XP MI-6 and MI-4 Pinpointer Reviews, Price and Specifications

All-Terrain Waterproof Pinpointer

Retail Price: €195.00 ($210.00)

Available Reviews: 1

Avg. Rating (1.0 Stars)

Specifications for MI-6:

• Operating Frequency: 12 kHz
• Audio signal can be transmitted directly to the XP Deus metal detector if the pinpointer is paired with the detector (but this pinpointer does NOT function as an in-line probe.)
• Interference Suppression system between MI-6 and Deus (only when MI-6 is paired with the Deus)
• Waterproof: 6 m (20 feet)
• One-touch pairing between the MI-6 and Deus
• Sensitivity: 50 levels (only when paired with the Deus), 3 levels (when not paired with the Deus)
• 2 Audio Modes: Audio PITCH or PULSE
• 7 programs (6 programs when not paired with the Deus)
• Lost Pinpointer Alarm: Yes (only when paired with the Deus)
• Body Design: 3-piece Type (battery cup, body and glued rubber grip)
• Power Button: Placed on the RIGHT side of the probe (under a forefinger), Small size
• Scraping Blade: One-sided and tapers to the tip
• Battery: Lithium Polymer Rechargeable, 630 mAh
• Battery Life: 10 hours (LED plus AUDIO plus VIBRATE) - 30 hours (AUDIO only), 90 hours if the probe is paired with the Deus
• Battery Level Indicator (only when paired with the Deus)
• Length: 9.5 inches (25 cm)
• Weight: 6 Ounces (170 grams)

Specifications for MI-4:

• NO Radio Link to the Deus (no wireless module)
• Operating Frequency: 12 kHz
• Waterproof: 6 m (20 feet)
• Sensitivity: 3 levels
• 2 Audio Modes: Audio PITCH or PULSE
• 6 programs
• Body Design: 3-piece Type (battery cup, body and glued rubber grip)
• Power Button: Placed on left side of the probe (under a forefinger), Small size
• Scraping Blade: One-sided and tapers to the tip
• Battery: Lithium Polymer Rechargeable, 630 mAh
• Battery Life: 10 hours (LED plus AUDIO plus VIBRATE) - 30 hours (AUDIO only)
• Battery Level Indicator: No
• Length: 9.5 inches (25 cm)
• Weight: 6 Ounces (170 grams)
• Retail Price for MI-4: €195.00 ($144.00)

Reviews:

So-so Probe If Not Paired with Deus v4.0 - v5.1

by Sergei UpstateNY in Albany, NY USA -

Prior to testing the XP MI-6 pinpointer, for years I had been an avid user of a legendary Garrett ProPointer with which Garrett set a new standard for a professional, simple, reliable and affordable device in the electronic pinpointer industry back in 2008. Since then, Garrett has released a few subsequent, modified versions of the Pro-Pointer, all of which have become successful and reflected the Garrett adherence to the highest standards in design ergonomics, body build quality and performance.

This is why, every time I come across and test the latest probe model of any other brand, my evaluation of it is based on comparison with a legendary electronic probe. Therefore my formed opinion can be considered very subjective if it is not balanced by hard facts.

When the MI-6 was revealed in autumn 2016, I was excited to assume that the XP Metal Detectors company had finally created a wireless in-line probe just like the old, good Sun Ray X-1 back in the 2000s! But what was my disappointment when I found out that the MI-6 was only a so-called reinvention of a bicycle - a modification of a regular pinpointer, that just had a radio connection to the Deus Audio, not to its Discrimination circuit like in the case of the in-line probe, and was filled with features and programs which I did not need at all.

I did not care much about the wireless connection to the Deus for two reasons. First, I did not want to deal with the pairing and connectivity issues which were caused by a few bugs in the firmware versions v4.0 and v5.0. For example, when the remote is on, the MI-6 does not detect anything, and the Deus does not switch to the pinpoint screen, or cancel the audio - when the probe is indicating a target, the Deus coil is supposed to be turned off. Also, after the MI-6 is turned off, a user has to wait 15 to 20 seconds before the remote wakes up, and the Deus makes a sound.

Sometimes the WS5 headphones stop communicating with the remote controller after the paired MI-6 pinpointer is used. Sometimes the remote fails to turn the coil back on, or very slowly activates with the HF Elliptical coil. And some MI-6 users complain that the MI-6 produces a recurring sound, like beeping, which would not stop even after a user pulls the MI-6 away from the target.

When this occurs, the battery is not empty, so it is not a low battery alarm which is not available on the MI-6 anyway. None of the complainers can figure out what this sound is all about, and the instruction manual does not say anything about it. The only way to stop it is to restart the MI6 probe.

Although the XP manufacturer has claimed that these glitches were sorted out in the v4.1 and v5.1 updates, the v5.X users still report the time delays, communication mishaps and other issues with the MI-6. And to get it to work, the unhappy campers have to reboot the MI-6 a few times, or completely remove it from the system and re-pair.

My second reason for not pairing my MI-6 with the Deus was simple while wearing my WS4 headphones, I could hear the pinpointer sounding off without a problem. And I did not want to burden the Deus coil, remote and headphone microprocessors with extra work reducing charges of their batteries.

