I resisted getting a pinpointer metal detector for the longest time. I thought I didn’t need one. I’d been detecting for decades without a pinpointer. I didn’t want to invest in more equipment. I was happy with the way I treasure hunted. Why pay all that money for a good metal detector with excellent pinpoint accuracy AND buy a silly little wand to locate my target? I know, I know. What an old fuddy duddy.
Ahem. I might have *cough* been wrong *cough* on that one. Yes, stranger things have happened than me admitting I’m a bit on the stupid side for not getting a pinpointer much sooner. So, if you’re on the fence about getting a pinpointer, do it.
I’m so glad I did. They make it so much easier to locate your target so you know exactly where to dig or which clump of dirt to discard and which to keep. I now come away from every hunt with more finds in my pouch and my body less sore from not having to dig so much.
In our best pinpointer reviews, we cover all the top brands and help you decide which one best suits your metal detecting needs.
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Table of contents
- Features of the best pinpointer detectors
- Compare the best pinpointers
- Garrett Pro-Pointer AT
- White’s TRX Bullseye
- Minelab Pro Find 35
- Bounty Hunter pinpointer
- Garrett Pro Pointer II
- Makro Pinpointer
- Fisher F-Point
- Quest XPointer Pro
- XP Deus M1-6 pinpointer
- RM Ricomax Pinpointer
- Frequently Asked Questions
Features of the best pinpointer detectors
No doubt you want to make sure you get the best pinpointer for the money, right? When researching pinpointers, consider the following:
Budget
How much money you have to spend on a pinpointer will be a big factor in making the decision about which pinpointer to choose.
In the pinpointer reviews below, I cover a range of prices from $X to $XX.
I will always encourage you to stretch the budget a little if it means getting a quality pinpointer with all the features that suit your metal detecting environment.
Waterproof
If you’re detecting on the beach, around rivers, lakes, or streams, then having a waterproof pinpointer metal detector will be important to you. But, if you’re a fair weather detector and not detecting near bodies of water, having a waterproof pinpointer is not a priority. If price is important, a non-waterproof pinpointer will save you some money.
Check if the pinpointer is waterproof or water-resistant. If you need to full submerge the pinpointer, then you need a waterproof pinpointer. If you are only worried about getting rained on or cleaning it, get a water-resistant pinpointer.
If you get an underwater pinpointer, then consider its color. A lot of waterproof pinpointers come in bright colors like orange to make it easier to see the unit when you’re underwater.
Sensitivity
A quality metal detector will typically operate at frequencies between 6.4 kHz and 20 kHz.
Some pinpointers offer manual sensitivity adjustment. Depending on the type of target you’re digging up, you can adjust the sensitivity to detect to deeper levels and identify smaller targets.
If you’re new to metal detecting, then you might prefer one that you don’t have to manually adjust. This can take time to get used to – time you could spend locating treasure.
Vibration, LED light or audio tones
Pinpointers let you know they’ve come across a metal object by either beeping, vibrating or a light.
You might hate the beeping or prefer a vibrating pinpointer. If you’re working in dim areas, then a light indicator would be handy. Whatever your personal preference and needs, it’s an important one to keep in mind so you’re not annoyed by the pinpointer’s behavior and you’re getting the most out of it.
Battery life
Consider the battery life of your pinpointer. If you don’t want the hassle of spending a small fortune on batteries or having to frequently recharge your batteries, opt for a pinpointer with better battery life.
Ultimately, it will depend on how much time you’ll spend out on a hunt and how much you’ll use the pinpointer. It’s a small thing, but worth keeping in mind when making your final decision about which pinpointer to buy.
You’ll also want to check if it has a battery life indicator so you know when you’re running low on battery juice.
Holster
Some pinpointers come with a holster. Why is this important? Well, you’re not likely to leave your metal detector behind when you’re out detecting, but pinpointers are small and could easily be left behind. Sticking the pinpointer back into a hip holster will help stop you from leaving it behind. And having a bright orange device also helps make it more visible.
