When you are starting out in metal detecting, the most important device you need is a metal detector. However, as you grow into your hobby, you will need more accessories that not only make your exploration more fun but also more relaxed. One of these accessories that you should aim to get as an enthusiast is a pinpointer, in this article we’re going to cover why the Garrett pro pointer is the most popular.
A pinpointer is a device that will help in pointing you to a more exact location of your find, as you may have gathered from the name. They are available in so many options, and the Garrett Pro-Pointer II is one of the best ones you can get, especially since Garrett is a top provider of metal detecting kits. It is one of the most sturdy and accurate pinpointers for explorers of all ages. However, how well does it do in different places, and how much should you expect if you purchase it? This review will give you all the details you need.
Garrett Pro Pointer II Features
There are a few pinpointers by Garrett that are excellent for all types of detecting and at all levels. The pro pointer II is a unique yet straightforward device making it suitable for both adults and children. It is also the most affordable Garrett pinpointer, but that doesn’t mean that it is inadequate as it packs as many features as the others while being much cheaper. So why should you buy the pro pointer II? The following are some of the notable features it has.
- One-Press Syncing to Garrett Z-Lynk wireless receivers.
- Wireless Convenience: Hear both detector and pinpointer alarms in your headphones, even in noisy environments (beach,high winds, congested urban areas, organized hunts).
- Fast Retune: Quick button press instantly tunes out environment or narrows detection field for precise pinpointing of larger targets.
- Single-button operation for Power, Retune, Sensitivity adjustment (3 levels), and Silent Mode (vibration only).
- LED Flashlight for low light uses. New power button is easy to operate even with gloves.
Design
One of the features that you will value most in your pin pointer is a great design that makes it easy to use. It is a perfect size that fits perfectly, even in small hands, if you want to get it for your children. The handle has a good grip, which is necessary, so it doesn’t often fall mainly in the dark. However, if it does drop, the body is quite hardy, so it is not easy to break.
The one-button design in the pro pointer II is one of the reasons why it is a top pointer among metal detecting enthusiasts. Multiple buttons tend to be quite distracting, and it is easy to get confused, which may affect how fast you find your treasure. Other than the button, there is only a speaker and a lanyard attachment at the bottom.
It comes only in black, a great color since it won’t get dirty. Batteries are included, but they are non-removable, which is excellent since you don’t have to worry about replacing them regularly. Replacements are readily available both online and in supply stores, so you won’t struggle to get them.
Single-Button Function
You don’t want to start looking for the start and tuning button when you are close to the find, so the one button on this device is perfect. It’s one of the best things about this pointer and the reason why it is excellent for children. It works as an on and off button, and for that reason, it is also what you use to retune. When you switch it on, the pointer automatically tunes itself, so it is ready to use in a few seconds. If you lose your find, then you can turn it off, and when back on, it will automatically retune.
While this is not the best compared to other pointers that have a retuning button, it allows its operation to be more straightforward hence suitable for everyone. The button is well made, so it is unlikely that it will malfunction. It is also well placed, so your thumb sits right on it, which is great, especially when there is low light.
Ease of Use
The best thing about pinpointers is that there is nothing else to it other than using it to point in the direction of your find. With the pro pointer II, this is even easier since it only has one button that does everything for you.
Since it auto-tunes, it is quick, so it immediately directs you to your find. In most cases, it will give you accurate directions, so while it lacks a sensitivity increase button, you don’t need it. The device uses both vibration and sound when you are close to finding something making it excellent to use even in noisy places. It slices the time you would take to find an item by half, and the fact that it is accurate makes it even better.
The Garrett pro pointer II not only works on the surface but also underground. It is particularly useful when you are not sure how deep what you need is since you can insert it in the hole, and it will direct you. The vibration and sound get louder when you are closer to getting it and not to worry since it is loud enough for you to hear even when the probe is underground.
- One-Press Syncing to Garrett Z-Lynk wireless receivers.
