I am trying to decide on a new coil for my MXT. I currently have the stock coil, 6x10DD, and 1400 deep scan. I am trying to decide on the 5.3 eclipse or 4x6DD shooter coil. What are the advantages and disadvantages of either one. I will use it for coin hunting and occasionally prospecting. Thanks for any advice of help.

John, the only really NOTICABLE advantage of the 6x4 DD or 5.3 is in very tight spots, rough ground or at very trashy sites. Yes, smaller coils will find SLIGHTLY smaller targets, but not so much that they seriously outperform the coils you already have. Of the smaller coils, my preferrence is for the 6x4 DD, which actually measures 6.75" by 3.5". Compared to the 5.3, the 6x4 isolates targets better, covers more ground per sweep, handles "bad" ground better, and rejects iron somewhat better, too. BUT unless the "tight spot, rough ground or very trashy site" scenario applies to your detecting, then stick with the coils you already have. Hope this helps; HH jim

I would add that the 6X4DD will let you work closer to chain link fences and playground equipment than the 5.3. However, as Jim said, if you already have the 6X10DD, you really will not need to use a 6X4DD or 5.3 very often.

Yep, you are right Rudy, that issue slipped my mind. Kinda mentally fuzzy right now, just drove in from Virginia City. HH jim

Glad you made it back safely Jim.

How was the show?

Thank you Jim & Rudy for your help and advice. I have decided to go with the 4x6DD coil. I tried the 6x10DD again and still had some problems getting around the trash. I will have to let you know how it works out, if I can get out off my office long enough to do a little detecting.
John

John, one thing to remember with a little coil is that you should sweep it a bit slower. Also, the little coil can really use high gain settings, so to get maximum depth don't be afraid to use higher gain. HH jim

Those of you who have used 5.3 Eclipse coils on MXTs or DFXs, what differences if any have you noticed with depth indications compared with the stock 950 coil?

In general, it is not as deep as the 950 on air tests. However, your mileage may vary according to the area you are hunting. Since the 5.3 "sees" less of the ground matrix, you may be able to run it hotter than the 950 and thereby even things out a bit. Of course, in a trashy area, it'll separate targets better than the 950.

What I meant was that if it shows a coin is 3 inches deep with the 950, and it is accurate, will the same coin indicate 3 inches with the smaller coil or will that reading be off, and which way? I would think that it might say the coin is deeper down than it actually is, but that is just a guess. When I got this used MXT it had the 5.3 coil on it and I don't have the original 950 for comparison. It *seems* that most of my finds turn out to be shallower than indicated. Just wondering if someone who has used both coils on the same machine to comment on their experience and observation. Thanks.
- Bill

Sorry, I missunderstood your question.

Yes, detector depth readings are usually calibrated to be right-on with the
standard coil. If you put on the 5.3" or the mini-shooter, the depth indication
will be off like you said.

Thanks for confirming my observations, Rudy !! Wouldn't it be nice if detectors could automatically sense different coil sizes and adjust themselves...
- Bill

I agree. Though it would probably mean having a few extra contacts in the connector and some kind of different resitor values to identify the coil.