Review: Coiltek 18" NOX Coil for Minelab Equinox 900
Is the "Big Boi" of Aftermarket Coils Worth the Weight?
If you own a Minelab Equinox 900, you already know it’s a beast of a machine. But for detectorists hunting vast pastures, wide-open beaches, or deep caches, the stock 11-inch coil—versatile as it is—might leave you wishing for more coverage.
Enter the Coiltek 18" NOX Coil. This is the largest, deepest-seeking coil authorized by Minelab for the Equinox series. But does bigger always mean better? We strapped this massive 18-inch disk to the Equinox 900 to find out.
Quick Specs
- Size: 18 inches (Round, Double-D)
- Weight: 980g (approx. 2.16 lbs)
- Compatibility: Equinox 600, 700, 800, 900, Vanquish 60 series and X-Terra Pro/Elite
- Waterproof: Yes, fully submersible to 5m (16ft)
- Warranty: 2 Years
The Build & Design
The first thing you notice when unboxing the Coiltek 18" is the sheer size. It is massive. However, the build quality feels premium. Coiltek is a "Minelab Approved" third-party manufacturer, and it shows. The ears are reinforced (a known weak point on early stock coils), and the finish is rugged.
Note for Equinox 900 Users: The 900 comes stock with a carbon fiber shaft, which is a huge advantage here. This coil is heavy (nearly 1kg). While the 900's improved collapsible shaft handles the torque better than the old 800 stock shafts, you will absolutely feel the difference in balance.
Performance: The "Depth Beast"
1. Ground Coverage
This is the primary reason to buy this coil. If you are scanning a 50-acre farm field or a low-tide beach, the 18-inch sweep covers roughly 60% more ground per swing than the stock 11-inch coil. You are effectively supercharging your search speed.
2. Depth Capabilities
Does it go deeper? Yes.
In air tests and low-mineralization ground, we saw a depth increase of 20–30% on coin-sized targets compared to the 11" stock coil. On larger targets (like hoard jars, relics, or deep targets), the difference is even more pronounced. It punches through ground that smaller coils simply can't penetrate.
3. Sensitivity
Surprisingly, despite its size, the coil remains sensitive to small targets. It won't miss a small silver coin at 10 inches. However, don't expect it to be a sniper on micro-jewelry (earring studs) in trashy parks—that isn't what this coil is designed for.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Massive Coverage (clears fields fast) | Heavy (980g) |
| Extreme Depth on large targets | Vague Pinpointing |
| Strong Build Quality | Poor performance in iron trash |
| Waterproof to 5m | Premium Price |
Head-to-Head: Coiltek 18" vs Minelab 15"
| Feature | Minelab EQX 15 | Coiltek 18" NOX |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Elliptical (Football shape) | Round |
| Weight | ~660g | ~980g |
| Pinpointing | Good | Difficult |
| Best Use | General Detecting / Some Trash | Deep Cache / Clean Fields |
The Verdict
The Coiltek 18" NOX Coil is a specialized tool. If you are a casual park hunter, this is not for you. However, if you are a relic hunter scanning large open fields or a beach hunter chasing deep gold, this coil is a game-changer.
Final Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5 for specialized use)
a review of the coiltek NOX 18 search coil for the minelab equinoxGear mentioned in this guide (Crawfords MD)
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Minelab Equinox 900
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