Fisher F-Pulse Pinpointer: Depth and More—A Comprehensive Review

For metal detectorists who often find themselves navigating the challenges of mineralized soil and sand, the Fisher F-Pulse Pinpointer stands out as a top-tier choice. Renowned for its precision, depth, durability, and reliability in beach, park, and relic detecting, the F-Pulse leverages advanced pulse induction (PI) technology to excel in harsh environments. Since its introduction in 2018 and subsequent revamp in and around 2022, the F-Pulse has earned a solid reputation among detectorists for its exceptional performance in demanding conditions and its ability to locate deep targets. Proudly manufactured and assembled in the USA with a blend of domestic and imported parts, the F-Pulse is a product of Fisher, a brand owned by First Texas Products, headquartered in El Paso, TX.

How Does the F-Pulse Pinpointer Compare to Other Pinpointers, and Who Is It Ideal For?

The F-Pulse is an excellent pinpointer, demonstrating superior sensitivity in both air and in-ground tests. It consistently detects items like coins and rings at greater distances compared to competitors, the Nokta AccuPOINT, OKM XELA Funtuna, and Garrett Carrott. The increased detection range is both noticeable and impressive. For example, in an in-ground test, the F-Pulse outperformed all other pinpointers, detecting a dime up at 4 inches and a quarter at 5 inches. During testing, it even located a coin in a plug that was intact, which other VLF pinpointers had missed, and it proved more effective at detecting shallow targets without digging.

However, for smaller metal items like very small gold stud earrings or individual gold chain links, the Nokta AccuPOINT performed better in both air and in-ground tests. The AccuPOINT detected these smaller items more effectively, but it needed to be in direct contact with the item.

I highly recommend the F-Pulse for park, relic, and beach hunters. 

However, it is not the best choice for gold nugget detectorists or prospectors. When searching for small gold nuggets, using a plastic scoop under the coil of a professional gold detector is more effective than relying on a pinpointer.

The F-Pulse also stands out for its comfort and ergonomics. Its oval shape fits naturally in the hand, making it more comfortable to grip than round pinpointers, especially for those with smaller hands.

For serious underwater detectorists, whether scuba diving, tankless diving, or long snorkeling sessions, the F-Pulse isn’t ideal. Instead, I recommend a pinpointer specifically designed for underwater detecting, like the Nokta PulseDive, which is rated IP68 and can be submerged up to 60 meters (200 feet). In contrast, the Fisher F-Pulse is only suitable for use in up to 6 feet of water for a maximum of 1 hour. Therefore, the F-Pulse is better suited for occasional wet detecting days, whether you’re detecting in the waves at the beach or in a shallow river or creek where the F-Pulse won’t be submerged for an extended period of time.

Additionally, metal detectorists who are hearing impaired should note that some users feel the F-Pulse may not be loud enough, and the vibration might be too subtle. I personally like the fact that the sound of the F-Pulse is not too loud.

Overall, the F-Pulse is an excellent option compared to other leading pinpointers, and I would recommend it to those in the market for a reliable and effective pinpointer.

The Tech Behind the Fisher F-Pulse Pinpointer

Understanding Pulse Induction (PI) Use in Pinpointers vs. Very Low Frequency (VLF)

The Fisher F-Pulse Pinpointer excels due to its Pulse Induction (PI) technology, which outperforms Very Low Frequency (VLF) pinpointers in mineralized soil and sand. This technology provides enhanced sensitivity and depth detection, making the F-Pulse particularly effective in challenging environments like saltwater beaches or areas with high iron content.

Pulse Induction works by sending rapid, high-intensity pulses into the ground. When these pulses encounter a metal object, they induce eddy currents within the metal, which in turn produce their own magnetic fields. This method allows for excellent depth penetration and minimal interference from mineralized ground.

Technology	Models
Examples of PI Pinpointers on the Market	Fisher F-Pulse Tek-Point Teknetics Nokta PulseDive Quest XPointer II DetectorPro UniProbe
Examples of VLF Pinpointes on the Market	Nokta AccuPOINT Minelab Pro-Find 35 XP MI-6 (Note: XP initially planned to use PI technology for the MI-6 but switched to VLF before its release.)

