I've always used the old square top-type Schonstedt pin finders, but have been thinking about getting a pistol type.
Do they work exactly the same? In terms of performance...
Good question, I am curious too.
Years ago I tried one, wasn't a fan
Can't give you a review; never used anything but the GX52 family of Schonstedt locators myself. I have known two or three surveyors over the last ten years who purchased different styles and brands of locators. Two of them for sure are back to the "old style" Schonstedts.
I used one for a couple a years. My complaint would be that it is prone to water damage and the length is too short I was always hunched over and not enough space to avoid picking up interference on items in my pockets. I have seen advertising for a new improved version that I can't speak for though. Now I use a subsurface ML-3 which I really like now but it was not easy switching from Schonstedt.
Plumb Bill, post: 347820, member: 226 wrote: I've always used the old square top-type Schonstedt pin finders, but have been thinking about getting a pistol type.
Do they work exactly the same? In terms of performance...
I've used both but prefer the the square top. The pistol grip didn't pin point as well as the original in my experience. But it was nice it came with a holster, which made it easy to carry in the woods while using the old brush hook.
I use a square top old yeller, augmented by a pinpointer for right spots. We had one of the collapsing pistol grip type. It was junk.
I have used the gx52 for years and I love it. I recently purchased the Schonstedt Maggie, as a backup. I don't dislike it. It works well and finds the pins as well as the old square top gx52. My only complaint is that it is too sensitive. You can't pinpoint a pin/pipe as well because it is squealing super loud. I imagine that it's great for really deep objects or objects under asphalt. Oh and it doesn't come with a hard case.
Plumb Bill, post: 347820, member: 226 wrote: I've always used the old square top-type Schonstedt pin finders, but have been thinking about getting a pistol type..
Had one for awhile. It worked fine, with caveats. First, fully extended it is still a little short, so you have to stoop too much to use it. Second, it isn't very loud. I had a hard time hearing it when using it near a busy road. Third, it costs more.
I would use one without complaint if provided but I don't think I would buy one.
Use one daily. Have both in truck. The pistol is usually first I grab. Rides nicely in back of my vest and gets the job done.
I have a 7-8 yr old pistol. It rides in my ATV. It works. It has been to a shop once, and got it's ribbon replaced. I still use it, because it fits in the ATV box. I prefer a longer one. I'm over 6' tall.
The new maggie deserves a look. I'll take a metal detector that is WITH me, over one that is in the truck.
Longer is better. But, there is alot to be said about portability.
Nate
I have used both, a lot, and I can honestly tell you I would never go back to the pistol grip model. But, I'm 6-4, if you're a munchkin you might not notice the aggravation that is a short pin finder.
They're okay if you're 4 feet tall.
I have used one for 12-13 years now, I am 6'2" tall and might have had a bit of adjusting at first but now I cant see me using anything else. the convenience and portability of it trump most everything, IMO. It also works as good as any other for its intended use...detecting metal.
I still have and use a Fisher M scope FX3. Had a Subsurface and it went kaput so I broke out the FX3 for a while. Just bought the GA-92XTd and portability trumps the stoop complaint. I think it works pretty good and I can now have the locator with me and work with both hands.
The sounds are different but not hard to figure out. The digital one shows you a positive and negative signal so you have a little more insight into what's in there.
mattharnett, post: 347903, member: 6458 wrote: portability trumps the stoop complaint.
Ditto that. Same game with camera. I'd druther have a smaller, cheaper camera, that is WITH me, than a real nice one, in the office.... Just sayin...
N
I have used the square ones, but these are the ones we buy now. I like them a lot better. I think they work better, they allow me to easily and simply find pins along fences, and they are tougher than the square ones.
dmyhill, post: 347930, member: 1137 wrote: I have used the square ones, but these are the ones we buy now. I like them a lot better. I think they work better, they allow me to easily and simply find pins along fences, and they are tougher than the square ones.
I like the demo on the page. I used to use a CST locater with the fence "erase" feature, but it didn't work as well as the hound dog in that video. I think the CSTs were couple hundred bucks cheaper though.
I haven't tried the latest and greatest from the other guys, I do know that these last forever.
My experience has been that the 52 (square top) is slightly more consistent and slightly better at pulling in a signal, and a lot more rugged. The 72, and especially the 92 are easier to carry, but way too short for prolonged use. I'm 6'4" and have to crouch or bend down to get either of the newer models close enough to the ground to be of much use.
I now own a Subsurface and like it. The best detector I've used was probably a CST (can't recall the model) made in the late 80s. That one was assigned to me because the PC who had a few months seniority on me at that company liked the Schonstedt better. With the CST, we could find IPs & rebar right next to a post for a chain link fence. Couldn't do that with the Schonstedt.
