Is a pinpointer basically so that you are 100% sure something is under the ground so you are not doing for false positives? Does it have different settings as does the metal detector? Please explain Tony. I appreciate the advice buddy.
A pinpointer just buzzes when it gets near metal.
A pinpointer helps you minimize any further digging once you remove the plug by "pinpointing" the target, either in the hole or in the plug.
What happens without a pinpointer? You re-scan the plug or the hole to determine where the target is.
If the target is in the plug, you have to start ripping the plug apart to find the target. There will be cases where you rip the plug to shreds trying to find a target without a pinpointer. You will not be able to restore that ground no matter what you do.
If the target is in the hole, you have to start digging and break up whatever you dig to look for the target. In this case, most likely you will not be able to restore the plug flat.
Of course, if you are in a field or in a spot where there is little or no grass, this does not apply. I'm mainly referring to manicured lawns in parks, schools, and private property.
A pinpointer is also very useful in determining location of shallow targets (less than 3-4"). You can in many cases touch the pinpointer to the ground and get an exact location. You can then cut a slit in the soil and remove the target with minimal disturbance to the ground.
Now the exception to all this is there are some very experienced detectorists out there who are so good that they do not need a pinpointer. Those are few and far between. I'll bet 95% of experienced MDers use a pinpointer.