Monte,
I bet with the decades of time you have behind the control box of detectors with small coils on them, you will never really feel comfy with an 11" standard out there in front of you. Even if it is the coil that would seem to be an optimal choice. It will feel too big and unwieldy, too heavy; not right.
I have the opposite thing going on. For decades, I've used larger coils and have become so accustomed to them, that using a 5, 6, or even 8" coil seems . . . . small. Even when they are the most obvious choice, like at Lonesome Arch or similar.
While I have thoroughly enjoyed detecting around the old ghost towns, I'm overcome by a feeling a comfort and confidence when I step into the yard of an old home or an old park along with my detector and a larger 11" coil or similar.
So when are you coming back to Oregon ?.
Rich
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2022 - OregonGregg Challenge - CoRe w/OOR coil for Ghost towns
800 or D2 for everywhere else.