A pinpointer is a must-have when metal detecting.  In fact I would consider it the most important metal detecting accessory after a good digger.  Yep, even more important than good headphones if you ask me.

Why do you need a pinpointer?  Coins and such can be hard to see!  Not to mention they can be hiding in the wall of a hole while you’re digging to China.   Turn on the pinpointer, scan the hole or the clump of dirt, and beeeeeeep, you have your goodie in-hand in no time.

Here’s a roundup of some of the more popular metal detector pinpointers on the market today.

• SunRay In-Line

Some would consider the SunRay In-Line Probes to be the cream of the crop.  These pinpointers work as a secondary coil on your detector.  Flip a switch and the pinpointer is active rather than the main coil.  This gives you all the tones and readings that your detector would normally have, except with a tiny coil. Somewhat pricey compared to other pinpointers at around $170. More on Sunray at their website here: Sunray Detectors.

• Garrett Pocket Probe

The Garrett Pro-Pointer is a relative newcomer in the pinpointer market, although Garrett is one of the oldest names in metal detecting. This handheld probe is getting some excellent reviews.  The Garrett Pro-Pointer will run you about $140.  More info at Garrett’s Website.

• Automax Precision V4

The Automax V2/V4 has been on the market for a while.  Its long length allows the detectorist to really get into the hole to scan for elusive goodies.    Some users do report cumbersom ergonomics.  Available at Kellyco.

• DetectorPro Pistol Probe

Great reviews on this one.  The pulse induction DetectorPro Pistol Probe has a 6 1/2 probe length and opperates on two 9v batteries.  Kind of pricey at $189.  More at DetectorPro.

• DetectorPro UniProbe

The UniProbe is a more unusual pinpointer.  It comes paired with headphones and can be converted into a full size metal detector with the addition of a larger coil and rods.  DetectorPro reports 5-6 inches depth on coins in the hole with this PI pinpointer.  $350.  A must-see at DetectorPro.

• “Vibra” probes

Treasure Products offers the Vibra-Probe,  Vibra-Quatic, Vibra-Tector, and Vibra-Phone.  Fully submersible, these pinpointers are pulse-induction and give vibration and/or light feedback (depending on model).  They’re priced at around $150.  See the different models at Treasure Products.

• White’s Bullseye

A name as famous in metal detecting as White’s has to offer a top-notch pinpointer.  They do it with the Bullseye II.  This compact pinpointer opperates with sound or vibration and even has an LED to help you see your target.  Available from Whites HERE.  About $100.

• Bounty Hunter pinpointer / Fisher F-Point

This First Texas pinpointer is easy to use with good reported ergonomics.  One of the less expensive pinpointers, it runs about $50.  Interestingly they aren’t mentioned on Fisher’s or Bounty Hunter’s website.

So do you use a metal detector pinpointer?  Have I left any good ones out?  Which pinpointer would you recommend? Comments encouraged!