Garrett AT Pro Review 2024: In-Depth Buyer’s Guide

Let’s get straight to the conclusion: The Garrett AT Pro will completely end your search for a quality and affordable metal detector. 

With all the premium features the AH Pro contains you can assure yourself of a great metal hunting experience.

It belongs to the ‘All-Terrain’ series which also comprises the AT Gold and Max.

This article will show you why the Garrett AT Pro is a great choice for all treasure hunters.

Garrett AT Pro Review 2024

The Garrett AT Pro is a feature-loaded detecting beast. At a very affordable price, the AT Pro offers you all the features commonly found in high-end models. 

You can submerge it 10 feet deep entirely without having to worry about any damage. 

The Garrett AT Pro also features 40 different settings for discrimination that helps the machine differentiate between a wide range of ferrous metals. 

You also get the latest MS-2 headphones to hear the tones clearly. This is important because the tones will differ based on the depth of the metal detected underground. 

It has a sizable screen that shows the digital target ID that identifies what the machine is detecting. 

Most ferrous targets are labeled around the range of 1 to 40, and metals with higher conductivity register ids close to 99. 

The AT Pro comes with an Iron Audio feature that can be activated with a button and enable the machine to identify the target correctly. 

Pros 

• Submersible up to 10 feet
• User-friendly
• Upgradable with Z-Lynk to use with wireless headphones. 

Cons

• The depth and reading gets affected in saltwater
• Its zero-mode is nothing when compared to the all-metal mode found in most detectors
• It has no display backlight 

Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector Overview

For any detectorists or beginners looking to buy a high-performance metal detector, the AT Pro is the perfect pick for you. 

The detecting abilities are excellent in all kinds of terrains. 

The fully waterproof body is suitable for beach and swamp hunting. However, you might have to adjust the ground balance a little due to the mineralization at the beach. 

You will love the PRO mode and its ability to detect different metals with ease and identify them using different sounds. 

Overall, the AT Pro outperforms many of the higher-priced detectors. It is easy to use, and with a little practice, anyone can master it. 

Things to Consider Before Buying The Garrett AT Pro 

The Garrett AT Pro is a highly versatile metal detector for most situations. However, considering its affordable price tag it’s not wrong to expect some drawbacks. 

For instance, it doesn’t have a screen light, and this can make treasure hunting tough in some conditions. 

The headphones (though wireless) are not waterproof. And due to the many options on the interface, using the AT Pro might get a little confusing at first.

Quick Note: You can buy waterproof headphones separately for this detector on Amazon 

Is the Garrett AT Pro a Good Detector?

If you are considering buying the Garrett AT Pro, then check out the top features of this detector below.

Features of the Garrett AT Pro

Here are some of the Top Features:

Waterproof Design

The AT Pro has a fully submersible body that can be used in water up to 10-feet deep. You can use it in places with shallow water including rivers, lakes, creeks, and seas. 

Even though it’s waterproof, you won’t be able to use it for scuba diving or hunting in shipwrecks. Since the headphones are not waterproof, you will have to buy them separately. 

The machine can withstand all kinds of waters and even rain. Even the interface is covered and sealed so water does not enter the main system and cause any damage.

Display and Control Panel

The Garrett AT Pro has a similar layout to the Garrett ACE. So, if you have used the latter before, getting used to this one will not be too hard. 

The major difference between AT Pro and ACE is the black color scheme that makes the AT Pro look sleek. 

When used in the field, the AT Pro’s well-organized control panel makes treasure hunting easier and effortless.

The top part of the control panel has a legend that shows potential target categories in the area. It is useful for getting an idea of what the target might be. 

Even though this feature is quite efficient, I would recommend relying more on the numerical target ID and audio produced by the detector. 

If you wish to create distinct discrimination patterns, you can use this legend feature. 

You can select or eliminate segments with the notch disc button. It will give you more control over the detector and help you find valuable items. 

