Automax Precision v2
Price: $140
Avg. Score: 
3.26
Based on 35 reviews
3.26Based on 35 reviews
Avg. Durability:
1.00
Avg. Ease of use:
1.00
Frankenstein Pin Pointer
February 23, 2011
The Automax Precision V4 is a good unit, and I am sure if used properly it
would stand the test of time. Mine came as a gift with the probe broken.
Being kind of cheap I decided to fix it with epoxy and a 3/4 in pvc pipe.
It looks as about as the dirt it explores, however it functions perfectly.
I use it to pinpoint at the local lake beaches and I have had wonderful
luck recovering items that my detector has indicated. I have even found a
small piece of gold earring that my detector had missed but the V4 picked
up. Happy Hunting.
Overall Rating
FJ Rogers from
Rocky Mountains Logan, Utah
10
3 Years and Still Going Strong!
July 25, 2010
I thought it was time that I updated my original review.Why is it that some people dislike and/or manage to destroy this fine instrument? Let me point out a few things concerning the Automax V4 that may help:
1. It's not a pogo stick, so don't jump on it.
2. It's not a walking stick or a cane, so don't lean on it.
3. It's not to be used for pole vaulting, nor is it to be stepped on.
4. It's not a toy, so keep it away from the kids.
5. It's not a crow bar, don't use it to pry your finds out of the hole. You have digging tools for that purpose.
6. Its long probe was designed for scanning deep holes with ease as well as keeping it's control box out of water-filled holes.
7. Be gentle sliding its 3-position switch, it's made of sturdy plastic, not tempered steel.
8. The probe can be immersed in water all the way up to within an inch or so of the control box, but the control box cannot be immersed.
9. The Automax V4 is of the blunt-nose variety of pinpointers. Don't jam it into the soil trying to reach your find, blunt-nose pinpointers are designed only to TOUCH the walls and bottoms of holes as well as sift through loose soil.
If you absolutely must pierce the soil to locate your find, then use the proper type of pinpointer for the job such as Intex System's Cache Probe CP 250. I own one for just such purposes.
http://www.intexsystemscorp.com/
The Automax V4 is very sensitive, it'll detect shards of foil if you set it correctly. Turn the control knob until the unit alerts, then turn it back slightly and you're all set. Recheck the adjustment for every hole.
You also have the choice of an audible or vibrating alert. I prefer the vibration because it alerts only me and not everybody in the vicinity.
The handle, control knob, control box, belt clip and probe are all sturdy and should remain so if the above recomendations are adhered to.
Unlike my Vibraprobe 560, which crapped-out on me after 3 months, my Automax V4 goes on. I got the Automax free when I purchased my first detector. When I purchased the second detector, they gave me yet another free Automax - which I haven't had need to use because I have taken such good care of the first one!
Take care of your Automax V4 too, and it'll serve you long and well.
HH
Overall Rating
Chris from
Simi Valley, CA
111
Ill try this one.
September 22, 2009
I havent bought one yet but if you look on ebay there as cheap as $22.
Overall Rating
Rob from
Boise, ID
47
Very flimsy and arkward to handle
November 20, 2008
Got the pinpointer free with a MD purchased from Kellyco. It works fine
and is very sensitive. However the case is very flimsy and the probe is
easily broken if pushed too hard on the ground. Its size, while great for
getting deep in the hole, makes it very hard to carry. The clip doesn't
work too well for attaching to the belt and it doesn't fit well in the coin
pouch.
Overall Rating
Alton Schexnayder from
Knoxville, Tn USA
110
Expected better design!
November 06, 2008
The Automax pinpointer has impressive electronics but the casing could have
been better designed by a 6 year old! The probe part of it is nice and long
and has good sensitivity on both tip and sides. The body and handle could
have been sensibly condensed to at least half of their width, which would
have made this a 5 star pinpointer. If that was the case they could then
have supplied a clip to attach it to the shaft of your metal detector for
ease of carrying! All in all its a good pointer with a bad body. Never fails to pick up even the smallest bits of metal but then when I want to put it away or on my belt its just a pain!
Overall Rating
Ronjinsan from
Cape Town
70
Good pinpointer but big and the clip is bad.
June 14, 2008
The good points: This pinpointer is big and durable in the way that you can
jab it through the dirt fairly vigorously. It has vibrate and audio modes
and good sensitivity adjustment. The bad points: It's BIG so it's not something you can really stick your pocket or your detecting apron/pouch. The clip is poorly constructed which is almost the only way you can carry this thing around is to slide the clip onto your belt or pocket. One screw placed on the clip has fallen out. The clip is also bent so it doesn't grasp that well after half of a season.
I don't think the positives compensate enough for the downfalls. But if you can deal with the size and the shoddy clip it's a good pinpointer.
Overall Rating
Litlewolf2 from
MN USA
70
Best Buy for the money
May 14, 2008
I have had mine for over a year now can't say anything bad about it. The
only thing I did to it was I put electrical tape around the bottom of the
probe to protect it from any glass that may be in the hole. I will buy
another just for a back up.5+ stars.
Overall Rating
Thomas J Sciaretta from
Bernardsville NJ,USA
70
Good basic pinpointer
April 06, 2008
I've had the Automax for 2 years now - it came free with my detector. It
works well enough that I don't want to spend $100+ to get another one. I
had one problem with it. It started to vibrate all the time, no matter
where the knob was set. It was out of warranty so I took it apart (I'm an
electronics tech). One of the wires to the coil was not stripped and it
was globbed in the solder connection. It did work for more than a year
like this. I de-soldered the connection, stripped the wire and re-soldered
neatly. It has been fine ever since. I noted that it has surface mount
components but it looks like it was hand soldered which is a bit strange.
The soldering looks a bit sloppy but it works. The plastic probe tube
looks like it is made of reasonably thick plastic but I haven't used it to
pry anything.
Overall Rating
James from
Anytown, AT 55555
91
Automax, needs structural help.
March 01, 2008
Got mine free with new MD. Read that it was flimsy and it was. I bought
3/4" plastic pipe and epoxied it over. Now it's virtually indestructable.
Works great, very sensitive, can even scan the ground for surface objects.
Good battery life, just a little long and awkward. No complaints, it is
what it is and does what it is designed for. Reinforce it off the bat and
no one will have a reason to complain.
Overall Rating
Timothy from
Monroe City, Mo
150
Good electronics, but not satisfied
February 23, 2008
It works good, but too much hassle in adjustments... I bought it used very
cheap (for like $60) for my son. I use a Vibraprobe, which IMO is byfar
superior... no configuration, no swicth, no sound... just vibraton on your
hand.
Overall Rating
Rez from
TX
20