Written by Bart Davis — Big Boys Hobbies Metal Detectors
I’ve run the Minelab Manticore in a lot of different sites—parks, old home places, iron patches, and the kind of “hunted out” ground where most people think there’s nothing left. The Manticore is already a powerhouse, but after spending real time with different setups, I made the switch to the Minelab Manticore M9 coil—and I haven’t looked back.
If you’re here because you’re wondering whether the M9 coil is actually worth it, I’ll make this simple: it helps me find more keepers in the same sites. Especially when targets are tight, masked, or mixed in with trash and iron.
Product link: Minelab Manticore M9 Coil (Big Boys Hobbies)
Quick Jump
- Why I switched to the M9
- What changed in the field
- M9 performance highlights
- M9 vs other coil setups
- Set up tips I recommend
- Who the M9 is best for
- FAQ
Why I Switched to the M9 Coil
Most of us don’t need a coil just to say we upgraded—we need a coil that actually changes results. What pushed me to the M9 was the type of detecting I do most: places with mixed targets, iron, and modern trash where good targets get masked.
The M9 helps me do three things better:
- Separate targets in trash/iron so I’m not walking past good conductors.
- Stay stable and accurate so I’m not second-guessing signals.
- Work in tighter areas with better control around junk.
If you hunt clean fields all day, almost any coil will “work.” But if you hunt the real-world stuff—tabs, caps, nails, and weird mixed tones—the M9 earns its keep.
What Changed for Me in the Field
The biggest difference wasn’t some magical “new detector” feeling—it was the number of diggable signals that turned into keepers. In trashy sites, I noticed I could lock onto a target faster and make a cleaner dig/no-dig decision.
Here’s what I saw immediately:
- More non-ferrous hits that were previously masked or blended.
- Cleaner audio/ID behavior when targets were close together.
- Less fatigue because I wasn’t chasing as many “iffy” false positives.
The short version: I spent more time digging good targets and less time digging “maybe” targets.
M9 Performance Highlights (In Plain English)
1) Target Separation That Helps in Real Sites
When people talk about separation, it usually sounds like marketing. With the M9, it’s obvious—especially when good targets are hiding near trash. I can wiggle in, isolate the hit, and get a better read before I ever cut a plug.
2) Better Control in Tight Spots
Around picnic tables, fence lines, bleachers, old foundations, and iron patches, the M9 lets me “work the edges” with better precision. That’s where a lot of the missed targets live.
3) Stability and Confidence
I don’t like a coil that feels chatty or unpredictable. The M9 feels like it’s working with the Manticore instead of fighting it. That stability matters because confidence is what makes you commit to the dig.
If you want to check it out: Minelab Manticore M9 Coil
M9 vs Other Coil Setups
I’m not here to knock any setup—every coil has a place. But if your main goal is pulling more keepers from worked-out sites, here’s the simple comparison from my perspective.
| Setup | Best For | Strength | Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock coil | General-purpose hunting and beaches | Solid all-around performance | Can leave masked targets behind in heavy trash/iron |
| M9 coil | Trashy parks, iron patches, tight areas | Separation + control + confidence | You may need to slow down a touch and “pick” targets (which is where it shines) |
Bottom line: the M9 is the coil I grab when I’m trying to extract good targets from sites that are already pounded.
Setup Tips I Recommend (Fast and Simple)
You don’t need to overcomplicate it. Here’s what I do when I swap to the M9:
- Do a quick noise cancel when you arrive at the site.
- Ground balance if conditions call for it (especially if the site is mineralized or changing).
- Slow your sweep slightly in heavy trash/iron, so you give separation a chance to work.
- Wiggle + isolate before digging. The M9 is great at “finding the center” of a target.
The M9 rewards a more methodical approach—especially when targets are stacked close together.
Who the M9 Coil Is Best For
I recommend the M9 coil if you:
- Hunt trashy parks and want to pull coins/jewelry from the chaos
- Work iron-infested sites (old homes, relic spots, demo lots)
- Feel like your sites are “hunted out” and you need better unmasking
- Want a coil that feels controlled and precise on the Manticore
If that sounds like you, this is an easy upgrade to justify. Here’s the exact one I’m running: Minelab Manticore M9 Coil
FAQ: Minelab Manticore M9 Coil
Is the M9 coil worth it?
If you hunt trashy or iron-heavy sites, yes. The M9’s separation and control can help you pull keepers that get missed with broader, less precise sweeps.
What kind of detecting does the M9 help the most?
Parks with modern trash, old home sites with nails, and tight areas where you need better target isolation.
Will it help with “hunted out” sites?
That’s exactly where I’ve seen it shine—because many missed targets are masked, not absent.
Where can I buy the M9 coil?
Right here: Minelab Manticore M9 Coil at Big Boys Hobbies
Final Thoughts
I don’t switch coils just to try something new—I switch when it helps me put more good targets in the pouch. The Minelab Manticore M9 coil has become my go-to when the site is trashy, iron-heavy, or simply “worked over.” No on the beach? Stock M11 coil all day long!
If you’re ready to upgrade your Manticore setup, grab the M9 here: Minelab Manticore M9 Coil