I have been looking at different search coils for the explorer 2, but I am not sure which to pick. I have the stock 1000 that came with my detector. Can anyone suggest a good one for all around detecting?
Welcome to Tnet! The stock coil is very good for all around hunting. If you need more depth or are hunting wide open spaces with little trash, get a 15" WOT from Coiltek. If you need to hunt tight and/or trashy areas a 5X10 or X5 work great.
The last explorer I pick up has the old 8 inch minelab which is really 7 and a quarter inches and is a fantastic coil. These detectors are one of the best bargains in the hobby.
If you do beach detecting or detect large fields then one of the larger coils would be good fit for you. If your mostly a park hunter or most of the spots you detect are loaded with trash go for a smaller coil. It all depends on what type you detect more.
In my opinion if you detect lots of dirt and rarely hit beaches I'd go with an 8 or 6 inch coil. If beaches are your thing the 15" WOT coil is a killer coverage coil but it's heavy. The Sunray 12.5" coil weighs about the same as your stock explorer coil, is more sensitive with good coverage too.
Thanks everyone for your replies. The information you all provided was very helpful. I will stick to the stock 1000 until I find a sale on a Coiltek or Sunray coil.
You received some good advice from other members. I tried the Minelab Pro coil (used on Explorer SE Pro and Etrac) works very well. Currently, on the Explorer II, I have the Sun Ray 5" coil...what a great little coil for trashy or iron filled places. I do own the Sun Ray 5" and 8" coils and are very impressed with their depth, stability and pin-pointing. My next purchase may be the Sun Ray 12", but do know if I gain anything over the Minelab Pro coil.