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Metal detecting is a popular hobby for detector users and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re searching for artefacts, coins or precious metals, having the right tools can really enhance your success. One tool that has revolutionised the metal detector experience is the pinpoint probe. In this article, we will explore what pinpointers are and discuss why they are essential tools for any serious metal detectorist. 

Pinpointers: What Are They?

A pinpointer is a miniature handheld electronic device specifically designed to assist metal detectorists in locating buried targets with greater accuracy. While metal detectors are excellent for scanning larger areas, they lack the precision required to pinpoint the exact location of a target. This is where pinpointers come into play. 

Unlike a full-size metal detector, pinpointers are compact and highly sensitive. They’re mostly operated by a single button and emit audio or vibration signals when they detect a metal target. Good probes also increase in intensity as you get closer to the target this narrowing down a search area, a pinpointer significantly reduces the time and effort required to recover a buried item. 

Why Do You Need A Pinpointer?

Increased Precision

One of the primary reasons to invest in a pinpointer is its ability to provide precise target location. Once your metal detector alerts you to a target you can use the ‘onboard’ pinpoint feature to narrow down where to dig the initial hole. After you have removed a plug you can then use the pinpoint probe to hone in on a specific spot, allowing for more accurate digging. This precision saves time and minimises the risk of damaging valuable items during the uncovering process.

Enhanced Target Recovery

You only need to use the pinpoint probe if the target is still in the hole (deeper maybe or the target may be on adge in the side of the hole, both of which can cause you to dig either not enough or to one side of the true location.

Features

A pinpointer offers several features that aid in the retrieval of buried targets. Many models are equipped with a built-in LED light, enabling you to see clearly in dimly lit areas, the LED also confirms the probe is switched on if it’s in silent mode of operation, some allow silent use but still vibrate in the hand. Additionally, some pinpointers are waterproof, allowing you to search in shallow water or wet environments such as wet grass, waterproofing especially is important in our British climate. Some probes are rechargeable, other run off a single PP3 9v battery with months of battery life. Lastly you can adjust sensitivity whilst down the hole with some better probes, very useful when you have a large target to pinpoint.

Improving Efficiency

The above features improve your overall success rate, expand your metal detecting opportunities & most importantly increase your efficiency at recovering targets, less time faffing around chasing the illusive target leaving more time detecting the next one. 

Versatility 

Pinpointers are lightweight and portable, making them easy to carry and handle when detecting. They can be used in conjunction with any type of metal detector, regardless of the brand or model, some even interact with your detector so only you hear the sound through your wirelsss phones and will also turn off the detectors coil so that you don’t suffer interference between detector & probe.  With their compact size, you can easily store a pinpointer in your pocket or pouch without adding significant bulk, most probes come with a convenient pouch.

Fakes

Watch out for fakes that abound on well known websites, some come in exact copies of manufacturers packaging including instructions & cheekily a fake warranty form, you can’t & won’t be able to tell until it’s too late, when have yet to see a good one. Also be wary of the ‘good value for money’ probe with every feature under the sun (most of which you don’t need). If you are not sure please phone us, Nigel did the BBC Fake Britain program a few years ago on fake probes, we can advise.

Detect Clever!

In the world of metal detecting, a pinpointer is an indispensable tool that greatly enhances your treasure hunting experience & efficiency. Its ability to pinpoint the exact location of buried metal targets with precision. Their features make them a ‘must have’ accessory for metal detecting enthusiasts. 

Regton stock a range of pinpointers for your days out. Find out more about the range of metal detectors we stock here. 

Metal detecting rallies are exciting events that bring together hobbyists and enthusiasts who share a love for metal detecting and especially hunting for History. Whether you are a seasoned detectorist or a beginner, attending a rally can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. To make the most of your time at these events, you need the right metal detecting equipment. In this blog post, we will explore what you need for rallies and how to choose the best metal detecting equipment for your needs.

Metal Detector

The most important piece of metal detector equipment for any detectorist is a reliable and high-quality metal detector. When it comes to attending rallies, you want a metal detector that can handle all types of terrains and conditions. Look for a metal detector with a good discrimination system, which will allow you to distinguish between different types of metal and avoid false signals.

Batteries & Chargers

Don’t forget to take spare batteries for both detector & pinpoint probe if they are not rechargeable. For those pieces of equipment that are rechargeable including your phone you have many options to re-charge:

• Battery bank/portable charger
• Solar charger
• Vehicle USB or lighter socket

Pinpointer

A pinpointer is a handheld metal detector equipment device that helps you locate the exact location of a metal object once you have dug the initial hole. It saves you a lot of time by reducing the amount of digging and sifting through the spoil. When choosing a pinpointer make sure you research which will be the best to work alongside your detector as they are not all compatible, you are looking for well known brands & be aware of the many lookalikes & fakes on the market, especially the ‘good ones’.

Digging Tools

To retrieve the metal object you have detected, you need either a spade, a trowel/digging knife. Look for digging tools that are made of durable materials, (not plastic) that have comfortable grips. A good digging tool should also be lightweight and compact enough to carry around easily however bear in mind light often means weak so take that into account.

