XPSGOLD Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector Review: The Treasure Hunter’s Indispensable Sidekick

There’s a unique kind of frustration every metal detectorist knows intimately. You get a crisp, promising signal from your main detector. Your heart thumps a little faster—is this the silver coin, the lost ring, the historical relic you’ve been searching for? You carefully cut a plug of earth, place it to the side, and scan the hole again. Nothing. You scan the plug. The signal screams. Now the real work begins. You break the plug apart, piece by piece, soil crumbling through your fingers. Ten minutes later, covered in dirt and exasperation, you find the culprit: a rusty bottle cap, not the colonial copper you’d imagined. This time-consuming, frustrating process of “find and seek” within a dug plug is the bane of the hobby. It’s what separates a productive day of treasure hunting from a tiring exercise in futility. This is precisely the problem the XPSGOLD Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector was born to solve.

What to Consider Before Buying a Handheld Pinpointer

A handheld pinpointer is more than just a gadget; it’s a key solution for drastically reducing recovery time and minimizing ground disturbance. It acts as a surgical tool, allowing you to go from a general signal in a 10-inch area to the exact location of a coin-sized object in seconds. The primary benefits are speed, precision, and preservation. You dig smaller, cleaner holes, which is better for the environment and for maintaining permission to hunt on private land. You spend less time on your knees sifting through dirt and more time swinging your main detector, covering more ground and increasing your chances of making that once-in-a-lifetime find.

The ideal customer for this type of product is any metal detectorist, from the curious beginner to the seasoned veteran, who wants to improve their efficiency in the field. If you already own a full-size metal detector, a pinpointer is the single most important accessory you can buy. It’s especially crucial for those hunting in trashy areas where multiple targets can confuse a larger coil, or for relic hunters trying to recover fragile items without damaging them with a shovel. However, it might not be suitable for those who misunderstand its purpose. As one user correctly pointed out, this is not a primary metal detector. It won’t find objects buried deep underground. If you’re looking for a tool to scan large areas from a standing position, you need a full-size detector, not a pinpointer. For that, you would need to explore other options first.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Detection Method & Sensitivity: Look for a pinpointer with both audio and vibration alerts. Proportional alerts, which intensify as you get closer to the target, are a must-have feature. This provides intuitive feedback that you can feel and hear, guiding your hand directly to the find. Automatic tuning is also a huge plus, as it means you can turn it on and get straight to work without fiddling with sensitivity settings.
• Detection Area & Performance: A quality pinpointer should have a precise tip for pinpointing tiny targets, but also a 360-degree side-scan capability. This allows you to quickly sweep the inside walls of a hole to see if your target is embedded there rather than at the bottom. Understand that the detection range is short by design—typically a few inches—as its job is precision, not deep seeking.
• Materials & Durability: Treasure hunting is a rough hobby. Your gear will be exposed to dirt, mud, water, and occasional drops. While many pinpointers are made of plastic for lightness, look for a robust construction. Critically, check the International Protection (IP) rating. An IP66 rating, like the one on the XPSGOLD model, means it’s dust-tight and can withstand rain and being washed off, but it’s not designed for full underwater submersion.
• Ease of Use & Included Accessories: In the field, simplicity is king. A one-touch operation is ideal. You also want to consider the power source (a common 9V battery is convenient) and what comes in the box. A good belt holster is non-negotiable for keeping the tool accessible, and a lanyard or retractable wire is excellent insurance against accidentally leaving it behind. The inclusion of batteries is a welcome bonus that gets you started immediately.

Understanding these factors will help you choose a pinpointer that complements your detecting style and makes every hunt more successful and enjoyable. While the XPSGOLD Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Ready for Action Right Out of the Box

Unboxing the XPSGOLD Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector was a refreshingly straightforward experience. There’s no complex assembly, just a well-packaged kit containing everything you need to get started immediately. The first thing we noticed was the generous inclusion of accessories. It comes with a sturdy woven belt holster with a secure metal snap, a retractable coiled lanyard, and not one, but two 9V batteries. This is a thoughtful touch that many budget-friendly models skip, and it speaks to the brand’s focus on providing immediate value.

