Find more targets. Dig less trash. Upgrade your setup with confidence.
CoilQuest helps detectorists choose the right machine and coil for the sites they actually hunt — beaches, parks, old homesites, relic fields and gold ground — with practical advice built around real-world finds.
That moment right before the tone locks in — coil low, swing steady, and you can feel it: this one might be the keeper.
Detector advice that sounds like it came from the field.
We focus on what matters when you’re actually hunting: target ID behavior, depth in your ground, coil coverage, separation in iron, and which upgrades make the biggest difference for your sites.
Pick by site + target type
Parks and coins, beaches and rings, relic fields and iron, gold ground and mineralization — we match detectors and coils to real hunting conditions.
Coil upgrades made simple
Learn when a smaller coil improves separation, when a larger coil helps coverage, and how coil choices change depth, stability and target “feel.”
Less hype, more results
We keep recommendations practical: what’s worth buying, what to skip, and what actually improves your finds per hour based on your hunting style.
Choose the right detector for what you’re chasing.
Our reviews are built around real use cases so you can stop guessing and pick a metal detector or coil that fits your targets, your ground and your budget.
Best detectors for coins
Stable target ID, good separation, and the right audio response for pulling coins out of trashy parks without chasing every piece of foil.
Best detectors for beach hunting
Picks that handle salt and wet sand without constant falsing, plus coil choices that help you cover ground when the tide window is short.
Best detectors for gold
Gold-focused detectors and coils that stay stable in hot ground, with notes on sensitivity and how to avoid chasing tiny surface trash.
Want more keepers? Start with the basics that actually move the needle.
If you’re new (or getting skunked), these simple principles will help you find more targets per hour and make better dig decisions without turning every hunt into a science project.
- Keep the coil low and level — most missed targets are swing-height mistakes.
- Learn your detector’s “good tone” behavior before you chase deep whispers.
- Match coil size to your sites: small coils for trash and iron, larger coils for coverage.
- Hunt slow in old ground. Speed kills separation.
- Re-check targets from multiple angles before you dig — it saves time and effort.
- Log your finds. Patterns show you what your detector likes in your ground.
Built for the thrill of hearing the right tone.
CoilQuest is for people who don’t want endless hype videos — they want the detector and coil setup that fits their ground and helps them put more keepers in the pouch.
“I stopped buying random gear and finally matched my detector to my sites. The coil advice alone improved my finds rate in trashy parks.”
“The beach guide made wet sand hunting way less frustrating. I got a stable setup and covered more ground during the tide window.”
“I’m newer, but the beginner checklist made everything click. Better swing, better dig calls, and I finally pulled a few keepers instead of just junk.”
Quick answers before you buy your next machine or coil.
These are the questions we hear constantly in the hobby — especially when someone’s choosing their first detector or trying to decide if a coil upgrade is worth it.
Do coil upgrades really help?
Yes — but only if you match the coil to your sites. Smaller coils can separate targets in trash and iron. Larger coils can cover more ground and sometimes improve depth on bigger targets.
What detector is best for beginners?
Beginners do best with detectors that have stable target ID, simple audio, and solid stock coil performance. We highlight models that are forgiving while you learn swing control and digging decisions.
Is more depth always better?
Not always. Chasing max depth can lead to unstable signals and more junk digs. In many sites, better separation and good target ID behavior helps you find more keepers per hour.
Are your picks sponsored?
CoilQuest may earn a commission when you buy through our links, which supports the site. Brands don’t choose our picks — we prioritize practical performance over hype.
Ready to hunt smarter and pull more keepers?
Start with our best metal detector picks, then compare coils and accessories based on your sites so your next upgrade actually improves your finds.