Ace 250

Welcome to the forum Dansgray, that is a stcky topic here some are for some are against. I looked into getting a pinpointer, but found that after I learned my detector better I found I had little trouble finding the target. I also carry more stuff around than I want already! That being said, some people swear by them and wouldn't go out without one! These folks swear they are the greatest thing and really help them locate their target quicker with less digging. I hope I have represented both sides to this and leave it up to you, as it is a very personal choice. I would recommend finding a hunting buddy in your area who uses one and try before you buy! HH omnicognic 8)
 

Even if you are very good an pinpointing with your detector, a pinpointer will shorten your recovery by half. At least. It is an absolute must in my opinion. Even something cheap like a little wizard II is good. Best price / service I've found on the net is at:
http://www.billsdetectorsales.com
 

The pinpointer setting is an all metal non motion mode set into the funtion of the detector. You press and hold the pinpoint button and move the coil over the targer untill you get a steady signal. your target should then be right under the center of the coil.
 

I think the type of pinpointer being discussed here it the handheld one used for locating a coin after the hole is dug. Many times I would be looking right at a coin and not recognize it because it is the same color as the dirt. Also, they are very hard to find in red clay so a pinpointer would definately helpsome if not most. Before I got mine I often thought I was getting a false signal only to find the coin in the plug or in a scoop of dirt taken from the hole. JIM
 

I think the pinpointer is a must! Saves lots of time and also saves lawns. Also at Kellyco. they will give you a free pinpointer with the purchase of some detectors, thats what I did. Pinpointers help in finding things on the surface, in your dirt pile and in the hole. They are a must for me and should be for all of us.

HH!!
 

To me , a pinpointer is invaluable.
When i first started in the hobby... I bought a Bounty hunter quick draw II & didnt use a hanheld pinpointer. It got tiresome to always have to move the coil over the plug or dirt while already down on my knees. Then after a few months I decided to upgrade to a more sophisticated machin & bought a White's spectrum XLT ...bought it from kellyco & bought a white's bullseye pinpointer on an impulse. Glad i did... allows me to considerally cut down the time i spend searching in the dirt. I still use that same pinpointer today after 5 years.
 

You wont be sorry buying the 250, I have had mine for about 1 month and love it. Lightweight, easy to use, has all the bells and whistles you need. I have found coins at 8" + with mine and is easy on batteries.
 

Pinpointers are a time saver,but they also help prevent damaging,nicking,or scratching,a potentially valuable or rare treasure, from your digging tool. The value now becomes half or less if you hit it! So if you don't use a pinpointer be extremely careful digging for that gold coin that sounds like another pull-tab,after digging 30-40 of them.HH.
 

I bought an ACE 250 last week, and within 10 minutes in my backyard at the apartments I live in, I found $1.08 in coins just testing to see how it reacts. And it's a 5 year old property, there are a LOT of trash items there too. this detector was dead accurate with every hit... I can imagine what it will be like at the beaches here in Florida. My Bounty hunter (Pioneer 505) was not this good, and cost more.

I also bought an Automax V2 pinpointer off Ebay this week. I always wanted one, I know it will help me to locate what the ACE finds. I'll re-post after I get to use it.

All in all the ACE 250 is great for the money spent.
 

Dansgray said:
I noticed it has a pin pointer setting and I was wondering if I need to buy a pin pointer to go with it.

The 250 has a pin pointer built in......theres nothing more you need to buy to use it. Just push the pin point button once you have found a repeatable signal......when you have a strong tone and all the indicator bars are lit up...target will be in center of the coil. Do a search on pin pointing with the 250.....theres several different tricks/tips to help you get the hang of it.

Hand held pin pointers are always a plus too......you just dont need one to use the pin pointing feature on the 250.
 

I have a Bullseye pinpointer that I got with my MXT. I find that its very useful in finding the coins that blend in with the dirt and in some cases the mud that seem to make them almost invisible, at least to my eyes. Mine works at about 1 1/2 to 2 inches and does it fairly well. Also, it's NOT very ergonomic. It's the one drawback that's like holding a small brick in your hand. Oh well, just my 2c. Good luck and welcome to the forum!
 

By all means yes get a handheld pinpointer, though you don't actually need to.
You'll be glad you did. Maybe you would be better to start out a week or two without one like I did, then you'll know what your missing.
The 250 pinpoints very well, but at times you might be off half an inch or so - And thats enough for you to dig a 10 inch hole, when in reality the target is only 2 inches down in the side of the hole. A pinpointer wil ltell you right off the bat if you've made a simple mistake like this and also as another has mentioned reduces your odds of scratching up your finds.
Besides scanning holes they are also great at scanning the dirt piles to see if the target has alreay been removed from the hole.
Granted you can of course do this with the detector itself, but its much more conveient to use a handheld.
I wouldn't try to take business away from kellyco they are a great outfit and in fact I got my ace 250 from them, but I think their pinpointers are overpriced. Check out the wizard 2 that melcrose posted. Don't know about the little wiz, but the big gun shaped one is a kick a$$ instrument, with adjustable sensitivity, vibrate/audio/visual alerts, a detection range of about an inch and a half for a penny on max, and dang close to nothing on minimum - And even a LED spotlight for those dark holes which actually comes in handy now and then.
Be aware that whatever pinpointer you decide on, they are fragile instuments and their long PVC necks are prone to snapping rather easily, so resist the temptation to aggresively probe with them.
I snapped mine twice but was able to patch it back up with some JB weld.
As far as bulk/inconvienance in carrying, I got me one of those retractable metal key holder things that extend a line out about a foot from a hardware store for 99 cents.
It is only about as big as a silver dollar and actually not much thicker, and it clips right on your belt/pants. I just hooked up my probe to that thing and its always there hanging by my side ready to use. The weight of the pinpointer keeps it from fully retracting, which is fine. It hangs right above the knees to the side and I hardly know its there, yet I can whip it out right into a hole or whatever when needed, then just let go of it and stand up and it snaps right back into place.
 

WOW......You just invented the " quickdraw " Pinpointer.....WTG... ;D ;D ;D
 

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