Thomas Dankowski's Metal Detecting Forum

For 8 years it is my job..
Gold getting smaller....also ,got a 0.5g bracelet but only gold platted

This is spectacular!!! And you are finding gold that could never be found before. That smaller coil is allowing you to be LESS affected by your black-sand mineralization.

Yes this coil is MAGIC...target was a solid 1.thinking
It was shallow I scooped 5 cm of sand an clay
But it was actually about 7cm.
With all metal off It does not register..in air test..
I feel now the coil an machine are running at optimum
Performance/depth...
I am using my old equinox headphones, what advantage
Would be gained by using a specialised pair...(I do not
Have the sound of waves,here on the med)

There will not be much of a difference.....switching to a better set of headphones..... in your case. IF you were in a noisy environment....... THEN a different set of headphones would have formidable merit.

Hi there Tom, I see Minelab is having a sale on their coils. I was thinking of taking advantage of getting 2 coils, 12 X15 for sure and either the M8 or the M9. They are for my Manticore. I don't hunt the salt water, strictly freshwater lakes here. Do you think the M9 will get the small micro gold just as well as the M8 at freshwater beaches? Also, I know I will be gaining coverage area with the 12X15 coil over the 11 inch, but can I expect maybe a couple inches depth wise over the 11inch coil? Thanks, Steve

Hi Steve,

The smaller (M8) coil is more sensitive to tiny gold.......even over the M9 coil. The smaller coil also allows you to run/drive the Sens to higher settings.
The large 12" x 15" coil goes deeper on Silver Dollar sized (and larger) targets. . , . , . , . , . and that is only if there is low-mineralization!

Thank you Tom, if I get the 5X8 coil, would you say for use only in freshwater that I should be using ATLC with the use of the prospecting audio when looking for gold and other low conductors? I assume I should stay away from the beach modes since no salt in my water. Also on small jewelry gold, should I be looking out for very low VDI numbers that show up as 1,2 or 3 on screen? Also I m assuming I should be working with the horseshoe on,all metal. Thanks Tom. Steve

Steve.......... that is correct. You do NOT want to be in any form of a SALT Mode (the Beach Modes)....... if you are inland/freshwater hunting for VERY low conductors (small gold..... which ID's: 1 - 8). All Terrain - Low Conductors is one of the best Modes for inland/non-salt. Yes..... make sure you can hear iron! You may (should) like Audio Theme: Prospecting.....the best.

Very well Tom, I appreciate your knowledgeable tips and settings on the manticore. I will be getting the 5X8 coil. Thanks, Steve

Another 1 TDI....