{"page":{"id":117736931612,"body_html":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/coils\" title=\"Search Coils\"\u003esearch coil\u003c\/a\u003e is one of the most important components of any \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/metal-detectors\" title=\"Metal Detectors\"\u003emetal detector\u003c\/a\u003e — it’s the part that transmits and receives electromagnetic signals to locate buried targets. Choosing the right coil can dramatically improve your success, whether you’re hunting for coins, relics, jewelry, or gold nuggets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0760\/1464\/9628\/files\/coiltek-coils-featured.webp?v=1762975160\" alt=\"Metal Detector Search Coils in different Sizes, Shapes and Configurations\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eUnderstanding \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ecoil size\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eshape\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, and \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003econfiguration\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e helps detectorists match their gear to the terrain and type of treasure they’re after. Below, we break down how each factor affects depth, sensitivity, stability, and overall performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCoil Sizes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eCoil size has a direct effect on \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003edetection depth\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003etarget sensitivity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLarger coils\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e (e.g., 13”–15”) penetrate deeper into the ground, making them ideal for finding large or deeply buried targets such as caches or relics. However, they are less sensitive to tiny targets and can be heavier and harder to maneuver in tight or trashy areas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSmaller coils\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e (e.g., 5”–8”) provide exceptional sensitivity to small targets like fine jewelry or small nuggets. Their lighter weight makes them easier to swing for long sessions, and they excel in \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003etrash-filled sites\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e where their smaller detection footprint helps isolate good targets among junk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMedium coils\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e (around 9”–12”) offer a versatile balance of depth and sensitivity, suitable for general coin and relic hunting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWhen selecting coil size, consider the type of detecting you’ll be doing most often — depth and ground coverage vs. precision and maneuverability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCoil Shapes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eshape\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e of a coil influences its stability, coverage area, and how it handles specific terrains. The three most common types are \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eround\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eelliptical\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, and \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eopen-web\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRound coils\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e are traditional and known for their overall stability and performance. They provide even depth and sensitivity across the coil and are favored for \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003egold prospecting\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e due to their balanced electromagnetic field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eElliptical coils\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e have an elongated design, making it easier to navigate around rocks, bushes, or stony terrain. They’re great for uneven ground or tight spaces where control and target separation are key.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOpen-web coils\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e are designed with cutouts that reduce weight and drag. They’re especially effective when detecting in water or for long hunts where fatigue can be an issue.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eEach shape has practical benefits depending on where and how you detect — round coils for power, elliptical for agility, and open-web for comfort and hydrodynamics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCoil Configurations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe three most common types of coil windings are Concentric, Double-D (DD), and Monoloop. The difference between these coil types is the pattern the wire is wound within the coil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ecoil configuration\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e refers to how the wire windings are arranged inside the coil, shaping its electromagnetic field. The three most common configurations are \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/coils?filter.p.m.custom.search_coil_type=Concentric\u0026amp;sort_by=best-selling\" title=\"Concentric Coils\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConcentric\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/coils?filter.p.m.custom.search_coil_type=Double-D%20%28DD%29\u0026amp;sort_by=best-selling\" title=\"Double-D (DD) Coils\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDouble-D (DD)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/coils?filter.p.m.custom.search_coil_type=Monoloop\u0026amp;sort_by=best-selling\" title=\"Monoloop Coils\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMonoloop\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cb\u003eConcentric Coil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eConcentric coils use \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003etwo circular windings\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e — an inner transmit coil and an outer receive coil — creating a cone-shaped search pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0760\/1464\/9628\/files\/ConcentricCoil_480x480.png?v=1688676705\" alt=\"Concentric Search Coil\" style=\"margin-bottom: 16px; float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eExcellent for pinpointing targets with precision.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIdeal for moderate ground conditions with low mineralization.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eRequires tighter sweep overlap for complete coverage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eHowever, they can become unstable or noisy in highly mineralized soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cb\u003eDouble-D (DD) Coil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe Double-D coil features \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003etwo overlapping D-shaped windings\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, offering a blade-like search field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0760\/1464\/9628\/files\/DoubleDCoil_480x480.png?v=1688676589\" alt=\"Double-D (DD) Search Coil\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eProvides superior \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eground coverage\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003estability\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e in mineralized or salty soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eMaintains good depth and sensitivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOn Minelab GPX detectors, DD coils allow \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIron Reject\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e to discriminate ferrous from non-ferrous metals.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThey are also less affected by electrical interference and perform well on \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ewet sand\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e or \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003enoisy environments\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cb\u003eMonoloop Coil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eMonoloop coils are designed for \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePulse Induction (PI)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e detectors such as the Minelab SD, GP, and GPX series.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0760\/1464\/9628\/files\/MonoloopCoil_480x480.png?v=1688761711\" alt=\"Monoloop Search Coil\" style=\"float: none;\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThe single winding acts as both transmitter and receiver, producing a deep, cone-shaped detection field.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOffers \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003esuperior depth\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e over DD coils in many conditions, though it requires more precise ground balancing in highly mineralized soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIdeal for \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003egold prospecting\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e in remote areas where depth is more critical than discrimination.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cb\u003eChoosing the Right Coil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eYour ideal coil depends on your \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003edetector type\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003etarget size\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, and \u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eground conditions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFor \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ecoin and relic hunting\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, a medium Double-D coil provides a balance of depth and stability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFor \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003egold prospecting\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, round Monoloop coils often offer the deepest reach in mineralized soils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eFor \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ebeach and saltwater detecting\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, go with an open-web DD coil for stability and reduced drag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003eMatching your coil to your environment maximizes performance and helps ensure that you never miss valuable finds buried beneath the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eWhether you’re coin shooting in a park, chasing relics in old battlefields, or prospecting for gold in mineralized ground, choosing the right coil can make all the difference. At \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSerious Detecting\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, you’ll find a wide selection of coils from leading manufacturers — including \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eMinelab\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eGarrett\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNokta\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eXP\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCoiltek\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNEL\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, and \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDetech\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e. Each brand offers unique coil sizes, shapes, and configurations engineered to match different detectors and hunting styles. Explore our collection to find the \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ebest coil for your specific detector and detecting conditions\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, and get ready to uncover more depth, precision, and performance on every hunt.\u003c\/p\u003e","created_at":"2023-05-23T11:41:11-04:00","published_at":"2019-10-28T14:08:50-04:00","updated_at":"2026-05-04T06:34:45-04:00","handle":"metal-detector-coil-guide","title":"Understanding Metal Detector Coils: Size, Shape \u0026 Configuration"}}