To PP, or not to PP, that is the...

[grouser]

buy it ....love it...... sell it if ya lose interest,,,,well worth the money and makes hunting SWEET,,,,

[ToddB64]

Hi All !

Since problems with the Pro-Pointer were referred to by a couple of other members in this thread, my curiosity has been aroused and possibly that of others reading this thread. So, can someone briefly explain ?

Thanks,
ToddB64

[Azmodeus]

Utill the new Minelab comes out, no there is no substitute for a Pro-Pointer. A generic pointer is better than nothing but in my honest opinion..I'd rather just have a Garret Propointer alone than a Bounty Hunter with no pinpointer...I'll take my pro-pointer and just rub it all over the ground and find more than that BH... But in all seriousness..yes for sure buy the Garret.

[HarveyH48]

Originally Posted by ToddB64

Hi All !

Since problems with the Pro-Pointer were referred to by a couple of other members in this thread, my curiosity has been aroused and possibly that of others reading this thread. So, can someone briefly explain ?

Thanks,
ToddB64

There are actually quite a few threads about erratic and dysfunctional ProPointers, some right out of the box. But you shouldn't let that bother you, or sway your decision, almost every Garrett owner, has nothing but praises for their customer services, and fast turn-around on repairs. Nice to know, that they stand behind their products, maybe not so much that you'll probably find out for yourself... Cost of shipping it back, is about as much as a new Harbor Freight. I was a little concerned when I bought my ProPointer, but the curiosity over all the praises, and I was ordering coils, covers, and hardware anyway...

Mine has started beeping, for no particular reason, and not in range of any target, sometimes laying on the ground, sometimes holding it in my hand. Turn it off, back on, function restored. The battery gets low, a siren goes off, until you change it.

As a recovery tool, you probably won't find a 'neater' gadget, but you still need to narrow down where to dig, and how deep with you detector, if you want a small hole, and speed up recovery. The Harbor freight can tell you if its in the hole, and where, or if its in the plug too. Do a few seconds really matter? I'm not in a race, I'm in it to relax and have some fun and adventure. I work hard 5 days a week for a paycheck. $15 vs. $127.50, and there is even a debate should say something to people. The ProPointer doesn't make target jump out of the hole and into your hand, it doesn't reaching a grab it for you. A pinpointer helps you keep your hands a little cleaner, safe from sharp items, as opposed to feeling around through the dirt with your fingers.

If you got the cash laying around, and nothing of importance to use it on, go for it. If that $100 bill would be better spent elsewhere, or you are going to spend months saving up, it might not be the best use of your resources. Sort of the difference between a Rolex watch, and a Kmart special Timex, both display the time, reasonably accurate...

[ga5150]

If you're still getting your feet wet and deciding if this hobby is for you, then I'd say get the lesser expensive one. Later on, you can always "upgrade" the PP also. If you decide it's not for you later on, you shouldn't have much of a problem selling the PP in the classifieds section.


Rodney

[Martin_V3i]

"Mine has started beeping, for no particular reason, and not in range of any target, sometimes laying on the ground, sometimes holding it in my hand. Turn it off, back on, function restored. The battery gets low, a siren goes off, until you change it."

Your Pro Pointer, if left on for longer than the time you are working the hole, WILL eventually get beepy, especially if you lay it on the ground and on. The PP is always checking ground, so IMO, everyone who has had these problems are most likely running their Garretts semi continiously. Seek-find-turn_it_off, and move to find another target with the detector, and repeat.

I make it a practice to never lay mine on the ground when it's one. An on-off recycle even when in the hole, can easily include 2-3 "offs" with me. It's just a matter of automatic procedure and habit with me. martin

[kelpike]

Originally Posted by DIGGER27

I used the HF for a couple of months and it helped immensely and was way, way better than nothing.
Then I got the Propointer and that one is the ultimate game changer.
I now have 2 just in case I lose one, and after much abuse for over a year on one of them I can honestly say I have had absolutely no problems at all.

I agree. I have never had any problems with mine and I too abuse mine a little more then I should. I started with the HB and even if they were giving them away and they were already modified, I would still take the Garrett. I find it hard to believe anyone even compares it to the Garrett regardless of its price.

