AUTOMAX PRECISION V4 : Whats the pros & Cons?

[rja2008]

I was told I just had to have a pinpointer and they went on to say it would pin point & recov targets faster. So, I ordered the AUTOMAX PRECISION V4 from Kellyco for $59.95 & free UPS shipping. I know they usually sell for $89.95 and with it being a savings of $35.00 plus the free shipping. I was thinking I got a great deal but I am concern by some of the reviews I have scene after I made my purchase there issues to take into conceration when using the Automax. Can anyone explain some of the potential issues I might run into and if you have any suggestions, tips or tricks to keep the issues from happening to me? Thank All, Y'all are coolest people around.

 

[RLOH]

I personally like the Automax pinpointers, but they do have a couple of drawbacks. One, they need to be tuned almost every time you turn it on. I never thought this was a big deal. I usually had it tuned before I reached the target. Second, every one I used broke at the first joint of the shaft. Kellyco is very good at replacing them under warranty. I always epoxy a splice of plastic pipe or tubing at the first joint before it broke or after. Some people don't like the long shaft, but it is nice to not have to stick your hand in a muddy hole. I used a plastic wire tie and a spring loaded key chain clip and hooked it to my belt loop instead of using the clip on the probe. Don't pry or get too rough with it and it will last a couple of seasons, depending on how much you hunt. I must be hard on pinpointers as every handheld I use has failed in the first year. This includes Pro pointers and Pistol Probes. Usually it is the push button switch that breaks. I hunt every day from snow out until being snow bound so I problably use my pinpointers three or four times more than the average detectorist. R.L.

 

[Mtnmn]

Hope you have better luck with your V4 than I had with mine which lasted me all of three months. Mine gave me nothing but trouble almost from the very beginning and finally one day it must have got damp from the light drizzle I was metal detecting in and it finally quit for good. The moisture must have somehow fried the electronics. I then bought a Pro-Pointer and haven't had a problem since and that was a year and a half ago. My best advice would be to baby your V4 and not allow it to get damp, by doing so you might get a couple of years out of it...

 

[rja2008]

Thanks for all info guys...it is much appreciated.

 

[rja2008]

Is there anything I can do to reinforce the tip of Automax? Maybe heavy duty shrink tubing? Would that inhibit the effectiveness of the probe? Please get out the word and come with some advice. Thanks again all...y'all have been great!