Having a high-quality pinpointer is an essential tool as a detectorist. A pinpointer is a simple device but can save you plenty of time in your metal detecting adventures. In this post, we compare two popular models Garrett pro pointer vs pro pointer 2.
With plenty of pinpointers flooded in the market today, most people will get confused when it comes to choosing the pinpointer to have in their toolkit. Garrett’s Pro-Pointer AT and Pro-Pointer II are some of the popular pointers that are currently popular among detectorists.
Both pinpointers are excellent in performance which makes it difficult to decide which one to buy between them. If you are in this dilemma, then you have come to the right place. Here we take you through the main difference between Pro-Pointer and Pro-Pointer II so that you get the idea of the one you should buy.
Garrett pro pointer vs pro pointer 2 Comparision
IN THIS POST
Features Comparison
One of the most notable differences between the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT and Pro-Pointer II is the color scheme. The Pro II comes with a black while the AT stands out with its bright orange color design.
The color scheme is not the most important difference. However, the AT with its bright orange color will be difficult to lose when in the field hunting.
Ease of Use
Garrett has a reputation for designing and manufacturing simple and intuitive pinpointer. Both the AT and II are easy to use, in fact, both produce audio and vibration alerts once they detect a target. The nearer the pointer it is to the target, the faster the pulsing.
The Pro-Pointer II has a single button for switching on and off. It has no other button for other settings. It also doesn’t have the adjustable sensitivity and vibration modes.
The AT also has a single button which makes it easy to operate. Nonetheless, the same button is used to power on/off, adjust sensitivity, and retuning the pinpointer. You can enter the adjustment mode by holding down the button for two seconds to trigger a single beep that is followed by a dual-tone beep. The drawback is that you might trigger the adjustment mode without intending, especially when holding it for longer to turn it off.
Sensitivity
When it comes to sensitivity, the Pro-Pointer AT comes with a higher level of sensitivity compared to the Pro Pointer II. The AT comes with three sensitivity modes and a Stealth mode. When you want to locate a target with maximum accuracy, switch to the highest level. When on a highly mineralized ground, it is advisable to set a lower sensitivity level. If you want high sensitivity in a pinpointer, choose the Pro-Pointer AT.
Waterproof
Having a waterproof pinpoint gives you an edge over those that don’t come with a waterproof feature. The Pro pointer AT is completely waterproof up to 10 feet underwater meaning that you can comfortably submerge or dive with it up to this level.
The Pro-Pointer II, on the other hand, is only “splashproof” thus you can’t submerge or dive with it in water. If you intend to hunt in the rivers, creeks, or the shallow water along the beach, having the Pro-Pointer AT is a perfect choice.
Even when hunting on land, having a waterproof designed pinpointer has its benefits. What if the accidentally drops in a pool? Besides, it is great not to worry if you get caught up in heavy rain when in your hunting adventures.
Retuning
Both these two Garrett pointers can quickly retune. A quick retune enables them to ignore mineralized ground or saltwater while giving you a more precise location for your target.
Retuning is faster with the Pro-Pointer AT compared to Pro-Pointer II. To retune the AT, press the primary button to retune to the current environment. The retune feature can be used to narrow the detection field, tune out mineralization, or gauge the distance of your target.
Retuning the Pro II is pretty straightforward. You just turn the power off and on while holding the tip close to the ground. This action will force the pinpointer to tune to the current ground conditions.
Battery Life
Both the AT and II have the same battery life. Although the battery life varies depending on the type of the battery cells you use, you can get up to 30 hours when running on alkaline batteries.
Lost Alarm
Both AT and II come with a lost alarm feature. The alarm is triggered after five minutes of being left on without a button press. So if you leave it idle for five minutes the alarm is triggered. After 60 minutes of alarm warnings, both pinpointers switch off.
Scraping Blade
Both these Garrett pinpointers come with a patented scraping blade. The blades are essential when you want to speed up your target searching. Although you may not often use the blade, it is not designed for digging.
Ruler
While the Pro-Pointer AT has a ruler with inch/cm markings, the Pro-Pointer II doesn’t have. The ruler comes in handy when judging your target depth. However, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor when it comes to choosing a pinpointer. It is just an additional feature.
Price
Price can be a deciding factor for most people who want to buy a pinpointer. In terms of price tags, the Pro-Pointer AT is a bit expensive compared to the Pro-Pointer II. Regardless of where you buy, the difference in price will be around $20.
However, with the extra features such as waterproof design, Stealth vibration-only, additional sensitivity modes, and a ruler, the Pro-Pointer AT justifies the small additional cost. Even so, both pinpointers deliver excellent performance for their respective prices. For value for money, the AT is a step ahead though!
Final Thought
A close look at these two Garrett pinpointers, the Pro-Pointer AT is more of an upgrade to the Pro-Pointer II. It is expensive yet worth buying for the few features like a waterproof casing that the II doesn’t have. Equally, you will enjoy improved sensitivity when hunting.
The Pro-Pointer II is equally a great pinpointer to have. It is simple and easy to operate. However, it doesn’t have the adjustable sensitivity features and waterproof design that make it an excellent choice for younger detectorists. For enthusiastic detectorists, the Pro-Pointer AT is a better choice.
Now you know the differences and similarities that Garrett’s Pro-Pointer AT and II have. To this point, we believe you have the right information to make an informed decision on which of these two pinpointers you can buy. Good luck with your purchase!
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