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Using a metal detector to hunt for treasure can be a great experience. You never know what you might find in an unsusceptible place like your backyard.
Metal detectors are great at finding treasure but using them alone can cost you a lot of time.
A pinpointer is what you need in such situations.
Before we provide you with a list of the best pinpoint metal detectors, let us walk through the basics of pinpointer detectors and the benefits of using them.
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Best Pinpointer Metal Detectors for The Money
Last update on 2024-05-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What is a Pinpointer?
A pinpointer is a widely regarded tool in the detectorist community. It speeds up the metal hunting process by pointing out the exact location of the metal underground.
To use it, you just have to place it in the spot where the metal detector has detected the presence of metal.
In simple terms, a pinpointer helps detect the precise location of a target. The best thing about a pinpointer is you can use it anywhere – even underwater.
Its outer case is made of plastic which makes it suitable for all kinds of use.
Benefits of Using Pinpointer for Metal Detecting
It’s always good when things can be made easier. A quality pinpointer does exactly this and much more.
Even though some detectorists prefer not using it, the ones who do, have found significant progress.
Here are some of the benefits of a pinpointer that justify its inclusion in your treasure hunting kit.
- Saves time: When you go hunting for little pieces of metal like gold nuggets, coins, or jewelry, it is very tough to locate these things in the dirt. Most of all, their minuscule size makes it easy for them to get lost in the dirt. A pinpointer saves you from all this hassle. You just have to dig a small hole and place the device inside it. Using its magnetic abilities, the device will give you a precise location of the metal so you don’t spend too much time digging in the wrong place.
- Keeps you from wasting energy: When you have a precise location of the metal. All you have to do is dig a hole and retrieve it. Now, imagine doing that without a pinpointer. Once your detector makes a beeping sound, you will have to dig the entire land covered under the radius of the detector. Doing all the digging without a pinpointer is as tiresome as it sounds. Therefore, it is better to carry one on such hunts.
- Prevents your finds from getting damaged: Since you have a precise location of the object, you can be careful with the digging. So if there are any relics or rare artifacts, the chances of them getting damaged will be low.
- You can find objects in the night too: Some detectorists prefer using the entire clock to locate their precious finds. However, metal detectors might be able to offer only a limited amount of help. You might be able to locate the metal but digging in the night will be an ordeal.
Some pinpointers are equipped with LED lights and work as a flashlight in the dark. You will not only find the metal but also retrieve it without wasting time and energy.
Are Cheap Pinpointers Any Good?
Not all cheap products are bad. In the case of pinpointers, some products perform poorly even though they come at a high price.
With cheap pinpointers, you have to mostly compromise on the features that are offered in the expensive ones.
You can choose a cheap pinpointer if you feel that the excess features don’t interest you.
However, when purchasing one, you have to look for basic features like superior quality build, LED light, a good depth reach, high battery life, and the ability to resist water.
How to Choose The Right Pinpointer?
With so many pinpointer options available, falling for the wrong one is highly probable. Some peculiarities distinguish the good from bad.
I have mentioned some of the most common ones below.
- Water resistance: The pinpointer you choose should have the ability to resist water when submerged in it. In this case, you need to be careful, as some pinpointers are partially water-resistant. It is better to look for pinpointers that are fully submersible in water.
- LED flashlight: This feature is necessary for people who are planning to go treasure hunting at night. The LED flashlight of the pinpointer can help you see in dark buildings, under the rocks, and also work as a beacon when searching in groups.
- Target detection depth: If you are buying a pinpointer, it should be able to detect metal to a considerable depth. Most high-end pinpointers come with sensitivity sensors that can be adjusted according to the desired levels. Pinpointers with high sensitivity levels can find targets that are located behind thick walls.
- Sound signals: When a pinpointer locates a piece of metal in the ground, it produces a sound signal that can be a high or low-pitched beep. But, some people who don’t like the sound of a pinpoint beeping can opt for a pinpointer with a vibrating function or a flickering light. There are a few pinpointers that allow you to turn the sound on and off.
At this point, I assume that you might have gained some knowledge of the benefits of pinpointers.
It is time we move on to the next step i.e. choosing from the best pinpointer metal detectors on the market today.
Top 5 Best Pinpoint Metal Detectors
After going through many reviews and studying the different features, I have compiled the best pinpointer metal detectors below.
Garrett Pro-Pointer AT: (Best Metal Detector for Gold)
Garrett is among the few names that you are going to hear about many times when looking for metal detecting equipment.
The company has a huge lineup of pinpointers that are known to perform great under various circumstances. One such product is the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT.
This detector is an update to the Pro-Pointer, as AT means all-terrain. You can use the pinpointer in all kinds of conditions including 10-feet underwater and sticky mud puddles.
Getting rid of the dust and grime is much easier with this latest model. Unlike the last one that had to be washed carefully to keep the speaker from getting damaged.
The AT model can be put under running water without having to worry about any consequences.
