The 10 Best Pinpointer Metal Detectors
This wiki has been updated 25 times since it was first published in August of 2018. Unless you love digging giant holes, you’re going to need a pinpointer metal detector to help you unearth those items located by your larger unit. These handheld wands enable you to determine exactly where the treasure is hiding, keeping you from having to shift buckets of dirt. Many are waterproof, too. Just be sure to dig carefully and watch out for hazards, like sharp or jagged items. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Garrett Pro-Pointer AT
2. White’s Bullseye II
3. XP Deus MI-6
Editor's Notes
November 19, 2020:
The Garrett Pro-Pointer AT continues to be a top contender and for good reason, as it's feature-rich without going overboard, reliable, accurate, and versatile. If you want something in the same wheelhouse but with a rechargeable battery rather than a 9-volt, the XP Deus MI-6 is a great choice, especially if you're a beginner who plans on getting a full-sized metal detector as you progress, as it links up to its larger counterpart detector.
With the Kuman Unearthing Tool no longer as budget-friendly as it once was, we decided to remove it, as the quality does not match the new price point. Instead, we took the opportunity to bring on the Nokta PulseDive, a patented 2-in-1 selection that is distinctive from the rest thanks to its pinpointing and coil functions. This one is ideal for diving and snorkeling since it's submersible down to 200 feet, a feature that is relatively uncommon in this category. And if you want just a pinpointer with the same deep-diving capabilities, the Quest XPointer Pro can also handle 200 feet.
While we appreciated that the Pyle Pro has a low price, it's far surpassed by the newly-added Dr. Ötek IP68, which is in the same league budget-wise. It's straightforward to use, smartly designed, sensitive enough to pick up gold flakes and other teensy objects, waterproof to 32 feet, and outfitted with a multicolored LED flashing system to alert you as you draw nearer to treasure. It does away with an audible alarm function to not disturb wildlife and other treasure hunters, but some find this omission to be a flaw.
July 02, 2019:
While there are plenty of pinpointer metal detectors on the market, it still remains difficult to top the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT, often affectionately referred to as the Garrett Carrot. Not only is it built to last, but it's easy enough even for novices to use — and without the frustration that less robust models might offer. The one tiny drawback is that it runs on a 9-volt battery, which is only a drawback when you consider that companies are now pushing out models with rechargeable batteries. These, including the XP Deus MI-6 and Quest XPointer Pro, mean no more buying new batteries, and they have plenty of other great features, to boot. Of course, none of these models is particularly cheap, and so may not be the best option for a newbie. If the budget is a concern, we still think the Deteknix Xpointer or Kuman Unearthing Tool are acceptable, although neither is fully submersible. Beginners may also find them inadequate as their skills grow.
Special Honors
Meetup Meetup is a platform for finding and building local communities with like-minded people. It's handy for making friends, learning new things, pursuing passions and hobbies, and more. If you're interested in locating fellow treasure hunters in your area for group metal detecting excursions, this is a solid place to start. meetup.com
Metal Detecting in the USA For detection tips, finds, stories, relic and treasure hunting information, news, downloads, and how-to articles, this website is a helpful resource. They also have an extensive directory of clubs throughout the United States organized by state, as well as British and Canadian groups for anyone looking to join one. metaldetectingintheusa.com
4. Garrett Pro-Pointer II
5. Nokta PulseDive
6. Quest XPointer Pro
7. Teknetics Tek-Point
8. Dr. Ötek IP68
9. Nokta Waterproof
10. Deteknix Xpointer
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