The best aftermarket coils for your Garrett AT Pro depend on your hunting conditions: the Garrett 5×8 DD PROformance excels in trashy sites with superior small-target depth, while the NEL Snake 6.5×3.5 delivers exceptional iron discrimination at just 10.5 ounces. For maximum coverage, the NEL Thunder 14.5×10.5 provides 42.8% more ground coverage than stock coils with 8.5/10 depth ratings. The Detech 8×6 offers premium sensitivity in mineralized soil, and Viper 6×11/7×11 coils enhance target separation in challenging terrain. Each configuration addresses specific performance gaps your stock coil can’t overcome.
Key Takeaways
- Garrett 5×8 DD PROformance excels in trash-laden sites with superior depth on small targets and saltwater stability.
- NEL Snake 6.5×3.5 offers lightweight precision for iron-contaminated areas with enhanced target discrimination and full submersibility.
- NEL Thunder 14.5×10.5 provides exceptional depth detection and 42.8% more coverage than stock coils for open terrain.
- DD configurations outperform concentric coils in mineralized soil, reducing interference while maintaining precise target pinpointing capabilities.
- Viper 6×11 and 7×11 coils deliver superior target separation in challenging ground conditions with compact, lightweight design.
Understanding Coil Selection for Your Garrett AT Pro
When selecting an aftermarket coil for your Garrett AT Pro, you’ll encounter critical compatibility distinctions that separate factory options from third-party alternatives.
Unlike Garrett’s interchangeable factory coils, aftermarket options require model-specific engineering for your AT Pro.
Your coil choice directly impacts coil sensitivity and detection depth based on size and configuration.
Coil size and configuration determine your detector’s ability to find targets at varying depths and sensitivity levels.
Small coils under 6″ maximize sensitivity to tiny targets in trashy sites, while large coils over 11″ deliver maximum detection depth on bigger objects.
Double-D configurations excel in mineralized soil, reducing interference that plagues concentric designs.
For peak performance, match your coil to terrain conditions—DD for bad ground, smaller sizes for target separation, larger diameters for open-field depth.
The search coil operates as the sends and receives magnetic signals component of your detector, making it essential for effective metal detecting.
Aftermarket manufacturers like NEL offer coils specifically tuned for AT Pro that differ from their AT Max versions due to frequency variations.
Start with your stock coil, then add specialized aftermarket options like NEL to enhance specific hunting scenarios.
Garrett 5×8 DD PROformance Coil
The Garrett 5×8 DD PROformance represents the smallest coil in the AT series, delivering concentrated detection energy that excels in trash-laden environments where target separation becomes critical.
You’ll achieve superior depth on small targets like gold nuggets, jewelry, and coins while maintaining precise pinpointing capabilities that larger coils can’t match in confined spaces.
This DD configuration specifically tackles highly mineralized soils and saltwater beaches, maintaining stable operation where standard coils suffer from ground interference and false signals.
The coil comes complete with a protective coil cover, washers, and mounting bolt for immediate field deployment. Backed by Garrett’s ISO 9001 certification, this American-made searchcoil includes a full 3-year parts and labor warranty covering all manufacturing defects.
Compact Design for Trash
While standard coils struggle in debris-laden sites, Garrett’s 5×8 DD PROformance searchcoil delivers precision target separation where it matters most.
You’ll navigate iron-infested environments with confidence, thanks to its condensed detection field that isolates targets amid clutter. The 5″ x 8″ profile gives you compact maneuverability around large metallic objects—iron poles, trash piles, and dense debris fields won’t limit your hunting freedom.
This Double D configuration excels where others mask targets. You’ll work closer to interference without false signals, and the narrow footprint slips between rocks and roots effortlessly.
At 0.75 lbs, you’ll maintain precise control during extended sessions in stubble fields and heavily cluttered areas. The coil’s trash target separation capabilities transform previously impossible sites into productive hunting grounds, letting you recover valuables other detectorists abandon. Its fully waterproof housing means you can hunt in shallow water or wet conditions without hesitation. The package includes a protective coil cover, along with washers and bolt for secure installation.
