Vertimia Waterproof Metal Detector Pinpointer Review: The Budget-Friendly Probe That Punches Above Its Weight

There’s a moment every metal detectorist knows well. Your main detector screams with a promising high tone. The numbers on the display lock in, suggesting a silver coin or a valuable relic. You carefully cut a neat, semi-circular plug of earth, flip it over, and… nothing. You wave the coil over the hole again—the signal is still there, loud and clear. Now the real work begins. You start crumbling the dirt with your hands, scanning the plug, the hole, the loose soil, getting more and more frustrated as the minutes tick by. This exact scenario, played out under a hot sun in a field last summer, is what sent me searching for a dedicated pinpointer. A full-size detector coil is brilliant for locating a target’s general area, but for zeroing in on that final inch, it’s like using a sledgehammer to hang a picture frame. A pinpointer is the essential surgical tool that turns a five-minute frustrating dig into a thirty-second clean recovery, saving time, preserving the landscape, and getting you to the next target faster.

What to Consider Before Buying a Metal Detecting Pinpointer

A pinpointer is more than just a miniature metal detector; it’s a key solution for efficiency and precision in treasure hunting. It dramatically reduces recovery time, minimizes the size of the holes you need to dig, and helps prevent damage to your valuable finds. The main benefit is the ability to quickly locate a target within a plug of dirt or in the walls of a hole, a task that is slow and clumsy with a large search coil. It transforms the hobby from one of occasional frustration to one of streamlined success, allowing you to cover more ground and make more finds in a single outing.

The ideal customer for a tool like the Vertimia Waterproof Metal Detector Pinpointer ranges from the absolute beginner, who has just purchased their first full-size detector, to the seasoned veteran looking for a reliable backup or a budget-friendly primary probe. It’s for anyone who values their time in the field and wants to make cleaner, faster recoveries. However, it might not be the best fit for professional divers who require a device certified for extreme depths with redundant seals, or for detectorists who exclusively hunt for microscopic gold flakes and need the absolute highest sensitivity money can buy. For those users, a more specialized, and significantly more expensive, pinpointer might be a better investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Portability: A pinpointer needs to be lightweight and compact enough to carry on your belt all day without being cumbersome. Look for a model that feels balanced in your hand and comes with a quality holster. The overall length, like the Vertimia’s 10.4 inches, is standard, but the feel and ergonomics are what truly matter during a long hunt.
• Performance & Sensitivity: This is the core function. How deep can it detect a coin? Does it offer 360-degree detection, allowing you to scan the sides of the hole? Features like adjustable sensitivity, multiple alert modes (sound, vibration, or both), and a progressive signal (getting stronger as you near the target) are hallmarks of a high-performance model.
• Materials & Durability: Treasure hunting is a rugged hobby. Your pinpointer will be poked into abrasive soil, mud, and water. A robust build, typically from a strong polymer like Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), is essential. Critically, if you plan to hunt near or in water, an IP68 waterproof rating is non-negotiable, but pay close attention to the seal design, as this is a common failure point.
• Ease of Use & Power: In the field, you want simple, one-button operation. You don’t want to be cycling through complex menus while kneeling in the mud. An intuitive interface, a clear display (like an LCD screen), and a common power source like a 9V battery make for a much better user experience. Check if the battery is included, as that’s a nice bonus that gets you hunting right out of the box.

While the Vertimia Waterproof Metal Detector Pinpointer is an excellent choice for a wide range of users, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at primary detecting machines, from entry-level to professional gold-finders, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Vertimia Pinpointer

The Vertimia Waterproof Metal Detector Pinpointer arrived in a compact, unassuming box. Inside, the package was surprisingly complete for a device in this price bracket. We found the pinpointer itself, a woven belt holster, a coiled lanyard with a carabiner, and, most impressively, an included 9V battery. This thoughtful inclusion means you can literally start using it within minutes of opening the box. The device feels lightweight yet solid in the hand, constructed from a bright orange ABS plastic that makes it highly visible if you happen to drop it in tall grass or murky water—a smart design choice. The battery compartment cap screws on with a satisfyingly tight thread and is protected by a single black rubber O-ring, which is the key to its waterproof claim. Powering it on is a simple press of a button, and another button cycles through the three detection modes. The standout feature, immediately apparent, is the small LCD screen, a premium touch rarely seen on budget-friendly pinpointers. It promises a more visual and intuitive treasure hunting experience than its competitors, which often rely on sound or vibration alone.

