I disagree, you may need them when doing grass with a big knife & small holes(I've seen how many coins get scratched) but
in the field, it's quicker without. Out the hole with a big spade,1 grab,in the pouch. (30 second job from signal to pouch) By the time most have messed around looking at the VDU reading/pinpointed, put the detector down, got on their knees, & got the pointer out, I've bent over & scooped it up, gone onto the next hole & done the same again. So my point is, that if you want to become a speedy 'field hunter' practice/brain is all you need not another toy.
The only use I have for 1 is the 1 in 50 holes that are over 12", so that in heavy clay I can check if I'm still going down or its on the edge. (this has sped up my deeper holes & therefore my overall performance) The secret to good Field Hunting is systematically covering 'area', area covered is purely about two factors(other than overall time spent); No. of holes dug & speed. If you dig as much junk as Dad & I then it becomes more important to speed up to cover the area. Simple stuff. (
A pinpointer for every hole would slow us up by at least 10% = less area, less finds)
I hope those that are serious Field Hunters know what I'm on about, if not it maybe time to leave the pinpointer at home & improve your recovery technique. When the target is out the hole, hopefully first dig, bearing in mind you should know from the signal/sound (no VDU on my machine! looking slows you up as well) how deep it is, & therefore you dig the right amount of soil/ie not too much, then a quick spread of the dirt with your foot. Check with detector, bent & grab, job done. With my 11" coil this is more difficult & takes time/more practice, if Cru'dad is by my side & a tiny target is out the hole, I will get him to recover it with the smaller coil, freeing me up to carry on, therefore improving our joint performance. (well oiled team)
Scottso:
You had a good day, don't waste money on more toys, specially if you specialise in field hunting for those older finds, practice is all you need & you have started young enough to get plenty. You nearly learnt a lesson today about those waste of space VDU's. Tape over it & trust your ears, you will improve your finds. The more you look at the VDU the less you learn, trust me.
