Here's a question we get asked all the time and the usual response is "it all depends on the metal detector being used and the type of ground being detected."

However, there is a good rule of thumb when it comes to most off the shelf metal detectors: a typical metal detector can usually detect an object in ideal conditions like the size of a small coin at the depth of the size of the search coil being used, ie: a detector with a 6" search coil would typically detect a small coin-sized object to around 6" in depth.

There are a lot of variables when it comes to determining the possible depth capability of metal detectors. One of the biggest factors determining depth is the size of the object. while a small coin, nail or pull tab may not even register at deeper depths, things like buried pipes/sprinkler heads, soda cans, or old metal toys can often be detected at much deeper depths than the size of the coil being used as larger metal objects are much easier to detect than smaller objects using the right configuration on your metal detector.

Using a bigger coil usually offers more depth, many brands like minilab, Garrett, and Nokta Makro offer much larger coils than what's usually included in the box as after purchase upgrades, but remember, bigger isn't always better and it depends on the locations you usually hunt to determine the size of the search coil used. A large search coil is actually a nightmare to use in high trash areas where cans, pull tabs and other metal litters are prevalent.

Other determining factors for a metal detectors depth include:

Ground/soil conditions:
Believe it or not, the weather often plays a huge role in metal detector depth capabilities. Usually, slightly damp or moist soil will often provide substantially more depth than dry and dusty soil in the middle of summer. You should expect maximum depth from your metal detector in spring and fall, as summer usually presents more challenges to metal detectorists, like hard, undiggable soil, and swinging heavy machines can become quite tiring in warmer/humid weather.

Metal detector frequency options and configuration:
Another factor that's unique to each metal detector is its operating frequency, a good rule of thumb is the lower the frequency the better depth the metal detector can achieve whereas the higher frequency the better the machine will perform at finding smaller objects at shallower depths. Most modern metal detectors operate between 12 kHz and 18 kHz, a good all-around setting that offers the ability to detect a broad range of depths and sizes.

Metal detector's sensitivity options and configuration:
getting the maximum depth out of a metal detector usually includes a combination of frequency and sensitivity settings. to achieve the maximum depth you would want to use the high sensitivity option however this will be a fine balance depending on the machine, max sensitivity can sometimes cause erratic behavior so dialing in the sensitivity to where you achieve stability and depth will be unique to the metal detector you are using. Start on high and adjust down in small increments and find the combination of settings that work best for you.

At BigBoysHobbies we sell metal detectors for all types of detecting, from extreme depth nugget hunting like the Minelab GPZ 7000  to waterproof multi-frequency machines and jack of all trades like the Minelab Equinox 800, if you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact us and as always, happy hunting!

FREE Minelab ML 80 3011-0370 Wireless headphones with the Minelab Equinox 600 purchase till 7/31/2021! Ask us to see if your eligible for a 15% discount for Military! 

New Coiltek coils for the Minelab Equinox Series!

Whether you’re detecting on land or in water, our NOX metal detector coils make it easy to cover more ground, go deeper and get into even the tightest spots. So you can discover more hidden treasures.

Fully Minelab approved and available in three sizes, they simply plug-and-play into your 600 or 800 Minelab Equinox detector.

• Waterproof: Yes - fully submersible – waterproof to 3m / 10-feet
• Available in 3 sizes: 10x5”, 14x9” and 15”
• Fits EQUINOX 600 and 800
• 2-year warranty!

Here are they are on our website! They will be available for pre-order VERY SOON! Watch the website! Click the links below for more info!

Coiltek 15 Equinox metal detector coil

Coiltek 14x9 Equinox metal detector coil

Coiltek 10x5 Equinox metal detector coil

While supplies last on the XP ORX!

Offer Details:

#1. Get an MI-6 Pinpointer for $40 with the purchase of these 2 configurations. XP ORX FX-02 9" X35 coil (general detecting high trash areas coil) with Wired Headphones or XP ORX with 9" Round High-Frequency DD coil (for Coins and Relics or general detecting) with Wireless phones ORX22_KIT

#2. Email us at Bart@BigBoysHobbies.net for even better deals on the configurations!

FREE 17" CTX coil with any Minelab CTX 3030 purchase from BBH Until 1/31/2021! Click the link for more info or Email or call us with questions!

The very popular Minelab SDC2300 Metal Detector has a new lower price of $3299 now do to efficiency in Minelab's North American SDC supply chain strategy as of October 1st, 2020!

Be sure to contact us concerning questions any other specials on the SDC2300 or to see if your eligible for the Military Discount!

Check out this amazing Gold 1774 George III Guinea Coin found by reddit user: wayofthebush

According to wayofthebush, the find of a lifetime was hidden approximatly 5" deep and found using his Minelab Equinox 800. Similar coins in not as good condition have been seen selling on ebay for over $1,000 USD! What an incredible find, congratulations!

If you would like more information on the Equinox 800 or any of the detectors we sell, please don't hesitate to contact us! Happy hunting!

Do you eat your watermelon with or without salt after a long day of Metal Detecting? Leave a comment down below with your answer! #FantasticFriday #metaldetecting

June 18, 2020

To our valued White's Dealers- This is a very difficult message to write, but the time has come for retirement from White's Electronics. We are suspending manufacturing operations at our Sweet Home facility while we re-evaluate the future of the company. It is never easy to make these decisions, however, we are faced with the reality of intense competition in the industry and ongoing counterfeit instruments coming from China. Lastly, there have been critical material shortages since the Covid 19 shutdown that we now find insurmountable. All of us here in Sweet Home are grateful for your service. We consider each you part of the White's extended family.

Sincerely, Ken White

Please leave a comment below and let us know what your favorite or first whites machine is!

Thanks!