Probe Comparison

[Captain Hook]

I was wondering how the different hand held probes compared. Here is a link I found on YouTube.
I know which probe will be my next purchase.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK4ujXzGQmM

 

[Digger]

but personally, I want an electronic probe to pinpoint. Not detect. If it goes 4 or 5 inches deep, how do you determine how far away it is? I use the detector's coil to determine whether the target is in the plug or still in the hole. For me, it is much easier to sweep the coil over the hole and plug to determine where I need to further my investigation. Once I determine which contains the target, I carefully remove dirt (or divide the plug) until I can pinpoint the target with my VibraProbe 560. It only goes an inch or so deep. But again, I have the coil to detect. My probe is used to pinpoint the target. Plus, the VibraProbe shuts itself off when I put it back in the holster. Different strokes for different folks. And that is part of what makes this hobby so interesting. JMHO HH Randy

 

[Goes4ever]

I agree, I would not want a pinpointer to pick up something 4-5 inches away, that is just too much IMHO

 

[Captain Hook]

I agree with both of you in regards to 4 or 5 inches is way too much. However, adjusting it down around 2" would work great for me. I had the Vibra Probe 570, it didn't work for me. I have the White's right now. It needs alittle more depth in my opinion. Thanks to all.

 

[David]

Yes different strokes for different folks but I have the Detector Pro Pistol Probe pulse induction pinpointer and I couldn't disagree with all 3 of you more. The deeper the better, as after pinpointing with the metal detector then using the Pistol Probe on the very tip, it will show ahead of time where to dig the small plug. It is dynamite and I love using it.

It has a momentary push button on/off so it shuts off instantly when released and if it is too deep for you it can be detuned to get less depth to make those of you happy. And one of the best parts (in a loose soil area with little to no turf or grass sod) it is unlike some other probe(s) with only a hot tip, it can side scan about 4 1/2" up the shaft over a pile of loose soil quickly locate a target in this pile of loose soil like for example about 12 "x 12".

The disadvantages/drawbacks is it has a large size handle which is bulky, made of hard, not soft plastic. the holster is not great. It has 3 dials but they are set it and forget it. It uses 2 x 9v batteries, but that is why it probably gets its extra power from. I want the maximum power and depth I can get which I DO appreciate as I had a small hand held lumber Wizzard(for locating nails in lumber) before that and it was garbage at about 1" max in an air test. The Pistol Probe will get about 5" on a US nickle in an air test for me and I love it. It DOES reduce recovery time dramatically and also damage to lawns. Hope this helps.

 

[Carolina Phil]

If it goes 4 or 5 inches deep, how do you determine how far away it is?

That's a good question Digger. DetectorPro's Pocket Probe (the older model) has modulated volume, so that the closer the target, the louder the signal. That is a good feature for a pinpoint probe. However, DetectorPro's new PistolProbe has saturated volume. That is, the loudness of the volume is the same regardless of distance. I didn't know this was the case when I first got mine and wasn't sure how I would take to it. The PistolProbe can be detuned somewhat by turning down the threshold, but it still detects a good distance even then. I have found that I can get a good estimate of target distance by backing the probe off from the target area, and it works very well. I like a probe that gets better depth myself and like you said, different strokes for different folks.