XP MI-4 Pinpointer Real Review


The XP MI-4 waterproof pinpointer is one of the most rugged and sensitive pinpointers on the market. I have been using both the MI-4 and MI-6 for over 2 years with zero flaws. The craftsmanship and attention to detail of the MI pinpointers is unmatched. They are built tough and made to last. They work in any condition (rain, sleet, snow, underwater etc.). The XP MI-4 is one of the best pin point probes on the market.

In this article, I’ll give you a real review of the XP MI-4 Pinpointer. I’ll go over what’s in the box, features, how it compares to the MI-6 and other pinpointers, if it has any flaws, how long I have been using one, how it operates in mineralized soil and more!

Watch The Video For More Information

What Comes Inside The Box of The XP MI-4 Pin Point Probe?

As you can see from the main image at the top of the article, here is what you get when you open up the box of a brand new MI-4 pinpointer.

  • The MI-4 Pinpointer itself.
  • Instruction manual
  • Holster
  • Tether cable
  • USB charging Cable

What Are The Features of The MI-4 Pin Point Probe?

  • 100% Waterproof down to 20 ft.
  • Audio Modes (Pitch and Pulse).
  • 6 programs with 3 levels of sensitivity.
  • Comes with an LED light.
  • Speaker that can be turned on or off.
  • Vibration that can be turned on or off.
  • Comes with a sturdy rotating holster.
  • Rubber hand grip.
  • Rechargeable lithium battery
  • 2 year warranty

Do I need to Own The XP Deus to Use The MI-4?

The answer is no. The MI-4 is a stand alone pinpointer. On the other hand, the MI-6 is able to pair up to the XP Deus which unlocks some additional features (more info below). But the MI-6 can also be used as a stand alone pinpointer.

Repeat: Both the MI-4 and MI-6 can be used as a stand alone pinpointer but the MI-6 can pair up with the XP Deus metal detector.

What is the Difference Between The MI-4 and MI-6?

The one big difference between the MI-4 and MI-6 is the ability to sync the audio of the pinpointer through the XP Deus (if you have one). Plus, If you have the MI-6 paired with your XP Deus you will also get a few additional features such as:

  • 50 levels of sensitivity.
  • Additional levels of adjustments via the XP Deus
  • Tone adjustments
  • Battery level indicator.
  • A recovery mode. Useful in finding a lost MI-6.

Is The MI-4 as Good as The MI-6?

The answer is yes. There is no difference in performance, quality, or craftsmanship. Both are excellent pinpointers. I own both of them!

Rare Nessler Bullet Pinpointed With The MI-4 Pin Point Probe

How Does The MI-4 Compare to Other Pinpointers?

I have been using the MI-4 for a few weeks but I have been using the MI-6 for over 2 years without any issues or problems. I have used several other pinpointers over the years to include on of the most popular, the “carrott”. I switched over the the MI-6 and now the MI-4 because I found myself replacing the other poinpointers around the 6-8 month mark. Also, the others seemed to fail or don’t work very well in mineralized soil. The XP MI pinpointers have been solid performers for me and I can’t speak highly enough about the these wonderful pinpointers. I recommend owning either one.

Do the XP Pinpointers (MI-4 or MI-6) Interfere With Other Metal Detectors?

The answer is no. I have used both the MI-4 and MI-6 with the Minelab Equinox 800, the Garrett AT Pro, Whites TDI, The Minelab GPX 4500 and the XP Deus. I have never experienced any interference using either the MI-4 or MI-6 with any of these machines.

However, like any pinpointer, if you get it too close to your coil you may experience some interference. To correct the problem, simply move the machine/coil away from the pinpointer and the problem should resolve itself.

Will The MI-4 Work in Highly Mineralized (Iron Rich) Soil?

Civil War Buck and Ball Pinpointed by The MI-4 in Mineralized Soil

The answer is yes! I have been using the MI-4 and MI-6 in the hot soil of central Virginia for the past couple of years with no issues. Both the MI-4 and MI-6 perform the same in highly mineralized soil. If ground balanced properly, the MI-4 and MI-6 will pinpoint the target with ease while other name brand pinpointers struggle. They will often times act erratic and seem unstable. The MI-4 and MI-6 are solid performers in mineralized soil.

That MI-4 is a great Pinpointer, I loved using the MI-6 in the red dirt. They are pretty much the same except the MI-6 has the wireless built into it.

Keith Leppert – Fort Bedford Metal Detectors

Does the XP MI-4 Have Any Flaws?

The answer is not really. But if I could recommend one improvement to XP, the one thing I would recommend is a feature to increase the volume of the pitch or pulse. For folks who have a hearing impairment, the volume of the pulse or pitch just isn’t high enough to overcome their impairment and not everyone likes the vibrate feature to fall back on.

Recommendation to XP: Raise the volume of the pitch or pulse or provide a feature to manually set the volume based on user preference.

Why Did I Chose The MI-4 Over The MI-6?

The answer is I really didn’t. I still own the MI-6 and have it paired with my XP Deus but continue to use it as a stand alone pinpointer. However, during my recent trip to Virginia, I already knew how well the MI-6 works in hot mineralized soil but my back up pinpointer was the orange carrot. Like I mentioned earlier, the carrot just doesn’t do the job that the MI-6 does in those conditions so I purchased the MI-4. I know it will work in those hot soil conditions.

Plus, after 2 years of owning the MI-6 (that I purchased used btw), the speaker seemed to be getting weaker but it still performs just fine. I wanted to have a piece of mind going on my trip to Virginia to hunt for civil war relics.

How much does the MI-4 Cost?

The table below links over the current prices from Amazon, and Fort Bedford Metal Detectors. I would recommend calling Fort Bedford to get the best deal possible. Tell them MentalMetal sent you.

Pin Point ProbeAmazon PriceFort Bedford Price
XP MI-4 Pin Point ProbeCurrent PriceCall 814-215-1732
XP MI-6 Pin Point ProbeCurrent PriceCall 814-215-1732

Lets Sum Up The MI-4

In conclusion, if you are looking for a really good pinpointer that won’t act erratic in mineralized soil and a pinpointer you won’t have to replace every year or so, then consider the XP MI-4 or MI-6. The XP pinpointers are built to last and operate underwater and in any weather condition. I own both the MI-4 and MI-6 and this has been a “real” review of the XP MI-4 Pin Point Probe.

Where Can You Purchase The XP MI-4 Pin Point Probe?

Want To Know More About The MI-6?

I also wrote an article titled “Is The MI-6 Pinpointer Really That Good?” Check it out by clicking here.

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Mental Metal

Here is a little about me. I started this hobby back in the early 90's. My first detector was a Whites 5900 DI. I found enough clad the first summer (around $400) to pay it off. Then I stopped detecting... Fortunately, I didn't give it up for good. Here I am 20+ years later and I've rediscovered the joy of metal detecting.

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