Minelab Pro-Find 35: Find More Treasures with Advanced Features

This review focuses on two popular models of pinpointers: the Minelab Pro-Find 35 and the Minelab Pro-Find 15. Although these devices share several similarities, they offer distinct functionalities that cater to different needs in metal detecting.

We will detail the differences between the two models, covering key aspects such as operating frequency, battery requirements, and waterproof capabilities. This information will help you determine which pinpointer best suits your detecting style.

Let’s dive into the features and specifications of both models to see how they stack up against each other.

What was the pinpointer designed for?

The pinpointer is an essential tool for precise detection of targets in areas where a metal detector or search coil cannot reach. This means you won’t need to dig large holes, allowing for more efficient treasure hunting. Additionally, using a pinpointer significantly reduces the time spent locating your target, making the process smoother and more enjoyable.

In 2017, during the Detectival festival for detectorists, the Australian company Minelab introduced its new pinpointers: the Pro-Find 15 and Pro-Find 35. These devices were designed to replace the Minelab Pro-Find 25, which did not achieve the expected demand and popularity.

The Pro-Find 35 pinpointer offers a range of advanced features, including adjustable sensitivity levels, two distinct search modes, and a waterproof construction. It also incorporates Detector Interference Free (DIF) technology, which minimizes interference from metal detectors, enhancing your detection capabilities.

Pro-Find 35 vs Pro-Find 15

Minelab manufactures two models of pinpointers: the Pro-Find 35 and the Pro-Find 15. This raises the question: what are the key differences between them, aside from the price?

Let’s take a closer look at their features:

• Metal Detection: The Pro-Find 35 can differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous metals, allowing for more precise target identification. In contrast, the Pro-Find 15 lacks this capability.
• Waterproofing: The Pro-Find 35 is designed to be submerged up to 10 feet (3 meters), making it suitable for underwater detection. Meanwhile, the Pro-Find 15 is only protected from natural precipitation, such as rain.
• Signal Types: The Pro-Find 35 utilizes both sound and vibration signals for target indication, enhancing usability in noisy environments. The Pro-Find 15, however, provides only audio signals.
• Included Accessories: The package for the Pro-Find 35 includes both a lanyard and a holster, while the Pro-Find 15 comes with only a holster.

The Pro-Find 15 offers all the basic functions necessary for easy operation, including:

• Dampproof case
• Audio indication
• Clear visibility
• Included holster

On the other hand, the Pro-Find 35 is designed for the expert detectorist, featuring:

• Ferrous Tone ID for identifying metal types
• Waterproof construction
• Dual target indication (sound and vibration)
• Adjustable sensitivity for fine-tuning detection
• Clear visibility
• Included holster and lanyard
• Battery included in the package

Model	Minelab Pro-Find 35
Weight	6.82 oz (193 g)
Length	23.7 cm (9.3″)
Batteries	9V (included)
Warranty	2 years
Operating Principle	VLF
Water resistance	Up to 3 m (10-ft)
Thickness	1.5″ (3.8 cm) Tapered to .875″ (2.2 cm)
Discrimination	Audio, Vibration
Controls	Power, Retune, Adjust Switch
Ground Balance	No
Sensitivity	Adjustable (5 levels)
Build-in flashlight	Yes

Last update on 2024-11-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

The review

The design of both pinpointers marks a significant improvement over their predecessor, the Pro-Find 25. Featuring a striking two-color scheme—yellow for the handle and gray for the tip—these devices are easily visible, reducing the chance of misplacing them in the field.

In terms of shape, the Pro-Find 35 has been redesigned to be slightly larger with a more rounded profile, making it more comfortable to hold for extended periods. Both models come with a durable semi-rigid holster for secure storage and transport.

The construction of the pinpointer is robust, ensuring reliability in various conditions. Its operation is straightforward, featuring a simple control layout with just an ON button, and plus and minus buttons for sensitivity adjustments. The speaker is conveniently located on the opposite side of the control buttons, allowing for clear audio feedback without obstruction.

Compared to other pinpointers, including the Pro-Find 25, the Pro-Find 35 offers noticeably louder sound indication, enhancing detection alerts. Additionally, the LED flashlight emits a gentle light, reducing glare and ensuring visibility without being harsh on the eyes during twilight conditions.

Both devices utilize VLF (Very Low Frequency) technology, and they incorporate Minelab’s unique Detector Interference Free (DIF) technology to minimize disruptions from nearby metal detectors.

