I used to search for coins and other things in my back yard but had to stop because I was wreaking my grass with large holes. After doing some research I found out that I could have been digging much smaller holes if I had a pinpointer.
What is a Pinpointer in Metal Detecting?
A pinpointer is a device, whether handheld or built into the metal detector, which allows you to hone in on the exact location of a hit on your regular metal detector. They work by relating the frequency or volume of a sound to how strong the signal the pinpointer is receiving from the object.
What are the Different Types of Pinpointers?
Metal Detector Pinpointer:
A metal detecting pinpointer is essentially a handheld mini metal detector. It operates using the same technologies a regular metal detector uses, but it much smaller and useful in a completely different way. While a regular metal detector may be useful for searching large areas in a relatively short amount of time, a pinpointer can save you time when it comes down to finding exactly where an object might be and if you might have already dug it up. This is because a pinpointer has a smaller range of detection so it can be easier to look through a pile of dug up material when compared to using a regular metal detector.
Pros–
- Smaller range of detection allows for more precise searching.
- Easier to use when digging up an object when compared to a full-size metal detector.
Cons-
- Can only be used when an object is already detected using a regular metal detector.
- May be difficult to find object which are buried deep in the ground when compared to using a regular metal detector.
The Built in Pinpoint Function of a Metal Detector:
Many modern metal detector manufactures have realized the necessity of a pinpointer and in recent years have even began building a pinpoint function into their regular metal detectors. The pinpoint function on a regular metal detector works in the same way that a metal detector pinpointer does. In both cases the device will produce a sound whose frequency or volume is relative to the signal the device is receiving from the object, allowing the user to know how close the device is to the object.
Pros-
- Already in your metal detector so you don’t have anything extra to buy or bring with you.
- Useful for beginners who are just starting out their metal detecting journey.
Cons-
- Suffers from a large detection area which somewhat hinders the ability to pinpoint an object.
- The cumbersome design of a regular metal detector will slow you down while digging because you will have to repeatedly stand back up to pinpoint the object.
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When asked what I recommend, the 👉 Nokta Simplex Ultra stands out. Perfect for beginners, it’s waterproof, includes wireless headphones, and offers five functional modes, growing with your detecting skills.
The next thing you need is a great shovel, believe me when I say you’ll dig more knowing you can dig FASTER. The nearly bullet proof Lesche T- Handle Shovel is the most comfortable heavy duty shovel I’ve ever used.
Metal Detecting and Beaches are a perfect match. To search a beach you’ve GOT TO HAVE A SAND SCOOP. CKG Sand Scoops are heavy duty and able to be used as a shovel.
If it’s time up UP YOUR GAME , get the industry standard metal detector. The Minelab Equinox 800 IS THE BEST. Okay it’s not cheap, but your finds are going to increase with this machine.
What are the Advantages of a Metal Detecting Pinpointer?
While the pinpoint function of a regular metal detector can be somewhat useful it should not be confused as being the same thing as a metal detector pinpointer. A metal detector Pinpointer is a specialized tool which is useful for determining the exact location, depth, and even size of an object without the hassle of using an all-purpose metal detector.
Because of the small or rather focused field of detection and handheld design a metal detector pinpointer it is especially useful for when you have found a hit and are on the ground digging through material. In fact, often times you can use the metal detector pinpointer itself to dig through material you have already shoveled away. It really is much easier to use this handheld tool rather than a bulky regular metal detector.
Additionally, often times with larger targets, and even some smaller ones, you will damage the object with your shovel because you don’t really know how deep the object is. With a metal detector pinpointer you will know exactly where, and how deep, a hit really is. This helps you dig smaller holes and find your targets quicker. These things together result in a much simpler experience for avid hunters and a much more positive experience for beginners.
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How do you use a Metal Detector Pinpointer?
- Find the general location of a target with your regular metal detector.
- Begin digging small amounts of material, being careful to no damage the object.