[ToddB64]

[QUOTE] Hi All !
Since problems with the Pro-Pointer were referred to by a couple of other members in this thread, my curiosity has been aroused and possibly that of others reading this thread. So, can someone briefly explain ?

Thanks,
ToddB64 [QUOTE/]

With reference to replies from HarveyH48, post #24 and Martin V31, post #26 in context with my post above, first I would like to say for your replies.

Regarding the Pro-Pointer "beeping", I assume this isn't happening as a result of cross-talk with the detector coil. Maybe the sounds of beeping and cross-talk are different.

If your Pro-pointer has been momentarily layed down on the ground while still ON and starts beeping, I would mark and recheck that spot for a target before leaving. Don't assume the pinpointer is malfunctioning again.

Just a couple of thoughts.

ToddB64

[HarveyH48]

With reference to replies from HarveyH48, post #24 and Martin V31, post #26 in context with my post above, first I would like to say for your replies.

Regarding the Pro-Pointer "beeping", I assume this isn't happening as a result of cross-talk with the detector coil. Maybe the sounds of beeping and cross-talk are different.

If your Pro-pointer has been momentarily layed down on the ground while still ON and starts beeping, I would mark and recheck that spot for a target before leaving. Don't assume the pinpointer is malfunctioning again.

Just a couple of thoughts.

ToddB64

It's too random of an occurrence, doesn't happen every hunt, and I pretty much work the recovery the same every hole. If there was a target under the Propointer, it would be beeping before it hit the ground, and would stop, when picked up to shut it off (not that slow). When it has start beeping, it's not constant, and continues when picked up. Simple reset.

I just disagree with the absolute need to buy a Propointer. I got curious about all the hype, and had to know. Now I know, and wanted to share. It works well, but not a must have. A maybe someday sort of upgrade.

[Martin_V3i]

"I just disagree with the absolute need to buy a Propointer. I got curious about all the hype, and had to know. Now I know, and wanted to share. It works well, but not a must have"

Just Google "Garretts Pro Pointer Customer Reviews" or ask about the Pro Pointer on any metal detecting dioscussion board...I can't see why anyone would doubt that the Pro Pointer is not indeed a must have. All those happy users can not be that far off base. IMO, the Pro Pointer is the biggest staple product currently available within modern day mental detecting. martin

[ATProGuy]

buy the damn thing already"... Wish I would have just gotten a ProPointer but its not in my current budget. HF will work for a while. But sure not the best.

[HarveyH48]

Originally Posted by Martin_V3i

"I just disagree with the absolute need to buy a Propointer. I got curious about all the hype, and had to know. Now I know, and wanted to share. It works well, but not a must have"

Just Google "Garretts Pro Pointer Customer Reviews" or ask about the Pro Pointer on any metal detecting dioscussion board...I can't see why anyone would doubt that the Pro Pointer is not indeed a must have. All those happy users can not be that far off base. IMO, the Pro Pointer is the biggest staple product currently available within modern day

mental detecting. martin

Mental detecting pretty much sums it, the hype, the price, who would disagree.

They are both pinpointers, and do the job as intended. Don't think either was intended as digging tools, pry tools, or to be roughly jammed through the turf. The Propointer is thick and blunt, you'd think the designers would have made it thinner and pointy, if it was to be driven in to the ground like a tent stake.

[ToddB64]

HarveyH48,

After reading your last post, I thought of a great idea ! This would solve the problem for the rough handlers.....a tubular digging tool made from spaceage plastic (tough enough to maintain a sharp cutting edge at the digging end.) with a pinpointer inside ! Seriously though, this might work !

The rest of the details would need to be decided, i.e. like a choice between PI or VLF and either a conventional ON/OFF switch located conveniently near the handle, or an automatic time switch in the circuitry that operates like the Vibra-Probe to save battery life.

Patent and Copyright to be submitted

ToddB64

[Liberty_1776]

Honestly, I just started out about a month ago. The pin pointer has kept my sanity and kept me from getting frustrated to the point (no pun intended) of giving up. I have the HF pin pointer now and just ordered the Garrett. I can't wait. To me, a pin pointer of any type is a necessity. I'm sure everyone has their own thoughts about the pin pointers but I have really come to depend on mine. It cuts the recovery time down significantly.

