Pinpointers Sold in the USA

[kindafoundabuckle]

I found a brand new Whites 120 on EBay for $70.00 and for that kind of money you cant beat it. I know there may be better but I am very happy with mine.

 

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[cosmic]

fisher/ teknetics/ bountyhunter.. around $50.00 I wore the tip of mine out by sticking it in the ground for coins 4" and under.. first texas replaced it no problrms.. I have 2 now I like them so well.. I coated the tip with epoxy and they work great!! Tip sensitive.. But not waterproof..

 

[DFX-SE Gregg]

I am no expert on pinpointers...but i will tell you one thing if you want speedy recovery and to move onto next target get one...if you want to sit and play with piles of dirt, sand or woodchip...don't....also when you get that lost signal usually sticking the pinpointer in the hole and the coin turns out to be stuck in wall of plug, or bottom of hole it pays for itself...good luck with your choice..I would not hunt without one!

 

[erikk]

Thanks to all responders so far !

Folks, I will do a thorough review of all the different makes and models of pinpointers suggested, before making my final decision. But to erikk, I feel it's only fair to say that the UniProbe @ $299.00 is out of my price range right now. I am still a "newbie" to metal detecting and putting that much money into a PP'r, while still using an entry level $249.95 Ace250 wouldn't be prudent. Unless my review gets me really excited about a certain make/model, to where I "just have to have it", me thinks I'll probably be topping out at around $100.00. Still, as I inferred, I may spend more if I just can't resist the features, operation, etc.. of a certain unit. User opinions will be a big help....you betcha !
All true but if you are going to continue detect you will quickly find that you are going to want to get a better detector. I know I will endure the "wrath of hell" but the ACE 250 is a basic, entry level unit. Sure it will find coins but what are you going to do when the coins are at 9-12 inches? If you are going to cover the ground, why not give yourself the chance to get the good deep coins as well as the clad. Many people start out with an entry level detector only to give up the hobby when they fail to make any good finds. Detectors have been around for a long time (I started in the early 60's) and I can tell you for a fact that there is very few virgin spots left to detect. The manufacturers know this and are always striving for detectors that go deeper and will handle nasty ground better so that the deep hard to get coins can be found. .02


Todd

 

[ToddB64]

Thanks to all responders so far !

Folks, I will do a thorough review of all the different makes and models of pinpointers suggested, before making my final decision. But to erikk, I feel it's only fair to say that the UniProbe @ $299.00 is out of my price range right now. I am still a "newbie" to metal detecting and putting that much money into a PP'r, while still using an entry level $249.95 Ace250 wouldn't be prudent. Unless my review gets me really excited about a certain make/model, to where I "just have to have it", me thinks I'll probably be topping out at around $100.00. Still, as I inferred, I may spend more if I just can't resist the features, operation, etc.. of a certain unit. User opinions will be a big help....you betcha !
All true but if you are going to continue detect you will quickly find that you are going to want to get a better detector. I know I will endure the "wrath of hell" but the ACE 250 is a basic, entry level unit. Sure it will find coins but what are you going to do when the coins are at 9-12 inches? If you are going to cover the ground, why not give yourself the chance to get the good deep coins as well as the clad. Many people start out with an entry level detector only to give up the hobby when they fail to make any good finds. Detectors have been around for a long time (I started in the early 60's) and I can tell you for a fact that there is very few virgin spots left to detect. The manufacturers know this and are always striving for detectors that go deeper and will handle nasty ground better so that the deep hard to get coins can be found. .02


Todd

erikk.....I appreciate the good advice from an experienced detectorist and don't doubt you are right.
In fact, I am thinking about the Tesoro Vaquero as my first upgrade. But back to the pinpointer issue, the UniProbe @ $299.00 is probably worth it, if you have the finances........I don't, and am probably kidding myself to think I could afford the "V"........maybe I'll find some expensive jewelry !

HH.......Todd

 

[ToddB64]

fisher/ teknetics/ bountyhunter.. around $50.00 I wore the tip of mine out by sticking it in the ground for coins 4" and under.. first texas replaced it no problrms.. I have 2 now I like them so well.. I coated the tip with epoxy and they work great!! Tip sensitive.. But not waterproof..

Hi cosmic ! Thanks for the reply.

