Metal Detecting Coil Swing & Coverage Technique Guide

Guide proper coil swing technique, speed, overlap, and coverage patterns based on coil size, terrain, and detector type to maximize finds and avoid missing targets.

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Improves thoroughness.

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We ask for coil size, terrain type, detector type, swing speed preference, overlap goal, time available, and experience level because these ensure coverage (e.g., 50% overlap). These inputs avoid missing targets. Limitation: the tool provides general techniques and may not suit all body types; practice for personal comfort.

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Coil Swing Technique Guide

Overview

This guide focuses on utilizing a Medium (9-11") Lightweight VLF coil in a Flat Open Field environment. The approach is designed for fast/aggressive sweeping with a minimal missed target rate. As a beginner, following these steps will help you maximize efficiency and improve your detecting skills.

Step-by-Step Swing Guide

1. Proper Stance
   • Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for balance.
   • Keep your knees slightly bent to absorb movement.
2. Coil Positioning
   • Hold the detector at a comfortable height with the coil just above the ground (1-2 inches).
   • Ensure the coil is parallel to the ground to maintain consistent detection depth.
3. Swing Technique
   • Swing Length: Use a wide swing of about 2-3 feet. This ensures maximum coverage.
   • Swing Speed: Maintain a moderate pace; too fast may miss targets, too slow may reduce efficiency.
4. Overlap Coverage
   • Aim for a 10-20% overlap on each swing. This will help ensure that you do not miss targets in between swings.
   • Adjust the overlap based on the density of targets in the area. Increase for more dense areas.
5. Listening and Responding
   • Pay attention to the audio feedback from your detector.
   • If you hear a signal, slow down and re-sweep the area to confirm the target.
6. Digging Technique
   • Use a digging tool to carefully extract the target.
   • Always return to the original spot to scan for additional targets.

Coverage Pattern

• S Pattern: This pattern involves sweeping the coil in a side-to-side motion, gradually moving forward. It maximizes coverage and minimizes missed signals in flat open fields.

Diagram Description

• Imagine a flat field divided into a grid. Each swing covers a portion of the grid, with coils overlapping adjacent swings to eliminate gaps.
• The S-pattern creates a wave-like coverage that allows for thorough searching without excessive backtracking.

Tips for Success

• Practice: Spend time getting comfortable with your swing technique. The more you practice, the better you will become.
• Adjust Settings: Familiarize yourself with your detector’s settings to optimize for sensitivity and discrimination.
• Stay Focused: Avoid distractions while detecting to improve your target identification skills.
• Record Finds: Keep a log of your finds to track patterns and improve your search strategy over time.

Overlap vs Speed Trade-Offs

• Overlap: Increasing overlap (20% or more) ensures thorough coverage but can slow down your overall search speed.
• Speed: Faster swings might cover more ground quickly but increase the risk of missing targets, especially in denser areas.

For beginners, it is advisable to prioritize overlap over speed initially to build confidence in identifying targets.

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The Tool Collective are a group of diverse and talented hobbyists on a mission to create thousands of ultra specific, and helpful decision making tools that help others who share our passions and interests. Whether they help with buying decisions, or give you expert level advice for techniques or methods, we will make it. Metal detecting is something many of us grew up doing with our fathers and relatives, especially along the east coast beaches of the U.S. Not many things that bring you a sense a pure hope and wonder like wondering around trying to find a valuable piece of gold jewelry. It's a lot like fishing, you never know what you may catch. Here are a bunch of decision tools devoted to metal detecting enthusiasts and treasure hunters. Enjoy!

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