Deep Small Target Detection
This coil’s deep target sensitivity excels at locating small gold in challenging environments—saltwater beaches, volcanic black sands, and iron-laden creek beds.
The Double-D configuration recovers performance lost by concentric designs, dramatically increasing your odds of finding valuable targets where mineralization would otherwise mask their signatures.
You’re not compromising detection capability; you’re optimizing it specifically for diminutive metallic objects that demand focused electromagnetic fields. As the smallest coil in the AT series lineup, it delivers exceptional precision when hunting for tiny targets that larger coils might overlook.
The 5×8 inch diameter makes it particularly effective for navigating tight spaces and trashy environments where larger coils struggle to isolate individual targets.
Mineralized Soil Performance
When mineralized ground overwhelms your concentric coil with false signals and erratic threshold chatter, the Garrett 5×8 DD PROformance Coil’s Double-D winding configuration cuts through electromagnetic interference with surgical precision.
You’ll experience smooth threshold operation where other designs fail, particularly across saltwater beaches and gold-bearing regions with extreme mineral content.
The Double-D field geometry recovers detection capability that mineralized terrain challenges destroy in standard coils.
You’re free to hunt without constant coil sensitivity adjustments—the design maintains stable performance even in the highest mineralized soils.
This translates to reliable target identification in prospecting areas where ground noise typically masks small gold pieces.
Whether you’re detecting at ocean surf lines or inland hot rocks, you’ll maintain consistent audio responses and predictable target signals without threshold instability compromising your finds.
The coil’s blunted tip and tail design maximizes scan coverage in areas where mineral interference would otherwise limit your detection capabilities.
NEL Snake 6.5×3.5 Coil
The NEL Snake 6.5×3.5 coil delivers specialized performance for Garrett AT Pro users who hunt in iron-contaminated sites where standard coils struggle with target separation.
This elliptical DD coil measures 6.5 inches by 3.5 inches, combining a compact footprint with effective target discrimination between nonferrous metals and iron trash. You’ll appreciate its lightweight design at just 10.5 ounces with the coil cover, enabling extended hunting sessions without fatigue.
The Snake excels at detecting small targets amid heavy debris, maintaining excellent sensitivity across all target sizes while providing superior separation capabilities.
Its specialized elliptical shape enhances your ability to isolate valuable finds in cluttered environments. The coil features a waterproof and fully submersible design, allowing you to hunt in shallow water and wet conditions without concern. Available through special order from NEL Company, this aftermarket upgrade transforms your AT Pro into a precision tool for challenging, iron-infested locations where conventional coils fall short.
Viper Coils 6×11 and 7×11
Originally designed as standard equipment for the Garrett Apex, Viper coils now offer AT Pro users an effective upgrade path for multifrequency detection capabilities. The 6×11″ DD configuration (model 2224000) delivers Viper coil advantages including superior target separation and enhanced depth penetration across mineralized ground conditions.
You’ll appreciate the compact 0.6 kg weight that enables extended hunting sessions without fatigue.
However, Viper coil limitations exist. It’s incompatible with ACE APEX models despite sharing the Apex lineage, restricting your detector options. The 6-inch width provides adequate coverage but won’t match larger coils for ground scanning efficiency.
Forum discussions reveal mixed field performance results, with community evaluations still ongoing.
You’ll find availability through North American and European distributors, though regional pricing varies considerably. Compatible coil covers (model 1613100) protect your investment during demanding terrain exploration.
NEL Thunder 14.5×10.5 Coil
The NEL Thunder 14.5×10.5 coil delivers exceptional depth detection with an 8.5/10 rating while maintaining superior target separation at 9/10 for discriminating iron from valuable metals.
You’ll achieve precise pinpointing through its DD coil design operating at 15 kHz, particularly when using slow, deliberate sweeps across your search area.
This fully submersible coil excels in open terrain environments where you’re hunting coins, relics, and artifacts at military sites or similar locations requiring both depth and selectivity.
Deep Detection Performance
When you’re pushing beyond stock coil limitations, the NEL Thunder 14.5×10.5 delivers measurable depth gains on coin-sized targets in favorable ground conditions.
