What is sweep speed?
All modern detectors require some movement (sweep) of the search coil in order to respond to metals. If the search coil is swept too slowly, metals do not respond, or do not respond at as great of depths. Every model has an ideal search coil sweep speed, usually between two and four seconds per pass. Experimenting to find the ideal search coil sweep speed allows optimum detector performance. A first time user typically has to practice to find their comfortable search coil sweep technique. Seeing others with good search coil sweep habits is a big aid in learning. Practice makes perfect. The desire is to sweep the search coil evenly with the ground in smooth even swings. Overlap each pass by at least 50%, always keeping the search coil in motion. Recognizing where the beep is on each pass and shortening the passes to zero in on the location (pinpoint) takes some practice as well.
