The Great Coil Exchange: From Tiny to Gigantic on the Equinox 800

Alright, so here’s the deal—I’ve always been a stock coil kinda guy. My Minelab Equinox 800 came with the standard coil, and I happily swung it around for years, digging up everything from silver coins to… deeply disappointing aluminum can shards.

Then, two seasons ago, I thought, Hey, what if I go smaller? So, I slapped on the 6” coil, hoping it would help me snipe out coins and relics in trashy areas. And guess what? It totally worked. That little thing was like a surgical tool—weaving between bottle caps, iron nails, and whatever else people have been littering since 1884. I was pulling better finds, but… not necessarily more finds. Depth? Meh. Coverage? Laughable. I basically had to grid an area like I was mowing a lawn with nail clippers.

Go Big or Go Home (or Just Keep Digging Forever)

So this season, I’m flipping the script. Goodbye, tiny sniper coil. Hello, absolute monster. I went out and picked up the Minelab 15” Coil (3011-0464)—which is roughly the size of a pizza and just as exciting. The plan? DEEPER TARGETS. I’m talking about those elusive, whispery signals that the stock coil thought about but gave up on.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Paul, isn’t that thing going to weigh as much as a cinder block?” Yes. Probably. By the end of this season, I might have one ridiculously jacked arm from swinging it. But hey, if it means pulling up some deep silver or lost relics, it’s worth the extra effort.

The Big vs. Small Showdown

Here’s how the 6” coil and the 15” coil compare so far:

-> 6” Coil – Absolute legend in trashy spots. Picks through junk like a pro, but let’s be real—it’s not exactly reaching the deep buried treasure layer. Also, covering large areas with this thing? Hope you’ve got a few hours to spare.

-> 15” Coil – Big, bold, and ready to dig. It should be perfect for open fields and deep signals, but will it struggle with target separation? Will it find me a lost gold hoard? Will it single-handedly give me back problems? Only time will tell.

Stay Tuned for Chaos

This is just the beginning of The Great Coil Experiment of 2024. I’ll be updating the blog throughout the season with all the juicy detecting drama—the good, the bad, and the “I swear this signal was deeper, where is it?!” moments.

If you’ve ever thought about switching coils or just want to watch me struggle with my life choices, stick around. It’s gonna be a wild ride. You can also follow my instagram @windydigger for in the moment updates. If I find something cool, you will see it!!!

Thanks for reading and Happy Hunting!

– Windy Digger

(Oh, and if you need a new coil for your own Equinox, check out OK John Metal Detectors—we’ve got you covered.)

Update April 22/2025

First Digs of the Season – 2025 Kickoff with the Large Minelab Coil

Well folks, the season has officially begun—and The Windy Digger is back in action!

I hit the fields this week for my first two hunts of 2025, and I’ve gotta say, it felt good to swing the detector again (even if the wind nearly took me out—par for the course, right?).

Armed with my large Minelab coil, I headed into a farm field I’ve hit before. It’s an iron-heavy site, but it’s known to give up old buttons, bits of brass, and the occasional surprise if you're patient enough.

Day 1:
The signals came fast, the first two signal where old flat buttons from the late 1800s. After that the iron was singing loud and proud. Still, the Minelab coil cut through the noise like a champ. A few crusty nails and one seriously broken horseshoe.

Day 2: A Shift in Strategy

Back at the same field, but this time I had a friend with me. Randy Gerylo, The Man, The Myth, The Legend! He brought out his new Garrett Vortex VX9. We had a bit of a bet going on, who would find more buttons. I decided to change things up. I slowed down my swing and focused on the north side, where the iron trash thickened but pottery start showing up more—always a good sign of activity.

Update 4/30/25: Here I found some interesting info on the design for the pottery.

Earthenware manufacturers at the Top Bridge Works (Longport) from c.1882-3 and the Cleveland Works from c.1884-1904, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent
The partners were Thomas Taylor, Henry Prall, Robert White, Ann Mellor and Marmaduke Mellor. In January 1888 Robert White retired from the business.
'Hard durable granite or ironstone china was made for the American market. Goods were also made, to some extent, for the home trade.'

It appears that Mellor, Taylor & Co shared the Top Bridge Works with Davenports - it was not at all uncommon for potters to share or rent part of a works.
Note that although Godden records Mellor, Taylor & Co as occupying the Cleveland Works from c.1884, Jewitt states that they succeeded Thomas Hughes at the Waterloo Works (Cobridge, Burslem) in 1883.
Kelly & Keates trade directories records them at Bournes Bank (Burslem) between 1880 and 1884; and from 1887 to 1900 at Waterloo Road (Burslem)
At the time of the bankruptcy of the business the named partners will Marmaduke Mellor, Ann Mellor and Thomas Taylor.

It didn’t take long before I was rewarded with another old button, and this one still had the shank intact! A small win, but a satisfying one. Something tells me this field’s got more stories to tell… if I can stay patient (and if the wind lets me, of course).

I kept at it for a couple more hours, mostly pulling up more iron. Then—finally—a nice, repeatable 24 on the Equinox 800. That sweet tone had coin written all over it. I dug with high hopes… but instead of a coin, out popped a small silver trade earring.

What an interesting piece! Not what I expected, but definitely a keeper—and a reminder that you never really know what’s waiting just under the surface.

Check out the photos below to see what I pulled out of the ground. Nothing earth-shattering (yet), but that’s the beauty of it—we dig for the love of the hunt.

More to come as the season rolls on! If you've been out already, let me know what you’re finding. I love hearing stories from the field. Oh by the way I got owned by the master! Randy ended up with 11 buttons and I finished with with 7. I have to admit the Vortex did very well in the iron infested site.

Until next time,

Paul – The Windy Digger

Robin Paul Paré

Rob is a passionate metal detecting enthusiast with a deep love for uncovering lost history. But for Rob, it’s not just about the finds — it’s about the people. He thrives on connecting with fellow detectorists, sharing knowledge, and building a strong, supportive detecting community. Whether he’s out hunting solo, organizing group events, or helping someone new get started, Rob is always ready to dig in and make a difference — one signal at a time.

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