Headphones

Headphones are an essential detecting accessory for metal detectorists attending rallies. They allow you to hear the signals from your metal detector clearly, even in noisy environments. Look for specialist metal detector headphones that are comfortable to wear for long periods and have good sound quality, wireless headphones are now available for most detectors but beware cheap Bluetooth wireless headphones as Bluetooth has a latency from transmission to reception, not good for detecting. Rally organisers insist on the use of headphones at events as you don’t want hundreds of speakers all sounding off over the field.

Bags and Backpacks

You may need a bag to carry all your metal detecting equipment, snacks and water during rallies. Look for a bag or backpack that is lightweight and has enough compartments to organise your gear. A backpack with adjustable straps and a padded back will ensure that you carry your equipment comfortably.

Protective Gear

Finally, it’s essential to have protective metal detector equipment such as gloves, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Gloves protect your hands from sharp objects & possibly chemical such as fertiliser, while suncream protects your skin from harmful UV rays. Insect repellent keeps bugs away, ensuring that you enjoy your rally without being bitten.

In conclusion, attending a metal detecting rally can be an exciting experience, but you need the right metal detecting equipment to make the most of it. By investing in good-quality equipment such as pinpointer, correct digging tools, headphones, backpack, and protective gear, you can increase your chances of finding goodies and have a great time at the event.

Remember to do your research and choose metal detecting equipment that suits your needs and budget. If you’re looking for metal detecting equipment, Regton has plenty of stock to help you out! Take a look at our website for more. And remember, we are detectorists ourselves so if you’re not sure please ask us, we also attend all the large rallies throughout the year so come & say hello. Happy hunting!

Metal detecting is a valued activity across the globe, exploring new territory, unearthing the past or recovering lost valuables and returning them back to their rightful owner.

Luke Webb, based in Dorset, has been supporting young people with mental health conditions for over a decade. His role is to help young people out of inpatient services, back into the community using a social prescribing, solution-focused model of care.

Luke introduced metal detecting into his work after spending a significant amount of time with a young person cleaning the beaches of Weymouth in Dorset. This time was used to not only clean their mind of troubles that they were facing, but to also clean the local beach of an impressive quantity of litter, left by the seasonal beachgoers.

Throughout their cleaning and wellbeing journey, they came across many items, including a collection of ring pulls, brightly coloured stones, coins and padlocks from a local gymnasium. The young person spoke about the value in unearthing treasures that may have been once forgotten, bringing them back to their former glory and valuing the precious item for their own. Their inquisitive mind asked about metal detecting as something they would like to try. 

Listening to the voice of the young people, the team invested in some Garrett metal detectors and were ready to explore.

By using metal detecting as an activity to support reflection on self, it has been really valuable to Luke and the young people that he supports. The analogy of “unearthing the past” is a common discussion when taking part in this therapeutic activity.

Do we choose to throw our finds in the bin, or do we keep the forgotten treasures and bring them back to life?

This can relate to potential past trauma and also previously enjoyed hobbies and interests, do we bring back the things we once enjoyed or do we discard and keep looking for new interests? This focus has helped Luke and the young person think about their identity, current interests and future goals.

The staff within his organisation also had the opportunity to visit the local beach on their breaks to enjoy a bit of time to themselves during shifts. Focusing on an activity has great value in wellbeing and the benefits can support stress, anxiety, internal debriefs along with an opportunity to network with like minded people.

Luke has also offered this activity to his own family and local scout group as a way of enabling them to take part in something new, highlighting the wellbeing benefits of being outdoors, learning about tides, history and finding lost items, scoring their wellbeing pre and post activity has been valuable to evidence the benefits of metal detecting as a fun and interesting way of occupying oneself.

Luke will continue to explore the outdoors and offer the sustainable activity of metal detecting with those that show an interest. He will continue to support the young people to dig deep into their challenges and will be alongside them with whatever outcome they choose. They are yet to find any gold but have found many gems within the young people that may have once been forgotten. The hunt continues and he looks forward to unearthing more valuable qualities within the young people he cares for, helping them to recognise their strengths and have the best start in challenging times.

If you want to know how to make the most of your rallies, our latest blog details what metal detecting tools are and how they can benefit you! Whether you’re a beginner to the metal detecting world, or you’ve been attending rallies for years, we have some top tips about tools that can help you!

What Are Metal Detecting Tools?

Metal detecting tools are extra accessories that make finding easier and more exciting. Most tools are portable and easy to store in a tool box or your favourite bag. We have some examples of tools and how they can help you.

1. Metal Detector Headphones

Metal detector headphones are essential when you are hunting. They will cancel our sounds around you and ensure you are not missing any finds. You will also get privacy with these.

2. Trowels and Diggers

Having the right metal detecting tools is key. With digging tools, ideally something that can dig deep holes with a small diameter works well – making filling holes back up easy.

3. Metal Detecting Pouches and Bags

Finding a pouch or a bag to store your finds is important. You don’t want to lose your finds on site after spending the time and care to gather them!

4. Metal Detecting Gloves

Metal detecting gloves can prevent you from cuts, abrasions, dirt and more! Finding the right pair of metal detecting gloves will keep you safe and clean. We recommend gloves with secure fitting. 

If you’re looking for metal detecting tools, Regton has got you covered. We stock a wide range of products including metal detecting gloves, trowels, headphones, pouches and more! Take a look at our range on our website.