Being an old school, I think that a pinpointer should be just a simple instrument, like a hammer, and an accessory to a metal detector, and not a mini-detector itself. The pinpointer should not be overcomplicated and, therefore, overpriced. BTW, I have never seen an ELECTRONIC hammer!

But, of course, the MI-6 wireless connection to the Deus is a great feature for those having their hearing impaired, or not hearing the pinpointer signals through the ear-cup headphones, or pinpointing underwater targets in shallow surf. I am just none of those.

With wireless connection to the XP Deus metal detector, the MI-6 users can enjoy the increased target detection distance of 10-15cm when Sensitivity of the MI-6 is set at the highest level of 50. However, the experienced detectorists say that if the Deus sees the target, and the pinpointer does not, it is better to dig a deeper hole instead of setting the pinpointer at maximum Sensitivity level. Why?

Because the latter will lead to spending more time looking for the target in focus as there may be other targets nearby, and they will be also detected. Also, if the target is indicated further than 5 cm from the tip of the pinpointer, there is a risk of accidental damaging the target during recovery.

It also concerns pinpointing targets inside large dirt plugs. Used in such cases, a simple Plug-Splitting technique remains the best way to extract ALL valuable targets undamaged.

Users of the paired MI-6 can also enjoy a lost pinpointer alarm however, the maximum distance for locating the lost pinpointer is 40 percent less if a tip of the MI6 is pointed away from the remote controller.

The main difference between the XP MI-6 and XP MI-4 is absence of radio connection to the Deus in the latter. Because it is impossible to pair the MI-4 with the detector, there will be no Probe Settings menu on the remote controller screen and no any audio output in the headphones or the remote controller.

The MI-4 has one less program, a total of 6, and the MI-4 Sensitivity can not be adjusted in the 1-50 range. Also, the lost pinpointer alarm is not available in the MI-4. As for the rest, the XP MI-4 and XP MI-6 pinpointers are identical.

Most of the MI-6 functionality is accessible only for Deuses upgraded to firmware versions v4.0 - v5.X. With the Deuses v2.0 - v3.2, the XP MI-6 works like a usual pinpointer such as the MI4.

As I tested the MI-6 being not paired to my Deus, my review is more about the MI-6 as a usual probe, and the MI-4 which does not have a wireless module. And my pros and cons for the MI-6 and MI-4 probes cover primarily their design and body build quality. As for the MI-6 performance, it was not anything different from a traditional pinpointer.

PROS

1. A lanyard with an attachment loop on the side of pinpointer;

2. The MI-6 and MI-4 are not only submersible up to 20 feet 6 meters, but also can float on the water surface.

CONS

1. Poor ergonomic design. The probe is not comfortable to hold during target pinpointing, especially with wet gloves on, i.e. it slides out of hand during the process despite the rubber grip intended to prevent that. This inconvenience is due to unfit shape and thickness of the handle section which is tapered from 1.3 inches or 3.3 cm to 1.18 inch or 3.0 cm - not a big difference to make a suitable conical shape.

For comparison, thickness of the ergonomic handle section of the Garrett ProPointer probes is tapered from 1.57 inches or 4.0 cm to .875 inch or 2.2 cm - this is a difference necessary for a good, comfortable grip!

2. Unlike any traditional pinpointer, in my opinion, both MI-6 and MI-4 have a power button on the wrong side. Maybe it was designed for left-handed detectorists which I am not, and, therefore, it was annoying for me to turn the MI-6 and look for the button every time I had to switch the pinpointer on or off.

The power button must be under the thumb and not under the forefinger on the other side of the probe. Plus, the power button, on both MI-6 and MI-4, is not large enough to feel it and easily press with gloves on.

3. A scraping blade of both MI-6 and MI-4 is not the same as that of their biggest competitor - Garrett PRO-Pointer AT called the carrot for its orange color. The scraping blade of the MI-6 and MI-4 is single-sided and tapering to the tip, so, when you remove a few layers of dirt with the scraping blade to expose a tiny target lying on the surface, you end up scraping the surface with the pinpointer nose, not with its scraping blade!

Some MI-6 and MI-4 users have put shrink tube on the noses of their pinpointers to save them from ware and tear which otherwise would eventually create a hole in the tip after approximately 8 months of intense usage.

4. Since a Li-Po battery of the MI-6 or MI-4 is built-in, it can not be changed in the field when necessary. If it dies during the hunt, and you do not have a Powerbank with you, you have no pinpointer. Plus, it drops off when you least expect it - this occurs with the MI-4 and the not-paired MI-6.

However, there are some MI-6 and MI-4 users who are happy not to deal with the replaceable 9v batteries. Well, I have been using ONE 9v battery with my Garrett Pro-Pointer for TWO seasons and totally happy with it! In other words, I put the battery in and forget about it for a long while. And I keep a spare 9v battery in my car just in case.

