Pin pointers

[daddyflea]

I read a lot about Pin Pointers and since I have three I will give my opinion. When using a Pin Pointer getting good depth will hurt you more than help you. You have a Detector to get Depth so you really do not need a lot of depth. That being said Depth is good as long as you can tell that your target is not close to your Pin pointer.

I have two whites Bullseye Pin Pointers and they get good Depth but unlike the Garrett Pro Pointer you can not tell how close you are to the target. The Garrett beeps slow until the object just touches the Pointer then gives a steady signal.

In some environments, I actually prefer the Whites pointers because I can detune them where they do not reach so deep. I am getting old so finding the Target is sometimes tough and knowing when the pointer is actually touching the target can be an advantage.

Sounds like the Garrett is always better, but this is not true. If your target is in the side of the hole the Garrett will fool you sometimes. Especially if the Hole is small. Garrett has no adjustment where the Whites does.

One thing I am absolutely sure of is that a Pin Pointer is almost a necessity.

 

[Bones]

How do you detune the whites pin pointer? I must be missing something. Or just do not understand. Mine is either on or off.
Please enlighten me.
Thanks Bones

 

[daddyflea]

How do you detune the whites pin pointer? I must be missing something. Or just do not understand. Mine is either on or off.
Please enlighten me.
Thanks Bones

mine has a knob that sets the Sensativity. Maybe mine is older than yours. I have had them for a couple years.

 

[johnedoe]

How do you detune the whites pin pointer? I must be missing something. Or just do not understand. Mine is either on or off.
Please enlighten me.
Thanks Bones

Same way you do with a detector..........

 

[ak_1234]

If you're using the TRX, you push the button just like you'd do with the trigger switch on the detector. For the old bullseye's you have to turn them off and then back on on the area you're detuning to.

For the TRX you can change the sensitivity to limit the detection depth to be like the old bullseye's (1") or to the depth of a Garrett (2") or to 3.5" or max at 4.5" on a nickel in air (in dirt depths will vary). This is not the same as detuning. It's more like changing the gain. Instructions on changing sensitivity are posted in other posts but not the instruction manual.

 

[Hungarian]

I hated the bullseye pointers due to lack of depth. I used the Garrett Pro pointer for a few years and love it. But, in my honest opinion the new whites TRX blows the Garrett away for retrieving old deep coins without a chance of scratching them. The tip of the TRX lets you know exactly where the coin is.

 

[daddyflea]

I hated the bullseye pointers due to lack of depth. I used the Garrett Pro pointer for a few years and love it. But, in my honest opinion the new whites TRX blows the Garrett away for retrieving old deep coins without a chance of scratching them. The tip of the TRX lets you know exactly where the coin is.

My old Bullseye has enough depth that it still leaves a question as to where the target is. I think they are better than nothing but with the TRX having a setting where you can take away some of that depth you may have the best of both worlds. I agree that just having the tip respond to targets is a big improvement. I don't think Garrett has to worry just yet as far as Pin Pointers go.

 

[asiandigger]

9 out 10 people here in the Metal Detecting Club (Almost 200 people) have a Garrett Pin Pointer. That should tell you something, and some of them are loyal to Whites. I owned a TRX once, didn't think it was all that great, sold it and went back to my Garrett. Yes it detects deeper but with accurate pin pointing from your detector let you know how deep to dig already.

 

[Larry (IL)]

9 out 10 people here in the Metal Detecting Club (Almost 200 people) have a Garrett Pin Pointer. That should tell you something.

That tells me Garrett has been on the market several years and the TRX a couple of months, what else would you expect? I have both units and although the Garrett is a fine pinpointer, the TRX runs circles around it in all respects and my reliable Garrett is now my backup unit.

 

[Monte]

Pinpointing a located target is a basic skill that, sadly, too many people never learn and master. I started my 50th year of very active metal detecting three months ago and almost five decades back we didn't have "pinpointers", but we did have targets in dirt and grass and very simple detectors ... and it was important to learn to isolate a target [size=small](pinpoint)[/size] then just as it is today.

It really isn't too difficult to learn to pinpoint a target, unless we make it that way, and in many ways we have. IN earlier day many detectors came with smaller-size search coils. Today, a bunch of models come with larger coils, and many come with, or the users have switched to, a Double-D coil. A DD still pinpointed relatively close to the center just like a Concentric coil, but it take s a little more practice [size=small](skill)[/size] but is doable.

Bigger size coils and/or DD's do help cause some difficulty for my people, so they find a pinpointer to be handy. Personally, I haven't found a "must have" need for a Pinpointer, but I have used them since the first White's BullsEye back about 16 years ago. I don't use a Pinpointer all the time, but I tote one along for the few times they come in handy. My detector and I do most of the isolating, then I pop a coin from the grassy areas with my rounded-off screwdriver in a hurry and get back to hunting and finding.

I have checked every pinpointer that has come along and there have been some terrible ones. Today, for me and my needs and those of friends and family, I feel there are three Pinpointer folks can pick from that ought to suit their desires. Yes, one is the Garrett Pro-Pointer. It is a durable device that works quite well and set a standard for others to match in the realm of Pinpointers. I bought one soon after they were released, but sold it to a fellow who needed one and was headed out of town. I was still on the mend from them whacking off part of my foot and couldn't get out hunting.

Besides, I knew White's had their new pinpointer in the works and, as a White's Dealer, I planned to get that on my detecting belt. Today I have and use two Pinpointers. On my finds and tool belt is my new Bullseye TRX Pinpointer and I keep it set at the factory stock '3' Sensitivity level. That's very ample and the pinpointer is the best I have ever used. I love it. Is it better that the Garrett Pro-Pointer? For me, Yes.