A Deep Dive into the Vertimia Pinpointer’s Field Performance

A pinpointer’s true worth is only revealed in the dirt. We took the Vertimia Waterproof Metal Detector Pinpointer through a series of rigorous tests in various environments—a local park known for modern coins, a rocky creek bed, and our own test garden with targets buried at known depths. Our goal was to push its features to their limits and see if its real-world performance matched its impressive spec sheet.

Detection Performance & Sensitivity in the Field

Out of the box, the Vertimia impressed us with its straightforward operation. In our test garden, it had no trouble locating a quarter buried at 4 inches, giving a strong, clear signal. Pushing deeper, we found its effective limit to be around 5 to 6 inches for a coin-sized object, which aligns with feedback from users who found it perfectly adequate for their needs, like one who uses it to find nails in sawmill logs. The 360° side-scan detection is genuinely useful; once the tip enters the hole, you can sweep the probe around the inner walls to quickly narrow down the target’s location without further digging. The alerts are progressive, meaning the beeps and vibrations intensify as you get closer to the metal. This, combined with the visual indicator on the LCD screen, makes zeroing in on a find remarkably fast. One new user confirmed this, stating, “The beep gets faster the closer you are to the item and the arrow detection gives you an idea how close you are…It pinpointed just like it should.”

However, we did confirm the findings of more experienced users when it comes to high-end sensitivity. When compared to a premium model like a Garrett Pro-Pointer, the Vertimia is noticeably less sensitive. A user noted that while his wife’s Garrett was “much more sensitive,” the Vertimia was “okay for the money.” We found this to be a fair assessment. For very small targets, like a thin silver chain or a small earring, we had to be almost directly on top of the object—within a quarter-inch—to get a signal. For the vast majority of hobbyists hunting for coins, buttons, and relics, this level of sensitivity is more than sufficient and represents an incredible upgrade over not having a pinpointer at all. We also experienced an occasional quirk, echoed by a user who noted it sometimes gets “stuck” beeping and requires a quick restart. This seems to be a minor software glitch that can occur in heavily mineralized soil but is easily resolved with a power cycle.

Design, Durability, and the Waterproofing Question

The build quality of the Vertimia Waterproof Metal Detector Pinpointer feels appropriate for its price point. While some users felt the material was a bit “corriente” (common or cheap), we found the ABS plastic housing to be tough enough to withstand being repeatedly poked into rocky soil and scraped against debris. The bright orange color is a significant practical advantage. The included holster holds the device securely on a belt, and the coiled lanyard is a must-have accessory that prevents the heartbreaking loss of your pinpointer in the field. The single-button control scheme is intuitive and can be easily operated with gloves on.

The most debated feature is its IP68 waterproof rating. The manufacturer claims it can be fully submerged, making it suitable for use in rivers, lakes, and oceans. The design relies entirely on a single rubber O-ring inside the threaded battery cap. Before our water test, we made sure the cap was screwed on as tightly as possible by hand. We submerged it in a bucket of water for 30 minutes and then used it in a shallow creek, and it performed flawlessly with no water ingress. However, we cannot ignore the significant number of user reports claiming the unit flooded on its very first use in water. One frustrated user stated, “This is after ONE time of use! I made sure it was sealed tightly…It stopped working about 2 minutes into the water.” Another had a similar experience in a river. This stark contrast in experiences suggests a potential quality control issue with the seal or a design that is unforgiving of any user error. Our expert recommendation is to treat the waterproofing with caution. Always double-check that the O-ring is clean, properly seated, and that the cap is fully tightened before submersion. For shallow water wading and rainy day hunts it should be fine, but we would be hesitant to trust it for deeper snorkeling or diving without taking extra precautions.

The User Interface: A Standout LCD Screen and Versatile Modes

This is where the Vertimia Waterproof Metal Detector Pinpointer truly distinguishes itself from the competition in its class. The inclusion of an LCD screen is a game-changer for a budget model. While small, it is backlit and clearly displays the selected mode and a progressive signal strength meter. This visual feedback is incredibly helpful, allowing you to “see” how close you are to the target, supplementing the audio and vibration alerts. This multi-sensory approach can significantly speed up target recovery, especially for beginners who are still learning to interpret the audio cues.

The three selectable modes add another layer of professional utility. The standard “Sound & Vibration” mode is great for most situations. The “Vibration only” mode is invaluable for hunting in quiet areas where you don’t want to disturb others or when you want to keep your finds discreet. The “Sound only” mode can help conserve a small amount of battery life if vibration isn’t needed. Cycling between modes is as simple as a quick press of the secondary button. The built-in LED light is also a nice touch, although as one user accurately pointed out, it’s not powerful enough to illuminate a deep hole but serves well as a power-on indicator and helps in low-light conditions. These features, typically found on more expensive devices, are what elevate the Vertimia from a basic tool to a versatile piece of detecting gear, and you can see its full feature set and user reviews to appreciate the value it offers.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among users is that the Vertimia Waterproof Metal Detector Pinpointer offers fantastic value for its price. Many beginners and casual hobbyists are thrilled with its performance. One user summed it up simply: “Took it out to test it out and it works great…Found a spoon and a couple old beer tabs with it. It pinpointed just like it should. Great addition if you’re new to metal detectors like I am.” Another called it an “awesome little thing to have.”

