Coil question - I'm embarrassed to say I don't know this

[TrpnBils]

Coil sizes....with an elliptical style coil that use a number-by-number size (14x9, 4x6, etc), which number should you use to compare coils? For example, I have the Minelab 6" coil for my detector, but Coiltek also makes a 4x6" coil for it. I know what the numbers mean (4" wide by 6" long), but would a coil of that size perform more like a 6" coil or a 4" coil? To put it another way, if I were hunting a trashy site, would the 4x6" give a notable advantage over a standard 6" coil or would they be about the same?

 

[jd88047]

I believe one is concentric and one is double d. One would be better for depth and the other would be better for separation. Someone chime in and correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Tom Slick]

I think I understand what you're asking. An elliptical coil that measures 4" X 6" will usually separate side to side like a round 4" coil and usually achieve about the same depth as the 4" coil. The advantage is that the 4X6 coil will afford 6 inches of coverage and will allow the coil to be poked into spots that a 6" round coil can't get too. The 6" coil will usually achieve grater depth than the 4" X 6" coil. Elliptical coils usually get about the same depth as a round coil the same size as the smaller dimension of the elliptical coil.

 

[TrpnBils]

Elliptical coils usually get about the same depth as a round coil the same size as the smaller dimension of the elliptical coil.

That's kind of what I'm asking I guess.... more interested in target separation than depth though.

 

[Walknstik]

I don't really think you would see that much difference...in my opinion this would be like "splitting hairs" for the most part. A lot of target separation depends how close the trash items are lying to the good target plus the angle of coil approach. You may hear a good signal from one direction but may not hear the target from a different direction.That is why they say to search from multiple angles when searching trashy areas and usually smaller concentric coils discriminate better.