The device itself feels solid in the hand. Its bright orange color is a practical choice, making it highly visible and difficult to lose in grass or dirt—a common fear for every detectorist. The main body is constructed from durable plastic, which is standard for these devices to keep them lightweight (it weighs just 166g). A single large button controls all functions, reinforcing its user-friendly design. A built-in LED light sits near the probe, a feature we always appreciate for searching in murky holes or during late afternoon hunts. Our initial impression, supported by feedback from other users, is that it delivers an impressive package for its price point. It feels like a tool designed for immediate and practical use in the field.

A Deep Dive into the XPSGOLD Pinpointer’s Field Performance

A pinpointer’s worth isn’t determined on a spec sheet, but in the dirt, mud, and sand where treasures hide. We put the XPSGOLD Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector through its paces across various scenarios, from grassy parks to rocky soil, to see how its features translate into real-world success. Our extensive testing focused on its core functions: accuracy, usability, and durability.

Precision and Proportional Feedback: From Wide Search to Surgical Strike

The standout feature of this device is its dual-mode detection and proportional alert system. The moment you press the power button, it gives a quick chirp and is ready to go, thanks to its automatic tuning. The true magic happens when you introduce it to a dug plug. Using the 360° side-scan capability, we could quickly wave the length of the probe over the clump of dirt. The pinpointer started with slow, intermittent beeps and vibrations, indicating metal was in the vicinity. As we moved the probe closer to the target, the pulse rate of both the audio beeps and the physical vibrations dramatically increased, becoming a solid, continuous alert when the tip was directly over the metal object. This intuitive feedback system is incredibly effective, turning a guessing game into a precise surgical operation.

To test its sensitivity on small targets, we replicated a scenario mentioned by a user. We took a tiny aluminum eyelet from a weed whacker, less than an inch in diameter, and dropped it into a patch of thick, six-inch-tall grass. Finding it by eye would have been impossible. With the XPSGOLD pinpointer, we simply poked the tip into the grass methodically. Within 30 seconds, the alerts went from silent to frantic, leading us directly to the minuscule part. This confirmed its capability not just for finding coins, but for recovering any small lost metal item, like a dropped screw in the workshop or a lost earring in the garden. While some users noted the limited 2-3 inch range as a negative, we found this to be perfectly adequate and, in fact, desirable for its intended purpose. A wider range would defeat the purpose of “pinpointing,” potentially causing confusion if multiple targets are in the hole.

Ergonomics and Field-Ready Design: A Tool That Stays Out of Your Way

In metal detecting, your secondary tools should be extensions of your hand, not cumbersome burdens. The XPSGOLD pinpointer excels in this regard. Its lightweight design (0.37 lbs) means you barely notice it on your belt. The included holster is more than an afterthought; it’s robust, with a strong metal snap that clips securely onto a belt or the webbing of a backpack. It holds the pinpointer snugly, preventing it from falling out while walking or bending over, yet allows for a quick one-handed draw when you get a signal.

The single-button control scheme is brilliant in its simplicity. There are no menus to navigate or settings to adjust. You press it to turn on, and press it again to turn off. The built-in LED flashlight activates automatically and is surprisingly useful. When digging a deep, narrow plug, especially in the woods or as daylight fades, the bottom of the hole can be cast in shadow. The LED illuminates the area perfectly, helping you see the glint of a target before you even touch it. The combination of the secure holster, the included retractable lanyard (which we highly recommend using), and the bright orange color provides multiple layers of security against losing the device—a simple but invaluable design consideration that showcases a real understanding of the user’s needs in the field.

Built for the Elements: Understanding the IP66 Rating

The term “waterproof” can be misleading, and it’s crucial to understand what the XPSGOLD Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector is truly built for. Its IP66 rating is a formal standard that defines its level of protection. The first ‘6’ means it is completely sealed against dust and dirt ingress—essential for a tool that lives in the soil. The second ‘6’ means it is protected against powerful water jets from any direction. In practical terms, this means you can use it confidently in a downpour, drop it in a muddy puddle, and wash it clean under a running tap after your hunt without any fear of damage. This is a massive advantage over non-rated pinpointers.