You’ll achieve 9-11 inches on quarters at sensitivity level 8 in sandy soil, surpassing the stock 8.5×11-inch DD’s baseline performance. The coil depth advantage becomes evident in low-mineralized terrain where larger elliptical coverage maximizes power transmission to deep non-ferrous items.
Target identification remains accurate at 8-9 inches in PRO mode, with the AT Pro’s depth scale registering consistent 2-inch increments without overestimation.
You’ll notice the DD configuration maintains signal focus while reducing ground noise across varied environments. Fresh water and relic sites benefit most from this coil’s penetration gains, though efficiency per size increase diminishes compared to stock—typical behavior for all larger aftermarket options.
Pinpointing and Target Separation
After successful deep target recovery, you’ll rely on the NEL Thunder’s DD configuration to deliver pinpoint-accurate target location through its focused electromagnetic field.
The 14.5×10.5 inch elliptical shape provides 42.8% more coverage than stock while maintaining coil accuracy through its epoxy-filled body construction.
Your separation techniques improve dramatically in trashy sites:
- High selectivity distinguishes non-ferrous targets from iron contaminants
- EMI shielding minimizes interference for cleaner target signals
- Sensitivity to sub-gram targets isolates small valuables others miss
- Lightweight 18.7 oz design prevents fatigue during extended pinpointing sessions
You’ll execute slow, deliberate sweeps to maximize the coil’s ability to isolate medium-large objects at 20 cm depths.
The waterproof construction maintains performance consistency whether you’re hunting mineralized soil or submerged environments where precise target recovery demands unwavering accuracy.
Ideal Hunting Conditions
Military battlefields demand coils that’ll punch through mineralized soil and saltwater-soaked ground where ordinary detectors fail. The NEL Thunder 14.5×10.5 handles high and medium soil salinity with professional-grade efficiency, letting you hunt war relics without interference from challenging ground conditions.
You’ll maximize target identification across diverse territories—from coastal beaches to inland fields—where this DD configuration maintains stable performance.
Best hunting practices include slow, deliberate sweeps that leverage the coil’s exceptional depth capabilities on coins, artifacts, and precious objects buried beyond standard detection ranges.
The waterproof construction enables unrestricted operation in wet environments, giving you the freedom to pursue targets wherever they’re hiding.
Whether you’re exploring military sites or hunting treasures in saltwater-contaminated zones, this professional-level coil delivers consistent results across any terrain condition.
Detech 8×6 Coil
The Detech 8×6 SEF Butterfly coil delivers a compelling upgrade path for Garrett AT Pro users seeking enhanced performance in challenging detecting environments.
Premium aftermarket coil engineered specifically for Garrett AT series detectors demanding superior performance in mineralized ground and trashy environments.
This Double Elliptical design enhances detector sensitivity while maintaining stable ground balance in mineralized soil. You’ll appreciate the coil versatility across multiple terrains, from tight spaces to open fields.
Key Performance Benefits:
- Waterproof construction submersible to full detector depth ratings
- Improved pinpointing accuracy for precise target recovery
- Lightweight 13.5-ounce design reduces arm fatigue during extended hunts
- Enhanced target separation in trashy areas compared to stock configurations
The symmetric electromagnetic field technology calms machine operation while extending detection depth.
UV-proof materials and shock-resistant resin filling guarantee durability across temperature extremes.
You’re getting direct AT Pro, AT Max, and AT Gold compatibility without compromise.
NEL Larger Coils for Extended Coverage
When maximum ground coverage becomes your primary objective, NEL’s larger coil options transform your Garrett AT Pro into a deep-seeking powerhouse. The Attack Coil delivers 45% greater depth with 40% increased coverage, while the Big Coil pushes performance even further at 50% superior depth capability.
These coil benefits directly translate to fewer passes across your hunting grounds and access to targets beyond standard equipment reach.
Both configurations detect 1g targets at 25cm depth while maintaining improved sensitivity across high-salinity environments. The epoxy-filled bodies with marine-grade coating eliminate coil cover requirements, and full submersibility extends your detecting freedom to freshwater and saltwater applications.
You’ll need to reduce sensitivity to approximately 50% before ground balancing, but this adjustment reveals professional-grade prospecting capabilities in mineralized soil conditions where factory coils struggle.