The buttons on the interface of the AT Pro are labeled clearly. It makes the machine simple to use and intuitive. 

The AT Pro’s display concerns most detectorists, due to the lack of backlight it can be somewhat difficult to use the detector in broad daylight. 

There is no way to adjust the threshold and volume of the tone. The legend on top of the screen is barely visible in some conditions. 

If you are willing to ignore these minor issues, you won’t have any problem using the AT Pro. 

Operating Frequency 

The operating frequency of AT Pro 15kHz is higher than most VLF metal detectors in this price range. Due to its high frequency, the AT Pro gives you some unique advantages.

It’s great at detecting small targets while separating the target with ease. You can also use the AT Pro to find gold nuggets as it has a better ground balance function. 

The AT Pro operates using a single frequency. You can adjust the configuration, to avoid interference from power lines or other detectors. 

Since most VLF detectors at this range come with a single frequency, the AT Pro’s configuration flexibility gives you an advantage over other detectors. 

Last update on 2024-05-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Iron Audio

It can be challenging to hunt for valuables in areas that are laden with trash. In such areas, a detector can often end up targeting small items like nails, bottle caps, and more which can consume a major chunk of your time. 

You can avoid this by using the AT Pro in the Custom mode. 

Through this mode, you can turn on the iron discrimination mode. It will enable the unit to ignore the trash and target valuable items only. 

When switched to Iron Audio Mode there is a notable difference in audio feedback. The AT Pro will produce a distinct audio tone when it hovers over a discriminated object. 

This will help you decide whether the target is worth digging. 

For instance, a bottle cap can deceive naked eyes with its coin-like appearance. When you turn on the Iron discrimination to 30-40, the metal detector will help you with the different tones. 

If the detector produces a gruntled tone with a normal tone, the item is possibly trash. A clean tone indicates that there is a target under the soil. 

When the detector is used in the Iron Audio Mode it produces tones that are lower than the normal tones. This makes it easier to detect the targets. 

The only problem is that you can’t use Iron Audio in the ‘Zero’ mode. 

Digital Target ID

The large screen of AT Pro shows the target ID of the located object which is denoted with numbers ranging from 0-99. 

These numbers appear in the center of the screen and help you get precise information about the type of metal and its category. 

Numerical target ID is a standard feature in most detectors found in this price range. It’s a useful feature for getting an estimate of the object’s category while hunting for metal.

The Garrett company ensured that the machine provides a target ID faster, especially when it has been ground balanced properly. 

Coil selection

Seasoned detectorists prefer a product that gives them the option to connect different kinds of coils for varied applications. 

The AT Pro also comes with this feature of coil selection and also an array of coils that can be used with it. 

These are the coils that you can use with the Garrett AT Pro: 

• 4inch DD sniper that lets you hunt for valuable items in small spaces and places that are littered with trash

• 5 x 8inches DD is suitable for high trash areas and offers better target separation

• 6.5 x 9inches for finding items in a concentric and low trash area

• 9 x 12inches is suitable for locating items faster in the wide-open areas

Every coil has its unique function and if you use them correctly, the AT Pro will become your best investment. 

Pro Mode Audio

AT Pro gives you two audio modes i.e. Pro and Standard. You can use both modes and each mode provides a different audio experience. 

Beginners can use the standard mode when using the machine for the first time or during the initial phases. 

In this mode, the machine uses three audio tones to locate the target underground. Each tone differs based on the conductivity of the metal. 

Last update on 2024-05-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The coin bell-tone is a feature carried from the ACE detectors and is useful for finding coins. Apart from this, the tone does not provide much information about the target. 

In the Pro mode, the machine’s audio gives you more information about things like target depth and composition. 

The discrimination options are the same and the machine produces a fainter tone for targets that are buried deeper.

Based on the metal type, the machine might produce some snapping sounds. 

After you get used to the standard mode, you will find it easier to find treasures especially in the regions that are rich in iron. 

