Okay let’s start at the beginning and explain what a pinpointer is. It’s simple really, it’s a mini hand held detector. They are about the size and shape of a carrot. Generally they are sensitive at the end of the pointer and along the main part of the length.
They work by letting you hear (audio mode) or feel (vibrate mode) a stronger signal as you get closer to the target. They don’t generally offer any discrimination so it’ll sound the same whether you are detecting ferrous (iron) or non ferrous targets; the only exception to this is the Minelab Pro-point 35.
Why not just use the machine’s pinpointer?
Most detectors have an in-built pinpointer. This function is great to more precisely target where to dig. The drawback though is that once you dig your hole and you know the target is still in there do you keep digging down or is it in the side of the wall? That’s where a hand held pin pointer will be very useful. They are not as powerful as your detector but they are much more precise and will quickly locate where the target is in the hole, reducing the risk of damaging the target as you dig. They also minimise unnecessary digging or, if the target is out, help in locating it in the spoil. For example if you have a small target, like a cut quarter, finding it in sticky mud is hard work and a pinpointer makes life a lot easier.
Features to look for
Good make - You are taking pot luck if you are buying an unbranded one and we really wouldn’t recommend it. They are often unreliable, have low sensitivity and poorly constructed. There are a few manufacturers of GP pin-pointers (it seems to be a generic name used by a few) so can fall into this category, although some manufacturers of this budget version are pretty good! The main makes are listed below.
Waterproof - There’ll be times you are in torrential rain, you drop it in a puddle or it’s caked in mud and you want to scrub it properly that you’ll be very happy you have this feature. Generally these also have better sealed speaker units too so you won’t be cursing the muffled sound and the surgical mud removal process when it gets soil in it.
Wireless - some pinpointers can connect to your headphones so you hear the signal through them rather than using the speaker built into the device. This saves you taking your headphones off to hear it properly. This feature might be built into your detector (higher end machines only) or you can buy an aftermarket widget (such as the Z link system for a Garrett). Certainly not essential but they do allow you to be a silent ninja on the field (if you prefer audio to vibrate) which is rather nice. Note the wireless function will only work with the same make of detector and not necessarily all models, so check! They work without the wireless function too.
Sensitivity adjustment - the ability to make your pinpointer more or less sensitive. High sensitivity sounds great but it can be a pain in highly mineralised soil and iron infested areas. You can adjust the sensitivity whilst in operation too. You press a button and it will eliminate the background signal allowing the item to be more easily located.
Light - in-built small light for times when the surrounding light is low.
Audio and vibrate options - In addition to one or more sound options some pointers offer a vibrate option. This is useful when there’s a lot of background noise, or you prefer not to make a lot of noise yourself.
Power source - All pinpointers used to be 9v battery powered but some now have rechargeable lithium ones instead. There are pros and cons to both power options.
Lost mode - great feature if you drop the pinpointer and need to locate it in long grass or a big field!
And finally…
Please buy from a trusted source who’ll offer good advice and answer any questions. There are lots of fake ones out there and so if it’s listed cheaper than anywhere else proceed with caution!
Note these tables enlarge when you click on them - much easier on the eyes
