Pinpointers

[kid iowa]

Do you feel that pinpointers help you at all? I'm still a newbie, but I'm having a terrible time finding coins. I went in the front yard and found 8 coins, but found that the signal either "moved" or I had to tear the plug apart to find the coin, and when I replaced the plug it looked like crap. I've been thinking about investing in one, if at least to save wear and tear on the yard. Any opinions?

 

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[allhuntedout]

Yes, a pinpoint probe will help, but you should learn to pinpoint without it. Take your time, get an long thin screwdriver and use it to try to find your target. If you have a depth meter, pinpoint and probe for anything 2" or less. Plug for anything 3" and more, then use the screwdriver probe to locate the item in the plug or in the hole. Poke a gentle grid across the 3 x 3 inch area (postit note size) that you should be able to pinpoint down to. Practice, practice, practice. If you can't get the target out without tearing up and killing the grass, I would just leave it until you can get it out. I know I have passed on targets because I would not be able to retrieve them without doing visible damage to the area. You'll get better at it!

Put a coin down in a clear area in the yard and see where your detector pinpoints... it should be in the same area every time. If you post your specific make and model of detector, I'm sure some experienced users can give you some tips on pinpointing with your specific machine... they're all a little different.

Then there are good pinpoint probes and bad pinpoint probes. I've used a few, and the SunRay Inline Probe is the BEST! I can't imagine detecting without it, and feel lost when I'm using a machine that does not have it. Vibraprobe, White's, etc... all were garbage that did not have any depth. The SunRay has depth of 3"+ and works the way I feel these things should. Unfortunately they are not available for all detectors, but well worth the price.

Hope that helps.

 

[mvSWAT]

Kid, if you're digging in dirt a probe will help you tremendously. I thought I was doing fine without one but when I finally invested in a White's Bullseye pinpointer I couldn't believe how helpful it was not to mention the time it saves me. Check them out on eBay....they've always got a good deal going somewhere. Happy hunting. Dan

 

[Monty]

I use my "pinpointer" all the time. It really isn't a pinpointer rather an electronic probe. I have trouble seeing coins a lot of the time expecially if they have been in the ground a long time and are dirt colored. I have found many, many coins in the dug out dirt that I just couldn't see even though I knew they were in the loose dirt. Also I have found several coins sticking in the wall of my plug hole by running the point around the inside of the hole. Several times I have found a coin or target just by digging an extra half inch just as I was about to give up because my probe indicated metal was in the bottom of the hole. Often the target will be down in the grass or just under the dirt and the probe will find it without having to dig a plug. I see so many posts about newbies digging dry holes and wondering if their detector is faulty. I did too until I got my pinpointer and stopped missing the ones described above. I have tried probing for a coin with a specially built brass probe I have but haven't had much luck at locating a coin that way. Usually I hit a rock and think it's the coin and I guess my touch just isn't sensitive enough.? Wouldn't want to be without it! JIM

 

[kid iowa]

Oops, I should have clarified that I was talking about electronic probes. I think I'm going to break down and buy one, I've heard some good things about the Bullseye II. Do they give depth on the pinpointers, or just beep and show the location of the metal object? Is there any other pointers that you would recommend? Thanks, Jim

 

[Mi$$ouri Jim]

Oops, I should have clarified that I was talking about electronic probes.? I think I'm going to break down and buy one, I've heard some good things about the Bullseye II.? Do they give depth on the pinpointers, or just beep and show the location of the metal object? Is there any other pointers that you would recommend?? Thanks, Jim

Most electronic pinpointers do not detect but 1-2 inches deep. They dont show depth.... they do beep when metal is within 1-2 inches of the item you are looking for in the plug/dirt.

I have found using an electronic pinpointer invaluable.... they cut down on recovery time & allow you to get back to detecting more quickly.?

I have only used the 2 bullseyes (original & new one) , the vibraprobe & VERY briefly ... the merlin.? ?I myself prefer the original bullseye.... perhaps it is because it is the first pinpoiinter I bought (back in 1999...and it is still working today after years of heavy use)& that I am too used to it.? It DOES false occassionally. Many prefer the vibraprobe as it is more durable, waterproof & it vibrates.... the only reasons I dont use mine much is because I dont like its automatic switch & it interferes with my detector's signal. I have since remedied the problems , but am still too used to using the bullseye.

A good place to look for a good price on a pinpointer are the classified (or buy/sell) sections of the various metal detecting forums on the net. I bought a brand new original bullseye for about $50 (I wanted to have an extra one in case my old one stopped working) & a new bullseye II for $60 on those classified sections. The vibraprobe I paid about $110 a few years ago.

 

[slow sweeper]

I also use a Bullseye II. Love it. No need for a pinpointer to have a farther range than an inch or two. Imagine the trouble you'd have trying to locate your target in a trash filled area with a pinpointer that buzzes or vibrates from anything within five inches. You'd barely get it next to your hole and the thing would be buzzing or vibrating or whatever. You should be able to pinpoint with your detector good enough to narrow down the area pretty well in the first place. I don't need my Bullseye 85% of the time. But it sure comes in handy when I do need it.
The Bullseye II has a vibrate or buzz mode, sensitivity dial, and a light that shines into the hole. Comes in handy if you're detecting after the sun goes down. The original Bullsey has a switch on the side instead of a button that is flush with the side of the case. Some people had problems with the switch turning on by accident and draining batteries. The Bullseye II has a better design.
Mine came with the detector package I purchased from my dealer. I'm really glad I have one but I wouldn't pay retail price for one.

 

[Mi$$ouri Jim]

? ? ?I also use a Bullseye II. Love it. No need for a pinpointer to have a farther range than an inch or two. Imagine the trouble you'd have trying to locate your target in a trash filled area with a pinpointer that buzzes or vibrates from anything within five inches.

BUT I WOULD like to have one that detects 3-4 inches deep & was adjustable. Would make pinpointing & small plug-digging a dream come true (for targets up to 4 inches deep that is). I LOVE using my pinpointer to find shallow targets (1-2 inches) & knowing exactly where to make the small plug/divot.

 

[Fast Eddie]

I have never used one,
Never needed one i guess.
I always find some kind of "keeper"
when i go out.
I do not save nor collect anything except
Coins, Jewelry and some relic items.
I made a deal with the wife not to bring home any "junk"
So i just deposit it at the nearest trash receptacle.
I suppose a pinpointer could be useful, however it is my belief
that if you have a good detector, and a keen ear/eye
Thats all you really need.
I guess it really depends on what works for you.
I just never seen the need, However if i did,
I wouldn't hesitate to purchase one..
Good Luck with your decision.
Happy Hunting
Eddie

 

[kid iowa]

I've been reading about having a "good ear" when detecting to determine different objects. I use a Tesoro Silver Sabre and can't identify any difference in tones. I've tested it with different coins and gold rings and such, and it's either a loud beep or a soft beep. Occasionally I'll get a staccato like sound, but if I X the area I can usually get a solid beep. Do all detectors have audio differential ability? I dig pretty much every hit (gotta love aluminum) but its the digging and having the signal move on me that kills me. My next detector is definitely going to have a depth guage on it! Thanks for all the advice. Jim

 

[JW]

If you get an Explorer or some other tone ID type of machine then you'll need the 'ear' everyone talks about. I had the ProXL by Whites and it was the same sound for all metals. Made it hard to find the silvers from the pennies.

As far as pinpointers go the all-matal types are o.k. the Sunray X-1 is the only way to go with an Explorer2, Sunray makes the same probe for other detectors. The probe works with the discrimination of the machine and uses the tond ID as well.

HH
JW