Pin Pointer Options

[AugustMoose87]

Wanted to get everyone's take on pin pointers... I think I have landed on wanting to ask Santa for an XLT for Christmas, and I have seen pin pointers on ebay that attach to the XLT - so you have one machine with two search coils and a switch to control them. That seems like it could be great, since you would only have once set of batteries to deal with, and could get additional info from the XLT when pin pointing verses a beep with a standalone. But I can also see how having another item attached to the machine will add some weight, plus there will be extra cords to work around, etc. What are your thoughts?

 

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[Charlie P. (NY)]

Sunray is the company. I have one on my Fisher F-75 and I think it's great. You have to get a routine of switching back to the main coil, however.

It doesn't weigh all that much. You won't forget it, get caught without a battery, it's submersible (first 3 ft), you can use your earphones AND detector's display when pin pointing.

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[Pointman]

The one for the Etrac is decent, but (unless I am using it wrong) you have to move it to get a signal. This makes it a little tricky to use, but it is great when there is a lot of metal trash in the hole and you need a pinpointer that will pick between the trash/nails. I don't primarily use mine but only as a back up with the Propointer. My opinion is to get a separate pinpointer. Seems a little more versatile to me if you decide to switch between different machines.

Concerning separate pinpointers, the one I still fall back on is the Garrett Propointer. Right now, I am considering buying a Makro. Simply, I do not hear the beeping because of my hearing loss and wearing headphones and I have to rely totally on the vibrations. Most of the pinpointers I have used have a very fine vibration except for the Propointer which I like. I just recently heard from Keith at Fort Bedford that the Makro has a vibration similar to the Propointer. That and the waterproof will be of help to me. I am a little anxious of the on/off button completely at the bottom of the unit thought.

 

[airscapes]

The one for the Etrac is decent, but (unless I am using it wrong) you have to move it to get a signal.

Put the Etrac in pinpoint mode.. if you normally have to hold the pin point button to use the detectors pinpoint mode, then that is what you need to do when using the sunray.. Tis why I did not buy a Sunray for my machine and went with the Whites TRX. I think the XLT has a switch to put it in pinpoint mode.

 

[Pointman]

Put the Etrac in pinpoint mode.. if you normally have to hold the pin point button to use the detectors pinpoint mode, then that is what you need to do when using the sunray.. Tis why I did not buy a Sunray for my machine and went with the Whites TRX. I think the XLT has a switch to put it in pinpoint mode.

Makes sense. I don't swing the Etrac that often. I think you have to change the pinpoint settings in order for it to "hold".

 

[The Silver Pirate]

I use the XPointer and love it. Has beep/vibe/beep and vibe modes, four power settings, led light, rock solid, detects all along the shaft, and it is a pulse induction (PI) unlike the TRX and ProPointer.

 

[tokameel]

Three years ago I got a 'Zircon M40 Stud Finder' as a hand held pin pointer. It's easy to use- just point & pull the trigger.
I think I payed $29 for it.
It is designed to help woodworkers find the hidden nails that hold drywall panels the studs (frames) of walls.
Can be found at any hardware store. Zircon makes a few different models of stud finders, so be sure to go for the 'M40'.
That's the one that works for me.

Good luck