In general the device is OK. Like others, deeper wires (more than a foot) can have issues, and it takes some getting used to. It can be difficult to pinpoint the exact location of a cable or wire because the meter lacks an L/R comparison. I generally use it to just find sharp drops off the end or a complete break in the wire. To me this will only be used in the future to find breaks in landscape lighting wires and taped irrigation pipes. You really need to have a good idea of where you're looking before you try to find anything. The only other devices I'm familiar with are much higher quality, but this meter in particular has a lot of issues with wetter soil. However, all in all (price, features, etc.) it's a worthwhile tool, especially if you just need to find an open or hidden wire endpoint.