Here you’ll find XP MI-6 pinpointer review. From this article you will know what makes the device different from its rivals, what its features are, how much it weighs, what the device package set includes and whether the XP MI-6 pinpointer is submergible.
Contents
What was the pinpointer designed for?
The XP MI-6 pinpointer, developed by XP Metal Detectors, has been a staple in the market since its official release in 2017, following an announcement in 2016. Known for its innovative design and modern technology, the MI-6 sets itself apart in a market crowded with high-quality pinpointers. While many pinpointers offer advanced features, the MI-6 introduces a level of versatility and integration that is unique in the industry.
One of the standout features of the MI-6 is its exclusive compatibility with the XP Deus metal detector (firmware version 4.0 or higher). This integration allows the MI-6 to be controlled directly from the XP Deus remote control or through the WS 4/WS 5 headphones, offering a seamless user experience for those who already own an XP Deus detector.
However, it’s important to note that owning an XP Deus is not a requirement to benefit from the MI-6 pinpointer. It can still be used as a standalone device with any other metal detector, offering reliable pinpointing performance. That said, the MI-6 truly shines when paired with the XP Deus, where its full range of features can be fully utilized.
| Model | XP MI-6 |
| Weight | 0,44 lbs (200 grams) |
| Length | 10 inches (25 cm) |
| Batteries | Lithium rechargeable battery |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Operating Principle | VLF |
| Operating Frequencies (kHz) | 12 |
| Water resistance | Waterproof |
| Submersion Depth | 6 m / 20 ft |
| Audio | 2 audio modes |
| Discrimination | No |
| Ground Balance | No |
| Sensitivity | 50 levels |
| Vibrating alert | Yes |
| Build-in flashlight | Yes |
- 🎯 — BENEFITS — XP waterproof (up to 20 feet) and traditional pinpointer,…
- 🎯 — RETUNE — Re-calibrate the pinpointer when operating by briefly pressing…
- 🎯 — FREQUENCY — Detection frequency of 12kHz with 6 factory programs, 3…
- 🎯 — AUTONOMY — Advantages of the speaker and vibrator and/or led…
- 🎯 — BATTERY — Equipped with a rechargeable lithium polymer battery, comes…
Last update on 2024-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates
As a standalone XP MI-6 pinpointer the device offers the following:
- Three types of target response (sound, vibration, light);
- 6 search modes;
- 3 sensitivity levels;
- 2 audio modes — beep and pitch;
- High sensitivity, all around detection.
The review
The XP MI-6 pinpointer comes neatly packaged in a small box featuring the iconic XP Metal Detectors color scheme of black, red, and white. The pinpointer itself is primarily black with red accents, making it easy to spot on the ground or in grass during metal detecting sessions.
This pinpointer offers a range of advanced features, including six search modes, a powerful built-in speaker with sound amplification, vibration feedback, and an LED flashlight for low-light environments. These features are designed to enhance precision and usability in various detecting conditions.
In addition to the MI-6 pinpointer, the package includes a durable holster with the XP emblem, a retractable lanyard, a Mini USB charging cable, a user manual, and a warranty. The holster is designed for convenience, allowing users to attach it securely to a belt or almost any other item, ensuring that the pinpointer is always within easy reach.
The retractable lanyard connects to the pinpointer via a hole in the device’s casing, offering added security during use. This ensures that the pinpointer won’t be easily misplaced during detecting sessions.
Despite its impressive array of features, the MI-6 is operated using a single, multifunctional button. The button is rubberized, as is the entire device casing, providing a secure, non-slip grip, even in wet or muddy conditions. To power the device on, users simply press the rubberized button, which features a distinct pictogram for ease of identification. The button’s tactile design makes it responsive and comfortable to use.