Choosing the Right Coil for Your Hunting Environment
Selecting your ideal coil configuration demands careful analysis of your specific detecting conditions rather than pursuing maximum size alone.
Your hunting environment dictates which coil reveals superior target sensitivity and coil depth performance.
Terrain conditions—not marketing claims—determine which coil configuration unlocks peak detection performance for your specific hunting grounds.
Match these scenarios to your aftermarket selection:
- Trashy urban sites: Deploy NEL Snake 6.5″ x 3.5″ or 5″ x 8″ DD PROformance for surgical precision between bottle caps and coins.
- Mineralized ground: Choose DD configurations like Viper 7×11 that maintain target sensitivity without false signals in hot soil.
- Freshwater hunting: Opt for waterproof DD ellipticals that balance coil depth with swing control in shallow streams.
- Open fields: Select larger elliptical designs covering maximum ground while preserving separation capabilities.
DD configurations consistently outperform concentric coils across challenging terrains, delivering the versatility freedom-seeking detectorists demand.
Performance Comparisons and User Recommendations
How does each aftermarket coil actually perform against Garrett’s stock 8.5×11″ configuration? User experiences reveal distinct advantages.
The Viper Coil matches stock depth while delivering superior target separation—you’ll cover ground efficiently with reported air test depths reaching 10 inches.
Detech’s 8×6 calms your machine in challenging soils and boosts iron resolution beyond stock capabilities.
For trashy sites, you’ll appreciate the NEL Snake’s compact 6.5×3.5 design, which users report outperforms comparable Garrett options in depth.
The Garrett 5×8 DD excels in mineralized conditions but avoid saltwater applications.
When you need maximum coverage, Garrett’s 9×12 concentric delivers 20-25% more depth on coin-sized targets.
Coil compatibility across these options guarantees you’ll find performance-driven solutions matching your specific detecting freedom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Aftermarket Coils Void the Garrett at Pro Warranty?
While Garrett’s documentation specifically addresses ATX models regarding aftermarket coils, you’ll risk warranty implications with your AT Pro. Coil compatibility matters—unauthorized modifications typically void coverage. You’re gambling your three-year protection by installing non-OEM equipment without written manufacturer consent.
Can I Use Multiple Aftermarket Coils Simultaneously on One Detector?
No, you can’t run multiple coils simultaneously—coil compatibility issues prevent it. The AT Pro’s single-port design accepts one coil at a time. While owning multiple coils offers advantages for different conditions, you’ll swap them individually.
How Do I Properly Store Aftermarket Coils When Not in Use?
Store your aftermarket coils upright in padded cases with covers installed. Follow coil storage tips like separating from the detector body and avoiding magnets. These coil maintenance practices prevent warping and protect your investment’s performance capabilities.
Are Aftermarket Coil Covers Necessary for Protecting My Investment?
Like armor for a warrior, you’ll need a coil cover—it’s essential protection. Coil cover benefits include preventing damage and maintaining performance, while aftermarket coil options cost just ten dollars, safeguarding your investment across any terrain you explore.
What Is the Typical Lifespan of Aftermarket Coils With Regular Use?
With proper coil maintenance tips, you’ll get 10-20+ years from quality aftermarket coils. Coil performance comparison shows NEL, Detech, and Coiltek matching OEM longevity when you avoid heat exposure and follow storage protocols for maximum detecting freedom.
References
- https://kellycodetectors.com/blog/the-best-metal-detector-coil/
- https://metaldetectorplanet.com/best-coil-garrett-at-pro/
- https://www.findmall.com/threads/which-is-the-better-coil.372544/
- https://www.treasurenet.com/threads/at-pro-garrett-coils-or-nel-coils.525707/
- https://metaldetectingforum.com/index.php
- https://www.detectorprospector.com/topic/16130-best-coil-for-garrett-at-gold/
- https://garrett.com/at-9-x-12-proformance-concentric-searchcoil/
- https://www.findmall.com/threads/what-are-good-coils-for-the-at-pro.322593/
- https://garrett.com/metal-detector-search-coil-types-explained/
- https://metaldetectingforum.com/index.php?threads/at-pro-at-max-coil-interchangability.256819/