Lost pinpointer function
Some pinpointers come with a function where it will start beeping if it’s switched on and inactive for a set period. The alert continues to chirp intermittently for an hour until it powers off. This is very handy if you misplace your pinpointer while you’re outdoors metal detecting.
Warranty
What sort of warranty does the manufacturer offer? I recommend checking the warranty against how cross you’d be if it broke after a year vs 3 years vs 10 years use. And check how much out of pocket you would be if you had to ship it to the manufacturer and cover those costs yourself. One of the brands I review, RM Ricomax, offers a lifetime warranty (if you buy the product through Amazon) and they fully cover the cost of returns.
Compare the best pinpointers 2019
| Pinpointer | Price | Image | Waterproof | Sensitivity | Alert | Warranty | Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garrett Pro-Pointer AT | $$$ Click to check the price |   | Yes, to 10 feet | 3 modes | Vibration, light & audio | 2 years | USA |
| White’s Bullseye TRX | $$$ Click to check the price |   | Yes, to 10 feet | Automatic | Vibration & audio | 2 years | USA |
| Minelab Pro Find 35 | $$ Click to check the price |   | Yes, to 10 feet | Adjustable | Vibration & audio | 2 years | USA |
| Bounty Hunter pinpointer | $ Click to check the price |   | No | Adjustable | Vibration & audio | 1 year | USA |
| Garrett Pro Pointer II | $$ Click to check the price |   | Weather resistant | No | Vibration & audio | 2 years | USA |
| Makro Pointer | $$$ Click to check the price |   | Yes, to 3 feet | Yes | Vibration & audio | 1 year | Turkey |
| Fisher F-Point | $$ Click to check the price |   | No | Adjustable | Vibration & audio | 1 year | USA |
| Quest XPointer Pro | $$$ Click to check the price |   | Yes, to 200 feet | Yes | Vibration, light & audio | 1 year | China |
| XP Mi6 review | $$$Click to check the price |   | Yes, to 20 feet | Yes, 50 levels | Vibration & audio | 5 years | France |
| RM Ricomax | $ Click to check the price |   | No, waterproof wand only | 3 modes | Vibration, light & audio | Lifetime | China |
1. Garrett Pro-Pointer AT review
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We won’t keep you waiting and scrolling down the rest of the pages for our pick of the best pinpointer metal detector. Our top choice is the Garrett Pro Pointer.
Affectionately known as the ‘Garrett Carrot’ because of its size and bright orange color, the Pro-Pointer AT is waterproof to 10 feet.
Let’s look at the features in this Garrett Pro Pointer AT review. It has three sensitivity levels with maximum sensitivity to help you detect small targets. The operating frequency is 11.5kHz. It has a very handy 360-degree side scan so it detects from the sides as well as the tip. It also has built-in scraping blade. It features an LED flashlight and you have the ability to disable the audio, which is great. You can switch to vibrate mode instead, which I prefer over audio tones.
Overall, it’s very sturdy and well-made. It weighs 9 ounces with the belt holster.
Conveniently, it comes with a ‘lost pinpointer’ function and will chirp after five minutes of inactivity.
It comes with a 9V battery, a belt holster and respectable 2-year warranty.
I’m not shy about my respect for Garrett products. My wife Denise has the Garrett AT Pro and the Pro Pointer AT. We love that Garrett detectors are made in the USA. While the Pro-Pointer AT is at the higher price end of pinpointers, it is well worth the investment.
Click to check the price and read more reviews2. White’s Bullseye TRX pinpointer review
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White’s Bullseye TRX pinpointer is at the top end of the range. It is fully waterproof to 10 feet (IP68 certified). It features automatic ground balancing. It doesn’t use 360-degree side scanning like other pinpointers. Instead, it only pinpoints from the tip. The Bullseye TRX has the deepest range of any pinpointer reviewed on this page, but I’m not convinced you need that much depth with a pinpointer – that’s a job for a metal detector. You want the pinpointer to be more pinpointy!
