Gary's Metal Detecting Forum
Gary's Detecting forum => General detecting talk => Topic started by: shooter on June 15, 2016, 01:30 pm
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Hi Gary,
I've never seen you use a pinpointer in your videos. I don't use them and just thought I'd ask. I can't find a use for them and prefer to use the detector and coil that found the original object to winkle it out. That's the way we always did it in the old days and there's no way I need a pinpointer.
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www.youtube.com/watch?v=02QMc7J7iTA
Look at around 5 minutes .20 seconds ;D
I Wouldn`t be without my probe .
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Same here Peter, some of the small roman coins I've found this year would not not have been found without my probe. Passing handfuls of soil pass the coil is okay, but when the little blighters have dropped into a small surface crack in the soil forget it!
I recall when I first started and how long it used to take me to retrieve a target without a probe, just can't do it these days!
In fact I rely on one so much I actually have a back up now too!!!
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I never go detecting without one cuts my finding the item time right down and can help in not hitting the target too
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Never go out without one plus a spare battery
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Buying the Garrott Carrot elevated my enjoyment and ease of detecting to new levels. Some conditions and hunts are fine with passing soil over the coil, but when it's needed, the pinpointer is the perfect helper. I wouldn't be without one now.
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I dont use a pinpointer, a few handfuls of soil over the coil and the finds in the pouch.
When I loose a small target the edge of the coil will pinpoint it.
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The last thing I would need is passing wet muddy mud over my coil trying to find a target, then to pick the detector up again, smearing said mud all over the place.
I would not go without a pinpointer.
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I always search in non muddy mud! I'm with Rusty Old Bucket and will save my money on an unnecessary pinpointer, plus spare batteries. Just something more to carry and lose. A recent metal detector field tester has lost five!! I need a pinpointer like a frog needs a motorbike ha ha.
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Perhaps that metal detector field tester needs to buy a lanyard, it says more about him than the pin pointer. ;D
I always search in non muddy mud! I'm with Rusty Old Bucket and will save my money on an unnecessary pinpointer, plus spare batteries. Just something more to carry and lose. A recent metal detector field tester has lost five!! I need a pinpointer like a frog needs a motorbike ha ha.
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Perhaps that metal detector field tester needs to buy a lanyard, it says more about him than the pin pointer. ;D
I always search in non muddy mud! I'm with Rusty Old Bucket and will save my money on an unnecessary pinpointer, plus spare batteries. Just something more to carry and lose. A recent metal detector field tester has lost five!! I need a pinpointer like a frog needs a motorbike ha ha.
Correct Mark, you can't lose them if you link them to the bag. You don't know how good pinpointers are until you use them. They are certainly not necessary, but they are without doubt an advantage to have. That's why the vast majority carry them.
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Isn`t this another one of those, Horses for courses type choices ?
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I agree, as I've done it my way for hundreds of years I'll maintain the status quo. Learning to pinpoint properly with the coil on the detector was a basic requirement that seems absent from modern detectorists? People seem to feel the same loss when they have left their mobile phone at home. Perhaps I'm out of step but at least I'll walk on all the cracks the others have missed. ha ha.
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Isn`t this another one of those, Horses for courses type choices ?
Defo Peter. I found all my targets without one, but I prefer it now I have one. Others won't bother and that's fair enough.
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Its like Peter says. Horses for courses.
I've been out and seen people dressed and armed like their going on a tour of duty. Walki talki with mike, lanyards criss crossing their bodies, bomb proof jackets, small spades and digging knives and pinpointer all hanging from army belts, and the army belt resembling Bat mans belt with little pockets going all around it, filled with spare battery, bog roll, fags etc. Some where a finds pouch can be found strapped to their leg, just in case it should come detached from the main belt. A mobile phone strapped to an arm :D I could go on lol.
I'm not knocking anyone who dose all or just one of the above as its what ever makes that person tick or feel that they need. We're all different.
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Its like Peter says. Horses for courses.
I've been out and seen people dressed and armed like their going on a tour of duty. Walki talki with mike, lanyards criss crossing their bodies, bomb proof jackets, small spades and digging knives and pinpointer all hanging from army belts, and the army belt resembling Bat mans belt with little pockets going all around it, filled with spare battery, bog roll, fags etc. Some where a finds pouch can be found strapped to their leg, just in case it should come detached from the main belt. A mobile phone strapped to an arm :D I could go on lol.