5. If the MI-6 is not radio-connected to the Deus, the battery life is short, 10 hours, when the LED flashlight must be used along with Audio Pitch and Vibrate under challenging detecting conditions involving dim light or darkness and strong ambient noise, or pinpointing targets deep underwater - the Deus detector can not be used at all.

This causes a big nuisance for a user because neither the MI-4 nor the unpaired MI-6 has neither a Low Battery indicator nor a Low Battery alarm, and, when the battery dies, the probe stops working without warning. This is why the user has to charge the battery more frequently than necessary just to be on a safe side, in addition to regular charging of the Deus coil, remote controller and headphones.

The battery life of the MI-4 is the same as of the unpaired MI-6 - from 10 hours with use of LED plus AUDIO plus VIBRATE to 30 hours with use of AUDIO only.

6. Low body build quality. A rubber grip of the MI-6 started falling off after approximately 1.5 months of intense usage. One of my fellow-detectorists had a bad case right from the start. After he opened a box with the MI-6 he had just bought online, he discovered an open hole in the handle section where the rubber grip was not properly affixed to the MI-6. The probe worked but was not dustproof and waterproof.

It seems that the XP Metal Detectors do not have a good Quality Assurance program at their factory. You probably should know about the bubbles and cavities in the bottom filling of some XP Deus HF search coils assembled on the automated production line - the details will be given in my upcoming article.

7. A turning holster for the XP pinpointers is a good idea but a little bit problematic. During my first two outings with the MI-6, I had to fumble with the pinpointer trying to get it into the holster. During the third hunt with the MI-6, I gave up on the XP holster and began using the Garrett one which is a much better design.

8. Terrible cross-talk between the Deus and the unpaired MI-6 or the MI-4. Also, if the MI-6 pinpointer is used with the Deus v2.0-v3.2, i.e. the pinpointer is not radio-linked to the Deus, a user will experience a lot of annoying interference audio when the MI6, or MI-4, is in close proximity to the Deus. And the pinpointer itself also makes constant noise.

To avoid this, the user of the MI-4 or the unpaired MI-6 must develop a habit of placing the Deus away from the target hole before turning the MI-6 or the MI-4 on for target pinpointing. Or shift the Deus operating frequency if the 7 kHz frequency is used. This method is not effective with 18 kHz frequency. I suggest to do the former because shifting frequency negatively affects the Deus performance.

The worst case is when the Deus v2.0-v3.2 and v4.X-v5.X with the unpaired probe is operated on the 12 kHz frequency - the same as the operating frequency of the MI-6 and MI-4 probes, and reacts to the pinpointer with a loud, oscillating sound.

Moreover, the Deus audio responses to non-ferrous targets turn into questionable signals, i.e. they become mixed with grunt! Some Deus users perform the ferrite calibration of the probe to avoid this problem however, the detection distance of the MI-6 and MI-4 becomes smaller, approximately 3.5 cm.

This cross-talk issue is one of big reasons for the die-hard Deus v2.0-v3.2 fans, including myself, not to use the XP MI-6 and MI-4 pinpointers.

9. A time delay in switching the MI-6 off was annoying as I had to press and hold the power button for a few seconds waiting until the end of the melody according to the instruction manual same as with switching on. Such a delayed procedure of the on-and-off switching not only upped my target-recovery time, but would also break my rhythm of the search-and-recovery process.

Because I had developed certain sensorimotor memory in my hand muscles after using the Garrett pinpointer for a long while, I am used to quickly press the pinpointer power button to turn it off without conscious control.

With the MI-6, I often followed my old habit and did not press and HOLD the power button long enough to turn it off. This resulted in the MI-6 staying on for extra 5 minutes and losing some battery charge every time I did not press the button right. It could be worse if it was not for the automatic power-off feature. Nothing to say about me possibly changing the sensitivity level which can be adjusted by quick-pressing the button, and not knowing it.

After I spent some time trying to follow the instructions on how to switch the LED and VIBRATION off to increase the battery life, and failed to do so a few times, I realized that this was a little bit too much for me. I did not even bother with testing different programs because I did not need them. And I already knew that I would not be using this probe on a regular basis. After I was done field-testing the MI-6, I put it on a shelf.

I resumed using my old Garrett Pro-Pointer which did not have ANY of the above-described flaws, and still serves me very well. In April of 2018, Garrett released its new electronic probe - Garrett PRO Pointer AT Z-Lynk, which also incorporates a wireless module besides all other cutting-edge features like the ones of the XP MI-6. It will not be long before such features become standard in most modern pinpointers.

I think that the XP Metal Detectors should quickly address all firmware and design issues with their probes, otherwise the competitors will eclipse the XP Metal Detectors soon, if this is not already happening.

Considering how many hunky-dory MI-6 probe reviews have been circulating on the Internet, I can imagine how many die-hard MI6 fans and XP metal detector dealers will strongly disagree with my opinions expressed in this review. However, I think that it is important to give uninformed people some other-side facts they should know before buying this probe. More details will be given in one of my upcoming articles.

And I hope that this review will help you make a right decision and save your time and money. Just remember that you do not have to keep up with the latest fad.

Happy Pinpointing!

Aug 16, 2018