Time and time again through the last 30 plus years that manufacturers have been transitioning to larger-size standard coils, I have hunted so many places where people using their larger size coils end up with fewer good targets than I would. That was when I was younger and / or healthier and we both put in the same amount of time. Sometimes we were using the same detector but most often we were not, and when they asked what the secret was, it was no secret. It was obvious. Look at the far end of the rod and compare what they were using to what I was using. A smaller-size coil was doing the chore for me.
Not only does it keep the detector lighter and more comfortable, but it lets us work in and around all sorts of masking trash to be able to pull a good Target that is a challenge for most folks with the bigger coil.
I only have a couple of detectors in my outfit that are equipped with a standard to larger size coil that I make use of occasionally. I grab them when they can do what they can do. Everything else in my Regular-Use Outfit have a 5" to 7" search coil mounted or a mid-sized of 5X8 or 5X9 1/2, and all those detectors with those coils handle probably 95% have all my detecting needs.
I know I'm comfortable with what I use and I sure don't feel intimidated when other folks show up with an oversized coil mounted. If they're happy, all is well.
Monte
"Your EYES ... the only 100% accurate form of Discrimination!"
Stinkwater Wells Trading Post
Metal Detector Evaluations and Product Reviews monte@ahrps.org ... or ... monte@stinkwaterwells.com 503-481-8147Detector Outfit: A selection of my favorite makes and models, with the best coils mounted, for the tasks I'll take on.Pinpointers: Pulse-Dive & ProPointer AT .. Headphones: 'Hornet' & 'Wasp' .. MS-3 Z-Lynk .. ML-80 .. N/M Green edition*** All working well today to make memories for tomorrow. ***