Get real answers from outdoor explorers and our product experts. Browse questions about performance, features, and setup — or ask your own to make sure this gear fits your next adventure.
Press & drag to view
The Minelab M8 is the 8 x 5.5 inch elliptical Double-D search coil for the Minelab Manticore. Part number 3011-0422. Minelab describes it as sensitive to small targets, perfect for high trash areas and ideal for difficult terrain.
Who the M8 is for
The M8 suits Manticore owners who often search old homesites, trashy parks, iron-contaminated sites, rocky ground or tight spaces. Around an old farmhouse foundation, where nails, brass and coins may lie close together, the narrow footprint makes it easier to isolate individual signals and maneuver between obstacles.
How we use the M8
We move from the M11 to the M8 when nearby iron or trash makes signals difficult to interpret, or when vegetation and rocks keep the larger coil from getting close to the ground. Start with a suitable Manticore search program, then experiment with Recovery Speed if target density warrants it. A faster setting may improve separation, but it can weaken some deeper responses.
The mistake we see most is expecting more depth. Better target separation does not make the M8 deeper; its advantage is access, control and isolation of closely spaced targets.
Key features
- 8 x 5.5 inch elliptical footprint: the smallest Manticore coil, narrow enough to work between roots, rocks and foundations.
- Double-D winding: the winding Minelab uses on all four Manticore coils.
- Waterproof to 5 m (16 ft): Minelab's rating for the M8, the same as the Manticore detector.
- 390 g (0.86 lb) with skidplate: the weight of the coil with its protective skidplate fitted.
- 3 year Minelab warranty: Minelab covers Manticore accessories for 3 years.
What is in the box
Minelab's standard contents
- Minelab M8 8 x 5.5 inch elliptical Double-D search coil (3011-0422)
- Protective skidplate (pre-fitted)
- Coil mounting hardware (bolt and washers)
Compatibility
The M8 is a Manticore coil and works on no other detector. Minelab lists exactly four compatible coils, the M8, M9, M11 and M15, with the M11 supplied as standard; the M8 is the smallest of the four. Choosing between the two compact coils? Our M8 vs M9 comparison goes through how they differ.
How the M8 compares with the other Manticore coils
| Feature | M8 8 x 5.5 inch | M9 9 inch Round | M11 11 inch Round | M15 15 x 12 inch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part number | 3011-0422 | 3011-0473 | 3011-0446 | 3011-0423 |
| Size | 8 x 5.5 inch | 9 inch | 11 inch | 15 x 12 inch |
| Shape | Elliptical | Round | Round | Elliptical |
| Winding | Double-D | Double-D | Double-D | Double-D |
| Waterproof | 5 m (16 ft) | 5 m (16 ft) | 5 m (16 ft) | 5 m (16 ft) |
| Supplied on the Manticore | Accessory coil | Accessory coil | Yes, standard coil | Accessory coil |
| Minelab's description | Sensitive to small targets, for high trash areas and difficult terrain | Low profile, easy to sweep through water | A general purpose coil for all treasure hunting | Maximum depth and wide ground coverage in open spaces |
Our Manticore coils guide sets all four side by side, and the full range is in our metal detector search coils collection.
Specifications
- Part number: 3011-0422
- Compatibility: Minelab Manticore
- Size: 8 x 5.5 inch
- Shape: Elliptical
- Winding: Double-D
- Weight: 390 g (0.86 lb) with skidplate
- Waterproof: 5 m (16 ft)
- Warranty: 3 years (Minelab, Manticore accessories)
Serious Detecting is an authorized Minelab dealer, so the M8 ships as genuine Minelab stock with the full Minelab warranty. Browse the full Minelab range.
Customer Questions & Expert Answers
Does the Minelab M8 coil come with a coil cover?
Which detectors is the Minelab M8 coil compatible with?
When should I use the Minelab M8 coil and when the standard 11 inch coil?
Customer Reviews & Field Feedback
See what real detectorists and prospectors are saying. Read authentic experiences from the field, discover what users love most, and learn how this product performs in real-world conditions. Share your own review to help fellow explorers choose with confidence.
Recently Viewed Gear
Last products you explored