Sensitivity

All the detectors in the AT series have eight sensitivity segments. These segments define the depth reach of your metal detector. 

The higher the sensitivity level the deeper the detector can reach. Using the machine on the highest sensitivity configuration might not always give you the best result.

Sometimes due to the interference, the detector produces too much chatter. 

Iron Discrimination

AT Pro has 40 discrimination settings for iron. You can adjust the settings of the machine to eliminate the ferrous objects or set the discrimination to help you find what you’re looking for. 

It is recommended that you keep the discrimination settings to a maximum. 

This will keep you from digging up nails and junk. You can keep the discrimination on 30-35. If you want to find relics, a lower setting will keep you from missing the target. 

Notch Discrimination

The discrimination settings for iron are fundamental for eliminating the metals that have low conductivity including ferrous objects. 

However, these settings might not be effective in keeping metals with high conductivity such as pull tabs and foil away. 

Here the notch discrimination comes in handy. You can choose to accept or reject from the 12 different discrimination segments. 

It is very easy to notch out a single segment. You just have to scroll through the segments and press the ‘ELIM’ button. 

AT Pro’s notch feature performs excellently in the custom mode, but the machine ignores all the notch mode configurations in the ZERO search mode. 

The ZERO mode works like the all-metal mode but is not as precise. 

It also comes with a pre-set ‘coin’ mode which eliminates foil, pull-tabs, and foils automatically. This mode is suitable for beginners who wish to go coin hunting. 

You can press the ‘Eliminate’ button to remove an object from the discrimination setting. 

If the signal gets disturbed on a particular object that is trash, you can hold the ‘ELIM’ button. This will program the machine to remove the detected object from the pattern. 

When using discrimination, you have to be very careful. Most of the time, targets are greater in size or they vary in terms of composition. 

This may cause the machine to accidentally reject items that could be worth digging. 

Manual and Automatic Ground Balance

This is another remarkable feature of the AT Pro; you can adjust the ground balance features both automatically and manually. 

With this feature, you can calibrate your detector to find valuable objects in soil that is rich in minerals such as beaches, lakes, and creeks. 

You can ground balance your machine depending on the mineralization in the soil, to improve the depth range and eliminate any form of chatter. 

The fastest and easiest way of ground balancing is automatic. You just have to hold the ‘GND BAL’ button and the detector will calibrate its settings according to the ground conditions. 

Manual setting only comes into use when the readings in the automatic system are not accurate. 

To get the best results from the AT Pro, always ground balance when you switch it on. 

As you might want to clear the ground balance settings from the previous metal hunt. 

Coin Depth indicator

As mentioned above, the AT Pro comes with a coin depth indicator that gives you the estimated depth of the coin. 

It is located on the right-hand side of the display. It lets you find coins that are situated at a depth of 2 inches – 10 inches. 

If you are using the metal detector in a public garden, it will save you from ruining the grass by giving you the precise location of the coin. 

Pinpointing mode

Though detectors can locate metal underground, getting their precise location is nothing short of a challenge. 

Most of the time detectorists lose or damage the relic due to erratic digging. 

Undoubtedly, as a detectorist you will have to rely on a pinpointer device, but not with the Garrett AT Pro. 

It comes with a built-in pinpointing mode that can be used to identify the precise location of the target. 

Garrett AT Pro Depth Test

Garrett AT Pro is quite impressive in terms of depth and locating targets buried deep underground. 

It has a frequency of 15kHz which helps the machine to locate small targets like jewelry and small pieces of gold.

The AT Pro can easily find objects that are 8-9 inches deep. Most coins and relics are found at such depths. 

However, It is not as efficient as the AT Gold when it comes to finding gold coins and nuggets. 

To get accurate results at the maximum depth, you can pair it with the 13inch search coil. It enhances the ability of the AT Pro to detect gold nuggets or flakes by using the machine’s high frequency. 