Differences Between the Older and Newer Models of the F-Pulse Pinpointer

Around 2022, the F-Pulse Pinpointer received an update, with potential additional updates since then. Unfortunately, I don’t have the exact dates or comprehensive details, as my information is based on forums and articles. The main changes between version 1 and version 2 include the removal of Turbo modes and the loss of the ability to turn off the LED light or adjust its brightness. The update also resolved an issue in the original release, where the F-Pulse would lock up if turned on while overloaded.

Note that in the photo below, the yellow sticker states, “New & Improved.”

Frequency and Sensitivity: The Balance of Detection

The F-Pulse operates at a frequency of 2,500 pulses per second, which is optimized for detecting targets with high precision.

Sensitivity adjustment is one key feature of the F-Pulse, offering three levels (low, medium, and high) to tailor the device’s performance to different conditions. The low sensitivity setting is ideal for heavily mineralized ground or environments with a lot of metallic debris, as it reduces the likelihood of detecting unwanted small particles. 

F-Pulse 6 Different Sensitivity Levels	Target Alert
Low Audible	Beep + Vibrate
Medium Audible	Beep + Vibrate
High Audible	Beep + Vibrate
Low Vibrate	Vibrate Only
Medium Vibrate	Vibrate Only
High Virbrate	Vibrate Only

The Fisher F-Pulse Build Quality

Ergonomics

The Fisher F-Pulse is designed to withstand the demands of metal detecting, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced detectorists. It features a durable, non-slip rubber grip that ensures a secure hold, even in wet conditions. The oval-shaped design is particularly comfortable to hold, especially for those with smaller hands, offering an ergonomic advantage over traditional round circumference pinpointer.

Fisher F-Pulse Weight Comparison to Other Pinpointers

Model	Weight – With Battery
Fisher F Pulse	8.16 oz (213g)
Nokta AccuPoint	7.65 oz (217g)
Nokta PulseDive	10oz (286 g)
OKM Futuna XELA	7.3 oz (206.5g)
Garrett Pro-Pointer	6.5 oz (184 g)
Bounty Hunter	3.5 oz (99g)

Fisher F-Pulse Length

Fisher F-Pulse: Waterproof Great for Beach Detectorists, But Not Recommended for Divers and Snorkelers

Although the F-Pulse Pinpointer is waterproof, it is designed for submersion in water up to six feet deep and for no longer than one hour at a time—exceeding these limits voids the warranty. Because of these constraints, I wouldn’t recommend the Fisher F-Pulse for snorkelers, scuba divers, or those using a tankless diving device. This pinpointer is better suited for relic, park or beach (wet or dry) detectorists rather than underwater water detectorists.

If the F-Pulse is Used Underwater, See These Tips

The F-Pulse features a waterproof membrane designed to allow sound to pass through. This membrane is situated inside a cavity beneath the vent, next to the battery cap. When submerged, the cavity fills with water, and once it is brought back to the surface, the water will drain out through the vent. You may need to shake the device to help remove any remaining water.

While the waterproof membrane is wet, the pinpointer’s sound may become muffled. To restore normal sound, simply shake out the excess water and allow the membrane to dry.

The rubber O-ring around the battery cap is essential for maintaining a waterproof seal. To ensure its effectiveness, periodically apply silicone spray lubricant to the O-ring.

F-Pulse Battery Type and Hour of Usage

The F-Pulse is designed to run on two AA batteries, striking an ideal balance between weight, cost, and availability. Its power management system is optimized for efficiency, offering up to 25 hours of continuous operation on a single set of batteries, making it a dependable tool for extended searches. This makes it ideal for camping or off-grid detecting, where it isn’t easy to charge devices and requires relying more on traditional batteries.

To ensure optimal performance and longevity, it’s crucial to avoid using “ZINC-CARBON” or “HEAVY DUTY” batteries, as they typically have lower energy density and higher internal resistance. This can lead to inadequate power delivery under the F-Pulse’s operational load, reducing runtime and causing voltage fluctuations that may impair sensitivity and stability. Instead, using high-quality alkaline or rechargeable NiMH batteries provides a consistent power supply, preserving the device’s precision and reliability throughout prolonged use.

Note that the F-Pulse uses two AA batteries, making it more cost-effective to operate compared to other pinpointers that require 9V batteries, which tend to be more expensive.

The Fisher F-Pulse User Interface and Feedback Mechanisms

The F-Pulse Pinpointer features a straightforward, single-button interface that simplifies operation while providing a range of functions. Users can easily switch between sensitivity levels, recalibrate the device, or enable/disable the audio and vibrational feedback modes. The device’s LED flashlight is a particularly useful feature for low-light conditions, offering illumination of the search area without compromising battery life.