It uses audio tones or vibration to alter you to a target. The vibrations increase the closer the pinpointer gets to the target. This is good feedback, especially if you’re using it underwater.
It weighs 8.8 ounces. It operates on 2 x AA batteries or one 9V battery, powering it for up to 20 hours.
Made in the USA, the Bullseye TRX has a 2-year warranty.
Click to check the price and read more reviews3. Minelab Pro Find 35 review
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The Minelab Pro Finder 35 replaces the older Pro Finder 25 model. This is a solid unit and ideal for underwater use. It has five sensitivity levels that let you adjust them precisely using the simple + and – buttons.
It operates on one 9V battery for up to 30 hours. It also comes with a holster and lanyard. The lanyard is handy for underwater use.
The bright yellow hand grip makes this pinpointer stand out.
This pinpointer features a ‘lost pinpointer’ function and will start to chirp after a period of inactivity. Very handy!
This is a solid pinpointer for the price.
Click to check the price and read more reviews4. Bounty Hunter pinpointer review
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The Bounty Hunter pinpointer is a simple unit. It has an adjustable sensitivity control, and audio and vibration signal, and operates on a 9V battery (not included).
This is not a waterproof pinpointer – you can submerge the tip and the wand, but not beyond the knob. It can detect targets to about 2.5 inches, depending on the mineralization of the soil.
It’s made in the USA by reputable brand Bounty Hunter and comes with a one-year warranty.
Click to check the price and read more reviews5. Garrett Pro Pointer II review
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The Garrett Pro Pointer II is the upgraded version of Garrett’s original Pro Pointer. Like Garrett’s Pro Pointer AT, this pinpointer features 360-degree side scanning technology so it will detect to the sides as well as the tip. It also has a scraping blade and the LED light will help in low-light situations.
It vibrates and has an audio tone when it detects metal. It’s weather resistant but you can’t submerge the unit in water. If you want a fully waterproof model, then I suggest upgrading to the Garrett AT Pro Pointer.
This model features the lost function where it will chirp when it’s been inactive for five or more minutes for up to an hour before turning itself off.
It has a two-year warranty.
While this is a solid unit and one that set the benchmark for pinointers, if you can make your budget stretch, go for the AT over the Pro. The convenience of a fully waterproof model will make detecting and cleaning the pinpointer so much easier.
Click to check the price and read more reviews6. Makro Pinpointer review
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The Makro pointer, like most other pinpointers in this review, features 360-degree scanning and a sensitivity control that you can adjust by pressing on the + and – buttons. It also has a built-in LED flashlight to help you spot your targets in dim light, at night or in dark places.
I like that it has optional audio or vibration or both.
While this pinpointer is waterproof, it’s only waterproof to a depth of about 3 feet.
It comes with a bonus carry pouch, belt holster, a 9V battery, and a bonus hard case to help protect the longevity of the pinpointer. You’ll get about 30 hours of use out of one battery.
The Makro pinpointer is made in Turkey and offers a one-year warranty.
Click to check the price and read more reviews7. Fisher F-Point review
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I had to include this one in the list to warn you that the Fisher F-Point pinpointer is essentially the same machine as the Bounty Hunter pinpointer. It’s made by the same parent company.
And right now, the Bounty Hunter Pinpointer is half the price of the Fisher-F-Point! So save tens of dollars for some other accessories.
Click to check the price and read more reviews8. Quest XPointer Pro review
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‘Quest’ used to be known as the brand ‘Deteknix’.
I have included the Quest XPointer Pro in this review because it can be used scuba diving to a depth of 200 feet, which no other pinpointer in this review can do. It’s also the only pinpointer in this list that can be recharged via a USB connection, which will save the hassle of having to replace batteries. It’s bright orange, making it easy to see the unit, especially underwater.
