pinpointer.. Do I really need one?

[bryguy5]

was wondering how much you ole salty pro's use these? I have never used one but have been considering getting one. First how useful are they? do they really save that much time or does it take more time to fiddle with it? what would be a good brand to buy? and how much would one expect to pay?
thanks for all input, ps this sight and all of you guys ROCK!!! love the todays finds...

 

[Montauk3]

In a word, no! For coin shooting, learn to use a probe. Find the coin before digging.

 

[Chug And Red]

Go to Harbor freight, and pick up a Cheap one 16.95 and try for your self, within a month you will be trying to figure out how to get a better one!!!!! Just a few hints use the cover provided or you will end up having problems with in a few days, dirt gets into the switch and causes it to stop working, it is a pinpointer not a Pry tool!!!

Its not a water searching tool, no i did not try!! More than 2 inches, Water and none waterproof electronics don't match

HH Chug and Red!!!

Just waiting on the Money for a better pinpointer now Comming soon!!!!

 

[mlayers]

I have a Garrett Pro Pointer an yes it dose help me find my coins fast. When yu are trying to find a coin that is 6 inches deep and after you have your plug out just put the pointer in and it will sound off when it is close to the coin. So you only have to dig more out on that one side to get to the coin. I pay around $100 for my. Just do some shopping and you can find a good deal.....Matt

 

[Chug And Red]

I have a Garrett Pro Pointer an yes it dose help me find my coins fast. When yu are trying to find a coin that is 6 inches deep and after you have your plug out just put the pointer in and it will sound off when it is close to the coin. So you only have to dig more out on that one side to get to the coin. I pay around $100 for my. Just do some shopping and you can find a good deal.....Matt

Thanks for reminding Me The Propointer is the one I will be purchasing!!!!!

 

[mlayers]

You are welcome. It is a alsome machine....Matt

 

[slowNsteady]

Hi,
A pinpointer is a great tool to have when you need it. A probe is also a good tool to use. However, they both have a place. If you're working in rocky ground or thick roots, a probe will do you little good. Plus, many times, if you find an object deeper than the probe is long, it is once again useless. I find a pinpointer very helpful, but not absolutely necessary. Try finding a cigarette lighter wheel in woodchips! If you're going to get one, go for the Harbor freight. Then if you like it, save for a Garrett. You'll love that one!

 

[lennon631]

For me to leave without my Garrett ProPointer, is like leaving without my MD! After several months of detecting without one, I decided to get it ANNNNNND what a difference! It saves you MEGAtime!

 

[Frankn]

As mentioned above ,a probe is the most useful locating tool except in rocky or rooted areas. That is where a hand held pinpointer shines. Start off with an inexpensive pinpointer like the $16 Harbor Freight. If you like it you can move up to the best, the Vibra-Probe 580 which cost $150. See it at Treasureproducts.com

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[scrubber]

When My hand-held quit, I stopped right there and went to buy a new one. I won't hunt without it.

 

[battlecat]

I didnt use one for a long time, but wen I got one with my old detector I loved it, I would be nice to get one again while learning with my new ace 250, plus this dry ground this year has been hard on finding targets for me, Maybe im just rusty

 

[cntrydncr1]

I am lost without mine.

 

[mrwilburino]

If you're going to be looking for small deep targets in hard rocky soil it will make life a lot easier. It will also help to minimize ground disturbance and recovery time.

 

[bryguy5]

Thank you everyone for your valued input, I think I will start out with the harbor freight one to see how I like it. when you talk about using a probe are you just using something like a chainsaw file with a handle?

 

[treasurehound]

HF is a good starting pinpointer if on a low budget. I agree that getting the Garret Propointer when you can afford it will be your next choice. Keep the HF. They may be cheap but they do have some good points. They are better than nothing, good back up, loan to your friends who do not have one when hunting with you and they are cheap. Once you use a pinpointer you will never want to hunt without one again.

 

[mts]

HF is a good starting pinpointer if on a low budget. I agree that getting the Garret Propointer when you can afford it will be your next choice. Keep the HF. They may be cheap but they do have some good points. They are better than nothing, good back up, loan to your friends who do not have one when hunting with you and they are cheap. Once you use a pinpointer you will never want to hunt without one again.

I totally agree with all of these points. Especially the point about once you use a pinpointer you will never want to hunt without one again. Using a probe has its merits. But there are just too many cases where a probe just doesn't cut it.

 

[S.S.Tupperware]

Just learn to pip point with your machine well... I have never used one in 15 years of hunting. I have one and every few months I pull it out, and remember why I don't use it... Takes too much time...

 

[Coil to Soil]

I wont leave home without mine. Yes, you should learn how to pinpoint with your machine as well, but also having the pinpointer is a timesaver to say the least. There are times that you will hit on items that are just so small or that they blend in so well with the plug/dirt that you don't even notice it when it is right there in plain sight. To me, it is an invaluable tool.

 

[slowNsteady]

It's just about all been said in this thread so far. A probe can be a long screwdriver with a blunted tip, or specially made and costs more. They are a steel or brass rod with a handle, rounded off at the tip. Personally, I prefer the rounded off screwdriver. I wanted to mention something else. A pinpointer is not foolproof. I was out with the Ace this morning and was finding some tiny brads that the pointer wouldn't pick up. Odd for sure, because I know it was working properly. Items get tarnished or rusty in the ground. Many times you just can't see the things and that's where the pinpointer shines. Ok, I'm done!

 

[Bradley137]

I hunted without one for years. Did just fine in the woodlands but in the parks and yards is where pinpointer really helps keep from digging such large holes.