However, it’s critical to note the limitation specified by the manufacturer: the area above the control button and speaker is not waterproof. This device is not designed for full submersion or underwater detecting. This aligns with the caution expressed by some users who were hesitant to test its limits. Our assessment is that for 99% of land-based detecting—in parks, fields, woods, and even on wet sand at the beach—the IP66 rating is more than sufficient. It provides the durability needed to handle the messy reality of the hobby. For those who need a fully submersible pinpointer for creek hunting or snorkeling, a model with an IP68 rating would be necessary, but that typically comes at a significantly higher price point. For its intended environment, the XPSGOLD pinpointer offers the right level of protection.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the general sentiment from users confirms our findings: the XPSGOLD Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector offers exceptional performance for its price. Many hobbyists praise it as a “terrific product for finding lost small metal,” highlighting its effectiveness in real-world situations like locating a tiny aluminum part hidden in tall grass. The value proposition is a recurring theme, with one user noting, “For the price it can’t be beat,” especially considering it includes a holster, lanyard, and two batteries. Users agree that it is an essential companion to a larger metal detector, making the recovery process much faster and more efficient.

However, feedback also brings up a few important points of caution. The most common critique is the limited detection depth of 2-3 inches. While we view this as appropriate for a pinpointer, some buyers who may have mistaken it for a primary detector found it “disappointing.” The other significant concern revolves around quality control and longevity. A small number of users reported receiving defective units that either worked for only one day or emitted a single beep and then failed. This suggests that while most units perform well, there may be occasional manufacturing inconsistencies, which is not uncommon for products in this highly competitive price bracket.

How Does the XPSGOLD Compare to the Alternatives?

It’s vital to understand that the XPSGOLD is a specialized tool, a pinpointer. The alternatives listed are full-size metal detectors. They are not direct competitors but rather represent the primary tool you would use *with* the XPSGOLD. Here’s how they differ and who they are for.

1. hazlewolke Metal Detector 5 Modes Waterproof Coil

The Hazlewolke is a feature-rich, entry-level to intermediate full-size metal detector. It boasts five distinct detection modes (including a pinpoint mode), a large 10-inch waterproof coil for covering significant ground, and an intuitive LCD display. Someone would choose the Hazlewolke when they are starting their metal detecting journey and need their first primary machine. It’s designed to find the general location of targets buried several inches deep. The XPSGOLD pinpointer would then be the perfect secondary tool to quickly and precisely locate the target within the hole dug after the Hazlewolke got the initial hit.

2. ULHUND Metal Detector for Adults

The ULHUND detector positions itself as an upgraded model, emphasizing its advanced DSP chip for higher accuracy and an impressive 12-inch detection depth. This machine is for the hobbyist who wants to go a step beyond basic models to find deeper, older targets that other detectors might miss. Its larger detection depth makes a pinpointer like the XPSGOLD even more essential, as digging a 12-inch deep hole requires absolute certainty about the target’s location to avoid unnecessary excavation. The ULHUND finds the ‘where,’ and the XPSGOLD finds the ‘exact where.’

3. MINELAB Vanquish 440 Metal Detector

The Minelab Vanquish 440 is in a different league altogether. It’s a serious machine from a world-renowned brand, featuring proprietary Multi-IQ technology that searches on multiple frequencies simultaneously. This gives it a significant advantage in difficult ground conditions, especially at the beach. This detector is for the dedicated hobbyist or serious beginner who is willing to invest in superior technology for better target separation and depth. Even with the Vanquish’s advanced built-in pinpointing function, an expert user will still carry a separate handheld pinpointer like the XPSGOLD for the final, rapid recovery from the plug or hole.

Final Verdict: An Essential Tool That Punches Well Above Its Weight

After rigorous testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict is clear: the XPSGOLD Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector is an outstanding value and an indispensable tool for any metal detectorist. It does its one job—precisely locating targets in a small area—exceptionally well. Its combination of proportional audio/vibration feedback, 360° detection, one-touch simplicity, and a complete set of essential accessories makes it a standout choice, especially at its accessible price point.

While it’s not a deep-seeking primary detector and its plastic construction may not withstand extreme abuse like a premium model costing five times as much, it’s not trying to be. It is the perfect sidekick for your main machine, a time-saving, frustration-reducing device that will help you find more and dig less. We wholeheartedly recommend it for beginners looking for their first pinpointer and for seasoned hobbyists who need a reliable backup or a capable primary pointer without breaking the bank. If you’re ready to make your treasure hunts more efficient and enjoyable, you can’t go wrong with adding this tool to your arsenal. You can check the latest price and see its full feature set right now.