I'm not knocking anyone who dose all or just one of the above as its what ever makes that person tick or feel that they need. We're all different.
LOL ..the sons of Rambo
If you like your vibrators crack on, personally I see no advantage on the sites I detect.
If I dug pasture I would buy one again so as to keep the clod in as good a condition as possible :)
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Its like Peter says. Horses for courses.
I've been out and seen people dressed and armed like their going on a tour of duty. Walki talki with mike, lanyards criss crossing their bodies, bomb proof jackets, small spades and digging knives and pinpointer all hanging from army belts, and the army belt resembling Bat mans belt with little pockets going all around it, filled with spare battery, bog roll, fags etc. Some where a finds pouch can be found strapped to their leg, just in case it should come detached from the main belt. A mobile phone strapped to an arm :D I could go on lol.
I'm not knocking anyone who dose all or just one of the above as its what ever makes that person tick or feel that they need. We're all different.
LOL ..the sons of Rambo
If you like your vibrators crack on, personally I see no advantage on the sites I detect.
If I dug pasture I would buy one again so as to keep the clod in as good a condition as possible :)
Two very good points. I am by nature a "take everything" kind of guy, but I am learning that less can be more. I still love my multi pocket waistcoat but I don't load myself with as many "just in case" items. Travelling light has obvious benefits and I now realise that. The land you dig plays a part. Stubble and plough rarely if ever needs a pointer, but on pasture it certainly makes it easier to return the land to the condition you found it.
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Surely dealing with the turf clod should be basic detecting knowledge?
This reminds me of one of the detecting surveys we did on a civil war site. It was warm and dry and everyone was replacing their turf as neatly as possible. We took a couple of watering cans and soaked every clod from the sheep water trough. Later in that hot dry season the holes we'd watered stood out as green and lush circles in the field. We even got a nice mention from the landowner. Incidentally we found over 700 musket balls as well as hammered coins and all the normal metalwork. None of us used a pinpointer!!
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Surely dealing with the turf clod should be basic detecting knowledge?
This reminds me of one of the detecting surveys we did on a civil war site. It was warm and dry and everyone was replacing their turf as neatly as possible. We took a couple of watering cans and soaked every clod from the sheep water trough. Later in that hot dry season the holes we'd watered stood out as green and lush circles in the field. We even got a nice mention from the landowner. Incidentally we found over 700 musket balls as well as hammered coins and all the normal metalwork. None of us used a pinpointer!!
It's amazing how many comments you see on dig adverts about poor hole filling and organisers needing to insist that things are improved. Even undercover marshals keeping an eye out which should not be necessary among a group of adults. I take extreme pride in leaving the turf so that you can't tell I have been there, as do many other people. Irregardless of this, many still like to have a pinpointer. Just a personal choice not a sign of incompetence.
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Me too Kieth do my utmost to leave things perfect
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My pin pointer is the last resort. Very handy when you get to the point of "where are you, you little bugger"
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My pin pointer is the last resort. Very handy when you get to the point of "where are you, you little bugger"
Same here. Which turns out to be a tiny piece of scrap usually. But you never know where a minim may be sleeping ;)
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I remember the face of a man blindly digging out a large deep hole only to find he had damaged a exceptionally nice large hammy having creased it with his spade.He learned his lesson the hard way.
I would never be without a probe myself.
Another bonus being smaller more tidy holes. ;) :) Jerry.
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I just look at as another tool in the box.
Mostly I just use the coil to help me but there are times that it is really really helpful. I'm thinking of the times when the target is in the side of the hole if the pinpointing has gone awry or for those awkward digs where it is really stony or even worse when it is very muddy.
I'm really looking forward to the XP pointer for the Deus as my current pointer can get on my nerves on certain frequencies. I just hope it comes on a lanyard so I can't lose it ;D
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i agree rew so guys jump on the field like a swat team,they seem to love the sound of there own voice and if they do find some thing its a big celebration and dance.
