Metal detector coils are more than accessories—they are the heart of your detector’s performance. Your coil determines how deep you can detect, how well you identify valuable targets, and how efficiently you cover ground. Choosing the right Minelab coil can dramatically improve your success in the field, whether you’re hunting coins, relics, jewelry, or gold.
This guide explains how coil size, shape, and configuration affect performance, and provides an easy breakdown of which Minelab coils fit the VANQUISH, X-TERRA, EQUINOX, and MANTICORE series detectors.
How Do Metal Detector Coils Influence Detection?
Coil Size
Large coils—such as Minelab’s 12"x9" V12X—offer greater depth and wider coverage, making them ideal for large fields or deep relic hunting. Smaller coils—like the 8"x5" V8X—provide outstanding sensitivity to tiny targets and excellent maneuverability in trash-heavy sites.
Coil Shape
Round coils provide strong uniform depth, while elliptical coils sweep more ground and perform well on uneven terrain.
Coil Configuration
Most Minelab coils use Double-D (DD) windings. DD coils offer consistent depth, good target separation, and superior performance in mineralized soil.
Minelab Coil Compatibility by Detector Series
Minelab VANQUISH Series (340, 440, 540)
Compatible Coils: V8 (8"x5"), V10 (10"x7"), V12 (12"x9")
- V8 – Best for trashy areas and excellent target separation.
- V10 – All-purpose balance of depth and sensitivity.
- V12 – Maximum depth and coverage for large fields.
Shop Minelab VANQUISH Detectors
Shop Minelab VANQUISH Coils
Minelab X-TERRA Series (PRO & ELITE)
Compatible Coils: V8X, V10X, V12X, EQX 06, EQX 11, EQX 15
The X-TERRA PRO and ELITE accept both VX coils and EQUINOX coils, offering unmatched flexibility.
- V8X – Ideal for high-trash environments where target separation is critical.
- V10X – Great all-round coil with a strong balance of depth, sensitivity, and coverage.
- V12X – Offers deeper reach and wider sweeps for fields, pasture, and open ground.
- EQX 06 – Small round coil for maximum separation and pinpointing in iron-infested areas.
- EQX 11 – Versatile everyday coil with solid depth and coverage for most conditions.
- EQX 15 – Wide coverage and maximum depth for serious field and beach work.
Shop X-TERRA PRO
Shop X-TERRA ELITE
Browse All Minelab X-TERRA Coils
Minelab EQUINOX Series (600, 700, 800, 900)
Compatible Coils: EQX 06, EQX 11, EQX 15
The Minelab EQUINOX lineup supports three high-performance DD coils, each offering a different balance of sensitivity, depth, and ground coverage. These coils are optimized for Multi-IQ technology, making them ideal for everything from coin shooting to relic hunting to beach detecting.
- EQX 06 – A compact 6" round coil designed for extreme target separation and precision in iron-infested, trashy, or highly concentrated sites. Ideal for parks, old home foundations, and cellar holes.
- EQX 11 – The standard 11" round coil supplied with most EQUINOX models. Offers excellent all-purpose performance, combining depth, stability, sensitivity, and coverage.
- EQX 15 – A large 15" elliptical coil that delivers maximum depth and wide ground coverage. Perfect for fields, beaches, pastureland, and hunting deep or widely dispersed targets.
EQUINOX 600 & 800 – Fully compatible with all EQX coils, giving users complete freedom to adapt their coil selection to any environment.
EQUINOX 700 & 900 – Optimized for the EQX lineup with enhanced processing and improved coil handling for peak Multi-IQ performance.
Shop Minelab EQUINOX Detectors
Shop EQUINOX Coils
Minelab MANTICORE
Compatible Coils: M8, M9, M11, M15
- M8 – Compact 8"x5.5" elliptical coil ideal for dense iron, trashy sites, and tight spaces. Provides fast target separation and accurate pinpointing.