Do I think everyone needs to dump their Garrett and buy a TRX? No, not unless they are displeased with the Garrett Pro-Pointer or want a little added Depth and performance that the TRX offers.

But I keep an additional Pinpointer along with me in my accessory tote, as well. It's the Bullseye II which is a decent Pinpointer as well. Depth isn't everything and, just like with a detector coil combination there are times when too much can be troubling. I have the Bullseye II along as a 'loaner' Pinpointer for friends and family because it works reasonably well, serves the purpose, and it is simple. Plus, while the inch-and-a-half detecting isn't the greatest depth, it is very functional and easy for them to use. Less to teach them and less for them to learn, making it great as a 'beginner' or 'entry-level' pinpointer.

Regardless of which hand-held pinpointer a person gets, they still need to; learn it and use it. I still am not of the belief that a pinpointer is a "must-have" tool for everyone and that more people need to learn to pinpoint with their detector, then make cleaner recoveries with less disturbance in well manicured lawns. More and more parks and schools seem to be getting placed off-limits to detecting and that has to mainly be attributed to poor recovery techniques leaving ugly sites behind.

So, for me it isn't brand battle between the Pro-Pointer and TRX, although I use what I use because I feel my pick is superior for me and my needs and wants. I just think a buyer ought to take enough time to really learn the pinpointer's strengths and weaknesses and appreciate what a good quality pinpointer can offer, when it is needed.

Just opinions.

Monte

 

[daddyflea]

I agree with Monte but in my case a Pin Pointer is a necessity. Not because I can not Pin Point but because my eyes are not that great. Hunting the other day with sweat in my eyes trying to find what turned out to be a little gold charm located with my V3i, in gravel, was very tough. This is one reason I do not feel that handicapped by using the old Bullseye II.

 

[ArizFlash]

This link provides the TRX menu for operations:

http://www.findmall.com/read.php?66,2032769

 

[donl98632]

Thumbs up to Monte, I only have 30 plus years detecting but I have only had a pin pointer for the last year or so. Am often upset to see the over sized plugs left in some places I search. A sign of someone who has not learned how to pinpoint with the detector.

 

[marcomo]

Monte, I've only detected about 1/8 as long as you but in all that time I've enjoyed your posts and appreciated your wealth of knowledge.

I noticed you don't mention the Omega anymore in your list of detectors. Did it get replaced in your arsenal by the Eurotek Pro?

Now if you want to get technical, I'll agree that all you really need to participate in this hobby is a detector and some sort of digging tool.

I started detecting without a pinpointer, but that changed once and for all in late 2008 when the Pro Pointer came out.

Nowadays I actually carry two: the TRX and the Pro Pointer. They function and perform quite differently but I think they're both great. I think the TRX is the new state of the art in pinpointers, I'm impressed with its versatility and appreciate its serious depth.

Quite frankly, the day I intentionally detect without a pinpointer will be the day I trade my motor vehicle in for a horse and buggy.

 

[gldfver]

I bought a TRX last month to replace my GPP. I prefer my GPP to the TRX.
to each his own I guess. Didn't like how it fit my hand, Seemed top heavy and would flop over if not careful.
The biggest thing for me was, Not built as rugged as the GPP and I can run water on the GPP and keep it looking good.
I sold my TRX the next day after receiving.

 

[airscapes]

I bought a TRX last month to replace my GPP. I prefer my GPP to the TRX.
to each his own I guess. Didn't like how it fit my hand, Seemed top heavy and would flop over if not careful.
The biggest thing for me was, Not built as rugged as the GPP and I can run water on the GPP and keep it looking good.
I sold my TRX the next day after receiving.

Wow, my TRX is air tight and water proof.. as you say, to each his own...

 

[gldfver]

Sorry to tell you this but they are not water proof. Read you manual. Good Hunting

 

[airscapes]

They are not sold as water proof as you can not go diving with them. HOWEVER, for washing and using in a foot deep creek they are waterproof. I have removed the battery cap and blown into the case, no air leaks, Sucked the air out.. no air enters.. no air.. no water.. also floats.. Dealer put his in a bucket of water with a brick on it for 30 minutes.. no leaks.. The speaker is a sealed diaphragm with a piezo driver on the board inside,this is why the are not as loud as some people would prefer... Sorry you didn't like it..

 

[Monte]

Monte, I've only detected about 1/8 as long as you but in all that time I've enjoyed your posts and appreciated your wealth of knowledge.

'Thank You' sir, I appreciate knowing that at least from time-to-time my posts might be helpful.

I noticed you don't mention the Omega anymore in your list of detectors. Did it get replaced in your arsenal by the Eurotek Pro?

The Euro-Tek Pro w/8" and Omega are both keepers, just not used as often as others I tote around.

Now if you want to get technical, I'll agree that all you really need to participate in this hobby is a detector and some sort of digging tool.

I started detecting without a pinpointer, but that changed once and for all in late 2008 when the Pro Pointer came out.

Nowadays I actually carry two: the TRX and the Pro Pointer. They function and perform quite differently but I think they're both great. I think the TRX is the new state of the art in pinpointers, I'm impressed with its versatility and appreciate its serious depth.

Quite frankly, the day I intentionally detect without a pinpointer will be the day I trade my motor vehicle in for a horse and buggy.

Both the Garrett Pro-Pointer and White's Bullseye TRX are very good pinpointers. Of the two I prefer the TRX, and I do keep a Bullseye II in my travel gear as a loaner to people who join in the fun with a loaner detector.

Monte

 

[coondog]

Had my TRX out at the beach last week and was pinpointing targets underwater all day. I also mashed it down into the sand a few times, in fact I may have even used it to dig a bit. Never did it false not even once, didn't break or tip over, and since I used it again today I know it did not leak.

I guess I should just sell it.