The coil also has built-in pinpointing features that show the exact location of the target. Garrett AT Pro features the true All-metal mode that is great for depth and sensitivity. 

To see the Garrett AT Pro depth scanning ability, you can watch this video. 

Garrett AT Pro vs Other Metal Detectors 

Garrett AT Pro Vs AT MAX

The AT series from Garrett has some of the best metal detectors on the market. The AT Pro and AT Max both belong to the All-Terrain series. 

The Garrett AT Max has a much higher price point than the AT Pro.

Also, the AT Max has more features than the AT Pro and comes with 44 iron discrimination segments. It makes metal hunting easier, and the detector takes less time to locate the preferred metal. 

The AT Max comes with another advantage of integrated wireless headphones to help you hear the tones clearly and locate the target faster. 

The detector also has the true all-metal mode that helps you detect coins, jewelry, relics, and gold nuggets quickly. 

You also get the advantage of integrated search modes that are programmed to locate specific targets by selecting one of the modes. 

The AT Pro has some unique features too. It has a higher frequency which is very helpful in finding small targets. 

It allows you to choose between ‘Standard’ and ‘Pro’ audio modes, whereas the AT Max offers only the Pro mode. 

Considering the price of and the easy-to-use design, the AT Pro is a much suitable option for beginners. 

Garrett AT Pro vs Minelab Equinox 800

The Garrett AT Pro has many competitors, but the Minelab Equinox 800 is one of the most notable ones. 

The Minelab Equinox has several features that will easily impress any detectorist. It’s great for hunting relics, coins, and gold. 

The detector uses Multi-IQ technology to locate targets quicker and more precisely.

While the AT Pro uses a single frequency of 15kHz for hunting, the Equinox 800 gives you multiple frequencies to choose from such as 5kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz, up to 40kHz. 

The Equinox 800 comes with wireless headphones that have very low sound latency.

In the Equinox 800, you can choose from 4 different detecting modes such as Park, Beach, Field, and Gold.

Garrett Pro does have an advantage i.e., an easy upgrade. 

Once you have mastered the AT Pro, you can move to a much-advanced detector from Garrett. It will save you time learning how to operate the new one. 

Garrett AT Pro vs Teknetics T2 classic

Both detectors are highly respected by users due to their similar features. The AT Pro and T2 have the same 11-inch search coil, manual ground balance, pinpointing mode, and numerical target ID. 

However, some key factors set them apart and make one better than the other. 

The T2 falls in the lower price range which makes it a great entry-level option. To compete, the AT Pro has the Iron Audio mode that avoids trash which often appears as a relevant target on most detectors.

AT Pro features notch and iron discrimination modes which saves time during hunting by identifying precise targets. 

Besides, the AT Pro has a fully submersible design for lakeside usage. 

Garrett AT Pro vs AT Gold

Even though these two detectors belong to the same all-terrain series, these detectors are always compared. 

Each metal detector has distinctive properties that are worth considering before buying. 

The AT Gold gives you the advantage of higher frequency i.e. 18kHz which helps locate relics, gold nuggets, and jewelry. 

You can adjust the audio threshold manually, which allows you to hear target tones. 

Not only does the AT Gold detect gold but also relics and other types of jewelry. AT Gold is one of the best entry-level detectors for gold that’s available at an affordable price range. 

The AT Pro serves as a great all-rounder that you can buy at a lower price than the AT Gold. It comes with a large size coil that helps the machine emit high frequency and reach deeper. 

Unlike the AT Gold, it can be used near saltwater and mineral-rich regions. 

Last update on 2024-05-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Final Verdict

The Garrett AT Pro is a good metal detector that won’t disappoint you. Its sleek design allows you to hunt for hours without getting a sore arm. 

The user-friendly configuration and ergonomic interface make navigation easier. 

Its numerous features and modes do a great job, and it’s useful for finding many valuable items. If you are treasure hunting for the first time, the AT Pro will definitely be suitable for you. 

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