Best Probe for the money....?

[CQuarles]

I need to buy an electronic probe. I use the S-1 on my SOV, and really like it. With all of the advances in probes, I am having a hard time finding any "pro" and "con" type info on the forums. People with a probe for sale swear it is the best, but I don't want to buy something that only works within a half inch of the target, or I would just use an ice pick with a flattened point, which would be no use in the bottom or on the sides of a hole.

1. Is the PI probe a deeper seeker than a VLF probe?
2. If so, what kind of actual depth, not advertised depth, can one expect on a PI probe?
3. Is one brand of PI probe actually any better at pinpointing than another? (Detector pro v. Vibra probe?)
4. Are there any other companies who make PI probes besides those in question #3?
5. I don't expect a stand alone probe to be as sensitive at depth as an in line, but is a 2" response an unreasonable expectation?

I am spoiled by my S-1, but have recently purchased an x70 that is easier to swing for longer hunts. I confess that I have only used this unit for about 8 hours total. I'm having a difficult time learning to pinpoint with the stock 9.5" coil. I don't want to throw more money at a probe unless it is going to work at least half as good as the S1.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

 

[grumpyolman]

Hello C'...I have the X-1 for my ET. I also use a Garrett Ace 250 for fast shallow clad stuff but also found the old probe I had to be useless. I was trying to decide whether to get the Pistol Probe or the new Garrett. I decided to get the Garrett. A forum sponsor, whom I think has the best interests of his customers way ahead of profit, advised me not to get the Pistol Probe. He said he used it and after awhile, he got really tired of putting it in and out of the holster because of it's long 'barrel'. If you've done much handling of a hand gun with a six inch barrel and spent a day un holstering and re holstering it gets really old, You get the same experience with the Pistol Probe. The other thing that made me choose the Garrett was that its sensitivity is about equal to a X-1 and I wasn't looking for anymore depth for my application. The vibration feature is very important because you can feel it when pinpointing. It doesn't go through you earphones but the vibration is a good substitute. The Garrett costs less than the Pistol Probe. The con on the Garrett is it makes an annoying disproportionate audible tone when it is turned on. I solved that, and some potential water seepage problems, by wrapping electricians tape around the speaker vents. There is a tiny LED on the Garrett that shines down the length of the barrel. I think the idea for that was for the operator to know the switch was in the 'on' positron. However, sometimes that small light does a good job of lighting up the darkness in a deep dig hole. If Garrett would change the off on switch and add the option to turn the sound off, on that same switch using a rapid double push or something like that, it would be a much more adaptable unit. You don't get the depth as you do with the Pistol Probe. Unless you want that depth and don't mind the long barrel, get the Garrett. Jim

 

[CQuarles]

Thanks, Jim. If the X1 and the S1 get about the same depth, and the Garret gets as good as the X1, then that would be good enough. These are about 50 bucks, aren't they?

 

[Relic]

I like the capability of the PistolPROBE and hate the size; and the fact that it DOES too-closely resemble a pistol to a casual observer. If I could figure out a way to repackage the innards, I'd do it.

Relic

 

[Daniel A.]

I have all the probes out there. Use the sunray on my explore the main advantage is being able to read the numbers on the explore screen.
I've been using the Uniprobe headset on my other machines for a number of years and its second to none highly versatile can be used with any machine its hot only on the tip 3-5 inches range & the headphones being Gray Ghost are an added bonus. I do have the vibra probe 570 that I use water hunting 2.5 inches depth and is truly water proof. The Garrett Pro-Pointer is fine but won't come close to the Pistol Probe which can hit an honest 5 inches for field hunting it would be best but there is nothing wrong with the Garrett both it and the Pistol Probe are hot down the shaft so true pinpointing might be a little tricky to figure out if the target is in the side of the hole or down. By far even though the Uniprobe headset is a major investment on the level of a detector as a long term user I think its paid for itself many times hunting parks where nothing more than a screwdriver is needed and minimum ground disturbance is important. Dan

 

[CQuarles]

Great review, Dan. I don't have the means for the uniprobe right now. I was looking at a vibraprobe 560 for 75.00, but then I found out it is obsolete by the 570. I haven't been able to find out what the differences are between the, except for power saving circuitry to extend the battery life. The Garret is about 50 new, but I wanted to get some feedback from actual treasure hunters and not the sales people.

I appreciate all of you who responded so far. It's great info. If anyone else has anything to add, I'm ready to learn.

Thanks

 

[Daniel A.]

The difference between the vibra probe 560 & 570 is double the range. If your not water hunting then the Garrett would be better as it is somewhat water resistant and has useful features ie L.E.D. and a better on/off . Dan

 

[grumpyolman]

Yes! We are all basically on the same page. Different probes for different purposes. The Garrett is between $125-150 depending on where you get it. Check with many of the different forum sponsors and you will see a difference in price. Some include free shipping. I ordered mine on a Friday and received it Monday US mail priority. It pays to shop....Jim

 

[Weasel_Loader]

I have all the probes out there. Use the sunray on my explore the main advantage is being able to read the numbers on the explore screen.
I've been using the Uniprobe headset on my other machines for a number of years and its second to none highly versatile can be used with any machine its hot only on the tip 3-5 inches range & the headphones being Gray Ghost are an added bonus. I do have the vibra probe 570 that I use water hunting 2.5 inches depth and is truly water proof. The Garrett Pro-Pointer is fine but won't come close to the Pistol Probe which can hit an honest 5 inches for field hunting it would be best but there is nothing wrong with the Garrett both it and the Pistol Probe are hot down the shaft so true pinpointing might be a little tricky to figure out if the target is in the side of the hole or down. By far even though the Uniprobe headset is a major investment on the level of a detector as a long term user I think its paid for itself many times hunting parks where nothing more than a screwdriver is needed and minimum ground disturbance is important. Dan

Good info to know. I also use a Sunray on my SE, but recently purchased as Sov GT without a probe. I want the Sov GT to be my light weight and beach machine so I too was looking for a pocket probe. The Whites that came with my sons Prism is crap, so I've been thinking about the pistol probe and others.

When I first got my SE, I thought about the Uniprobe Headset, but saw so many good things about the Sunray and went that direction. Glad I did, because I think the Sunray is by FAR the best combo for a Explorer. That being said, it looks like a Uniprobe Headset would be great for my Sov GT. This also helps in that it will give my son a good pair of headsets (Sunray Pro Gold) which I now use on my SE.

 

[CQuarles]

Thanks to all of you who responded. I have a good idea now what I need. BTW, I don't know where I got the idea that the Garrett was only 50 bucks. I must have gotten it confused with one of the cheaper models I was reading about....if I find one for 50, I'll probably buy it.

 

[tabdog]

I have got so good at locating a target
with my machines, I don't need depth
on a probe. My MD is my deep probe.

All I need is a screw driver and a pin
pointer that will get a half inch on a
small target.

I already know where it is and how deep.
All I need is something that will let me
know if I'm right there yet.

My machines respond so fast that location
is already known. Don't even need a pin
point mode. It's dead on. No need for a
deep pin pointer.

HH,

Tabdog