Minelab Pro Find 25 is garbage

[gunslinger44]

First off, Minelabs are good machines, their actual metal detectors. For pin-pointers, they're asleep at the wheel.

I bought a Pro-Find 25, brand new.

It seemed ok at first, it was detecting shovel heads at around 2 feet, my truck at 5 feet or so, and then on small metal objects it was behaving as it should.

I didn't drop the thing or abuse it at all, it went hunting with me about 5 times, I started noticing it would alert on things that weren't there, also it would alert on something and then keep alerting when you pull it away, wouldn't shut up until you turn it off and restart. This thing is so erratic it truly is useless. And before you ask if I tried messing with the sensitivity, I did, I tried all possible combinations, and this thing is just a problem.

I thought I'd let you all know, in case you were thinking of a Minelab pin-pointer, don't. I wish I would have seen this forum before I got it, I would have bought a Garrett instead.

 

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[Terry Soloman]

I have used the Pro Find 35 for over a year now and love it. Did you try changing the battery?

 

[rc2125]

Sensitivity setting at max? I've had 4 of them since they've been out and could rarely use them on the highest setting cuz they would false constantly like that. Kinda liked the iron id thing, even though it doesn't always work, it was sometimes like a precursor to sometimes know you had a non-rusty-nail target. Didn't like how the button isn't easily found by feel, especially when it's filled with mud and don't fit in some pouch pinpointer holder slots. Have tried every pinpointer worth trying and always resort back to g carrots (for dry land). Call Minelab and see what they say maybe. They worked decent otherwise.

 

[gunslinger44]

Lol yes, I changed the battery, twice, both times brand new store bought Duracell 9V. Maybe the 35 is a better pointer, but even that one I've heard not good things about.

 

[Esto Perpetua]

Well, that's strange. Aside from the battery.... perhaps EMI or some interference? I'd call Minelab if it's still under warranty.

I have a Pro 35 that I bought months ago, still on it's packaged battery, ran it for many yard hunts and no complaints from me at the moment. I can't say the same about my older OG Pro-pointer though, that one started falsing like crazy a year after I had bought back in 2006 or something? Even back then, the Garrett still went berserk at times.... and it just got to the point where I couldn't use the dang thing at all.

Still have the old Pro-Pointer, and since it's been way out of warranty, I did try a DIY fix on it - it can be found on youtube. Not sure if it worked though.

Maybe a year from now, I may change my tune about the ML pinpointer.... but so far, so good. I also don't run it on max sensitivity, so YMMV. My only dislike of it, is the holster. I had to sew up something better that would work for my belt/carrying kit. Minor gripe. I do like that I can run it with the audio off, I don't know if the 25 has that feature. Ferrous tone, meh.... I might help a bit I suppose. I dig a lot of junk.

Hope you get it figured out.
T

 

[log2lumber]

I have a 20 and it barely works. Changed batteries twice.

 

[Trezurehunter]

My friends just died. He only had it for a few years, and wished he'd bought the Garrett.

 

[relicmeister]

Loved mine actually looking for another one used. Well made.

 

[Kevvorush]

I bought the 35 and it changed everything for me. Cut my search time down to a quarter of the time it used to take

 

[Bart@Big Boys Hobbies]

Just FYI...

The 25 models have discontinued years ago. The new top-end model the PRO-FIND 35 which is an excellent pointer.

Minelab Pro-Find 35 Pinpointer

In Stock! The PRO-FIND 35 provides premium level functionality in a fully waterproof design for the serious detectorist. PN 3226-0003 Free Shipping, No Tax!

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[jamest64]

First off, Minelabs are good machines, their actual metal detectors. For pin-pointers, they're asleep at the wheel.

I bought a Pro-Find 25, brand new.

It seemed ok at first, it was detecting shovel heads at around 2 feet, my truck at 5 feet or so, and then on small metal objects it was behaving as it should.

I didn't drop the thing or abuse it at all, it went hunting with me about 5 times, I started noticing it would alert on things that weren't there, also it would alert on something and then keep alerting when you pull it away, wouldn't shut up until you turn it off and restart. This thing is so erratic it truly is useless. And before you ask if I tried messing with the sensitivity, I did, I tried all possible combinations, and this thing is just a problem.

I thought I'd let you all know, in case you were thinking of a Minelab pin-pointer, don't. I wish I would have seen this forum before I got it, I would have bought a Garrett instead.

I know this is old, but I had the exact same problem. Took it back to the store I bought it from and they gave me the pinpointer of my choice. JT

 

[geneg]

To update an older thread, my Pro-Find 25 died several years ago, it worked great for a while and was only used as a spare.The pinpointer started to act erratic on a hunt and was not stable. I tried several things but nothing seemed to work. Putting lateral pressure on the tip made it more erratic. I tabled it till recently after watching a youtube on a possible repair. This involved cutting the device open as its glued together. What I determined was the ferrite core was broken in two pieces. Now this is encased in epoxy so not sure how it just broke as it was never dropped. I am thinking it was always broke and after time of moving it around the ferrite somehow separated more. I have glued the ferrite together and have yet to rewind the copper wire and assemble to see it it will work. Its a pretty messy task cutting this thing open and will need some good expoxy filling on the two cost sides in order to get it back together nicely. Its more a learning experience and many may not think its worth the trouble but I for one hate to throw things away.