Sunray because a user of both coils said Sunray was more stable in salt? I would have preferred to keep things in the family by getting both the Sunray coils or both the EXcelerator coils. But I guess I want the better coils, even if that means 1 of each brand. So unless someone here can talk me out of the 12X10 SEF and the Sunray S5, that's what I'll order. Since coils are rather expensive and I can't try them out before buying, I greatly appreciate the advice of those more experienced here. Thanks, SH34.

 

[seahunter34]

I see below a similar question to mine was asked. But I still appreciate all responses. I believe that the Sunray and SEF 12X10 coils weigh about the same. The SEF is supposedly the newer hybrid technology. But has it been hyped-up? Even though the SunRay is prov-en, I'm still leaning towards the SEF- Despite not fully trusting those K-Co dealer SEF claims! But for saltwater hunting if someone says "More Stable", that gets my attention... and that is what I have heard about the 12X10 SEF and also the Sunray S5.

 

[Jason in TN]

That is the direction I am leaning. Cheaper than the sunray. I had a 12x15 on a Etrac and about two hours and my arm was hurting. I know I am getting old I guess I am a wimp.
Think the 10x12 may not be to bad. Was thinking the sunray would be lighter though if it was a lot lighter I would probably go with it. Man now I am not sure on which one I want.

Jason

 

[Deep Digger]

Jason,
I don't think your a whimp, I can hardly swing the Etrac at the beach with the STOCK coil for more
than an hour and I'm fairly fit and tuff as an ox. Other places like woods I shrink the lower rod all the way
and walk real slow and it doesn't bother me. I think the angle is real wrong for ME. My dad is 65 and
can swing the Excal (similar lead weight and bad balance) for HOURS with the stock s shaft and it doesn't bother him.
He makes fun of me cuz I have to put the Excal on a 6ft. straight shaft just so I can use it.
I'd love to put a bigger coil on the Etrac but it's not in the cards weight wise for me.
If I could I'd go SEF all the way because my 6x8 is nearly as effective as the stock coil.
Good Luck
Deep Digger

 

[seahunter34]

I guess there is really only 1 way to find out if I like a coil or not. So at this point I have decided on the SEF 12X10 and the Excelerator 5. As I understand both of these coils are made by the same manufacturer. I have read some very good things about the SEF 12X10. Even if the SEF only provides a 10% advantage over the Tornado 10, that seems worth it to me. Especially with the price of gold! I'll give the Excelerator 5 a try too for trashy areas. Both coils cost less than the SunRays. If I'm not happy with the 2 new coils, I'll sell them as they may work better for someone else. Then I'll try the SunRays or the WOT. But I believe the WOT is simply too much for hours in shallow water and pinpointing. SH34

 

[Minelab50]

I recently bought a used GT from Chuck (Indian Nations), great guy to deal with and a great price to boot. I have a 12x10 sef for my Explorer XS that I replaced my 15" wot with. It is a great coil on the beach, stable and deep. I love it and will be getting one for my GT to use as my standard coil.

good diggin................randy

 

[seahunter34]

I just ordered the 12X10 SEF and EXcelerator 5. After some use I will post my opinions on these coils, the good, the bad and the ugly. SE34

 

[larzam]

Where did you order the SEF from and how much?, cause i was about to order the same size for the sov, Thanks,sam in ms.

 

[goodmore]

Only one place in the US has the SEF & that is Kellyco.

 

[midalake]

If you are going into any water at all, you will dissapointed in anything other than the stock 10 inch,

Dave

 

[seahunter34]

Hi, Why is that? I'm very happy in the water with both my Excalibur 800 and 1000. Is there something different with the Sovereign I should know about? One thing I like about the Sovereign is the ability to try out different coils for different search conditions.

 

[Critterhunter]

15x12 was too much drag in water. liked stock 10" coil with less drag, but will be trying 12x10 in water. I choose this coil over S12. more sensitive to smaller objects. stable. deeper than stock. S5 gets me 7 or 8" on a dime in auto.