Additional coils for Minelab Vanquish, Equinox and Manticore detectors

The choice of a complementary probe always depends on where and what you want to do. In purely user-specific terms, coils can be classified as universal, which are the coils that usually getwith the detector, separation coils for areas with large amounts of waste, and depth coils to maximize depth range and detector coverage.

Since these are Minelab probes and complementary Coiltek probes, we need not dwell on describing the difference between a 2D coil and a concentric probe. For the Minelab Vanquish, Equinox and Manticore detectors, only 2D probes are now used, which have both greater range and coverage, as well as greater resistance to mineralization, etc. It's just better technology. It may be worth mentioning that the inventor of the 2D probe is a company called Ebinger from NSR. Due to a patent they held since the 70's, it wasn't until the early 90's that the "D's" appeared with other manufacturers.

Let's start with the basics - universal coils

With most manufacturers we can now see spool sizes around 11" (28 cm). This size is such a standard today and I think it is very well chosen. Mostly circular probes are used and this is mainly because the circular shape of the probe gives a greater depth range. If the probe is slightly oval in shape, this is an attempt to improve the separation properties a little, which is always at least slightly to the detriment of the range, as long as the probes are of identical design. However, for larger probes, around 25 cm and larger, the differences are small.

The basic probes are designed so that you can look pretty much anywhere with them, and you will usually spend the most time with them.

Depth coils

Larger probes not only bring more range, but also more coverage. Greater coverage is an advantage in clean areas. Something completely different, however, is in a location that will be heavily contaminated with iron.

Example: If I take a Coiltek 15" (38 cm) depth coil designed for the Equinox series into a "clean forest", I can afford to eatI can reduce both the recovery speed to 3 and the FE Bias to 0 or 1 and crank the detector up to 22 sensitivity and try to catch every "whisper". It will be different, however, if the site is full of iron, where dozens of iron targets will be heard after the probe is swiped. In such a site you need to raise the speed and FE Bias setting, but then using a probe with a large coverage makes much less sense. Maybe that's why the original depth probe from Minelab is 15x12", where the manufacturer tries to find a compromise between range and separation.

Thus, currently, Minelab's 15x12" (38x30 cm) probe and Coiltek's 15" (38 cm) probe are available for the Equinox series. The Coiltek probe is a hair deeper and the Minelab probe has slightly better separation. We use both probes, basically Peter uses more Coiltek and I use more Minelab.

The same coils will be available for the Manticore detector. When the Coiltek will be available we have no idea, the larger probe for Manticore will be available in 2Q 2023.

There is currently a 12" coil available as the largest for the Vanquish line, but that is the base probe for the 540. Unfortunately we don't know the date when the 15" probe will be available.

Separation coils

The old prospector's adage that where there is a lot of "iron" you are correct. If there are a lot of iron targets it is always worth looking at some smaller separation coils. I'm a big fan of these little guys, as in really over-ironed locations, they will always give you great results when looking for small targets.

Many prospectors put as large a probe on the detector as possible. In the pursuit of range, they are so willing to seemingly "suffer through" anything. But the reality is a bit different when looking for small targets, especially if we are talking about weights up to 1g. A small probe has a better assessment of these targets and also a sharper response. If there is really a lot of iron in the area, with a large probe where you add up the individual targets then you can easily miss such tiny targets.

An important thing that is forgotten when searching with small separating probes is the speed of movement. We often see that searchers set a higher speed on the detector (e.g., with EQ 800 5-6) and then literally run around feeling that it is ok, since they have set a high recovery speed on the detector. This is wrong. The movement with the coil should be basically the same all the time, about like a very old man slowly mowing the grass. Or you can slow it down, but never faster. The recovery speed setting has nothing to do with movement, this setting basically tells the detector how many targets are in the location. The more there are, the faster we need to react. Not so, higher the speed the faster the probe moves.

There is literally a magnificent 8x5.5 coil available for the Vanquish series. We found this one so good that it was worth "disassembling" one and fitting the electronics from the Equinox. The probe can only be praised and there is really nothing to fault it.

With the Equinox, you have to choose between the original 6" probe, which is perfect, but the really small size makes you row like hell. The alternative is the Coiltek "boot", which is not bad at all, I would just give it an inch or two less.

For the Manticore, an 8x5.5" (20x15 cm) spool will be available, and I have to say we're really looking forward to it. After the experience with the 8" (20 cm) probe for the Vanquish, we can expect an incredible "ride".

Original coils for Minelab Equinox

1. Probe Minelab Equinox 6 2D - Separation coil for waste in the most impacted locations
2. Probe Minelab Equinox 11 2D - Universal coil for all environments that comes with the detector.
3. Probe Minelab Equinox 15x12 2D - A depth probe that easily accounts for separation properties

Coiltek probes, for Equinox metal detectors

1. Coiltek 10x5 probe for Equinox - a separation coil that also handles coverage decently.
2. Coiltek 14x9 probe for Equinox - a depth coil that also tries to account for separation as much as possible.
3. Coiltek 15 probe for Equinox - A depth coil where everything is subordinate to range.

Probes for Vanquish metal detectors

1. Coil Minelab Vanquish V8 - An exceptionally successful separation coil for the Vanquish range.
2. Coil Minelab Vanquish V10 - The base coil for the Vanquish 340 and 440 models. I think it's a very hilarious complementary coil for the Vanquish 540 if you're looking at fields full of waste.
3. Coil Minelab Vanquish V12 - A basic probe for the Vanquish 540 detector and also a depth probe for the Vanquish 440 and 340 detectors.

Probes for metal detectors Minelab Manticore

Probes will be available in 2Q 2023

1. Coil Minelab M8 - The probe will be a big hit and we are very excited about it. Combined with the completely exceptional separation characteristics of the Manticore detector, it will be the perfect tool for waste contaminated sites.
2. Coil Minelab M11 - The basic universal probe you will find with every Manticore. The coil is suitable for all environments and sites.
3. Coil Minelab M15 - A depth probe for the Minelab Manticore detector, which also tries to make sure the instrument maintains decent separation properties.