E trac users pinpointing still using a probe?

[utahshovelhead]

I am curious how many of the E trac users are using probes and which of them you recommend? I like the Ratchet pinpointing on the E trac and was hoping to avoid the weight of an additional piece of equipment. I can see the speed of the probe being a good reason but do you still need it? The weight issue on my bad rotator cuff is major consideration for me. ( I know all about the swingy)

The ratchet pinpoint feature on the E trac is very appealing for me when I am able to hunt some of the older homes...but if I still in need of a probe on them nice lawns you better tell me now.

Thanks for any reply,
utahshovelhead

 

[Anode]

utahshovelhead
I hold the sunray probe in my other hand while swinging reducing the weight on the detector. The option works for me.
i depend on the sunray probe so much if it was to break i would wait for it to be fixed before i went out detecting.

anode

 

[Mike Gresham]

I use the Garrett ProPointer and love it. It stays in my pouch until I need it.

 

[MT]

I too carry my SunRay probe in my left and along with my digging tool. You really notice a difference in weight doing that.
HH,
MT

 

[sharpshooter]

I use the Garrett Pro Pointer. It does a good job IMO.

 

[moseng]

I believe a probe to pinpoint a target is not absolutely necessary but maybe a very very helpful accessory. It makes finding the target so much easier. If you don't mind "searching" a bit for each target then fine, no probe needed. I personally like the fact that I can zero in on the target quickly and save time during each dig which allows me to dig more targets during the hunt. Isn't that what it's all about?

I use a Sun Ray. The main advantages to me are hearing it in your headphones, using the same battery power from the E-Trac, but the best part is because it is "in-line" the tones / readouts are EXACTLY the same as you hear and see when using the E-Tracs coil. To me, the sounds are what it's all about with Minelabs so why not have the ability to hear them while using a pinpoint probe. The disadvantage of course is the added weight although It really doesn't bother me and I can't even imagine hunting without it. Before the Sun Ray I did try the Garrett, Automaxv4 (came with my E-Trac), and recently the Pistol Probe. The sounds and convenience of the Sun Ray wins for me hands down so I won't be trying any more! I would say the best of those was the Garrett IMO as far as comparing size and usability go. Since you have a weight concern, you will have "weigh" the benefits of a stand alone pinpointer vs. and in-line!

 

[skarmajunga]

I have a vibra probe and use it all the time once the hole has been dug, I find it very helpfull. Thinking of trying out a pistol probe next

 

[C&RHunter]

I totally agree with the comments by moseng. For me everyday hunting using the inline SunRay probe. Is the way to go. I would recommend a pinpointer/probe of some kind, for use after the hole is opened up. But that may not be the case with other folks. It's just like most things, what works for some may not be everyone's "cup of tea". Good Luck with whatever you decide.

Another good thing about the inline probe...Since it's attached you can't loose/forget it. You do need to flip the switch back, when going back to the main coil though..

 

[Jesse W. McComas]

I use the Sunray In-Line probe. The E-Trac is lighter that my old EX-II even with the pin pointer attached. I have a bad shoulder also, and this works best for me. HH...Jesse.

 

[Gary in Daytona]

I use the Garrett Propointer. Great little pinpointer, with emphasis on "little". Sound and vibration, which gets more intense closer to the target makes it super easy to use and I reallly like the size because it fits down in the smallest holes. I formerly used a VibraProbe, which is also a great probe, but didn't like having to noise cancel to allow it to play nice with the ETrac. The Propointer doesn't have that problem.

 

[gibsondan]

I use the Sunray X-1 probe and highly recommend it. It's nice to dig a plug and then use the probe to quickly see if the target is in the plug or hiding in the hole. It's a real time saver. But back in the 80's I didn't have an electronic probe and did just fine. So I would say it is not a necessity...but having one will spoil you to the point you may consider it a necessity. heh-heh It's a great tool.

 

[DirtDean]

Got me an X-1 on the way, can't wait till it gets here! only 2 yrs detecting and never used a probe before but i can tell it's gonna be grrrrreeeaat! especially for those deeeep ones the etrac is so good at finding I've covered several holes back up that had a good signal in'em, cause i didn't wanna diga huge crater. don't worry tho i'm goin back to'em after i get me pointer

 

[richardlicker]

can you tell me wich one goes deeper ? sunray or the garret pro ?

 

[rbholt80]

23 years and no probes of any kind. I'm seldom on a target longer than 2 minutes. but then I'm not the average hunter. I have a special 3 1/2 foot long handle 4 inch wide shovel i made so I'm not down on my knees like most. Its all about speed for me. I only have to get down to get my target from the dirt. Once in a wile IL have to get down and do some searching in the hole or pile but not often.

Now do I want a probe Heck yes i do. But i like to be ready to run without the added crap to carry lol no I'm joking but i dint want added things to deal with so I'm sticking to what i do best and how i do it. Maybe when I get a little older and I'm not power housing a 4 inch plug that's 10 inches deep then IL get me a probe.
This has been a helpful tread and I'm always wondering if i can be faster with a probe.

Oh and before someone slings a plug at me I'm not digging in pretty yards and parks most of the time so a perfect unseen plug isn't an issue. I dont leave a mess just dead spots. If I'm in a pretty yard then things are different and i try very hard to not leave any evidence i was there.

 

[richardlicker]

which one goes deeper? hello

 

[B-Ruce]

I just ordered a Sun Ray probe for my E-Trac. I considered the ProPointer, but in the end, I decided that the X1 would be better. If you have multiple detectors, the ProPointer might be the best way to go, but I feel that the x1 is the deeper of the two, and it is one less thing to carry, as well as providing the same tones as the machine, so that is why I chose it.

HH,

B-Ruce