NectarDetector
Forum Supporter
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2013
- Messages
- 8,301
Agreed +1
Do I need a coil cover?
- Thread starter ur20v
- Start date
Agreed +1
I use them on some coils, but not on most. On the heavy built coils like the WOT's, SEF coils and stock BBS Minelab coils I really don't think they are necessary. Those coils have a ton of epoxy and in most cases it would take an incredible amount of wear to expose the embedded wires. I do however use bedliner spray and reapply it as necessary.
I do use coil covers on the Minelab Pro Coil, Detech Ultimate and other lightweight build coils.
IMO coil covers are a PITA!
Even the tight fitting ones constantly fill with sand and dirt and can reduce the effectiveness of the detector. There's also the added weight and drag in the water which may not seem like much at first, but add thousands of swings in a hunt and it makes a difference.
I do use coil covers on the Minelab Pro Coil, Detech Ultimate and other lightweight build coils.
IMO coil covers are a PITA!
Even the tight fitting ones constantly fill with sand and dirt and can reduce the effectiveness of the detector. There's also the added weight and drag in the water which may not seem like much at first, but add thousands of swings in a hunt and it makes a difference.
GroundSweeper
Forum Supporter
I use one, but it amazingly does add quite a bit of weight to the 8" Compadré coil. Really a shock. Got used to it, but if weight is a factor something to think about.
I use covers on all my coils. Really don't see any noticeable weight. Might weigh one and see if it's just me, but don't image it's anywhere near one ounce. Maybe these aren't as heavy duty as some, but the are no where near worn out, after three years or so.
The epoxy resin used to pot coils was designed to be workable after it's cured. You can file, sand, and shape it. The resin is pretty tough stuff, holds it shape well, which is why the coil is potted. Doesn't take much to change some of a coil's operating characteristics. I've always had trouble hand winding even simple coils for electronics projects. Close isn't always good enough.
Sand under a cover can be cleaned out. You get a scratch through the resin, that exposes a couple of windings on the coil, you may never know the they are shorted together, and will have an effect on your detector. It'll still work that way, just not right or as well.
My coils are in the $100 range, some a little more, some less. I don't have all the free time I want to hunt either. A cover is worth knowing that my machine is going to work when I have the time to use it. I don't see myself changing machines every couple of years, or every new model that comes out, with "breakthrough" technology. I'm just out there to have fun exploring. I dig a lot of trash and junk, never know, sometimes it turns out to be odd, or briefly interesting. Found out yesterday, there is gold hidden in there as well, my greatest thrill hunting so far.
Think covers are a personal choice, just like which machine you decide to use. Some people like them, some don't, some don't have much of an opinion. If they were mission critical, they would be factory installed, instead of optional.
The epoxy resin used to pot coils was designed to be workable after it's cured. You can file, sand, and shape it. The resin is pretty tough stuff, holds it shape well, which is why the coil is potted. Doesn't take much to change some of a coil's operating characteristics. I've always had trouble hand winding even simple coils for electronics projects. Close isn't always good enough.
Sand under a cover can be cleaned out. You get a scratch through the resin, that exposes a couple of windings on the coil, you may never know the they are shorted together, and will have an effect on your detector. It'll still work that way, just not right or as well.
My coils are in the $100 range, some a little more, some less. I don't have all the free time I want to hunt either. A cover is worth knowing that my machine is going to work when I have the time to use it. I don't see myself changing machines every couple of years, or every new model that comes out, with "breakthrough" technology. I'm just out there to have fun exploring. I dig a lot of trash and junk, never know, sometimes it turns out to be odd, or briefly interesting. Found out yesterday, there is gold hidden in there as well, my greatest thrill hunting so far.
Think covers are a personal choice, just like which machine you decide to use. Some people like them, some don't, some don't have much of an opinion. If they were mission critical, they would be factory installed, instead of optional.
BentRod
Elite Member
Need it?, no. A good idea?, I think so. 
james45
Elite Member
coil covers
yes sir always use cover it pays for itself
Something else when ever you plan to sell a coil it will bring more plus the fact that the coil does not have any scratches.
yes sir always use cover it pays for itself
Something else when ever you plan to sell a coil it will bring more plus the fact that the coil does not have any scratches.
detectingMO
Forum Supporter
If they come with...yes. If not...no. Sold as an accessory they are just a cash grab. IMO
cbrown
Full Member
I carry my detectors in the back seat of the work truck,things get put on top sometimes. I feel the covers just give a little strength. I'm not easy on them in the rocks either.