Feedback is provided through a combination of audio signals and vibration, allowing the user to detect targets even in noisy environments or when auditory feedback might be difficult to discern. The device’s proportional response system ensures that the intensity of the feedback increases as the pinpointer gets closer to the target, providing intuitive guidance during the search process.

Calibrating the Fisher F-Pluse in Mineralized Soil or Saltwater

One of the standout features of the F-Pulse is its adaptability to a wide range of environments aided with calibration. The adjustable sensitivity and rapid retune calibration function allow users to fine-tune the device’s performance on the go, ensuring consistent effectiveness in various search environments.

To calibrate the F-Pulse, simply power on the device, touch the tip of the probe to the soil or submerge it in water, then quickly press and release the button. The device will emit a beep to confirm that calibration is complete, ensuring optimal performance in challenging conditions.

Eliminating Interference Between Your F-Pulse and Metal Detector, Shifting Frequency

All metal detectors operate at different frequencies, which makes certain detectors more effective at detecting specific targets. The Fisher F-Pulse is designed to work in harmony with the varying frequencies of different detectors, allowing users to calibrate the F-Pulse to a frequency that minimizes or eliminates interference with their metal detector. However, the factory default setting of the F-Pulse may sometimes cause interference, leading to irregular beeping from either the pinpointer or the metal detector. This interference is most likely when the pinpointer is pointed into the horizontal plane of the search coil. To reduce this, it’s recommended to lay the metal detector down with the search coil perpendicular to the ground while probing.

To shift the F-Pulse’s operating frequency, follow these steps: First, turn off the F-Pulse. Next, power on your metal detector and set the sensitivity to a stable level with no irregular beeping. Then, turn on the F-Pulse by quickly pressing the power button, and hold the button down. Ignore the initial alarm and continue holding the button through the power-down and programming alarms. Release the button when you hear the double tone-roll, which indicates the device is now in frequency-shift mode. You can then cycle through 16 different frequency settings by pressing and releasing the button, with each press causing a short beep, indicating a frequency change. When your metal detector stops beeping, you’ve found the correct frequency. The F-Pulse will retain this frequency setting, allowing you to continue detecting without interference.

Another approach you can take is to turn on the F-Pulse pinpointer before powering on the metal detector instead of changing the pinpointer’s frequency. This method usually resolves the issue.

Lost Mode & Auto Shutoff Function

The F-Pulse is equipped with a Lost Mode and Auto Shutoff feature to help conserve battery life and assist in locating the device if it’s left unattended. If the F-Pulse remains powered on without any button presses for 10 minutes, it will enter Lost Mode, reducing its power consumption, flashing the LED, and emitting a beep every 15 seconds. If no further action is taken, the unit will automatically power down completely after 30 minutes.

Fisher F-Pulse Pinpointer Tip Cover

For detectorists who frequently wear out the tips of their pinpointers, there’s good news: if you have access to a 3D printer or know someone who does, you can find a free file online to print an F-Pulse tip cover. I’ve compiled a collection of the best 3D-printable items for detectorists and detectors, including the F-Pulse tip cover, which you can find here.

Fisher F-Pulse Warranty

After your purchase, be sure to complete the First Texas Warranty Registration Form, available at this link: https://firsttexasproducts.com/pages/warranty-registration.

The Fisher F-Pulse is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of two years from the date of purchase, applicable only to the original owner. The liability under this warranty is strictly limited to the purchase price of the product. In the event of a defect, Fisher Research Labs will, at their discretion, repair or replace the product, provided it is returned with shipping costs prepaid. The warranty does not cover shipping costs. The warranty does not cover damage resulting from neglect, accidental damage, misuse, or normal wear and tear. For service, contact Fisher Research Labs at 1120 Alza Drive, El Paso, TX 79907, or by phone at 1-800-685-5050. Please note that submersing the product to a depth greater than six feet will void the warranty.

Conclusion: The F-Pulse is a Reliable and Effective Pinpointer and Worth Owning

The Fisher F-Pulse Pinpointer is a robust device with excellent detecting depth, designed to meet the needs of serious metal detection enthusiasts. It’s a worthwhile investment for both amateur and professional users alike. Whether you’re navigating highly mineralized soil or sand, the F-Pulse Pinpointer is an excellent choice for park, relic, or beach detectorists.