However, the critical feedback provides a more nuanced picture. The most significant and recurring complaint revolves around the waterproof seal. Several users reported immediate failure upon submersion, with one calling it a “Waste of Money!” after it flooded within minutes. This is a critical issue for anyone planning to use it in water. The second point of criticism, raised by more experienced detectorists, is its sensitivity compared to premium brands. As one reviewer noted, when detecting a small gold ring, “you have to be pretty much on the top of it.” This feedback is crucial for managing expectations: it’s a highly functional tool for general-purpose hunting but not a high-sensitivity specialty instrument.

How Does the Vertimia Pinpointer Compare to the Alternatives?

While the Vertimia is a pinpointer—an accessory to a full metal detector—it’s helpful to see how it fits into the broader ecosystem of treasure-hunting equipment. The following alternatives are full-size detectors that serve different purposes and cater to different users, highlighting where the Vertimia pinpointer would complement them.

1. VVinRC 13″ Waterproof Gold Detector

This VVinRC detector is a serious machine for the dedicated hobbyist. It’s a full-size detector, not a pinpointer, designed for covering large areas efficiently. Its massive 13-inch Double-D search coil provides superior ground coverage and depth compared to standard coils, making it ideal for hunting relics and coins in open fields or on the beach. It’s geared towards adults looking for a professional-grade experience with features like a pinpoint mode (which the Vertimia specializes in perfecting), high sensitivity, and a clear LCD display. A user would purchase the VVinRC as their primary detector and then add the Vertimia Waterproof Metal Detector Pinpointer to their toolkit to quickly recover the targets the VVinRC finds.

2. RM RICOMAX Waterproof Metal Detector for Kids

The RM RICOMAX detector is designed specifically as an entry point into the hobby for children. It is lightweight, adjustable, and features a simple, easy-to-understand interface. Its purpose is to make metal detecting fun and accessible for the youngest enthusiasts. This is the perfect “first detector” for a child or family. While it also has a pinpoint function, it’s not as precise as a dedicated wand. The Vertimia pinpointer would be the perfect second purchase to pair with this detector, allowing a child to experience the thrill of precisely locating their find after the RICOMAX gets them over the target, teaching them patience and proper recovery techniques.

3. DR.ÖTEK MTXR-Red Waterproof Metal Detector

The DR.ÖTEK MTXR-Red represents a significant step up in technology and performance. This is a professional-grade waterproof detector for adults who are serious about treasure hunting. With its advanced DSP chip, five distinct hunting modes, and a large 10-inch waterproof coil, it’s built for finding treasure in challenging conditions, including underwater. This machine is for the enthusiast who has moved beyond casual searching and wants to maximize their chances of finding valuable targets like gold. Just like with the VVinRC, the DR.ÖTEK is the tool for finding the signal, while the Vertimia Waterproof Metal Detector Pinpointer would be the indispensable accessory for recovering that target quickly and efficiently from the hole.

Final Verdict: Is the Vertimia Waterproof Metal Detector Pinpointer Worth It?

After extensive testing and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict is clear: the Vertimia Waterproof Metal Detector Pinpointer is an exceptional value for beginners and intermediate hobbyists. Its combination of a visual LCD screen, multiple alert modes, and a complete accessory kit (holster, lanyard, battery) is nearly impossible to beat at its price point. It successfully turns frustrating, time-consuming digs into quick, precise recoveries, fundamentally improving the metal detecting experience. While it may not possess the extreme sensitivity of units costing four times as much, it delivers more than enough performance for the vast majority of treasure-hunting scenarios.

The only significant caveat is the questionable reliability of its waterproof seal. We recommend it confidently for all land-based and rainy-day hunting, but advise extreme caution for any underwater use. If you are looking to add a pinpointer to your arsenal without breaking the bank, or are new to the hobby and want a feature-packed tool to get started, this is an excellent choice. It’s an affordable upgrade that will pay for itself in saved time and reduced frustration on your very first hunt. If you’re ready to speed up your recoveries and find more treasure, we highly recommend you check the latest price and availability for the Vertimia Pinpointer today.