- Turn on the metal detector pinpointer and ground balance it. (This is often done by pressing the on button while the tip of the metal detector pinpointer is touching the ground)
- Move the metal detector pinpointer around until the sound coming from the device either gets louder or more repetitious. (or both depending on your specific metal detector pinpointer).
- Use the tip to dig through the dirt and locate the target.
- If you can’t locate the target in the already dug up material try using the metal detector pinpointer to locate the object in the bottom of the hole, or possible even in the sidewalls of the hole.
Popular Metal Detecting Pinpointers?
1. Garrett Pro Pointer/ Garrett Pro Pointer AT
The Garrett Pro Pointer AT 👈 (link to Amazon) are by far the most popular metal detector pinpointer on this list and for good reason. The Garrett Pro Pointer is well known for being a dependable and capable pinpointer, which is why it has often been the go to purchase for consumers.
The Garrett Pro Pointer AT is the newest version of the old favorite. It is a fully waterproof, durable, easy to use metal detector pinpointer which is bright orange in color so you don’t lose it underwater.
2. The Bounty Hunter Pinpointer
The Bounty Hunter Pinpointer 👈 (shortcut link to Amazon) is a well-known metal detector pinpointer made popular through its high quality and affordable price. The Bounty Hunter Pinpointer is constructed of a high-quality plastic which is completely black in color.
Furthermore, the simplicity of the Bounty Hunter Pinpointer doesn’t end with its design. This pinpointer is controlled singularly by a knob which controls the sensitivity of the metal detector pinpointer. Moreover, it runs on just one standard 9-volt battery.
3. Minelab Pro-Find 35 Pinpointer
This metal detector pinpointer is on the low end as far as pricing is concerned, but definitely not in quality. While the materials and functionality of the Minelab Pro-Find 35 👈 (shortcut link to Amazon) pinpointer are, expectedly, lower quality than the Garrett Pro Pointer, the Pro-Find 35 pointer does clearly get some inspiration from its more expensive competitor.
The Minelab Pro-Find 35 pinpointer is a water-resistant metal detector pinpointer that is both bright orange and controlled by just a single button, much like the Garrett Pro Pointer. Another similarity is that both pinpointers come with an included waist holster.
4. Fisher F-Plus
The Fisher F-Pulse metal detector pinpointer 👈 (shortcut link to Amazon) is similar to the Garret Pro-Pointer in that they are both at the top of the range when it comes to both quality and price. However, the similarities pretty much end there. The Fisher F-Pulse is an induction pinpointer with three sensitivity levels and is waterproof up to six feet.
The F-Pulse is bright red in color, which much like the bright orange of the Garrett Pro Pointer is useful for not losing the device underwater. As I mentioned the F-Pulse is similar to the Garrett Pro Pointer in price, but importantly, it is similar in its level of functionality. Some people even claim that they think the F-Pulse to be more sensitive than the Garrett Pro Pointer.
5. Teknetics Tek-Point Pinpointer
The Teknetics Tek-Point Pinpointer 👈 (shortcut link to Amazon) metal detector pinpointer is a good middle of the road choice when you don’t want to spend premium pinpointer amounts of money but still desire a premium experience. The Tek-Point is green and made of reasonably good quality plastic. It comes with a waist holster and is constructed to be water resistant. Unlike many of the pinpointers on this list the Tek-Point has two buttons, one for controlling the sensitivity of the device and one for the included flashlight.
Learning about metal detecting gear can be overwhelming, but these articles are here to help!
- How Deep can your Metal Detector Actually Detect?– Learn how depth affects your detecting and how to find your metal detector’s range
- Do you need Headphones for Metal Detecting?– Why headphones are essential and helpful tips on choosing the perfect pair
- The Complete Metal Detecting Digging Tools Guide– Discover the importance of quality scoops, shovels and much more!
David Humphries, Writer and Creator of METAL DETECTING TIPS. After borrowing my son’s detector and finding $.25. I felt like a treasure hunter. FREE MONEY! I was seriously bitten by the metal detecting bug.
Read about David -> HERE
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