Great battery life as well - still using last year's battery.
First off, I wouldn't say this "Broke," it came this way. It's been a crappy detector for small foil and such out of the box. Again, it's not that the detector doesn't "work." It simply doesn't catch objects in a specific induction range.
Second, there ARE other reviews out there. I cannot link to them, because they're on other forums. But if you google search Deteknix Xpointer Wader Li, you'll find them. Here's some snippits:
"having had 2 standard xpointers which were great i decided to go for the xpointer wader
as i intend doing some shallow water detecting come the summer.
well i received my wader in double quick time and was out today with it , only to find it doesnt pick up thin foil not even with it touching the tip
is mine a lemon or is this par for the course with the wader ."
"I have the Wader Li but haven't been out in the field with it yet. You're right it doesn't pick up very small foil but does the bigger stuff and it certainly does detect hammered coins."
There are other video reviews out there, too.
Even if there are a few "good" tests out there, I have a hard time believing mine is an isolated incident. Still can't recommend. Yes, I've had Garretts (I own 4 of them), and after a while the old black Pro-Pointers have some issues (by then, they're pretty used!)... but they worked FINE out of the box...
Just posting my results. That's it.
Oh, heck, I'm not offended, dirtscratcher. Far from it. I think this is the healthy conversation I'd expect in a forum. I saw your question as an honest one, just as intended. In fact, I believe as a community we SHOULD be challenging and open to discussion on critical reviews. Too many of them are out there with an "agenda." (albeit mostly to sell a product, or are skewed because it was "Free" by the manufacturer)... I was SUPER excited to get the Deteknix pinpointer, and posted my original unboxing here:
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/m...-arrived-today-contest-win-unboxing-pics.html
As you can see, there was some early indication that the sensitivity was "off," but I excused it as being "on par." I was REALLY excited to get that pinpointer! I've got a ways to go before my first impression isn't jaded by something "free" I guess.
Well. Now that the honeymoon wore off, frankly, the pinpointer is NOT on par. I really wanted to send out a fantastic review of the product, and my initial review was jaded a bit by the fact it was a contest win! Ultimately, though, the pinpointer just doesn't measure up. I'm actually trying to be as unbiased as I can in this, and ran the video so folks could see that I'm not just saying something to say it.
As for the tip detection capability, yep... but, that's pretty normal, and is even demonstrated a bit on the Garrett in the video I showed (on sensitivity 2, it shows up). It has to do with the way the induction field is formed around the device. Even understanding this, it frustrated me that I couldn't detect the ring even on the SIDES of the Deteknix (as shown in the video). And to completely miss that giant class ring? Yeah, that induction field is lacking.
My point with the video (and the Original Post) is that if folks are going to spend $129 on either a Deteknix product or a Garrett, (both waterproof), they might as well go with the Garrett! I couldn't find a good reason NOT to... but I could find plenty with why you shouldn't go with the Deteknix.
One other thing that I didn't mention in the sensitivity video (but is readily noted) is the Deteknix doesn't ever get a solid "tone" when you're touching the object. As a result of only having two beeping frequencies, you really don't know you're right next to or just close to the object... The Deteknix just kind of beeps everywhere. You can put the large coin or other object right on the pointer, and it behaves the same as if it was 2" away. The Garrett Pro Pointer and Pro Pointer AT, on the other hand, produce a Solid tone when you're in Near-Field conditions. The Garrett Pro-Pointers are FANTASTIC when you're trying to find something in the dirt or bark. The Deteknix Wader Li just isn't nearly as helpful. You only know "It's somewhere around here."
It might be different if the Wader Li was $50 cheaper... but it's not. The Deteknix XPointer Wader Li is the same price as the Garrett AT. For the same price, I'd expect the same distance in detection, the same detection ability, and the same basic functions. The only thing that's the same is the basic functions (Water proof, vibrate, sound, and orange body.) Even with those the same, The "detecting ability" of the pinpointer is far inferior to the Garrett.
Given that other folks are commonly reporting small foil problems with the Wader Li, but not with the main X-Pointer I have to assume this is design problems.
It's not just capability either, it's also longevity. Twice now, we've had to recharge the Deteknix before 2 weeks of use (nothing like failure in the field and having to "recharge" before use.. blah.) and we're only using it a couple days a week. I use the Garrett 5-6 days a week, and I don't replace the battery except every 6 weeks or so!
The Deteknix has a built in battery, but I really can't understand how a Lithium Poly battery that supposedly has 500mah, lasts literally at most 1/4 as long as a standard 9V Alkaline battery (Duracell Procell @ 550mah) or (EBL 9V 600mah) rechargable in the Garrett At. 50mah difference ought not to cut 75% of the time. There's some serious power consumption going on there, and that's odd, because the vibrate and sound seem like they're far less "intense" in the Deteknix.
All in all. I believe it's inferior for the same price point.
Since, you've got several Garrett's, is there any other tests you'd like me to perform and video?
Skippy
I'm the same way. Results are looking good though. I've had lots of great conversations with Rex today by e-mail. When it's appropriate, you can bet I'll share my experiences. I'm suspecting they'll be positive. Rex's engagement is pretty high.
Cheers,
Skippy
Actually, nothing to update. I was told I would be contacted by Jason at the beginning of this month to do some testing for them. Haven't heard anything. I should probably reach out. My original assessment of the PP stands, though... BUT... After some lengthy conversations with Rex at Deteknix, I'm willing to allow that the problem only affected "some" of the pinpointers. There's definitely variation in product performance (even some cars are lemons), which means my data point of one, is just that... a single data point.
The pinpointer just sits on my desk at home... charged. It's fine for coins, but not great for rings and gold (which I find a decent amount of).
I was hoping to have some more input on their Quest Pro detector, or other products, but I've not been requested to assist, yet. I put 15-20 hours a week into detecting, though, and have secured a Go-Pro for when (if) products show up for testing... So... when they DO contact me, I'll be all over it.
Things were very positive, and everyone deserves a second (and even third) chance. Hoping for the best.
Thanks for checking in.
Regards,
Skippy
