The Garrett AT Pro: Your All-Terrain Metal Detecting Companion
If you’re serious about metal detecting and want a detector that can handle any environment, the Garrett AT Pro deserves your attention. This waterproof workhorse has earned its reputation as one of the most versatile detectors on the market, and after spending countless hours with one in various conditions, I can tell you it lives up to the hype.
What Makes the AT Pro Special?
The AT Pro stands for “All-Terrain Professional,” and that name tells you everything you need to know. Unlike many detectors that excel in only one environment, this machine performs equally well on dry land, in shallow water, and even in heavy rain. The waterproof housing goes down to 10 feet, making it perfect for beach hunting, river searching, and those unexpected downpours that catch other detectors off guard.
The build quality immediately impresses. The control box feels solid without being overly heavy, and the padded armrest makes those long detecting sessions much more comfortable. The display is clear and readable even in bright sunlight, which is something many detectors struggle with.
Performance That Delivers
Where the AT Pro really shines is in its target separation and depth capabilities. The 8.5″ x 11″ DD search coil provides excellent ground coverage while maintaining the ability to distinguish between multiple targets in trashy areas. I’ve found that in moderate trash conditions, the AT Pro can separate targets that are just inches apart – something crucial when hunting old homesteads or popular beaches.
The Pro Mode Audio feature is worth the price of admission alone. This allows you to hear different tones for different types of metals, giving you an audio profile of what’s beneath the coil. After some practice, you’ll start recognizing the subtle differences between pull tabs, coins, and deeper targets just by sound. It’s like developing a sixth sense for what’s underground.
Real-World Applications
Beach hunting becomes a completely different experience with the AT Pro. The saltwater mineralization that drives many detectors crazy barely phases this machine. I’ve spent hours detecting along the surf line, and the AT Pro maintains its stability and depth even in wet sand conditions. The waterproof design means you can wade into shallow water to check those targets just out of reach from shore.
For relic hunting, the AT Pro’s ability to handle mineralized soil makes it invaluable. Old battlefields, colonial sites, and areas with high iron content become accessible rather than frustrating. The iron audio feature helps you identify and ignore most iron targets while still catching those occasional iron-encrusted relics that might be valuable.
Park and school hunting benefit from the AT Pro’s excellent target separation. You can work your way through pull tabs, bottle caps, and foil to find the good stuff underneath. The adjustable discrimination lets you customize your search based on the site conditions and what you’re hoping to find.
Settings and Customization
The AT Pro offers multiple search modes including Standard, Pro, and various discrimination patterns. Standard mode is great for beginners or when you want maximum depth, while Pro mode gives you more control over how you hear and interpret targets.
The ground balance feature is fully adjustable, which is crucial for working in different soil conditions. Whether you’re in red clay, sandy soil, or highly mineralized ground, you can tune the detector for optimal performance. The automatic ground balance works well for most situations, but learning to manually ground balance will give you that extra edge when conditions get tough.
Tips for Getting the Most from Your AT Pro
Start with Standard mode and get comfortable with the basic operation before diving into Pro mode. The learning curve is manageable, but rushing into advanced features can lead to missed targets and frustration.
Pay attention to the Target ID numbers and learn what common targets read as. Pull tabs, for instance, often read in the same range as gold rings, so blanket discrimination can cause you to miss valuable finds.
Use headphones designed for metal detecting. The AT Pro’s Pro Mode Audio really comes alive with good headphones, and you’ll pick up on subtle target responses that you might miss with the built-in speaker.
Keep the coil parallel to the ground and maintain a consistent sweep speed. Too fast and you’ll miss deep targets; too slow and you’ll waste time. About 3-4 seconds per sweep is usually ideal.
Common Questions and Concerns
Battery life is excellent, with a set of four AA batteries lasting 20-30 hours depending on usage and headphone choice. Always carry spare batteries, especially on extended hunts.
The weight distribution is well-balanced, but the detector does weigh around 3.03 pounds. This is reasonable for a waterproof, all-terrain machine, but you might appreciate a harness system for very long detecting sessions.
The learning curve for Pro Mode Audio is real, but it’s worth the effort. Plan to spend several detecting sessions just listening and learning before expecting to make those split-second decisions about whether to dig or not.
Who Should Consider the AT Pro?
This detector is perfect for the serious hobbyist who wants one machine that can do it all. If you detect in various environments and don’t want to own multiple specialized detectors, the AT Pro is hard to beat. It’s also excellent for those upgrading from an entry-level machine who want professional features without the professional price tag.
The AT Pro might be overkill if you only detect in one specific environment, like dry parks or schoolyards. In those cases, a less expensive land-only detector might serve you better. Similarly, if you’re primarily interested in gold prospecting in highly mineralized soils, you might want to look at detectors specifically designed for that purpose.
Maintenance and Care
Even though the AT Pro is waterproof, rinse it with fresh water after saltwater use. The coil connection point and control box joints benefit from occasional cleaning and inspection. Store the detector in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving it in hot vehicles for extended periods.
The search coil cover is essential protection – replace it when worn to prevent damage to the coil itself. The control box should be kept free of sand and grit, especially around the buttons and connections.
Final Thoughts
After years of using various detectors in different conditions, I keep coming back to the AT Pro as my go-to machine. Its combination of versatility, performance, and reliability makes it worth every penny. Whether you’re a seasoned detectorist looking for a capable all-rounder or an intermediate hunter ready to step up your game, the Garrett AT Pro delivers professional features without the professional learning curve.
The real magic of the AT Pro is how it grows with you. Start with the basic features and gradually explore the more advanced capabilities as your skills develop. Before long, you’ll wonder how you ever detected without it.