It’s a PI unit (pulse induction) which is good for saltwater.
It features audio, vibration and LED light alters when it detects metal. It comes with a belt clip lanyard, two tip protector caps, and a holster. It also features the lost function and it will chirp if it’s been inactive for a set period.
It comes with a one-year warranty.
Click to check the price and read more reviews9. XP Deus M1-6 pinpointer review
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The XP Deus MI-6 can be paired with the XP Deus metal detector, or you can use it as a standalone pinpointer with any other metal detector. When you activate the MI6, the Deus switches to standby mode and reverts back to the Deus when the MI-6 is switched off.
One of the features that make this pinpointer a stand out is that if you lose your MI6, you can still locate it even if it’s switched off – an alarm will still sound.
It has 50 levels of sensitivity and on-screen battery life indicator. It has a long battery life – 90 hours.
It’s waterproof to 20 feet, which is at least twice that of other fully waterproof pinpointers reviewed on this page (excluding the Quest XPointer Pro).
It’s the most expensive metal detector reviewed, and also one of the most recent designs.
Click to check the price and read more reviews10. RM Ricomax Pinpointer review
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Ordinarily, I’d tell you to steer clear of the Chinese-manufactured pinpoint metal detectors but I’ve decided to include the RM Ricomax because of their budget price AND lifetime warranty. They will replace your pinpointer with zero costs on your side (if you buy the pinpointer via Amazon).
It features 360-degree side scanning and three different kinds of alerts – vibration, audio tone and LED light. It has three sensitivity levels.
Only the probe is waterproof. You cannot fully submerge the pinpointer under water.
The RM Ricomax pinpointer comes with a belt holster. It uses one 9V battery (not included). It will detect up to about 3.5 inches. It’s also got a built-in flashlight.
If you really only have $50 and small change to spend, then consider the RM Ricomax pinpointer.
Click to check the price and read more reviewsFrequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a pinpointer?
A pinpointer is a handheld metal detector or probe that you use to ‘pinpoint’ your target.
You use your regular metal detector to detect a target, then dig your plug. Use the pinpointer to help you find the exact location of the target. It will help you to zero in your finds within seconds.
Having a pinpointer in your pouch makes recovering targets much faster and easier.
I’m new to metal detecting, do I need to buy a pinpointer as well?
I detected for years before I bought my first pinpointer. I know what it’s like to detect without a metal detector and with one. So while you don’t need a pinpointer, you’ll find locating and recovering your finds so much easier with a pinpointer. You’ll save heaps of time, which potentially means more finds every time you hunt.
Do I need to get the same brand as my metal detector?
No, absolutely not. A metal detector and a handheld pinpointer work independently.
Can I use a pinpointer instead of a metal detector?
Well, technically you can, but it won’t be very effective. You need a metal detector to locate the target first. You’ll cover much more ground with a metal detector and save your back from having to remain hunched over because pinpointers are hand-held devices and don’t have a long reach or range.
What’s the best gold pinpointer?
Because pinpointers have a limited range and as the object gets smaller, this range will shrink. Small gold nuggets and flakes won’t be detected until the pinpointer touches them.
You need a pinpointer with high sensitivity to be able to detect small pieces of gold.
So, for this purpose, I think theGarrett AT Pro-Pointer is the best gold pinpointer.
Also, if you’re worried about losing small pieces of gold while treasure seeking, get some gold panning tools like this 11-piece Prospecting Mining Panning Kit.
I hope you’ve figured out the best metal detector pinpointer for for you and your budget from reading these metal detector pinpointer reviews. Happy pin point metal detecting.
Click to see all pinpointers and read more reviewsLast modified: July 30, 2019
Hi
I Love my Pinpointing Metal Detector!! Works Very Good… Very Satisfiied!! 😁
5 stars