My first detector will be the Sovereign GT; question about coil options

[mr_larry]

After much thought, research, reading the various postings on this forum and elsewhere, I have decided to make the leap and buy a Minelab Sovereign GT as my very first metal detector. I will be using the detector primarily at the beach in Northern California in wet and dry sand and maybe in the shallow water on calm days. I have also been doing some research into an area where Redwood tree logging was going on in the Gold Rush days, where the lumber was used to build San Francisco during its initial boom. I also have been researching other San Francisco Gold Rush era "vacation spots" where people would escape the city of SF for the weekend for a holiday. These areas are less than an hour drive for me.

I found a reasonable deal at Kellyco for the Sovereign, but they are offering a package with a second coil, the 15" X 12" SEF coil for an additional $150.

My question is: Does anyone hunt with the 15" X 12" coil on the Sovereign? Any feedback on that coil? I think initially I would hunt with 10" coil until I became somewhat familiar with the machine. But I am thinking it might give me some advantage down the road as I hunted more on land and became more familiar with the machine.

The bottom line question is: Do you think it is worth the extra $150 to pick up the second coil?

Here is a link to the coil: http://www.kellycodetectors.com/minelab/minelab_sovereigngt_2coil.htm

All thoughts and comments are welcomed and appreciated!

Happy hunting!

ML

 

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[Keppy]

The Sovereign is the best choice for the type of hunting you will do.............. It is the best detector for salt water beaches & fresh water........ and also one of the best detectors for inland hunting ........... on the coil i think you would be better off with a COILTEK WOT coil than the extra coil Kellyco has for it. The Coiltek coil is about the best after market coil you can get for the Sovereign

 

[Woodland Detectors]

The Sovereign is the best choice for the type of hunting you will do.............. It is the best detector for salt water beaches & fresh water........ and also one of the best detectors for inland hunting ........... on the coil i think you would be better off with a COILTEK WOT coil than the extra coil Kellyco has for it. The Coiltek coil is about the best after market coil you can get for the Sovereign

I agree with Keppi.

We sell them if you need one

 

[mr_larry]

I appreciate the input. Mike, I will give you a call in a couple of days.

 

[Marc(NB)]

stick with the brand name coils as suggested above.Read up on the sunray S12 coil also,Iam sure the dealers here can provide one if need be

 

[mr_larry]

Mike, I would call you tomorrow, but I am going to the San Francisco Giant's game 5, where they will hopefully clinch a berth in the World Series. I've got some nonsense to take care of earlier in the day. Plan on a call from the 415 on Friday!

Regards,
ML

 

[Chaz]

The WOT is great for covering a lot of ground fast in water or beach. However they can be a bit unwieldy if there is any plant growth or weeds. I use a WOT and a smaller eliptical Joey on my Sov. The Joey is great to nose into weedy areas then swing sideways. Both are easy to pinpoint on the tip. I haven't used a 10 inch round coil on my Sov for years.

 

[Sandman]

You picked one of the best detectors for the areas you want to detect. As for the coil I would choose the WOT as it has proven to be extremely good.

I take exception to the advertising Example.........."with 15x12" SEF and 10" Search Coil Plus FREE Metal Detecting & Treasure Hunting Accessories" Doesn't this make it sound like if you don't spend the extra money for the pro package ''you won't get the 10" coil?
I'd rather have them take the cost of the "accessories" off the price of the detector if I don't want them.

 

[ToniSteve]

Yep, that is why I will never shop there! Never!

You picked one of the best detectors for the areas you want to detect. As for the coil I would choose the WOT as it has proven to be extremely good.

I take exception to the advertising Example.........."with 15x12" SEF and 10" Search Coil Plus FREE Metal Detecting & Treasure Hunting Accessories" Doesn't this make it sound like if you don't spend the extra money for the pro package ''you won't get the 10" coil?
I'd rather have them take the cost of the "accessories" off the price of the detector if I don't want them.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Both the WOT coil and the SEF coils are fantastic coils for the Sovereign and Excal. I currently own 2 WOT coils, a SEF 12x15" Butterfly and a SEF 15x18" Butterfly coils that I use on my Sovereigns and Excals....I also have not used the stock 10" coil in a long time............

 

[bootybay]

TH, whats your thoughts on the sunray Intruder s- 12 am curious. as I have one

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

TH, whats your thoughts on the sunray Intruder s- 12 am curious. as I have one

Personally I like the larger 15 inch WOT or SEF Butterfly coils more..........

 

[W6PEA]

Yep, that is why I will never shop there! Never!

You picked one of the best detectors for the areas you want to detect. As for the coil I would choose the WOT as it has proven to be extremely good.

I take exception to the advertising Example.........."with 15x12" SEF and 10" Search Coil Plus FREE Metal Detecting & Treasure Hunting Accessories" Doesn't this make it sound like if you don't spend the extra money for the pro package ''you won't get the 10" coil?
I'd rather have them take the cost of the "accessories" off the price of the detector if I don't want them.