I found pics & info. for the Bounty Hunter and the Fisher f4 pinpointer on their Home websites, but had to get on a dealer site to see the Teknetics.

Being a relative newbie to this sport, I have some catch-up to do on some of the more obscure histories of some of these companies, like cases where the original designers/founders go bankrupt and the design & brand name are bought by another company, and another, and another, etc.. That must be the case with Teknetics I guess.

Anyway, I do have a visual on these pinpointers now and most of the details I need for my review work, except for Fisher. I sent them an email for more information.

It appears the Bounty Hunter and Teknetics are exactly the same, probably the Teknetics design, but the Fisher looks a little different, although similar, and I will know more when they answer my email.

Again, thanks for your reply.

Todd

 

[ToddB64]

automaxx works great for me just really bulky and I drop the thing at least 10 times a hunt. Even using the belt clip it has.

Hi kickergirl !

Do you have the latest model, the V4 ? What's the overall length of it ?

I'm guessing around 19", based on the fact that the probe alone is 8-1/2 ",
and from pictures it looks like the rest could be 10-1/2" (Just a rough guess, based on pic proportions and a little math.).

Is the long overall length causing the dropsies, or are you just startled at what you see in the holes ! lol

Thanks for your help !

Todd

 

[ToddB64]

Whites Bullseye wins. No further replies necessary. Just my humble opinion. Just be prepared to fix that dang momentary switch.

Hi Mirage ! Re the last paragraph in my reply #10, just thought you might be interested in the following:

I emailed White's the following question about the Bullseye ll.........

" I know their was an earlier problem with the push button that was corrected with a heavy duty switch in Feb., 2007. However, was there a recall on dealer stock ? If not, how can I be assured that a dealer will not sell me a Bullseye ll from earlier production with a potential problem-switch ?"

Here's the reply I got from White's Steve Howard........

"Dear Todd......The only way to be sure is to order from our website : http://www.whiteselectronics.com/miscaccw.php

Mirage.....I think that tells us there was no recall, and a lot of folks were sold, and will be sold in the future, Bullseye's with potential problem-switches !

Todd

 

[txkickergirl]

automaxx works great for me just really bulky and I drop the thing at least 10 times a hunt. Even using the belt clip it has.

Hi kickergirl !

Do you have the latest model, the V4 ? What's the overall length of it ?

I'm guessing around 19", based on the fact that the probe alone is 8-1/2 ",
and from pictures it looks like the rest could be 10-1/2" (Just a rough guess, based on pic proportions and a little math.).

Is the long overall length causing the dropsies, or are you just startled at what you see in the holes ! lol

Thanks for your help !

Todd

Hey Todd
it is 18.5" when it is your hand it has a comfortable fit and it is easy to work with. When clipped to your side it tends to get bumped and shifted around and can be in the way at times. I am forever knocking it off and I find that I just carry it most of the time. I think that if it was just round and not square that it would be easier to handle. I would rather it have a case than then the belt clip. Its really my only complaint performance works great. Hope this helps.

 

[ToddB64]

automaxx works great for me just really bulky and I drop the thing at least 10 times a hunt. Even using the belt clip it has.

Hi kickergirl !

Do you have the latest model, the V4 ? What's the overall length of it ?

I'm guessing around 19", based on the fact that the probe alone is 8-1/2 ",
and from pictures it looks like the rest could be 10-1/2" (Just a rough guess, based on pic proportions and a little math.).

Is the long overall length causing the dropsies, or are you just startled at what you see in the holes ! lol

Thanks for your help !

Todd

Hey Todd
it is 18.5" when it is your hand it has a comfortable fit and it is easy to work with. When clipped to your side it tends to get bumped and shifted around and can be in the way at times. I am forever knocking it off and I find that I just carry it most of the time. I think that if it was just round and not square that it would be easier to handle. I would rather it have a case than then the belt clip. Its really my only complaint performance works great. Hope this helps.

Thanks kickergirl......that helps a lot ! Glad you're happy with the performance !

Todd

 

[ToddB64]

Dear friends,

I know that the Vibra Probe 560 uses PI or "Pulse Induction" technology (stated in the ad).
Since it is one of the more "pricey" units on my current list of nine at reply #16, and gets so much praise, I assume PI is considered superior to continuous-wave by the manufacturer, for pinpointer application.