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Going off on a slight tangent, I see the general standard seems to be for the Garrett pin pointers. With that said, I see there are other, much cheaper options - my question is, are the cheaper ones still functional? I don't doubt they are most likely not as up to scratch with the latest tech as the Garretts but have the cheaper ones performed adequately in the past prior to the Garretts? Or maybe they're still useable to some degree anyway? What are people's thoughts on which probes are ok?
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Its like Peter says. Horses for courses.
I've been out and seen people dressed and armed like their going on a tour of duty. Walki talki with mike, lanyards criss crossing their bodies, bomb proof jackets, small spades and digging knives and pinpointer all hanging from army belts, and the army belt resembling Bat mans belt with little pockets going all around it, filled with spare battery, bog roll, fags etc. Some where a finds pouch can be found strapped to their leg, just in case it should come detached from the main belt. A mobile phone strapped to an arm :D I could go on lol.
I'm not knocking anyone who dose all or just one of the above as its what ever makes that person tick or feel that they need. We're all different.
I agree everyone should WEAR WHAT THE HELL THEY FEEL LIKE WEARING ! ..............all we need to do is worry about the people that give our hobby a bad name the ones that dig up lots of junk and leave it lying on the fields or leave holes leave gates open etc
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Its like Peter says. Horses for courses.
I've been out and seen people dressed and armed like their going on a tour of duty. Walki talki with mike, lanyards criss crossing their bodies, bomb proof jackets, small spades and digging knives and pinpointer all hanging from army belts, and the army belt resembling Bat mans belt with little pockets going all around it, filled with spare battery, bog roll, fags etc. Some where a finds pouch can be found strapped to their leg, just in case it should come detached from the main belt. A mobile phone strapped to an arm :D I could go on lol.
I'm not knocking anyone who dose all or just one of the above as its what ever makes that person tick or feel that they need. We're all different.
I agree everyone should WEAR WHAT THE HELL THEY FEEL LIKE WEARING ! ..............all we need to do is worry about the people that give our hobby a bad name the ones that dig up lots of junk and leave it lying on the fields or leave holes leave gates open etc
Very true Willy. They will be the first to start moaning when they don't have their hobby anymore !!
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Going off on a slight tangent, I see the general standard seems to be for the Garrett pin pointers. With that said, I see there are other, much cheaper options - my question is, are the cheaper ones still functional? I don't doubt they are most likely not as up to scratch with the latest tech as the Garretts but have the cheaper ones performed adequately in the past prior to the Garretts? Or maybe they're still useable to some degree anyway? What are people's thoughts on which probes are ok?
The only cheaper one I would use is a White's bullseye 2. I think you can get them for about 50 quid. You may have to watch where and when you use it as they aren't waterproof.
There are really cheap ones available but I've never heard anything good about them so I've always steered clear. My mate still uses an old sherlock DTS probe and he swears by it, they still pop up on eBay for 20-30 quid.
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Going off on a slight tangent, I see the general standard seems to be for the Garrett pin pointers. With that said, I see there are other, much cheaper options - my question is, are the cheaper ones still functional? I don't doubt they are most likely not as up to scratch with the latest tech as the Garretts but have the cheaper ones performed adequately in the past prior to the Garretts? Or maybe they're still useable to some degree anyway? What are people's thoughts on which probes are ok?
The only cheaper one I would use is a White's bullseye 2. I think you can get them for about 50 quid. You may have to watch where and when you use it as they aren't waterproof.
There are really cheap ones available but I've never heard anything good about them so I've always steered clear. My mate still uses an old sherlock DTS probe and he swears by it, they still pop up on eBay for 20-30 quid.
I think the Bullseye II is tip sensitive only whereas the more expensive ones react all down the probing sides. That said I have heard the Bullseye II does the job well for the price. You can pick up the Nokta one for £80.oo and they are well regarded.
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Going off on a slight tangent, I see the general standard seems to be for the Garrett pin pointers. With that said, I see there are other, much cheaper options - my question is, are the cheaper ones still functional? I don't doubt they are most likely not as up to scratch with the latest tech as the Garretts but have the cheaper ones performed adequately in the past prior to the Garretts? Or maybe they're still useable to some degree anyway? What are people's thoughts on which probes are ok?
The only cheaper one I would use is a White's bullseye 2. I think you can get them for about 50 quid. You may have to watch where and when you use it as they aren't waterproof.