[Liberty_1776]

Originally Posted by ToddB64

HarveyH48,

After reading your last post, I thought of a great idea ! This would solve the problem for the rough handlers.....a tubular digging tool made from spaceage plastic (tough enough to maintain a sharp cutting edge at the digging end.) with a pinpointer inside ! Seriously though, this might work !

The rest of the details would need to be decided, i.e. like a choice between PI or VLF and either a conventional ON/OFF switch located conveniently near the handle, or an automatic time switch in the circuitry that operates like the Vibra-Probe to save battery life.

Patent and Copyright to be submitted

ToddB64

I guess you could embed the coil for the pin-pointer right into the plastic digging blade. Kind of like a coil with "teeth". Pretty cool idea!

[Aethyr]

Well, i just spent about an hour or so in a local park with the ol Tracker and my new Garrett PP. I really love this thing, haha. Makes it a snap to find the target, wayyyyy easier. I dont have any idea about the other pointers, but i am glad i have one at least!

[sgtwilks]

Originally Posted by Aethyr

Hi folks! I'm brand spanking new, with only a few hours on my Tracker IV ($60 hobby lobby, to see if i was interested at all). Although i don't think i want to upgrade to an F2 yet, since i'd like to get some real hours on the Tracker, i do have a question about accessories.

I'm thinking of getting the Pro Pointer. The reviews are great, and i've watched some videos and it looks like it would allow me so save some dig time? The only thing that seems funny is that i'd be spending twice as much on the pointer as i did on the MB!

However, since eventually i would be getting one anyway, since it will stay with me as long as i'm doing this, i'm thinking it's a smart purchase. All you folks say it's a great tool, so that's not in question, it just feels goofy to spend twice the price on that, ya know?

Really i just want someone to say "buy the damn thing already", haha. Any takers?

Kevin

Buy the f2 and the harbor freight pinpointer. You have to find the target first the f2 is a great machine. What good is it If you buy the garrett pro pinpointer and your detector is only detecting 3 inches and off by a foot.

You can find a f2 for close to the price of the pro pointer.

[ToddB64]

Originally Posted by pepsivlr

I guess you could embed the coil for the pin-pointer right into the plastic digging blade. Kind of like a coil with "teeth". Pretty cool idea!

Hi pepsivlr

I like your idea !

Here's a few additional design features/ideas.........

#1..The entire digger molded from space-age plastic, hard enough to maintain root-cutting teeth and at the same time flexible enough to bend somewhat without breaking.

#2..Teeth (8 tpi) on both edges of blade to accommodate right and left handers.

#3..Solid-state circuitry board for pinpointer located in hollow digger handle.

#4..A hollow chamber running down centerline of digger blade, cross-sectionally large enough to house the pinpointer ferrite slug and coil wires and this chamber tapered from handle (or alternately rear edge of blade...see #4a) to a point close as possible to blade-tip (to ensure pinpointer signal has desired depth range.).

#4a..If final design has blade dropped down a bit below handle instead of straight out from handle, then there would need to be a hollow goose-neck from handle to blade. The actual amount of neck drop should be kept to a minimum and the goose-neck proportions kept as large as design will allow for good neck strength.

#5..The cross-sectional shape of the tapered hollow chamber would be similar to a camel hump viewed from the side, to facilitate blending into a slightly cupped digger blade.

#6..I would also add an ON/OFF switch, either manual on the handle or an automatic timed switch, like the Vibra-Probe has.

I really don't see why this idea hasn't been put forth before as a combo tool and sold at a slightly lower price than the total cost of a Pro-Pointer (or Vibra-Probe, etc., etc.) and Lesche-grade digger.

ToddB64

[kelpike]

I have said this many times. I started with the HF and thought it was fine until I bought the Garrett Propointer. There is no comparison regardless of the cost difference. And some are saying you don't need a pp to metal detect, they are correct, but since we are splitting hairs, you don't need a digging tool either, you can dig with a stick and your hands. Bottom line is the propointer and the digging tools make your job of recovery much easier.

[pescadore]

The Propointer is a great tool !! I will be purchasing the Minelab when it comes available so my equipment will match !! Okay I am OCD !!