First off I am no expert and am considered a newcomer, however, results speak for themselves. I purchased an MXT Pro with a 950 coil and really like it, but I do a lot of cellar holes and the 950 has some issues when in the woods.
Taking Monte's advice on the 5.3 was the best move I have made to date. I put the 5.3 on my MXT Pro and it hasn't been off since. Not only do I use it in the woods with excellent results, I choose to use it in open areas to.
I just finished a yard and gravel driveway that took me a week, and found numerous clad, silver and copper coins in the yard and Indian heads in the gravel driveway. Many of the finds were down to a measured 9+". I have however found some coins deeper in other spots. I am not saying that this is a deep seeking coil as most of my finds AVERAGE about 5+" , not to shabby for a little coil.
When I look at some of my finds that the 950 never would have even been able to get over because they were close to trees, brush, large stones and walls, I have no regrets in my choice of coils.
I have already found 1700 & 1800 coppers, Barber dimes, silver and Indian heads with this little sweetheart. So once again I can only say," you can't argue with results".
I run the 5.3 at +3 , and because of the size of this coil, take a slow and methodical approach to this hunting, (which is the way it should be done anyway).
I am not saying that this is the way to go, only stating the facts about how this coil has worked for me.
I hope you will be happy with whatever coil you decide to buy, but if you know anyone that will let you run a 5.3 on your machine and set the gain at +3 ( and deal with the noise ) I think you will be a believer.
CCH