That is one reason I would not even send my Ex-Wife there.
If you haven't bought it yet find a local dealer in the bay area and buy from them. Make sure you get that 10" stock coil and learn the machine with it. Then upgrade to a different coil. I have been thinking about getting a 15" WOT or a 12"x10" SEF. I can't see how they can say it a $150.00 value when the SEF sells for $300.00 delivered from UK. IMHO. The more I read the more I am leaning towards the WOT by Coiltek.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

That is one reason I would not even send my Ex-Wife there.
If you haven't bought it yet find a local dealer in the bay area and buy from them. Make sure you get that 10" stock coil and learn the machine with it. Then upgrade to a different coil. I have been thinking about getting a 15" WOT or a 12"x10" SEF. I can't see how they can say it a $150.00 value when the SEF sells for $300.00 delivered from UK. IMHO. The more I read the more I am leaning towards the WOT by Coiltek.

Not sure why your getting UK involved, the SEF coils are built in Bulgaria for Kellyco...They are only available through Kellyco....Both the WOT and the SEF Butterfly coils are great coils.....I own both the 12x15" and 15x18" SEF Butterfly coils and 2 WOT coils and find them to be equal...

 

[W6PEA]

That is one reason I would not even send my Ex-Wife there.
If you haven't bought it yet find a local dealer in the bay area and buy from them. Make sure you get that 10" stock coil and learn the machine with it. Then upgrade to a different coil. I have been thinking about getting a 15" WOT or a 12"x10" SEF. I can't see how they can say it a $150.00 value when the SEF sells for $300.00 delivered from UK. IMHO. The more I read the more I am leaning towards the WOT by Coiltek.

Not sure why your getting UK involved, the SEF coils are built in Bulgaria for Kellyco...They are only available through Kellyco....Both the WOT and the SEF Butterfly coils are great coils.....I own both the 12x15" and 15x18" SEF Butterfly coils and 2 WOT coils and find them to be equal...

Look here

http://www.joanallen.co.uk/a_metal_detector_accessories.html

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

That is one reason I would not even send my Ex-Wife there.
If you haven't bought it yet find a local dealer in the bay area and buy from them. Make sure you get that 10" stock coil and learn the machine with it. Then upgrade to a different coil. I have been thinking about getting a 15" WOT or a 12"x10" SEF. I can't see how they can say it a $150.00 value when the SEF sells for $300.00 delivered from UK. IMHO. The more I read the more I am leaning towards the WOT by Coiltek.

Not sure why your getting UK involved, the SEF coils are built in Bulgaria for Kellyco...They are only available through Kellyco....Both the WOT and the SEF Butterfly coils are great coils.....I own both the 12x15" and 15x18" SEF Butterfly coils and 2 WOT coils and find them to be equal...

Look here

http://www.joanallen.co.uk/a_metal_detector_accessories.html

I am not really sure why someone in the U.S. would want to order a SEF coil from the main dealer for SEF coils in England, Joan Allen, pay an extra $100 plus tax more for the same coil than what Kellyco sells it for (the exclusive U.S. SEF dealer) (179 pounds = $280) then pay additional $100+ in shipping to get it shipped to the States..(67.5 pounds shipping to U.S. = $105)

I paid $189 plus tax for my 12x15" when I bought it at Kellyco.......I sold my old 18" SEF coil for $100 and bought the 15x18" SEF Butterfly for $289, before the price went up.....

Either way the WOT and the SEF Butterfly coils are both great coils for the Sovereign and Excal, especially when your hunting wet sand at salt water beaches.......

 

[mr_larry]

After much debate on the Sovereign GT versus the Explorer SE Pro, I just pulled the trigger on the Explorer.
I really appreciate all of the comments on this thread and many others on this forum that went into my decision.
I've also got to give a big shout-out to Mike at 4-H for answering all of my questions, and there were plenty of questions!
Now the waiting....

 

[dbsmokey]

I will probably get into trouble for voicing my opinion yet again, but I would deal with Mike from 4-H, especially over Kellyco. I have spoken with Mike and he seems to be one of the most reputable dealers I have spoken to. Kellyco does NOT follow through. They owe me a v clip on a sovereign that has been at least a month overdue. The fellow at Kellyco who was supposed to help me has dropped the ball. Avoid Kellyco, go with Mike. I think the Sovereign or Etrac is the best choice.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I will probably get into trouble for voicing my opinion yet again, but I would deal with Mike from 4-H, especially over Kellyco. I have spoken with Mike and he seems to be one of the most reputable dealers I have spoken to. Kellyco does NOT follow through. They owe me a v clip on a sovereign that has been at least a month overdue. The fellow at Kellyco who was supposed to help me has dropped the ball. Avoid Kellyco, go with Mike. I think the Sovereign or Etrac is the best choice.

If you want I can pick up a V-clip the next time I am there and send it to you......I think they cost $1.00

 

[dbsmokey]

I will probably get into trouble for voicing my opinion yet again, but I would deal with Mike from 4-H, especially over Kellyco. I have spoken with Mike and he seems to be one of the most reputable dealers I have spoken to. Kellyco does NOT follow through. They owe me a v clip on a sovereign that has been at least a month overdue. The fellow at Kellyco who was supposed to help me has dropped the ball. Avoid Kellyco, go with Mike. I think the Sovereign or Etrac is the best choice.

If you want I can pick up a V-clip the next time I am there and send it to you......I think they cost $1.00

Please do. I will compensate you. My Sovereign came without one! I was shocked because the picture on Kellyco showed the rod with the vclip. Upon questioning Kellyco, they, at first denied the picture, but later said they had none but would have minelab ship one. i am still waiting 6 weeks later.....