I haven't checked into which system is being used in the UniProbe, Sun Ray's or Treasure Mate, but these are all what I would personally consider pricey units, especially UniProbe @ $299.00, so maybe these use PI if it is thought to be superior.....dunno.
At any rate, the only one of these three that I am considering right now is the T'Mate, and since the msrp of $179.00 would really be stretching my budget, my research will have to show it to be really worth it !
Do any of you know what system is used in the T'Mate ? Any other comments on the two technologies ?

Your input on this aspect of my pinpointer research, will be much appreciated ! TY

Todd

 

[rayredditch]

I think 90% of the time they´re not needed (Only if something is stuck in the side wall). I just dig, check the hole again, and when I get no signal, check the dug bits. If I have to go deeper than I think the target is, then I´ll check the side walls with a probe, but otherwise I find it far faster without.
HH Ray

 

[Farmercal]

Todd,

The reason folks like the Vibra-Probe 560 is not due it being PI. It's the lack of an on/off switch to wear out and the fact that it is waterproof. It is hard to hurt that pinpointer and because of the design it should last a long time. I am happy with my decision to get one.

 

[re-tek]

i got an automax v4 thrown in with my detector purchase from kellyco. never used a probe before and i'm happy with it. the one thing that makes no sense is that probes are meant to be used intermittently. generally, if the thing is in your hand it means your gonna use it. with that in mind... why didnt they put a blasted trigger switch on the thing instead of an on/off slider!?!

if theres any probes out there that have a momentary switch you can actuate with the same hand your holding the probe with, then thats the probe to take a look at.

 

[ToddB64]

I think 90% of the time they´re not needed (Only if something is stuck in the side wall). I just dig, check the hole again, and when I get no signal, check the dug bits. If I have to go deeper than I think the target is, then I´ll check the side walls with a probe, but otherwise I find it far faster without.
HH Ray

Thanks Ray ! I appreciate your response and agree, not often needed, but nice to have along when you do !

Todd

 

[ToddB64]

Todd,

The reason folks like the Vibra-Probe 560 is not due it being PI. It's the lack of an on/off switch to wear out and the fact that it is waterproof. It is hard to hurt that pinpointer and because of the design it should last a long time. I am happy with my decision to get one.

Farmercal.....Just to add to what you said, maybe the reason PI was used, is so the Vibra Probe could be used by ocean waders. The unit was built water-tight down to 30 feet and detectors employing PI have always been the natural choice for working wet salt beaches. Of course, the Vibra Probe is great on dry land too, but the manufacturer might have been trying to capture the beach trade...I guess those folks use pinpointers too.....I dunno, never get to the ocean beaches myself.

Thanks for your input.

Todd

 

[{Sentinel}]

Wizard VIB PROBE...I have used several and my favorite is the cheapest one not because of the cost but because the pistol shape gets in holes easy and has a LED light mounted under the rod so that it lights up the hole at night...Not to mention Wizard will replace these things for you no questions asked at no cost to you.

 

[JackInFlorida]

Keep in mind that many of the probes will not work in salt water beach locations. I have the Vibra Probe for the beach areas and still use the Automax at the parks and stuff sometimes.

You anti-probe guys? The probe is not the first line of defense. It is the last line before giving up and filling in the hole to move on. I also seem to have a big problem seeing coins in the beach sand. So the Vibra is great when I keep getting a target signal but can't find it in the debris.

Jack

 

[ToddB64]

Wizard VIB PROBE...I have used several and my favorite is the cheapest one not because of the cost but because the pistol shape gets in holes easy and has a LED light mounted under the rod so that it lights up the hole at night...Not to mention Wizard will replace these things for you no questions asked at no cost to you.

Thanks Sentinel !

The only thing I really don't care for is the handgun shape.....might scare the little mothers at the tot lots ! Not trying to make joke here, I am truly concerned about this aspect. Glad you are happy with yours though and the warranty sounds great !

Todd

BTW, my wife & I have been in the custom drapery & interior decorations business going on 30 years now. I'll be talking with her and answering the price poll you started for the "sleeve" soon.

 

[Jeffro]

I use the whites bullseye, and yes, it does have the switch problem. Whites fixes all of them, no problem.

With the new switch, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. Other than the switch, its one tough, sensitive little unit that is compact and easy to use. Price is not bad either. I think retail was 89 bucks or so, but I got mine on sale for 49. Look around a bit.