Buying a Pinpointer

minelab rick · May 21, 2007

Getting ready to buy a pinpointer and wanted everyones feed back on what's hot and what's not. Kelly co has the Automax V4 on sale for $79.00. How about It?

Charlie P. (NY) · May 21, 2007

I've used the Merlin SXL Pro and the Fisher F-Point. I like them both, in that order. The Merlin has a momentary switch (only on while you keep the buttoin pressed) and is faster to bring into action (and has a headlight and indicator light, buzzer and vibration alert). It is a bit delicate and I baby it to keep it clean (the battery door I have to tape shut to keep attached and keep dirt out). The F-Point has to be turned on and set for sensitivity (only one knob for both) or just left on (battery wasteful and EM noise the detector detects) but is grime/water-resistant and physicaly handier.

The Automax V4 is HUGE. Personally, I wouldn't want to carry that around.

hollowpointred · May 21, 2007

the automax is big and flimsey.it works ok though, but be prepared to have to glue the probe back on. i have broken three and i am not overly hard on them. i would try to buy one on ebay for cheaper. $79 is kinda steep if you ask me considering the quality.

minelab rick · May 21, 2007

Thanks for the replies.I called Kelly Co and the guy I spoke to recommended the vibraprobe over the automax for the same reasons you guys listed. I'll check e-bay next to see what's out there.

Thanks again

Rick

ronald99 · May 21, 2007

minelab rick said:
Getting ready to buy a pinpointer and wanted everyones feed back on what's hot and what's not. Kelly co has the Automax V4 on sale for $79.00. How about It?

The vibraprobe is water proof,and is good,the automax does pick up good,but awkward to use, I paid 1,190.28 for my automax,But it came with my minelab.

GarrettDealer · May 28, 2007

vibraprobe for the win

diggndeep · Jun 1, 2007

The BEST you can use would be the Sunray X-1. Stays right on the shaft, toggles between the coil & itself. All the others you have to pack in a pocket, too much stuff already. Just my 2 cents...... DD

Charlie P. (NY) · Jun 1, 2007

diggndeep said:
The BEST you can use would be the Sunray X-1. Stays right on the shaft, toggles between the coil & itself. All the others you have to pack in a pocket, too much stuff already. Just my 2 cents...... DD

I agree. If they'd get off their laurels and make a version compatable with my F-75 I'd snatch one up in a heartbeat. I've written and begged.

shootist · Jun 4, 2007

I have a Vibraprobe does a great job,waterproof,very rugged. Since you have a Minelab I would say spend the xtra cash and get the sunray probe. The vibraprobes are great for the easy stuff(coin in side of hole,earring lost in woodchip pile) the Sunray is for the hardcore deep hole cant find the target,I wish Id went the extra mile and got one so I wouldnt have to wish I could find the target at the bottom of the 9 inch hole,HH...Shoot

spez401 · Jun 4, 2007

I have a bullseye II and a vibrabrobe. the vibrabrobe goes just about everywhere with me. You can't beat it for ruggedness and reliability... and since i tend to do most of my detecting at the beach, the waterproof factor is a huge sell for me

steve

RUDY2003 · Jun 6, 2007

I agree with spez, I too have a vibraprobe and it's excelent for about $100....
Keep safe...

Fleeker · Jun 22, 2007

If you want a good pinpointer at a reasonable price, you should consider the Wizard Vib Probe II. You can get it for $37.95 from mytoostore.com , plus shipping. However, you might want to modify it so that it is turned on by pulling the trigger instead of using the thumbwheel each time. If you need to know how just email me. I also use a clip on cellphone case for a holster. You don't even know it's there while clipped onto your belt.

erikk · Jun 28, 2007

I agree with Charlie. The best probe you can get for the Explorer is the Sun Ray. It stays with the machine and will go up to 3 inches deep as opposed to a Vibra Probe where you have less than an inch. I use the Vibra Probe with my f75 while waiting for Sun Ray to come out with an in-line for it. Come on Ralph!!

erikk · Jun 28, 2007

Born2Dtect · Jun 28, 2007

A few quick points about the Sunray Probe. Very good probe, You will forget to switch back to the coil a few times when you begin. The unit adds weight to the detector, " Nothing says you can,t keep the probe in a pouch on your waist while detecting to keep the weight off you arm.

Ed D.