which pinpointer

[hoosier hunter]

i am a newbee at this world of metal detecting and i think i've done good by choosing the DFX,but i havent had much luck with it nor the time now that it is cold weather in S W Indiana. It has the standard coil. Ive talked to Kellyco and they suggested the Garrett pinpointer at 129.95. Does anybody have any info about any suggested pinpointers for beginners?

 

[Joel-Winnipeg]

I use the Whites bullseye II which works quite well.
I do plan on acquiring the Garrett one eventually.
They are both good pinpointer in there own rights.
You may want to check the Garrett forum for more info.

 

[hoosier hunter]

thanks for replying so fast. I'll check that forum.

 

[nw1886]

The Whites Bullseye works well but there are better ones out there. I only have the last two generations of the Bullseyes and have used the Vibraprobe. (Sold that because it thrashed on my wrists and the Whites models didn't.) People with more varied experiences will suggest a model better than I can. Make sure that whichever model you choose has good ergonomics priority, as one that isn't comfortable for you , gets old real quick! Plus...on the surface, depth with a pinpointer doesn't seem important. After looking at reviews on YouTube, it sure has real advantages and wish I could remember one model in particular. (But for the life of me I can't!) Spendy ...but we have the best detectors so why not a better pointer.

 

[Rd2nowr]

I don't have a DFX, but I do have the XLT and I would suggest looking at the Sunray DX-1. It has alot of advantages over the other pinpointers. I have the XL-1 for my XLT and I have a BullseyeII that I bought with the detector. The bullseye is fine and does exactly what is supposed to do. I like the idea of not having to remove my headphones when I am using the pinpointer probe . Look at the reviews and decide for yourself on which one would best suit your needs and budget. Good luck, Tim

 

[hoosier hunter]

thanks for that information. I didn't know they vibrated that much. Very helpful information as my wife has arthritis and might aggravate it.

 

[nw1886]

It's not so much that they vibrate (Vibraprobe) but that they take a large wrist movement to circle the hole efficiently. (You can use a jabbing motion but that's a slower method.)

Edit: The "DetectorPro Pistol Probe is the pinpointer I couldn't remember! The handle is kinda large but the probe is smaller and looks to be well liked. Spendy @ $175.00. Check out the YouTube video. It's design looks like it's best suited for old/deep targets. Lotsa depth. (Would link it but falls outside forum rules?)

 

[Treasurechic]

I would recommend the Garrett pinpointer, I plan on getting one myself. It seems to be well made and easy to use. I too had a Vibraprobe and found that it interfered with my metal detector until it would shut off automatically, they have no buttons at all so you cannot control shut off when your done using it, even a small rivet on your jeans can set it off and delay shut down. Its too bad this is the case because they are very rugged.

 

[GoGoGopher]

I use a cheapo Teknetics pin pointer. You have to tape the battery cover on, and if you mod it as I have done mine, you will get better performance out of it...I like it because it does not have to be in motion to sense a target, but it's range is only about a half inch at best on coins...

HH,

 

[bishop]

Hoosier Hunter,
I have the Bullseye and the Vibra Probe, they both work good, but there not perfect. With the Bullseye
you have to keep the button pressed down,as it gets older you have to press harder. The Vibra Probe does not
have a button, it turns on and off automatically. It also caused interference with my detector(DFX), and i would have
to wait for it to turn off to resume hunting.I have since modified it with an on/off switch, much better! I am happy with
with both. And yes they are pricey.
You might wanna try a cheap alternative, its sold by Harbor Freight Tools. and only costs $16 bucks!
Item # 97245-0VGA they call it a CEN-TECH metal detector, but its just a pin pointer. Compare to the bullseye.
And for $16 bucks i have no complaints, even gets good depth! Check it out at Harborfreight.com, good luck.

 

[hoosier hunter]

Many thanks to all of the replies and helpful information. I'll be going to Harbor Freight this weekend just for the cost factor alone.I will also check out the YOU TUBE video on the Detector Probe. This forum has been great. Many thanks to all the help. HAPPY HUNTING TO ALL.

 

[d1g1man]

Cen-Tech for me. I did not care for the DX-1, more weight, more wires, and I was getting my ears popped.

 

[4x4Harold]

Has anyone used the surfmaster pi pro to find raw nugets, was told it would find . but don,t seem to be able to set up at least in open air .

 

[4x4Harold]

I use the whites pin pointer but now have switched to Garretts new Pro pointer and have found the Garrett to be far superior , with it you can use the hole shaft to locate the item , then go to the end to narrow the seach.

 

[marcomo]

The Garrett Pro Pointer works amazingly well and is solid as a rock.

I've had a Harbor Freight Cen-Tech cheapie and there's no comparison.

The Pro Pointer costs a lot more, but you'll probably burn through a lot of Cen-Techs before you wear out one Pro Pointer.

A pinpointer will help you, but most important is getting proficient at pinpointing with your detector.

If the weather's cold practice inside.

Tape coins to the back of big pieces of thin cardboard and practice until you're able to consistently poke through the cardboard and hit the coin on the first try.

That's what I did and it really helped shorten my pinpointing learning curve. And it also gave me the confidence to pop those shallower coins rather than digging plugs.

 

[tab-nabit]

One of my detectors has the Sun Ray probe, I'm happy with it.
For the others - - -
[attachment 117116 Pinpointers.JPG]
The three I been mainly using and been happy with them.
Also been hearing good things with the new Pro Pointer as already mentioned.

 

[a4wdguy]

I have Sunray probes on all my detectors that can use them. They are the best IMHO.

 

[GpSnoopy]

I have both the old and new style Bullseye. While they both work well, I found the detection depth too limited. So, I upgraded to the Garret ProPointer. It has sped up my target retrieval immensely. Surprising what a couple of extra inches can do (approx 1 1/2" on a dime and close to 2 1/2"+ on a quarter)

Now on shallow targets, I use the pinpointer to scan the ground first, and if the target is within 2-3", I can zero in and just make a small slit and pop the coin out. Or easily find the little bits of foil, bb's, pencil erasor caps, jean rivets with ease.

With deeper targets, it sure helps to know when getting close so you don't accidentally scar the target with your digger, allows me to dig smaller plugs in manicured lawns and parks.

Now thinking back, I should have purchased a DX-1 with my MXT, but at the time thought that I might switch machines more often, and could use the Propointer with either one, as I have an IDX that I was going to set up for quick tot lot hunts.

The Pistol Probe came out afterwards, and it sure gets a lot of depth, but up here in Canada where handguns aren't allowed, I think it would cause too many suspicious looks. One of the spots I hunt is just across the street from the Police Station.

 

[wrong way ron]

Get the DX-1 I just picked one up today and love it works great you cant go wrong with the DX-1 and by the way Im new to the whole ground fishing game. The weighs not bad at all. MXT DX-1 what a great combo.