- M9 – A lightweight 9" round coil offering excellent maneuverability with improved sensitivity and balanced depth. Great for woods, parks, and general detecting.
- M11 – The standard 11" round coil that balances depth, coverage, and sensitivity. A true all-purpose coil suitable for most environments.
- M15 – Large 15"x12" coil designed for wide ground coverage and maximum depth. Ideal for beaches, open fields, pastureland, and deep relic hunting.
Shop MANTICORE Detectors
Shop MANTICORE Coils
Premium Coiltek Upgrade Coils for Minelab Detectors
While Minelab’s own coils are excellent and cover most detecting situations, many detectorists choose to upgrade to Coiltek coils when they want more specialized performance. Coiltek designs high-quality coils specifically for popular Minelab platforms, and users often report improved ground coverage, stability, or target separation in certain conditions compared to the stock coils.
Here are some standout Coiltek options compatible with Minelab X-TERRA PRO, EQUINOX, and MANTICORE detectors:
-
Coiltek 10" x 5" DD Search Coil (X-TERRA PRO & EQUINOX)
A versatile, narrow-profile coil that shines in trashy ground, parks, and tight spaces. The 10" x 5" footprint helps separate targets in iron-rich soil while still offering good depth and coverage for everyday detecting.
View Coiltek 10" x 5" DD for X-TERRA PRO & EQUINOX -
Coiltek 18" MYTHTEK Coil for Minelab MANTICORE
Built for serious coverage and depth, this 18" coil is ideal for open fields, beaches, and relic sites where you want to push your MANTICORE to its limits. Many advanced users like pairing this coil with the MANTICORE when searching for deep, larger targets over wide areas.
View Coiltek 18" MYTHTEK Coil for MANTICORE -
Coiltek 18" NOX Search Coil (X-TERRA & EQUINOX Series)
This 18" NOX coil is designed for maximum ground coverage and deep detection on the EQUINOX series and X-TERRA PRO. It’s an excellent choice for beach hunters and field hunters who want to cover more ground per sweep and reach targets beyond the range of standard coils.
View Coiltek 18" NOX Coil for X-TERRA & EQUINOX -
Coiltek 15" DD Search Coil (X-TERRA & EQUINOX Series)
A 15" DD coil that offers a strong balance between depth and coverage. It’s a great “step up” from standard coils when you want more reach and wider sweeps without going all the way to an 18" size. Ideal for fields, pasture, and low-to-medium trash sites.
View Coiltek 15" DD Coil for X-TERRA & EQUINOX -
Coiltek 14" x 9" DD Search Coil (X-TERRA & EQUINOX)
The 14" x 9" DD offers an excellent mix of maneuverability and performance. The elliptical shape helps you work around obstacles and uneven terrain while still enjoying increased coverage and depth over smaller stock coils. Great for mixed ground where you need both reach and control.
View Coiltek 14" x 9" DD Coil for X-TERRA & EQUINOX
If you already know your Minelab detector well and want to squeeze even more performance from it, adding a Coiltek coil can be a smart upgrade path. You keep the detector you trust, but gain a coil that’s purpose-built for the way you hunt.
How to Choose the Right Coil for Your Detecting Style
If you detect in high-trash areas:
Choose: Coiltek 10x5 or Minelab V8X, EQX 06, or M8
If you're searching for deep relics or large targets:
Choose: Coiltek 18" MYTHTEK or Minelab V12X, EQX 15, or M15
If you want to cover more ground efficiently:
Choose: Coiltek 15" or Minelab V10X, EQX 11, or M11
Browse All Minelab Search Coils
Conclusion
The right Minelab coil can dramatically improve detection depth, target separation, and hunt efficiency. Whether you’re exploring trashy parks, deep relic fields, or wide-open beaches, choosing the correct coil ensures you get the most out of your detector.
Explore our full range of Minelab detectors and accessories to upgrade your setup:
Shop All Minelab Products
Shop All Search Coils
Learn more about Search Coils on our Search Coil Selection Guide