Its orange color makes it easier to spot in the dirtiest waters. This will save you from losing your pinpointer when detecting the location of a target in such terrains.
Another remarkable feature of the Pro-Pointer AT is the different sensitivity modes low, medium, and high.
This function allows you to toggle between sensitivity levels to find different targets at varying depths.
There is one more unique feature in the Garrett Pro-Pointer referred to as ‘retune’. This feature is useful in getting the precise location of a target as it shrinks the detection signal.
It has an incredible 30-hour battery life and weighs only 6.5 pounds.
Pros:
- Completely waterproof and can be submerged 10-feet underwater.
- Adjustable sensitivity settings that can help you find smaller targets laying deeper.
- Manual retune function for better target ID
- To avoid losing it the company has included the Lost Pro-Pointer Alarm
- Bright orange color makes it easier to detect underwater.
Cons:
- It has a single button for all functions
Deteknix XPointer Detector
If you don’t want to compromise on sophistication and ease of use, the Deteknix XPointer is what you need.
It looks very similar to the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT and has the same number of features. Another advantage of purchasing the Deteknix XPointer is its lower price point.
With this pinpointer, you can expect super precise location detection every time. So even if you keep the sensitivity at the maximum point, the performance will not be affected.
It has a much brighter LED light when compared to other pinpointers in this range. The light shines bright not only in the ditches but also in different types of weather conditions.
You get the benefit of choice with this pinpointer, as it comes in different colors like black, orange, camo, and gray.
Not only is it cheaper than Garrett Pro-Pointer AT, but it also weighs less at (4.7 pounds).
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Can handle pressure on the tip
- Bright LED light
- Various color options to choose from
- Sensitivity can be adjusted according to need
Cons:
- Not waterproof
Makro Waterproof Pinpointer Detector
The Makro pinpointer is one of the first waterproof pinpointers that was introduced to the mainstream.
It is a Turkish brand and has caught the attention of hobbyists in recent times. This has led to massive growth in the popularity of the brand.
Makro is fully waterproof and it can be submerged in water entirely. You can adjust sensitivity levels as per the requirements.
You can also toggle between the audio modes. You can choose from audio-only, audio and vibration, and vibration only.
If you are among the clumsy ones, Makro can be a great pick for you. The company provides extra hard-shell cases that can be used as a replacement.
These cases are designed to extend the life of the pinpointer.
Both cases are different from each other. One is a basic cover while the second one has a scraping blade on the tip that helps you clear the dirt.
This pinpointer comes with different accessories like a belt holster, a large carrying case with a shoulder strap, and a finds bag.
Makro gives you an astounding 30-hour battery life and weighs 8.3 pounds.
Pros:
- Waterproof and can be submerged in water
- You can adjust the sensitivity levels as per the requirement
- Comes with extra cases and other accessories.
Cons:
- Takes time to get used to
- Can resist water till 3-feet only
Minelab Pro-Find 35
While we are looking at the top pinpointers on the market, the Minelab Pro-Find is another option you might want to consider.
When the company entered the market for the first time, Pro-Find was the first company to have an adjustable sensitivity function.
It became all the rage among detectorists as detectors at the time did not have this setting. The Pro-Find made finding deep-buried metals a lot easier.
In Pro-Find 35, the company gives you another upgrade i.e. to switch between the audio modes.
You can toggle between audio and vibrate and vibrate only. This feature works great for people who prefer hunting in public spaces but don’t want to cause any disturbances.
These features were adopted by Garrett and incorporated in the Pro-Pointer AT and launched with major design updates.
This made Pro-Find 35 look less attractive and affected its popularity massively.
It weighs only 6.8 pounds which is close to the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT and also offers a battery life of 30 hours.
Pros:
- Comes with different buttons to adjust the sensitivity
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not waterproof
- Does not offer as much depth as other options on the list
XP Deus MI-6 Pinpointer
A stylish companion to the XP Deus and a competent metal pinpointer, the MI-6 pinpointer is worth consideration.
The pinpointer has an attractive design and is loaded with features that make it useful for treasure hunting.
Like most products on this list, the XP Mi-6 is also waterproof and can resist water up to 6 meters.
The best thing about this pinpointer is you won’t have to say goodbye to it at any point after buying it.
Each part that makes up the pinpointer can be changed with a replacement once damaged.
The handle is made from rubber which keeps it from slipping and is also soft to hold. If you don’t want to lose the XP Deus MI-6, you can use the lanyard that is included in the package.
It also saves you from buying AA batteries with its inbuilt high power Lithium batteries that offer a long battery life.
Pros:
- Waterproof up to 6-feet
- Rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries
- 2 audio modes pitch and pulse
- Parts can be replaced after damage
Cons:
- Very expensive
Conclusion
Buying a pinpoint metal detector is not a luxury investment but a necessity. It can save you from the pain and fatigue that you could experience from squatting and digging over and over again.
Moreover, you can be assured of getting more finds without spending a lot of time. If you’re lucky enough, maybe you will find some of Johnny Perri’s inventory.