There are really cheap ones available but I've never heard anything good about them so I've always steered clear. My mate still uses an old sherlock DTS probe and he swears by it, they still pop up on eBay for 20-30 quid.
I think the Bullseye II is tip sensitive only whereas the more expensive ones react all down the probing sides. That said I have heard the Bullseye II does the job well for the price. You can pick up the Nokta one for £80.oo and they are well regarded.
Not exactly cheap at £80 though Keith!
The White's is indeed tip only but does the job admirably. I know some people find the 360 degree detection area defeats the object of pinpointing and prefer the tip only of the White's model. I used one for a year and it never let me down, the only reason I switched to other brands was the waterproof qualities.
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Going off on a slight tangent, I see the general standard seems to be for the Garrett pin pointers. With that said, I see there are other, much cheaper options - my question is, are the cheaper ones still functional? I don't doubt they are most likely not as up to scratch with the latest tech as the Garretts but have the cheaper ones performed adequately in the past prior to the Garretts? Or maybe they're still useable to some degree anyway? What are people's thoughts on which probes are ok?
The only cheaper one I would use is a White's bullseye 2. I think you can get them for about 50 quid. You may have to watch where and when you use it as they aren't waterproof.
There are really cheap ones available but I've never heard anything good about them so I've always steered clear. My mate still uses an old sherlock DTS probe and he swears by it, they still pop up on eBay for 20-30 quid.
I think the Bullseye II is tip sensitive only whereas the more expensive ones react all down the probing sides. That said I have heard the Bullseye II does the job well for the price. You can pick up the Nokta one for £80.oo and they are well regarded.
Not exactly cheap at £80 though Keith!
The White's is indeed tip only but does the job admirably. I know some people find the 360 degree detection area defeats the object of pinpointing and prefer the tip only of the White's model. I used one for a year and it never let me down, the only reason I switched to other brands was the waterproof qualities.
Absolutely mate. As I said Bullseye II does the job well for the price. I would consider it next time if it's still around.
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You can pick a decent second hand Whites Bullseye II up quite reasonable on E Bay for around £25 to £35 .
For the last 6 months or so I`ve had a Garrett Carrot ,but I`m still undecided whether to keep it or not as I`m so used to My Whites Bullseye II that I`ve still got and keep in reserve . So I just might sell the Garrett and go back to using my Whites Bullseye . Nothging wrong with the Garrett, but I just can`t get used to using it after all them years using a Whites Bullseye.
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Bullseye II is old technology same as all the cheapie probes out there, the newer type of electronics where you don't have to tune the unit and increasing tone as you get closer to the target makes an OK probe into a tool that you can't do without, so yes, buy a cheaper probe but the old saying buy cheap buy twice springs to mind.
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Bullseye II is old technology same as all the cheapie probes out there, the newer type of electronics where you don't have to tune the unit and increasing tone as you get closer to the target makes an OK probe into a tool that you can't do without, so yes, buy a cheaper probe but the old saying buy cheap buy twice springs to mind.
Well Nigel, Well I`ve had my Whites Bullseye ll 5 years now ,and its still going strong . I`ve had THREE Garrett pinpointers in that time and not really Gelled with either of the Garretts styles , and had nothing but trouble with the first two black Garrett ones .I said I`d never buy another Garrett but when the Carrot came out I though "go on then, try it and see if they`ve improved on them any ? "
Like I said , I don`t know why ,but I just don`t have the 100% satisfaction feeling even with this Garrett Carrot.It just ain`t floating my boat.
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I wonder who will be the first to make a pinpointer with a nice little meter and some discrimination?
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I would like to by a pinpointer,but I have just bought a flat, so now all the money goes into that...
I have been searching around 8 years and tried my friends Garrett pin pointer this year and I loved it! At once I was confident that the object is deep under the coil, then dug a big hole and tried with pin pointer and realised that its a coin laying aslope in the wall of the hole. I was happy i did not harm it. And I learned that not all the big holes mean that the object is deep in the ground.
I think it is not an unnecessary thing. It is better to have one, mainly at deeper things.
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You should have learnt that on your mummy's knee. Get your pinpointing sorted out with the detector and you won't have to dig holes that are deeper than a target that is off centre. We've all done it, but some will never learn!
