BentRod
Elite Member
I've been using a Garrett ProPointer for the last two years. In that time I've read countless accounts of people who've had both good and bad experiences with their GPPs. In fact, if you do a search on this forum you'll find threads dedicated to both satisfied and dissatisfied GPP customers. Although Garrett apparently has amazing customer service, the idea that a relatively expensive tool such as the GPP can have so many failings turns some people off.
I'm one of the fortunate people who's had zero issues with my GPP and find it nearly an essential part of my detecting gear to the point I don't like to hunt without it.
As luck would have it, just last weekend my GPP started to act erratically while on a hunt. I'd turn it on and place the tip in the hole at which point it'd start to go off and continue to beep like mad until I turned it off. Turning it on and off would sometimes correct the issue and sometimes not. I changed the battery thinking that was the problem, but that didn't correct the issue. It was so aggravating I found I couldn't trust the GPP on any target. I thought for sure I'd be sending it back to Garrett (fortunately it's still under warranty). First though I did some internet searching to determine what others have experienced. Although it's not always the issue, I did find multiple references to people experiencing the same problem I was having and a couple people suggested placing a nickel under the battery cap as there is a foam pad there that's purpose is to apply pressure to the back of the 9v battery which snugs the battery connection at the terminals. The idea being that that foam will compress over time causing a loose battery connection. I figured it was worth a shot. I didn't want to place a nickel in there, so cut a wafer off the end of a synthetic wine cork instead. I tested it in the garage and finally had a chance to get it out on a hunt today. The GPP worked flawlessly. Although it was only one hunt, I do believe that the "nickel" trick took care of the problem. It's saved me the time and expense of having to send my otherwise reliable GPP back to Garrett.
I know it's a long post, but I wanted to be specific about the behavior associated with the cause. Hope it helps some who might be having similar problems.
Happy Hunting!
I'm one of the fortunate people who's had zero issues with my GPP and find it nearly an essential part of my detecting gear to the point I don't like to hunt without it.
As luck would have it, just last weekend my GPP started to act erratically while on a hunt. I'd turn it on and place the tip in the hole at which point it'd start to go off and continue to beep like mad until I turned it off. Turning it on and off would sometimes correct the issue and sometimes not. I changed the battery thinking that was the problem, but that didn't correct the issue. It was so aggravating I found I couldn't trust the GPP on any target. I thought for sure I'd be sending it back to Garrett (fortunately it's still under warranty). First though I did some internet searching to determine what others have experienced. Although it's not always the issue, I did find multiple references to people experiencing the same problem I was having and a couple people suggested placing a nickel under the battery cap as there is a foam pad there that's purpose is to apply pressure to the back of the 9v battery which snugs the battery connection at the terminals. The idea being that that foam will compress over time causing a loose battery connection. I figured it was worth a shot. I didn't want to place a nickel in there, so cut a wafer off the end of a synthetic wine cork instead. I tested it in the garage and finally had a chance to get it out on a hunt today. The GPP worked flawlessly. Although it was only one hunt, I do believe that the "nickel" trick took care of the problem. It's saved me the time and expense of having to send my otherwise reliable GPP back to Garrett.
I know it's a long post, but I wanted to be specific about the behavior associated with the cause. Hope it helps some who might be having similar problems.
Happy Hunting!
