Like many of you I’ve been waiting for the new Coiltek Coils for the Minelab Equinox to come out but when they did they were quickly sold out and many of us were put on a waiting list. I’ve on a waiting list for the last couple months until this week. The 10×5 arrived in the mail and I couldn’t wait to begin testing it.
The Coiltek 10×5 Coil is one of the latest Double D coils made for the Minelab Equinox Metal Detectors. The 10×5 coils is 100% waterproof and performs well underwater and just as good on land. The 10×5 is small enough to fit in between rocks and under roots. This coil is made extremely well and gets incredible depth for its size.
I’ve tested the 10×5 on numerous hunts and I’m extremely happy with the results. Here are the Pros and Cons:
Pros
Waterproof
Lightweight
Great Depth
Excellent Separation
Better Stability
Great for Trashy Sites
Cons
Coil Cover Falls Off in The Water
The 10×5 is 100% Waterproof Down to 10ft.
The 10×5 is completely submersible and waterproof down to 10ft (3m). I took it to a local river that I’ve been hunting for the last couple of years. The underwater performance of the 10×5 performed exactly as I expected with a noticeable difference in stability when pushing this little coil through the water. It was easy to swing and I felt the tones were sharper and the Equinox seemed to be more stable while producing more precise target IDs.
The coil performed flawlessly except that the coil cover came off within 2 or 3 swings of the machine. I never checked the cover before I began using it so it could have been loose prior to using it. However, on another test hunt, the coil cover came again so there is definitely a flaw in my coil cover. I recommend securing it with a zip tie. If the issue is more widespread maybe COILTEK will address the issue.
Is The 10×5 Easy to Swing in The Water?
Unlike the default 11″ stock coil that comes with the Equinox, the 10×5 is a welcomed option for swinging in the water. While the 11″ did well in the water, it’s size limited you from getting down into those tight spaces and around rocks. You won’t have that problem with the 10×5 coil. It moves easily through the water and performs extremely well in tight spaces while getting excellent depth.
How Much Depth Does The 10×5 Get?
The 10×5 coil gets incredible depth for its size. I ran numerous tests against several targets and the average detection depth was around 8.5 inches. However a gold wedding band was detectable at 11 inches! The table below illustrates the type of target, VDI number, and Target Depth based on my tests. However, the tests I performed were “air tests” and these results will likely vary depending on ground conditions, depth, and position of the target, etc.
| Target Detected | VDI Number | Target Depth (Inches) |
| Wheat Penny | 24 | 9 |
| Indian Head Penny | 16-17 | 8.5 |
| Large Cent | 28 | 10 |
| Silver Dime (Merc) | 27 | 8 |
| Silver Quarter (Barber) | 28-29 | 9 |
| Silver Quarter (Washington) | 31 | 8.5 |
| Gold Wedding Band | 16-17 | 11 |
| Civil War Three Ringer Bullet | 18 | 9 |
| Buffalo Nickel | 12-13 | 9.5 |
| War Nickel | 13 | 9 |
| Silver Ring | 29 | 9 |
| Round Lead Ball | 18-19 | 8.5 |
| Civil War “J” Hook | 8 | 8 |
| Silver Half Dollar (Walking Liberty) | 31-33 | 10 |
| Shield Nickel | 22-23 | 9 |
How Much Does the COILTEK 10×5 Coil Cost?
The cost of the COILTEK 10×5 is around $219. The price will vary depending on where you go to make the purchase. I picked mine up from Fort Bedford Metal Detectors. However, I have been seeing them occasionally pop up more often from Kellyco. I would highly recommend contacting each company for their price and availability.
What Type of Metal Detecting Will The 10x5 Be Good For?
If you like to water detect, the 10x5 is a must have. For reasons I mentioned above this little coil will be a work horse on the rivers and streams. The 10x5 will also be great choice for trashy sites where target separation is needed. This little coil will give you the upper hand by giving you more target separation compared to larger coils.
The 10x5 may also be better choice than the Minelab 6" coil. The 10x5 gives you a larger footprint but you also get the same target separation as you can get with the 6" Minelab coil. However, the 10x5 will provide additional depth (approximately 1" or more) over the 6" and your swing speed doesn't have to be as slow.
How Do I Get One?
I recommend reaching out to Fort Bedford Metal Detectors they definitely carry them and/or can order them. As I mentioned above, Kellyco seems to have more availability since they are a bigger company so I would recommend checking their stock if your dealer isn't getting them in.
