Bounty Hunter/Tekentics Pinpointer

[FXDiz]

I couldn't find much on this probe, so I decided to get one and try it myself. I give it 2.5 stars out of 5. I have a Whites Bullseye II so that is the only pinpointer I can compare it to.

The good: It's a budget pinpointer that works. As far as range/depth, it matches the Whites and may actually get a 1/4 inch or so more. It's streamlined shape and less bulky body makes it easier to carry than the Whites.

It has a few issues though.
One, the vibration is so light that if you get a quick hit, you're not sure if the pinpointer vibrated, or if it was caused by scrapping something like a tree root.
Two, the switch (knob) location is at the front of the body, just under the back of the probe shaft. If you are probing a hole, you can move the knob by hitting the side of the hole turning up the sensitivity and cause it to vibrate or turning down the senitivity and getting less depth/range. That can get very annoying. You end up having to hold the probe so as to protect the knob.
Three, the battery cover is not very secure and is easy to knock off. I had to tape it on to keep it from coming off while in use.
Four, since it's turned on/off and adjusted (sensitivity) with the same knob, it can cause feedback on your detector, vice the push and release on/off button switch on the Whites which turns off when you release the button. This is especially true when adjusted to right at the edge of sensitivity, which is where you want it for maximum depth/range. At the edge, it will periodically come on by itself causing feedback on your detector.

In conclusion it works and goes for about $45 to $50 less than the Whites Bullseye II. If you can live with the issues, then get it. Personally, I prefer the Whites and would try to find a used Whites for about the price of the Bounty Hunter or spend the extra bucks and get the Whites.

Bounty Hunter/Teknetics could have a very good pinpointer here (4.5 to 5 stars) if they would redesign it to relocate the knob/switch to the body. Put a stronger vibrator in it. Fix the battery cover so it will stay on while in use. Add an on/off switch seperate from the sensitivity adjustment.

[WThesing]

In other words, scrap it and come out with a new model.

[FXDiz]

They could always do that too. Actually it works very well and I do like it's size and shape. It gets better range/depth than the Bullseye II. The probe end is tapered and makes it easier to insert into loose ground. I don't think it would take a lot to just do a minor redesign incorporating the changes and they'd have a much more user friendly pinpointer.

[ToddB64]

Originally Posted by FXDiz

I couldn't find much on this probe, so I decided to get one and try it myself. I give it 2.5 stars out of 5. I have a Whites Bullseye II so that is the only pinpointer I can compare it to.

The good: It's a budget pinpointer that works. As far as range/depth, it matches the Whites and may actually get a 1/4 inch or so more. It's streamlined shape and less bulky body makes it easier to carry than the Whites.

It has a few issues though.
One, the vibration is so light that if you get a quick hit, you're not sure if the pinpointer vibrated, or if it was caused by scrapping something like a tree root.
Two, the switch (knob) location is at the front of the body, just under the back of the probe shaft. If you are probing a hole, you can move the knob by hitting the side of the hole turning up the sensitivity and cause it to vibrate or turning down the senitivity and getting less depth/range. That can get very annoying. You end up having to hold the probe so as to protect the knob.
Three, the battery cover is not very secure and is easy to knock off. I had to tape it on to keep it from coming off while in use.
Four, since it's turned on/off and adjusted (sensitivity) with the same knob, it can cause feedback on your detector, vice the push and release on/off button switch on the Whites which turns off when you release the button. This is especially true when adjusted to right at the edge of sensitivity, which is where you want it for maximum depth/range. At the edge, it will periodically come on by itself causing feedback on your detector.

In conclusion it works and goes for about $45 to $50 less than the Whites Bullseye II. If you can live with the issues, then get it. Personally, I prefer the Whites and would try to find a used Whites for about the price of the Bounty Hunter or spend the extra bucks and get the Whites.

Bounty Hunter/Teknetics could have a very good pinpointer here (4.5 to 5 stars) if they would redesign it to relocate the knob/switch to the body. Put a stronger vibrator in it. Fix the battery cover so it will stay on while in use. Add an on/off switch seperate from the sensitivity adjustment.

Hi FXDiz !

Thanks for this interesting report. I am reviewing a number of pinpointers, features, dimensions, price, etc. to decide which one is right for me.

I note you are not too happy with the vibration strength of the Bounty Hunter. Is the Bullseye II vibration strong enough in your opinion ? How would you rate the vibration strength of these two pinpointers, say on a scale of 1 to 5, starting with the BH at 1 ?

Thanks,

Todd

[Ed in KC]

I have this pinpointer too, and think that it comes in very handy, but I don't think it's worth the Fifty bucks I paid for mine--seems more like a $20 item. I had problems with my battery cover coming off, then realized it's meant to go on one way (you have to look at the way the clips fit inside) and it stays on now.

[Sphelt]

I just bought one one ebay for $26.00 and it is well worth it at this price. I would not buy it at the >$50.00 point though. The only pinpointer that I can compare it to is my home-made one. I found that the vibration was enough for me. The depth is OK, but no better than my other. (.75 to 1 inch) much less with on-edge clad.