Trunkman
New Member
Lucky me. My wife bought me a 17" DD coil for my CTX 3030 as a birthday present. I had been running the standard coil that came with the unit. I wasn't sure I wanted to keep the new one as I read several forum threads that had both positive and negative comments. So I decided to attach the new coil and wrapped it double thick in a heavy duty trash bag. This way I could try it myself briefly without damaging/scratching it in any way should I decide to return it.
The main issues I wanted to address were the weight of the coil, the altered balance with a larger coil, depth gained and any added ability to find targets easier/better.
I figured the best way to compare was to hit an area I've been detecting all year. I've put in at least 40 to 60 hours there this year. I went back to a particular spot there that I have already covered twice. I was pretty sure I found all the non-trash stuff by now.
The toughest part was using the pinpointer with the black garbage bag covering the coil. In hindsight, I should have used a clear garbage bag. Anyhow, I started finding new targets very quickly. I found several clad, 1 wheat and a silver quarter. At that point I was convinced that I was keeping the coil and proceeded cut to the bag off the coil. That sure felt freeing.
Results:
I found pinpointing from that point on to be very easy and accurate.
I was able to get solid readings at greater depth. Most of the finds came in anywhere from 6 to 10". I dug some nails at 12". I even had some trashy targets ring at 14"! I didn't dig those though. These results were at least 2" better than the 11" coil and in some cases much better.
I found the balance of the whole unit to be fine. Even though it is a little heavier, I was no more fatigued than when I used the 11" coil.
The 17" coil was just as easy to swing as the 11" coil.
The larger coil allowed me to cover more ground faster.
Final tally of finds in 2 hours over an area I've already covered twice before:
2 wheats, $1.51 clad, 1 silver quarter, an 1844 Large Cent (excellent condition), Gold Brooch, Small engraved Silver Ladies compact (1800s)
I'm convinced this coil enabled me to make these new finds. Can't wait to get back out there tomorrow!
The main issues I wanted to address were the weight of the coil, the altered balance with a larger coil, depth gained and any added ability to find targets easier/better.
I figured the best way to compare was to hit an area I've been detecting all year. I've put in at least 40 to 60 hours there this year. I went back to a particular spot there that I have already covered twice. I was pretty sure I found all the non-trash stuff by now.
The toughest part was using the pinpointer with the black garbage bag covering the coil. In hindsight, I should have used a clear garbage bag. Anyhow, I started finding new targets very quickly. I found several clad, 1 wheat and a silver quarter. At that point I was convinced that I was keeping the coil and proceeded cut to the bag off the coil. That sure felt freeing.
Results:
I found pinpointing from that point on to be very easy and accurate.
I was able to get solid readings at greater depth. Most of the finds came in anywhere from 6 to 10". I dug some nails at 12". I even had some trashy targets ring at 14"! I didn't dig those though. These results were at least 2" better than the 11" coil and in some cases much better.
I found the balance of the whole unit to be fine. Even though it is a little heavier, I was no more fatigued than when I used the 11" coil.
The 17" coil was just as easy to swing as the 11" coil.
The larger coil allowed me to cover more ground faster.
Final tally of finds in 2 hours over an area I've already covered twice before:
2 wheats, $1.51 clad, 1 silver quarter, an 1844 Large Cent (excellent condition), Gold Brooch, Small engraved Silver Ladies compact (1800s)
I'm convinced this coil enabled me to make these new finds. Can't wait to get back out there tomorrow!
Last edited:
