Minelab Pro Find 35 Review: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

[@MrSh8ky]

Thanks for the honest review.I love my pro 35. No issues accessing the battery compartment at all. I have not had to replace the battery for well over 6 months now and I detect at least twice a week. I do however remove the battery when not in use. Good tip is to ground balance the pinpointer each time you turn it on, makes it even more effective and precise.

[@MrDoccus]

I have had mine for several years. No problems once I read and understood the manual. I added a smear of silicone grease to threads and O-rings. I used a large snap-swivel and a key ring retractor to fasten to a belt loop. I prefer the 9v battery as I could easily replace in the field and not wait to recharge. And I like not having another charger to keep track of. I change mine yearly but haven’t seen it discharged. I use mine on “vibrate only” mode so I don’t worry about holes over speaker. This is a tough,industrial grade pin-pointer. Down-side? It is a little bulky.

[@Anthem-nd8sh]

LOL...your voice is made for radio! Very distinct,

[@joshualicciardello7517]

Great review! Wish you would've done a few more. Suggestions: Nokta Makro pinpointer and F pulse from fisher.

[@DHMeister]

I was specifically scouring KZbin this morning to find a video to remind me how to open the battery compartment on my minelab pro 35. I need to open it because due to an injury, I can't MD for a while and I need to remove the battery that's already been in there for 2 years. Thanks for letting me know that it's NOT me! I will now head to the garage for my channel locks. 😡 I also just bought n new "lanyard" (a real one). Otherwise, I'm pretty happy with my pinpointer. Thanks for the review.

[@sirkyoj1]

I just got this pinpointer this weekend with my 540. It seems ok so far.

[@dinospomino9611]

Saaaaame man!!💯❣🤙🏽

[@DieselDoktor]

Lmao, I just picked up my pointer and my 540 will be here tomorrow. 😂 Seems to be a popular combo. 😂

[@xtc2v]

Keep Vaseline away from 9v battery terminals as its one of the few greases that is conductive

[@overlandnevada2997]

Any plans on doing a review of the Garrett Pro Pointer AT?

[@baystateplugflipper7061]

Great video , I just got a 35 after 3 carrots and a XP. My only complaint is the lanyard ( so far)as I keep mine in a holster set up with my Lesche. I will keep an eye on your channel though as I do plan on finding the perfect pin pointer. You would think Minelab would have put a lot more thought into their pin pointer as they have such great detectors🤷🏻‍♂️anyway, keep they videos coming and thank you

[@jeffreyrobinson5769]

Well i have a min lab 35 i love it no problems at all the holster fits on my web belt without a problem while it is top heavy it fits in the holster quit tight and does not fall out as for the Battery i use a rechargable 9volt just saying

[@BradCooney]

The first thing I did after watching this review was check to see how hard it was to open up the battery compartment. It was literally effortless lol. Maybe MineLab fixed that issue?

[@norseman1137]

Good review ... I'll stick with my Mi6 and Carrot

[@tysongonsorowski8574]

One thing I really wish Is that the volume could be adjusted, I like using the vibration with the tone but it's so loud and I've got it taped to dampen it. Good video

[@BradCooney]

I just bought one of these and read a few people talk about the battery compartment issue. Mine opened up with ease lol. GREAT review though.

[@waynee.2856]

Your video seems detailed and is what made me decide to go with this pin pointer. I’ve had mine for three weeks and it’s already failing. I’ve tried 6 different batteries today and none will even turn on the machine (yea they were installed properly). The original battery that came with it will turn it in but it shuts off as soon as it detects metal. The cap is very hard to get off and I have strong hands. There is very little use hours wise on this finder and it has never been submerged under water except for a faucet to rinse it off. The light is utterly useless and it’s ergonomics are not very good. The only thing it will do is raise and lower the volume. It also loses track of its target on a regular basis which makes detecting very hard. This is a very expensive product and has failed in about every way possible. I’m definitely going with something different. I’m finding out that Mine Lab products are not very good. My Equinox 800 and headphones will not pair no matter what I do (yes all products are fully charged). Didn’t even get a owner’s manual for the detector. This product and Mine Lab in general get a D- in my book. Glad to see yours works though.

[@BigDogChannel]

Wow, that is a bad experience. Sorry to hear all that. I am using a Nokta pin pointer these days that I like a lot more than the Minelab. I haven’t had any issues with my Equinox 800 though. Good luck. Cheers.

[@johnc1451]

I just bought this and had a similar experience. It would detect something and then shut down. I couldn’t tell what I was doing wrong since I’m new to this but ill try a different battery tomorrow to see what happens.

[@MrSh8ky]

Try ground balancing the pinpointer before using it (makes a big difference). Also I have a Nox 900 which initially was a pain to pair with the Bluetooth headphones, best tip ever (turn the headphones on first before the detector) mine pairs every time automatically without an issue since discovering this.

[@anthonyrenaud5783]

Loved how you used the spaghetti westerns to describe the positives and negatives of the pinpointer. I have the pro-35 but I think I’m going to buy a rechargeable pinpointer next time. I paid $20 for two 9 volt batteries today. Ridiculous

[@JohnSaylock-ec4cd]

I picked up rechargable 9v batts on ebay. They work great.

[@MetalDetectFlorida]

I just ordered one of these after having to have my Garrett carrot repaired or replaced two times in the last year. I'm hoping I don't regret my decision. Thanks for the great review now I know what to expect

[@BigDogChannel]

Glad you found this useful. Happy hunting with your new pin pointer. Cheers.

[@allanking3462]

Just took mine out to the field really do like it, I still find things faster with my Garrett carrot, but that's only because I'm so used to it and adapt and I see it quickly getting overcame.

[@rebelboxer6319]

Stateside, DANCO makes a waterproof plumbers grease that comes in a small tube (Lowes). My battery cap was initially very "snug". Used a rubber jar lid remover, no problem. Applied a small amount of the grease to the cap threads....snug but loosens nicely now. What lanyard do you recommend? Thanks for taking the time for your review.

[@BigDogChannel]

Good tip. I’ll check that out. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@stevenskimming2364]

Got to disagree on the battery department, I find it easy to unwind, and just do hand tight to seal it. i had to pack the battery compartment with small bits of card, that helped the battery connect. That was on both my minelab pin pointers. The 35 is so much more sensitive, but it loves the battery's, excellent pin pointer..

[@flanateurist]

Thanks! Certainly helped me reconsider. I was going to replace the pro-15 coming with my EQ 800 but I'll just hold off for now.

[@BigDogChannel]

Thanks for watching. Good luck with you Nox. It’s a great machine. Cheers.

[@jwdad2815]

I received the Minelab 35 pinpointed but when I go out I will take my $50 DR OTEK I feel more comfortable with its ability for a quick find. Check it out

[@kennedytjikongo436]

Thanks for the honest review. It helps a lot!!!!

[@BigDogChannel]

Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@markstevenson3880]

Great review (honest and explanation why) this clip needs to be joined (vs) to the Garrett Pro AT. Here is Australia they retail for about the same $. You should also mention how to detect the Chinese copies.

[@0007Dboy]

Would have liked a review on its technology not to cause interference with metal detectors, the main reason I've purchased it hoping it will work nicely with the nox. Thanks thou, good honest review.

[@gallopingg1]

BRILLIANT REVIEW, DON'T THINK I'LL BE 'BUYING THE 35, UNTIL THOSE IMPROVEMENTS ARE DONE, HOW COULD THEY HAVE OVERLOOKED SO MANY DESIGN FALT'S !!!!!!!!!!!!! UK

[@BigDogChannel]

Thanks so much. Cheers.

[@otel155]

Money!!!!!

[@parousia7165]

other mine .with my Equinox 800 and some gadgets like the new triple carbon stam and the combination Pinpointer and digger holster .realy exited .just one problem.i never saw a detecting machine in my life .wish me luck

[@michaelstein4295]

Hello😊. I just a few minutes ago watched your video... Awesomely done...I give you...an *A plus*😊. (Another A+ for the GTBATUgly references/music etc.😊 Thanks also for making me lol...(really😌). I have been 99% convinced that I need to purchase the Minelab 800 with the 6" & the 15" coils and protectors. (Why... because when I do (eventually decide to do something) I overdo...well.... everything.🙄😏 After LOTS of researching and reading and watching videos because I will be detecting in many different location so the 800 seems to (so far) be my most intelligent choice. Many of the package 'deals' include the Pro-find 20 but for me it's all or nothing. Actually I have been researching me purchasing a metal detector (and wand, shovel, etc.,etc., etc.😳 for longer than most metal detector hunters have been in the 'field(s)' metal detecting 🙄😏...as it (to me) is a BIG decision because spending 1500 or more dollars on anything is....well..a big decision (again..."for me"😌). Since watching (& listening to) your very UNbiased video I am (AGAIN🙄lol) UN(🙄🤣lol)...UNdecided about the Pro-find 35. Since I believe you have much..MUCH greater knowledge pertaining to all of this than I believe I'll EVER have would you please let me know what YOU would purchase. If you think the 800 is NOT my best choice please let me know that too...and why would also be very helpful. (For the pinpointer & the detector. Thank you very much Apologies for rambling. Very sincerely, Michael Stein

[@BigDogChannel]

Thanks so much for your kind words. Glad you liked this review. A Nox 800 is a great choice - That is what I mostly use and I have no complaints. For a pin pointer, I am using a Nokta Makro Pulse, although it is a little on the large side I would recommend it. I would also recommend the tried and true Garrett Carrot. Hope that helps. Happy hunting.

[@michaelstein4295]

Thank you 😊

[@michaelstein4295]

@@BigDogChannel One more question as I read more post, articles and watch others informational videos....Which do you think is better the 900 or the Manticore?

[@BigDogChannel]

@@michaelstein4295 That I can’t help you with. I have not yet tried the Manticore. Sorry.

[@michaelstein4295]

@@BigDogChannel oh....thnx for replying anyway.😌

[@firewaterforgeofarizona4304]

As of 1 March 2024 it's $95.00 on Amazon. Yes, the, lanyard is ridiculous, replaced it. Overall, much better than the carrot I started with.

[@MrBottlecapBill]

The fpulse and tekpoint both use AAs. I love them! Only down side is they're pulse based so they can make a little static on your machine despite being able to change the channels. I never found one that worked for my machine, I just live with the noise.

[@BigDogChannel]

I have a Nokta Makro pulse induction pin pointer that does not seem to interfere with my Nox or my 540. When the weather breaks I plan to finish a review I am working on for that one. The nokta is rechargeable. Nice. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@dimedetective]

The Main Feature that Sold me, it is a Minelab product and Does not cause interference on my Equinox. Unlike the Garrett Carrot and the Fisher F-Pulse that I Have to decrease the detector sensitivity, move the detector away or turn the detector off to keep my ears from getting blown out by Non-Minelab Pin-pointers while using a Minelab detector. Happy Hunting...

[@BigDogChannel]

That’s interesting. I haven’t tried other pin pointers in range of the Vanquish, but I imagine it will do the same. Cheers.

[@Onyxnewyork]

I Thought 🤔 I Was The Only One, Was About To Eat Some Spinach. F Minus On Opening The Battery Cap, Seriously It Took Me 3 Days And Some Bruised And Redness On My Hand Trying To Open The Battery Cap. Great 👍 Video. Thanks For Sharing.

[@BigDogChannel]

LOL. I didn’t think of spinach. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@kevindunnell7150]

Terrific review, thank you.

[@BigDogChannel]

Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@tugboat8475]

The light needs to be able to turn on/off. The holster is great to cable tie to the Metal Detector.

[@DiggingIowawithCoinboy]

Great review Big Dog! Even though I’m happy with my Nokta Makro pinpointers I watched this since your reviews are top notch.

[@BigDogChannel]

Hey there Coinboy, thanks so much. I am one of your subscribers and have watched a number of your videos. I recently got a Nokta pin pointer - the Pulse dive, and had it out for the first time recently. I was favorably impressed. Planning a review on that one soon. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@DiggingIowawithCoinboy]

@@BigDogChannel thanks! Yes I was pleasantly surprised too, can’t wait for the review! Thanks for being a subscriber and watch out for a giveaway in the future!

[@BenMonteSS]

Hi Big Dog, Thanks for an honest review. I have the 35 as it was bundled with my new Nox 800. My odd question is how were you able to attach that REAL lanyard to the cap??? I tried attaching a key-ring to it or a lanyard, but no luck. And how's it holding-up for you? Thanks Again.

[@BigDogChannel]

Hey there, thanks for watching and the nice comment. Getting a ring on that thing was a bear. I finally managed it though. It’s still working well, although I use my Nokta more after these days. It does better in mineralized soil. Not as chattery. Happy hunting. Cheers.

[@Andrewtate-topg1999]

Bro how much depath is working please tell me😢

[@ralex1908]

Great review

[@1607rosie]

Good job

[@Lthrnk0331]

I have no issues with the battery compartment on mine. Appreciate your review though

[@BigDogChannel]

Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@raxicity]

I like this one, thanks for the info mate.

[@jimyaekel7385]

I bought the Pro-Find 35 with my NOX 600. On level 5 sensitivity it would start alerting like crazy just tilting the unit. It got worse and then started powering itself off. I sent it in to repair and they found the battery housing was cracked allowing water intrusion. So I got a brand new one from them today under warranty. It is even worse!!! From level 3-5 it will start chiming just tilting the darn thing. I'm emailing them and sending a video to see what the heck is going on. I have seen other similar complaints of the erratic behavior and the cracked housing. I'm looking for another brand.

[@BigDogChannel]

Wow, I haven’t run into that one. Doesn’t surprise me though. Try the Nokta Makro Pulse induction pin pointer. I have one of those too, and prefer it. It’s a little on the large side, but is an excellent pin pointer. It’s fairly cheap too. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@jimyaekel7385]

@@BigDogChannel Another channel videographer reviewing this got a response from Minelab that he should be GROUND BALANCING the pinpointer!! It's not in the book! They told him to have the tip in the dirt when you power it on so it can calibrate to the soil. He said that actually did resolve a lot of the erratic alerts. So I'm off to try that tonight.

[@BigDogChannel]

@@jimyaekel7385 I’ve tried that with mine in the Virginia red clay we have around here. It did not help much with the falsing. The Nokta has no issues with falsing in the mineralized dirt we have here. Hope it helps you. Cheers.

[@DV7Dave]

@@BigDogChannel I know this is an old post, but I've found that the pinpointer likes alerting on items that might cause electrical interference such as WiFi systems. If I point the pinpointer at the source of the emission, the erratic alerts go away. I guess this is ground balancing in a sense. It's tuning out the noise.

[@MrSh8ky]

Ground balancing will fix your problem

[@jameskim62]

Love your Review... You got 8 subscribers !!!!

[@BigDogChannel]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@TornadoCrewStormChasers]

Whites trx was the best. I have the nokta pinpointer also. Rechargeable and a good unit. Just want to make sure it's charged before you go.

[@IrlamOz]

Wish I saw this before I bought it, still a good pointer but I would have bought a Garrett

[@robinworkman3621]

I wish I would have watched this before I bought mine. The main reason I bought this one instead of a Garrett was because of the discrimination or the tone for iron. I guess it doesn't really matter, I've got my at Gold should be here Wednesday. I was just hoping the pinpointer would help eliminate some iron as I'm using a cheap $89 bounty Hunter pioneer until my Garrett arrives the bounty Hunter does not discriminate very well at all

[@BigDogChannel]

Thanks for watching. Good luck with the new detector. Cheers.

[@Ethan-qk1zq]

I need a pin pointer since the bounty hunter one that came with my metal detector was horrible. So I’m thinking of buying a Garret Carrot (pro pinpointed) or a Xp deus 4. Are these good choices. Pls respond

[@BigDogChannel]

The Garrett is the most popular out there. Does a good job, very reliable. The XP is pretty expensive and is a good choice if you have the Deus detector. You might try the Nokta Pulse Dive is also a great one to consider. It is less expensive than either of the other 2. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@shivaslilgsunlimited7507]

Get a rechargeable 9v battery set up

[@douglasmoody3403]

I put a rechargable in mine , did not fit.

[@RustyCandyAdventures]

The description is same in Australia.

[@BigDogChannel]

Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@mariastevens456]

Not geting that one….good video..thanks

[@BigDogChannel]

Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@stevejames9510]

Silicone grease, if it works on SCUBA Regulators and it does, it works on Pinpointers. I use it on my Garret Carrot... Im getting a 35 so I can do a review. Look for my Kitchen Sink Test.... Mind Blowing.

[@BigDogChannel]

I eventually settled on Vaseline. That seems to work OK. I’ll definitely keep an eye out for your video. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@wtkuehne]

Great info. Thank you.

[@BigDogChannel]

Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@rodpenjejakjenggo643]

minelab pro find 35 between quest xpointer..which one is good ??

[@BigDogChannel]

I have never used the quest, so couldn’t say myself. I have heard good things about it though. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@kevinmccreery7351]

Have the Quest pro for a year now and very pleased with it. The ferrous/ none ferrous discrimination is done with lights as well as sound. The only hiccup with it is getting used to the on/off button, as it's a little strange. The price is about the same as the Minelab pro 35.

[@guttermuzz]

Thanks for the review. I will give the Pro Find 35 a miss. I am looking at the XP MI-4. Have you done a review on this pinpointer? New to the channel & from Australia.

[@BigDogChannel]

I have not. The MI4 is supposed to be a good one though. I know of people who use it, and like it. Cheers. Thanks for watching.

[@patrickaussieMilartry]

I get the battery deal definitely lame. But as for opening and closing not a problem???

[@TheFrog767]

Very good👏👏🥂

[@SteveBellefontaine]

I went with rechargeable lithium 9 volts for mine that I just bought (2)

[@1tr1ck]

Love the t shirt mate 😎🔥

[@BigDogChannel]

Thanks. 👍 thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@g.fortin3228]

What I'd like to know, is long term... will it suffer from the eventual falsing issues that the garret and some others do ?? Any ideas or data yet ?

[@BigDogChannel]

I have not had a problem with that except on super mineralized soil. Then it gives me trouble and I switch to my Nokta Pulse Dive. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@craigsmith1948]

I didn't get a wrist strap or lanyard!

[@BigDogChannel]

Ripoff! Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@1tr1ck]

Mi6 all the way 🔥

[@396chevelless]

Hi. New to your channel, hey great review! Does this pointer detect 360 or just at the point? I have the Garrett AT in which I love, but I wish it would just use the tip for the detection, maybe Garrett can add a button to switch to 360 or at the point. I am considering the White's TRX but right now having trouble finding them, everyone is out of stock.

[@BigDogChannel]

Hey there. Thanks for watching. This pin pointer senses all around the barrel, not just the tip. No way to change that either. I like your idea, I think that would make a great feature if it could be done. Whites went out of business as you may know. It looks like Garrett has bought the remainder of the company, so maybe they will keep the TRX in the line up, so it may come back in stock. Don’t know if any of those products will retain the Whites name or not. Cheers.

[@396chevelless]

@@BigDogChannel Thanks for the info. I have a older whites bullseye 2 that came with my mxt but it just does not have the depth, you almost have to be kissing the target with it. I will just wait and see what garrett is going to do with the whites line.Thanks again Big dog!

[@Southernprojetwash]

Thanks for sharing your review and I was going to buy this pinpointer until I saw this 🤔, shame really as it could be an amazing pinpointer

[@BigDogChannel]

Glad you found the review useful. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@petercaldwell8674]

The battery compartment thing must be a problem in aMErica, as an Australian l have absolutely no problemo opening it. Have you thought of not tightening it so much, just saying.

[@robertheckenberg3440]

The battery 🙈,, but it's a really good unit lol?

[@BigDogChannel]

It is. Fix that battery and the compartment access and its awesome. Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@GSskiracer]

Try the Nokta pointer, I like mine, does use a 9v batt but 2 controls, nice quality video, nice job, oh and if your having trbl opening the pointer, just ask your wife to try 😂

[@BigDogChannel]

Lol. 😂 But then she’d have to come with me on all my hunts! I don’t think she’ll go for that. I think I’ll just throw some channel locks in my ruck sack. Cheers.

[@GSskiracer]

@@BigDogChannel Channel locks and a good hammer just can't be without

[@BigDogChannel]

By the way, I am looking at that Nokta as a possibility to add to my arsenal.

[@belle01923]

@@BigDogChannel i own the Nokta and seems not sensitive enough

[@FroggysGoldProspecting]

I use a 9v rechargeable battery, problem solved

[@garymellinger9517]

Minelab was kind enough to replace my Pro 35 due to a cracked case even though it was a bit out of warranty. I don’t have any issue opening the battery compartment. It opens easy for me, even at 70 years old. Perhaps you need some hand strengthens exercises, Hahaha. I have so many expensive items that take AA and AAA batteries it’s down right depressing. Alkaline batteries are antiquated and darn right dangerous for expensive electronics. They leak and destroy anything that you forget to take batteries out of. Never have I had a leak in a 9V battery. A plus for 9V batteries. As a firefighter, there is a reason that some smoke detectors still use 9Vs. The majority of my AA and AAA electronics I’ve replaced the alkaline batteries with NiMh however not all electronics will operate at a slightly lower voltage. I find that the unit is balanced just right for me. It fits in my finds holster just fine. I may take your recommendation of upgrading to an actual lanyard though. Thanks for that tip. Now we’ve just boosted your overall rating to A- in my book. Cheers and thanks for the video.

[@BigDogChannel]

I guess I do need to work on my hand strength. 😂 Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@BradCooney]

Same with me on the battery compartment. I had ZERO issue opening mine.

[@chrisabraham8793]

Not really a discriminator like most are saying.

[@nelsonsuarez6190]

Go crazy on salt water

[@dinospomino9611]

Sensitivity is set too high!

[@AncientAdventures]

I seriously hate this pin pointer. I only use it when my garretts are broke.

[@BigDogChannel]

Thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@dirt_tones]

I simply buy a rechargeable 9v

[@lucky-qr3tk]

its cause he doesn't understand Australia

[@BigDogChannel]

Lol.

[@gregsmht40]

Mine is an absolute pile of junk. Falses on everything or absolutely no signal. I've used it a dozen times with many different batteries. Nope still a piece of trash.

[@whitemanriding]

$220 Australian. There are much better pinpointers . I have one and I hate it .