Whether you are a first time user or a seasoned pro, pinpointers are a valuable piece of gear to have in your metal detecting arsenal. Although options are not as plentiful as handled detectors, there are a few choices to consider.
One never knows where their metal detecting adventures might lead them, therefore one of the most important features of a pinpointer I have found is that it is waterproof. The Garrett AT Pro-Pointer (pictured above) is easy to use and can be submerged completely in water up to 10 feet! This will be the only pinpointer you will ever need thus making it my top pick!
This pinpointer has many other features as well. It has great sensitivity which can actually be adjusted. This model also offers a retune feature which can help rule out unwanted targets. Vibrate only mode is also a nice option integrated within the Pro-Pointer. Finally, this tool offers some handy qualities such as a flashlight and scrapper blade. This is a great all around pinpointer.
We have used this pinpointer numerous times and it has yet to fail or disappoint. The increasing tempo of the audio tone as the tool gets closer to an object is unmistakeable and helpful.
Another great feature is the lost alarm. It could be frustrating to accidentally burry or loose your pinpointer. The Pro-Pointer has you covered with periodic chirps beginning five minutes after no buttons are pushed. This can be a life saver!
This pinpointer has amazing battery life and lasts up to 2 times as long as some other detectors. This is partially due to the battery save mode which turns the power off after 60 minutes.
The AT-Pro has a 360 degree detection zone which makes it super easy to use. However, this can cause some confusion if there are any other metals around such as rings on your own fingers or your shovel in the hole.
Multiple times we have been able to find small targets without having to even dig a hole. We located the target with our normal detector and then simply placed the pinpointer on the grass and found objects within seconds.
A lot of metal detecting kits come with this pinpointer or it can be purchased separately. It comes with a lanyard and a pouch for easy storage and transport as you hunt for treasures.
Cracks and Crevices
If you are hunting mostly in rivers or in very rocky terrain then consider the Minelab Pro-Find 35. This model features a narrower probe allowing this pinpointer to be used in smaller holes and cracks. This can be useful in hunting for gold in streams and rivers as this gold is often found in between rocks and in crevices.
Offering almost all of the same features as my top pick this pinpointer comes in a close 2nd. We don’t typically hunt in these environments and thus we haven’t had a need for the skinnier neck the minelab provides.
Non-Waterproof
If your metal detecting adventures lead you to dry areas where water is not a problem then both the Garrett and Minelab offer non-waterproof options.
The Garrett Pro-Pointer II has all the same options and features as the AT Pro model except it is not submersible. It is less than $20 cheaper than the waterproof one which is something to consider.
The Minelab Pro-Find 15 has the same features as Pro-Find 35 but it is also not submersible. This model is significantly cheaper than the waterproof model which makes this pinpointer a good option for those on a budget who are not worried about their equipment being submerged.
Beware
There are some more expensive options of pinpointers available as well as some cheaper models too. We are recommending the options we have used and have trusted over the years.
We have tried some less expensive models in the past and have had mixed results. More often than not, my son would call me over to use my Garrett because his pinpointer could not find the target.
The old saying is true when it comes to this all important tool. You get what you pay for. Nothing is more frustrating than locating a target, digging a hole, and then not being able to find what you are looking for. There might be some good low cost options available, we just haven’t found one.