I've been reading a lot about the AT Pro and searching in iron infested areas which is what I'm in. Everyone really loves the smaller 5x8 coil but is there really THAT big of a difference between the stock?
Is there really that big of a difference in 5x8 vs 8.5x11?
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Sandancer
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I used the 8.5x11 for two years before buying a 5x8 as I was skeptical as to any benefit, but I love it. In fact I have not used the bigger coil since. The smaller coil seems to go just as deep and is extremely easy to pinpoint. I have gone back over previously hunted trashy areas and the results have been amazing. I swear it is possible to separate targets that are nearly on top of one another. Try it, you'll like it.
Fletch88
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Garrett ATPro- 8.5x11, 5x8, CORS Fotune 5.5x9.5
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I have the 5x8 and just got a CORS Fortune which is 5.5x 9.5". I think I like it even better than the 5x8 just in the little bit of testing I did this afternoon
John-Edmonton
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The 5 x 8 coil, do to it's size and size ratio ratio to targets, will give you a much stronger hit on coin sized objects, and will sound off on tiny targets you would otherwise not even pick up with the 8.5 x 11 coil. Definitely a good coil to keep in your tool box or on the detector.
Produce Guy
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The stock coil is a little to heavy to be swinging for more than 3 hours for me.
Rick (Nova Scotia)
Silver Member
Like RobRieman said "night, and day".
Like Normsel said "should have been stock coil".
I do see a small decrease in maximum detection depth, but max depth is not always the most important factor, what good is the extra inch if you can't find anything ? I have not taken my 5 X 8 off either, not saying I'd never put the bigger stock coil back on, but it would have to be a site with fewer targets, and not much iron in the way, not a place I'm looking for ...yet.
Like Normsel said "should have been stock coil".
I do see a small decrease in maximum detection depth, but max depth is not always the most important factor, what good is the extra inch if you can't find anything ? I have not taken my 5 X 8 off either, not saying I'd never put the bigger stock coil back on, but it would have to be a site with fewer targets, and not much iron in the way, not a place I'm looking for ...yet.
relic nut
Silver Member
If you have an ATPro and don't have the 5x8 you are only experiencing half the ability of that machine. I use the stock coil in farm feilds with minimum targets. But can't see a big difference in depth. The separation makes up for the little difference. I have both, plus a sniper coil. The 5x8 is the best one.
HH RN
HH RN
Sandman
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Manufactures stock coils are always not the best coil for majority of users. As to why they don't include it as stock coil is because they'd be losing money.
dirtscratcher
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Mine lost depth with smaller coil. When I read they get same depth I sure didn't and it doesn't make much sense.
Mach1Pilot
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jadocs - the factory AT coils are interchangeable between the AT Pro and AT Gold, that's why you are seeing them advertised that way.
jadocs
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Thank you, that's what I suspected...I'm pretty new with all of this so I wanted to make sure.
digger460
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If it's trashy, without a doubt 5 x 8. I put it on and didn't take it off. However, I put the stock on and went over area's that I had hit before with the 5x8, and got signals deeper then what I heard with the 5x8. I now use the stock first, and then put the 5x8 on. They pretty much compliment each other. But if your in a trashy area, 5x8 is the way to go. Haven't tried the sniper.
toasted
Silver Member
The stock coil is the perfect compromise. The 5 x 8 is just too small to cover large areas effectively and you definately lose depth with it. The bigger Nel coils( tornado, storm) are heavy and dont separate quite as well. Thus 8.5 x 11 is stock coil.
tomhighland
Bronze Member
I use both depending on the area. I seem to get more depth from the larger, but it can be difficult to pinpoint even in non trashy areas. Strangely though this usually only happens with zinc pennies. The large got me a 1924 buffalo today that the 5x8 had passed over. It was right at 10 inches. Knew it was a nickel, but was pleasantly surprised when I pulled it out. I always use the big in the water. The weight is noticeable, but I can still go all day with it.
