Sand Shark 8" or 10" coil?

[vernt]

For those who have used both the 8" and 10" coils, which do you prefer and why?
A local dealer states he prefers (why?) the 8" over the 10", and that other users have told him the same! Any merit to any of this?
My basic understanding is a larger coil gives greater depth and search area, and the small better pin pointing.
What do you think?
Vern

 

[tvr]

My preference is the 10.5 inch coil. With fast water movement, the 10.5 inch can get caught and flipped up more than the 8 inch, in fact I have not had the 8 inch flip postion; but the 10.5 inch has. I still use the 10.5 inch almost exclusivey on the Sand Shark and go without a coil stabilizer and just reposition the coil when it does get flipped up. I have not had a problem pin pointing with the 10.5 inch. Visualize the center of the coil at peak response and that is where the target is. Use a big scoop and it helps bringing the target up in the first scoop or at least within the first few and helps keep your from needing several scoops to get it.
Cheers,
tvr

 

[LS hunter]

How does the sand shark perform in saltwater???

 

[pelanj]

I also have a dilemma, which coil size to choose - my dealer says that he sells almost 10.5" coils only and recommends that size as well. I have a Tiger Shark with the 10.5" coil and it is easy for me in the water. Is there another reason than increased drag in the water to choose the 8" coil? How about sensitivity? And depth difference? Please help me, I need to decide soon

 

[tvr]

How does the sand shark perform in saltwater???

In my opinion, very well.

Is there another reason than increased drag in the water to choose the 8" coil? How about sensitivity? And depth difference?

8 inch will pick through areas of high target density or trash better, although in areas that are that high in trash / targets, I normally do not hunt with a PI detector. 8 inch is very slightly more sensitive to smaller targets and just a little less deep. 8 inch will fit down in the scooped out hole to help chase an escaping target; 10.5 inch needs a bigger hole (more scoops dug) to do so. If you are in an area with rocks on the bottom, a smaller coil can help search around and between the rocks. My main reason for preferring the 10.5 inch is more ground coverage. I don't encounter trashy wet sand and water or rocky bottoms that often. Both coils balance very well, making the detector easy to swing for long periods and both find targets when the coil is put over them.
Cheers,
tvr

 

[hunt2day]

I can tell you I have a Sand Shark with the 10.5" coil and it works great. I use it in the soft sand and in the surf. I have found tiny washers the size of a bb so I can tell you it has great depth and the ability to pinpoint the target. I was trying to decide between the two coils and I am glad I went with the larger one. The freshwater and saltwater beaches in central Florida seem to be clean so I don't have a problem with a ton of iron or trash. The SS is a great machine and I have found plenty of corroded coins in areas where others have gone before and missed. I think you will be happy with either one, don't beat yourself up.

 

[pelanj]

Thanks for the answers, I will go for the larger coil.

 

[Smudge]

The Sand Shark was designed for salt water use, so it excels there.

I personnally recommend the 8" coil.

It gives you all the depth you could ever want and pinpointing is easier and more accurate.

And considering how deep you will be digging for targets, you want your pinpointing to be as accurate as possible.