- Wireless Convenience: Hear both detector and pinpointer alarms in your headphones, even in noisy environments (beach,high winds, congested urban areas, organized hunts).
- Fast Retune: Quick button press instantly tunes out environment or narrows detection field for precise pinpointing of larger targets.
- Single-button operation for Power, Retune, Sensitivity adjustment (3 levels), and Silent Mode (vibration only).
- LED Flashlight for low light uses. New power button is easy to operate even with gloves.
Sound and Security
The pinpointer costs over $100, so it would be a loss if you misplaced it, which is why it has an alarm system to help with that. The pro pinpointer II will start beeping at intervals whenever it is left unused for more than five minutes. While this alarm system doesn’t work as you would expect, it helps when you go looking for it and find it beeping.
The beeping sound will continue every couple of minutes for one hour, after which it turns itself off. This is great since if you left it somewhere and remember to look for it in under an hour, you will find it. The auto-off feature also allows you to save up on batteries, especially if you often forget to turn it off. However, to avoid misplacing the accessory, the pro pointer II has a lanyard that you can hook to your pants or bag.
Water Resistance
During your search outside, it is easy for your device to get water whether you are searching near a beach or lake or even when it rains. This can be damaging for your pinpointer, which is why it is water-resistant. Note that this doesn’t mean it can be used underwater, it only means that upon contact with water, it won’t become damaged.
It can also be used in the mud, and rinsing it using water won’t affect it in any way. The critical thing to remember is not to submerge it in water as it will go cold. The fact that it isn’t waterproof makes it one of the most significant disadvantages, but if it is essential, you can get it with the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT.
Other features of the Garrett pro pointer II include:
- An LED light that helps in getting your finds even in the dark.
- It has 360 degrees search that allows it to detect items from all sides of the probe.
- Different vibration and sound intensity that allows you to know the exact location of the metal.
- Long battery life.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Garrett Pro-Pointer II
There are many great benefits of this waterproof pinpointer, which is why it has been a popular option among metal detection lovers for years. However, it equally has some disadvantages that still don’t take away from its awesomeness.
Pros
- It is easy to use. This is one of the simplest to use probes on the market since its functionality is pretty straight forward.
- It has an LED light for those early morning and night adventures. It also helps you to look in holes, especially when they’re deep.
- The vibration and sounds increase as you get closer to your find, so it is easy to know when you are moving in the right direction.
- It auto-tunes quite fast, so rarely will you need to adjust it or even retune unless you lose the signal, and it is better to start over.
- It is water and weather resistant so it can withstand some rainfall and washing under running water.
- It is affordable, given its reliability and durability.
- It has long-lasting batteries that can go up to 30 hours.
- It’s made by a certified manufacturer of metal detectors and accessories, so it is quality assured.
- It comes with a two-year warranty.
Cons
- It doesn’t have a returning button.
- It doesn’t have inch markings on the probe, which is a common feature of pinpointers.
- It is only available in one color that is not easily visible in the dark.
- There is no silent mode; hence, it causes disturbance when using at night.
If you are looking for an excellent pinpointer for you or your children, then the Garrett Pro-Pointer II is an excellent option. However, take time to read some buyer reviews since they will allow you to see more of what to expect and how well it may serve you. While it is not the cheapest waterproof pinpointer you will find, it is reasonably priced, especially since you know that you won’t experience any functionality issues, and if you do, the two-year warranty should cover it.
- One-Press Syncing to Garrett Z-Lynk wireless receivers.
- Wireless Convenience: Hear both detector and pinpointer alarms in your headphones, even in noisy environments (beach,high winds, congested urban areas, organized hunts).
- Fast Retune: Quick button press instantly tunes out environment or narrows detection field for precise pinpointing of larger targets.
- Single-button operation for Power, Retune, Sensitivity adjustment (3 levels), and Silent Mode (vibration only).
- LED Flashlight for low light uses. New power button is easy to operate even with gloves.
