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Feels solid, operates great, louder than the Garret, but you can cut this one off if you like and just vibrate. Definitely sensitivity adjustable. Now the tests will come with the masses using them. Built out of a different material than the Garrett too. I'm pleased so far...................
Do either of you guys own a Pro Pointer? If so, let the comparison tests begin! Can you use a ruler and give us some measurements on targets between both pin pointers in air tests? Do the Minelab at it's 3 sensitivity settings each so as to show what will match or perhaps beat the Pro Pointer. Be nice to also super tune the Pro Pointer and see if it can beat or match the Minelab if the Minelab gets more depth at max 3rd sensitivity setting level or something.
Also, how heavy is it compared to the Pro Pointer by feel? If you can put them both on a scale that'd be great. And, is it just me or does that pin pointer look fatter in the hand area than the Pro Pointer? Also seems to look squarish in the hand area? Just as comfortable in the hand?
I'm not one for extra switches to turn things on or off or adjust things. Just more ways for dirt or moisture to maybe get in or have something fail. Also don't see the need for the auto turn off function because most people keep it in a harness near their digger and so it will of course sound off if that happens and it ain't turned off.
What did you mean about the beeping thing? Don't tell me it has a "find me" mode where it will start talking if you leave it lay for a while? I often spend a lot of time digging under roots without touching my Pro Pointer so I don't want it nagging me unless I turn it off.
Also, I found the auto off function on the Vibraprobe to be a pain in the *ss.
If this thing costs more than the Pro Pointer then it better get some outstanding more depth ability then it. I'm happy with the depth of the Pro Pointer anyway, and super tuned it's more than enough for when I can't hear the target, without the need to get back up and use the machine to re-PP.
Look forward to your remarks and any testing between them!
I'm with Critter and would like to see some comparative information against the Pro-Pointer. Sometimes, I will use my Pro-Pointer instead of my SunRay probe when I'm hunting in dense woods and if the Minelab is heads and tails above the Pro-Pointer, it may be something to look in to. The Pro-Pointer when super tuned is pretty good. If the Minelab is close to the SunRay depth, now that would be something to talk about.
It saves you getting back up to re-pinpoint with your machine. Man, I HATED those days before the Pro Pointer. Sure, I had other pin pointers but they were more hassle to adjust sensitivity and use at every hole then just grabbing the dirt and waving it over the top of the coil. Usually ended up getting back up and re-sweeping the hole with my machine.
Now, all that said, 9 times out of 10 the Pro Pointer will hear the target the first time, but on that rare occassion it won't I just super tune it and can usually hear the target without needing to get back up to re-pin point with the machine. I'd say I've only had to get back up maybe 5 times in the last year, as usually the Pro Pointer will hear it even if I don't super tune. On those rare occassions it wont, I'm happy to just Super Tune (it's quick and easy) than get back up.
Well, if it's a fairly shallow target (2 or 3 inches), I like to use my Pin-Pointer to narrow down where the target is so I can dig the smallest plug possible or even use my coin popper to retrieve the target. I try to make the depth of my plugs match what I see on the depth meter, however, we all know that the depth meter can be off sometimes and the target could be deeper or stuck right in the middle of the plug. Having a Pin-Pointer with a little bit of depth can help find the target in the plug without having to cut layers away until the depth is within the capabilities of the Pin-Pointer or finding that elusive target that is buried deeper or in the side of the holes.
There's a thread going on right now in the main detecting forum (head is brown grass) about preventing grass from dying and such. I used to try to cut a small diamater plug but am starting to believe it's best to cut one roughly about the size of a coffee can. I think it's less chance of killing the grass on top of the plug. Also a good idea to dig a deeper plug way past the roots even if the target is shallower so as to keep dirt on the tail end of the roots. It's the air around the roots that dries out and kills the grass. That's also why I stomp pretty hard on the plug to get the air out. The grass will fluff back up in a day or two. I also leave one side connected. Makes for more roots connected to the surrounding grass I think, and also makes sure the plug falls back in in the right orientation so it's not leaving gaps around the edges. Everybody has their own theories so not saying I'm right, just that these are the ones I'm guessing are best for me to avoid dead grass. Others I'm sure differ, but that's what the forums are for to share ideas and decide for yourself which to use.
I'm with you critter. During the really hot parts of the summer, I dig my plugs a little bigger so they stay together better and it gives you a bigger hole for digging leverage around your target in the concrete hard dirt. As far as things you can do to keep the grass from dying (IMO);
1. Like you said, stomping your plug down hard to protect the roots from air
2. Dig bigger plugs
3. Carry some water with you with a VERY mild solution of fertilizer to add some moisture to the roots before you replace the plug
4. Like you said, leave a flap connected to one side of the plug
5. Use a screwdriver or coin popper to remove the target from your plug or the ground without digging a hole. You have to be carefull with this one or you'll end up scratching your target.
I ran across a comparison of the Pro Pointer to the Minelab one by a guy who has both. He went outside and used a ruler and said even with the Minelab tuned to highest sensitivity (I guess it has three levels?) he still isn't getting the depth of the Pro Pointer. That doesn't jive with one or two reports I've read where people say they are getting better depth with the Minelab. Maybe he got a dud or something? But I'm waiting for more reviews to come in from people to see one way or the other. I also want to see if the Pro Pointer can match or beat it (if the Minelab turns out to have more depth) by super tuning, because it's so easy to do on the Pro Pointer one handed when needed. I used to use a washer tied to the back end of the Pro Pointer and it made it easy to grab with my thumb, but Ism's little Sidekick invention makes it even easier.