A standout feature of the Pro-Find 35 is its lost device signal. If the pinpointer is inactive for three minutes, it emits a loud and continuous warning signal every 10 seconds until the button is pressed. This signal continues for five minutes, allowing ample time to locate the device before it automatically powers off.

The pinpointer is equipped with a powerful LED flashlight that is fully protected from dirt and sand ingress, ensuring reliable illumination in any environment. Furthermore, the Pro-Find 35 includes a battery charge indicator; a blinking LED alerts users when the battery is low, prompting timely replacement. If the battery charge becomes critically low, the pinpointer will automatically shut off to conserve energy.

The battery

The device is powered by a 9V battery, conveniently included in the package for immediate use. To access the battery holder, simply remove the protective cap, which is designed to fit securely to prevent accidental dislodgment during field use. This user-friendly design ensures that changing batteries is quick and hassle-free, allowing detectorists to focus on their search without unnecessary interruptions. Additionally, the battery compartment is strategically placed for easy access while maintaining the pinpointer’s sleek profile.

Waterproofness

As mentioned earlier, the Pro-Find 35 features a robust waterproof design, making it ideal for underwater operations and beach hunting. This pinpointer is an excellent choice for those using an underwater metal detector, as it can be submerged up to 10 feet (3 meters), allowing for thorough exploration in various aquatic environments.

One of the standout features of the Pro-Find 35 is its audio and vibration signals, which intensify as the pinpointer approaches a target. This function is particularly valuable during underwater treasure hunting, as it helps users pinpoint their finds without needing to rely solely on visual cues, which can be challenging in murky water.

In contrast, it’s important to note that the Pro-Find 15 does not have waterproof capabilities. This limitation means that while it is suitable for dry land and protected environments, users should avoid submerging the Pro-Find 15 to ensure its longevity and proper functionality.

Sound discrimination

The Pro-Find 35 employs two distinct types of sound signals that facilitate differentiation between various types of targets, specifically iron trash and non-ferrous materials. This sound discrimination feature makes identifying potential finds much simpler for detectorists.

When you point the pinpointer at a target, the sound will break or change if it detects a ferrous object. In contrast, if the sound remains steady, you are likely dealing with a non-ferrous target. This intuitive feedback allows users to make quick decisions during their search.

To activate this sound discrimination function, simply press and hold the ‘+’ button for three seconds. Conversely, if you wish to deactivate the feature, you can do so by pressing the ‘-’ button.

However, it’s important to be aware that this function may not always perform with absolute accuracy. Variations in target composition and environmental conditions can affect its reliability. Therefore, while this feature can enhance your detecting experience, it’s advisable not to rely solely on the results it provides. A balanced approach, combining the sound discrimination feature with thorough manual searching, will yield the best results.

Conclusions

In summary, the Minelab Pro-Find 35 pinpointer offers several advantages that make it a standout choice for both novice and experienced detectorists. Its robust waterproof design allows for effective underwater use and beach hunting, enabling users to explore environments that may be inaccessible with other devices. The audio and vibration signals that intensify as you approach a target enhance the overall user experience, especially in challenging conditions such as murky water.

Advantages:

• Waterproof Capability: The Pro-Find 35 can be submerged up to 10 feet (3 meters), making it suitable for underwater treasure hunting.
• Sound Discrimination Feature: This feature aids in distinguishing between ferrous and non-ferrous targets, potentially saving time and effort during searches.
• User-Friendly Design: The straightforward operation, with simple buttons for activation and deactivation, makes it accessible for users of all skill levels.

Disadvantages:

• Precision of Sound Discrimination: While the sound discrimination function is a useful tool, it may not always be accurate, leading to potential misidentifications. Users should supplement this feature with manual searches for optimal results.
• Limited Range of the Pro-Find 15: The Pro-Find 15 lacks waterproof capabilities, which may restrict its usability in various environments compared to its counterpart.

Competitors: In the realm of pinpointers, several alternatives compete with the Minelab Pro-Find series. Notable examples include:

• Garrett Pro-Pointer II: This popular model is known for its reliability and user-friendly design. It also offers a durable construction, though it lacks the waterproof rating of the Pro-Find 35.
• Teknetics Pinpointer: This pinpointer offers both audio and vibration alerts and is waterproof up to a certain depth, making it a versatile option for various hunting conditions.
• Nokta PulseDive: This versatile pinpointer features both audio and vibration alerts, along with a waterproof design, making it suitable for underwater use. Its dual functionality as a pinpointer and a small scuba detector enhances its value for treasure hunters.