Pinpointers, Then and Now
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Minelab Pinpointers leading the pack.
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Chicago, IL (December 8, 2023) – Several decades ago, metal detector manufacturers came out with a new product called a “pinpointer”. They were six- to ten-inches long, operated on a small battery, and were not waterproof. They usually came with carrying case, which fastened to the user’s belt.
When they first appeared on the market, most detector users asked, “Why?” At this time, most metal detectors had a pinpointer of sorts built into the machine. Even detectors that were not equipped with a pinpoint mode could find a small target when used by an experienced detectorist. Why would a searcher need another piece of equipment to carry with them?
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Often, the pinpointer was only used after the detector failed to find a small target. After paying several hundred dollars for a new metal detector, why spend another hundred or so for a piece of equipment, which basically did what your detector already did? With not a lot of these new devices being used yet, deciding what model to purchase was a big question.
As the years passed, more advanced pinpointers came into use, their advantages apparent. When a target was moved around while digging, the pinpointer could almost immediately “pinpoint” it without swinging the detector to relocate it. Like metal detectors, pinpointers that did the intended job became more popular.
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When competing in a “seeded” hunt, this little device could save several seconds in recovery time for each target. This is extremely important in a competition where money and trophies are at stake. Now, when looking around at a seeded hunt, almost all participants are using a pinpointer. Even those searching alone in a yard, park, or beach use them. The time saved digging makes a big difference.
Most detector manufacturers realize they must constantly keep improving their product. Those who didn’t learn this are no longer with us. Pinpointers were included in this upgrade. The biggest improvement was making them waterproof. While detectors were often waterproof, early pinpointers couldn’t be used in the water. When the detectorist became accustomed to using a pinpointer on land, they wanted to be able to use it when water hunting. Many other features were added such as additional modes, color, etc.
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Minelab has shown it intends to remain at the top of the field in metal detectors. New machines keep appearing on the market to give its users the best features available. This is also true of Minelab’s pinpointers.
The PRO-FIND series, like their metal detectors, keeps improving.
PRO-FIND 15 is the first in the series. It offers the core basics, including Interference Free (DIF) technology, which significantly reduces interference with an operating metal detector when the pinpointer is switched off, by disengaging the pinpointer coil’s magnetic field. The 15 series is waterproof to five-feet for accurate detection of targets in shallow water. The audio tones intensify as the probe approaches the target, making target location easier than ever.
This PRO-FIND 15 is brightly colored and easily visible so you won’t lose it if you leave it behind after digging a target. It has a LOST ALARM feature that sounds after a period of inactive use. This lets you locate your forgotten pinpointer, even in long grass, so it’s never left behind. The 15 comes with a holster and multi-language instructions.
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Up next is the PRO-FIND 35. This high performance pinpointer is waterproof to ten-feet. Designed for the expert detectorist, it has two different responses to help you identify ferrous junk from nonferrous treasure. This is especially useful when using a non-discriminating detector. The 35 offers both audio and vibration target indication, which intensify as the target is approached, making recovery easier, especially underwater. The PRO-FIND 35 comes standard with five different levels of adjustable sensitivity to accommodate maximum depth and minimum noise in all ground conditions. These levels are easily adjustable with separate +/- buttons. The PRO-FIND 35 also includes a holster with lanyard, 9V PP3 battery, built in flashlight, and instructions.
But Minelab didn’t stop there. Just recently, they released the feature-packed PRO-FIND 40. All the attributes of the 35 are included in the new PRO-FIND 40, plus more. The PRO-FIND 40 is equipped with a rapid re-tune button, which minimizes interference. It has a 10% increased depth capability and coil design enhancement. Everything a detectorist needs in a pinpointer. It even comes with a 2-year warranty.
If you have a metal detector, you need a Minelab pinpointer. It’s that simple.
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ABOUT MINELAB:
Minelab is an Australian, multi-award-winning business that has successfully scaled world markets to command global leadership in its key areas of operation. Based in Mawson Lakes, South Australia, with regional offices in Cork, Ireland; Dubai, UAE; Monterrey, Mexico; Itajai, Brazil; and Chicago, U.S.A., the company specializes in advanced electronic technologies. Since its origins in 1985, Minelab has been the world leader in providing metal-detecting technologies for gold prospecting, treasure hunting and landmine clearance. Through devotion to research and development and innovative design, Minelab is today the major world manufacturer of handheld metal detector products. Over the past 30 years, Minelab has introduced more innovative and practical technology than any of its competitors and has taken the metal detecting industry to new levels of excellence. Minelab is a Codan Limited company (ASX: “CDA”). To learn more about Minelab, visit minelab.com.
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