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You should have learnt that on your mummy's knee. Get your pinpointing sorted out with the detector and you won't have to dig holes that are deeper than a target that is off centre. We've all done it, but some will never learn!
I have witnessed some very experienced detectorists miss the target slightly on occasions. Clearly from the comments it is a choice, not a piece of equipment needed by poor hole diggers. You started the thread by asking Gary if he carries one. How many people do you know who can use a Deus better than Gary. In your first response from Peter he shows you a video. Gary uses a pinpointer.
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I agree, it's not something you need however as some point you will want one & once had one will definitely miss it when you haven't.
I would say it makes you more efficient.
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I wonder who will be the first to make a pinpointer with a nice little meter and some discrimination?
I've forgotten what it is called but there is one for the White's V3i that acts like a 1" coil, the readings are displayed on the White's screen ;)
**Edit** It's called the DX1
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You're bound to say that Nigel. You sell the blooming things!!
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I have been detecting since the Minelab sovereign was their top detector and 100% agree with Nigel
it makes you more efficient.saves you lots of time I have a pal when he hears a target he does the wiggle then whips his Garrett pointer out and its truly amazing how many times it picks it up he digs a jaffa size hole and is on to the next target in no time
all this old tosh about learning to pinpoint makes me laugh
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I have been detecting since the Minelab sovereign was their top detector and 100% agree with Nigel
it makes you more efficient.saves you lots of time I have a pal when he hears a target he does the wiggle then whips his Garrett pointer out and its truly amazing how many times it picks it up he digs a jaffa size hole and is on to the next target in no time
all this old tosh about learning to pinpoint makes me laugh
Bang on the money mate! I've done this loads of times now especially with the Garret carrot as it goes quite deep. the combination of learning what depth my deus is telling me the target is at and the power of the carrot means I can dig a small hole with my trowel rather than scooping out spade fulls all the time. Beep-Probe-Dig-move on!!
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Pasture is where it's invaluable for me. Pin point with the coil. Dig a decent size clod. Pin point to exactly where it is. make the slightest cut in the sod, target out, perfect clod back with no evidence of a hole and all done in 60 seconds.
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They are invaluable on pasture, even more so when ground has got a little dry and hard. A good hori knife/plastic trowel is also invaluable in this situation.
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You should have learnt that on your mummy's knee. Get your pinpointing sorted out with the detector and you won't have to dig holes that are deeper than a target that is off centre. We've all done it, but some will never learn!
With a little coil it is no problem. And with the 13X11 coil also in 99% the pinpointing is accurate. For me a pin pointer mainly speeds up the things.
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What on earth did we do before they invented the pinpointer?
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What on earth did we do before they invented the pinpointer?
I bet that a lot more finds were scraped and damaged.
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Mine came in handy yesterday, when the soil is wet I wouldn't be without one, may be able to manage without when the soil is dry though.
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What on earth did we do before they invented the pinpointer?
we just took longer and were not as efficient simples
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I use a Whites TRX and a Garrett "carrot". They really help speed up my digs, and since my eyes don't work as well as they used to, the pinpointers make picking out the tiny bits much easier.
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I can guarantee anyone who uses a pin pointer for a few outings would never be without one once you see the advantages. For a start any targets that are on edge are sometimes difficult to locate with the detector only, and you end up digging deeper and wider than you need to and risk scratching the find, plus all the wasted time and energy. Another good reason especially on pasture, is small finds drop into the grass and are difficult to see especially when covered in soil, also difficult to pick up if the grass is a couple of inches long and you have gloves on.
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Pinpointers are time savers and damage limitators. If your not a big fan buy a cheapy rathet than spending a lot
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I dont use a pinpointer, a few handfuls of soil over the coil and the finds in the pouch.
When I loose a small target the edge of the coil will pinpoint it.
Same here. Had probes and got rid .
Simple question of choice .
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I dont use a pinpointer, a few handfuls of soil over the coil and the finds in the pouch.
When I loose a small target the edge of the coil will pinpoint it.
Same here. Had probes and got rid .
Simple question of choice .
Agreed. Some great feedback on this thread and some smart comments, but everything always comes down to personal choice and what makes you happy.