Pinpointer - Best Bargain for a Beginner?

[a_cmc_2b]

Hello,

I am in the market for a pinpointer and was looking for info on the best buy(Least Expensive) in a unit out there that would be good for a beginner...

From what I've seen the price difference from Make to Make can be drastic and I'm curious about the real world differences in them...

Thanks Y'all!

 

[IFOUNDGOLD]

The little Wizard 2 is a good cheap pin pointer.

 

[DIGGER27]

Harbor Freight has one that is about $17...less if you can find a 20 or 25% off coupon.

It is low quality, the switch seems to go out on this thing pretty quickly, sometimes, on mine it did almost immediately, but a replacement mod s pretty easy and there are directions to do that here on the forum.

It does work, maybe not as good as the high end ones but it can still be very helpful in the field and 100X's better than nothing.

I started with this one and I can't tell you how much it helped me out at the beginning.
I have an F-Point unit from Fisher that I got free with my F2 but this one is also low quality, costs more and doesn't work any better or go any deeper than the HF unit, IMO.

Eventually I got into the Propointer and left that HF unit behind, but I will never regret buying that one and even with that switch going bad and my stupid looking repair job replacing it, (I had no patience and didn't fit it in correctly), that thing did make my life much easier and my recoveries quicker for the 3 months I used it.
Beat the heck out of it, too, but it was still one of my better purchases for this hobby.

 

[gordonquixote]

If you feel like you will stick with this hobby, go ahead and get the good Garrett Pro-Pointer. Sure it's $120 but instead of driving to China Freight and spending $20 only to upgrade later anyway.....

I 'made do' with a White's Bullseye for about 6 months before upgrading...I wish I had just bought the PP instead and saved my money from the initial purchase.

The PP is well made and will last years if taken care of properly (not submerging, not running it over, etc. haha).

 

[Qualitymetaldetectors]

Good thing about the Garrett is in 2 months if you don't like the hobby, you can sell it and only lose $20. In other words the resale is great on it.

 

[OZARKS]

Get the best now and don't worry about an upgrade later. Garrett propointer.

They hold their value, so if you wanted to sell it, it woudn't be a problem!

 

[Skwerly]

x2 on the harbor freight one. my buddy got that unit and it works fine.

 

[HarveyH48]

Since money is a concern, suggest saving $100+ better spent on other responsibilities, and get the Centech. It's a decent, basic tool, and will get the job done. If you've got basic soldering skills, or have a friend, it's very easy to customize, and modify, to make it more to your liking. Sure, the Garrett is 'the best ever' luxury model, and Garrett customer service is worth every penny you spend on it. You will likely find out from personal experience, like I, and quite a few other here, who experienced the same failure. While it's out for about 2 weeks, you still have the Centech. I put off sending in my Propointer for months, just didn't miss it that much.

 

[mtruxfan]

My kids Bounty Hunter detector came with a BH Pinpointer, it wasnt bad and got the job done. After saving our finds I upgraded to a ProPointer off Craigslist for $60, there is a HUGE difference between the Bounty Hunter version and the ProPointer. A good pointer will reduce your recovery time for sure.

 

[badmojoman]

I would get the Centech. that is about your cheapest option. I think it will suit your needs. BUT..you will need to replace the switch. I have two of them and had my son solder new switches on both of them. That was almost 2 years ago and just until recently, the switch on one of them started to go out.
I will use these until I find a good deal on a Garrett pro pointer.

 

[itsaring!]

Hello,

I am in the market for a pinpointer and was looking for info on the best buy(Least Expensive) in a unit out there that would be good for a beginner...

From what I've seen the price difference from Make to Make can be drastic and I'm curious about the real world differences in them...

Thanks Y'all!

I own the propointer, profind and pistolprobe. For what you get, none would be considered a bargain. I did own a an automax but broke it doing a modification on it. Didn't like that one at all. My style of digging I prefer the pistolprobe. Starting out you may want to try a harbor freight one. Downside to propointers is you can burn a lot of gas taking them to the post office for repairs if you get a lemon. Centech you may be able to go to harbor freight and swap it out for a new one. Used pointers are easy to find though.

 

[Grumpysrb]

Well, you can buy cheap. And, you will get cheap.

I bought a White's Bullseye II while my Garrett was in the shop for repair, and did I miss it. I would have been as well off without one at all. Garrett replaced it with a new pin pointer. If your Harbor Freight, or even a White's breaks down will they do that. Garrett has the best service.

 

[Big Boys Hobbies]

Get the best now and don't worry about an upgrade later. Garrett propointer.

They hold their value, so if you wanted to sell it, it woudn't be a problem!

Great post. Save your $ and get one that really works. Garrett Pro Pointer