Changing the search mode on the XP MI-6 is straightforward and can be done by holding the button for 5 seconds. Once the audio melody finishes, the device enters programming mode. At this point, it will emit a series of beeps, ranging from 1 to 7. The number of beeps corresponds to the selected search mode. For example, if you count three beeps, you’re in search mode 3, while six beeps indicate mode 6. After selecting the mode, the pinpointer is ready for use.
The XP MI-6 offers six distinct search modes, with the seventh reserved for integration with the XP Deus metal detector. Search modes 1 to 3 use sound identification, while modes 4 to 6 are silent, relying on vibration. For most general treasure hunting situations, mode 2 is recommended as it provides a balanced audio signal.
The pinpointer offers two audio response modes:
- Pitch Mode: The sound is continuous, increasing in volume and pitch as you approach the target, helping you gauge its proximity.
- Bleep Mode: The device remains silent until it detects a target, at which point it emits a beep.
Additionally, the XP MI-6 features a durable casing with a built-in scraping blade designed to help diggers loosen soil or search through sand and other materials. However, while the blade is practical in theory, some users may find it less appealing due to the risk of accidentally scratching valuable finds with such a high-end pinpointer.
| Program | Vibration | Sound | Sensitivity |
| 1 | On | On | Low |
| 2 | On | On | Middle |
| 3 | On | On | High |
| 4 | On | Off | Low |
| 5 | On | Off | Middle |
| 6 | On | Off | High |
| 7 (For Deus XP) | On | Off | Custom |
The battery
The XP MI-6 pinpointer uses a high-capacity rechargeable lithium battery, offering up to 90 hours of continuous use under ideal conditions. However, this maximum battery life is achievable only when using the device alongside the XP Deus metal detector.
When you activate additional features like vibration, the battery life decreases to about 30 hours. If both the vibration and LED flashlight are in use, the operational time further reduces to approximately 10 hours. This reduction is something to keep in mind during extended treasure hunts, especially in low-light environments where the flashlight may be essential.
Charging the battery is simple and convenient. The device comes with a mini-USB cable, which can be connected to various power sources, including an electrical outlet, computer, laptop, or portable charger (like a power bank). Under the mini-USB cap, you’ll find the charging port. A full charge takes around three hours, and once the charging is complete, the LED will blink in a specific pattern, similar to other XP devices. While charging, the LED blinks three times, followed by a pause, repeating until the battery is full. When charging is complete, the LED remains lit for 4 seconds, then pauses for 4 seconds in a continuous cycle.
Each time you turn on the XP MI-6, the battery charge level is indicated by a series of LED blinks: three blinks for 100%, two for 60%, and one for 30%. This makes it easy to monitor the remaining charge and plan your detecting sessions accordingly.
Waterproofness
The XP MI-6 pinpointer is fully waterproof, allowing you to submerge it up to 20 feet (6 meters) without risking damage. This makes it an ideal tool for treasure hunters working in shallow rivers, lakes, or beach areas where water exposure is a concern. Additionally, the device is designed to float, ensuring that if it’s accidentally dropped in water, it won’t sink and become lost. Whether you’re wading through a stream or working near a shoreline, the XP MI-6’s waterproof and floatable design ensures it’s both durable and easy to retrieve, giving you peace of mind in aquatic environments.
Conclusions
Despite the fact, that the device can function with any metal detector model, it is reasonable to buy it only if you use XP Deus or XP Deus 2. Why? There is nothing special about the pinpointer itself, since all its features are about the compatibility with this metal detector.
But if the pinpointer XP MI-6 will provide you with the same functions that can be found in other devices (for example, Minelab Pro-Find 35, Garrett Pro-Pointer II, White’s TRX Bullseye or Teknetics Tek-Point), what’s the point of overpaying?
Prices for XP products are definitely not cheap, and I personally don’t see the point in getting this pinpointer without a metal detector made by the same company. If you dig with XP Deus, then the branded pinpointer is a must-have. If not, I’d advise you to consider other pinpointer models. They are cheaper and have better features. You are welcome to read the reviews of these pinpointers on our website.