What Makes the Garrett AT Pro Stand Out
The Garrett AT Pro represents a significant step up from entry-level detectors, offering professional-grade features at a mid-range price point. Released in 2011, this detector has maintained its popularity due to its exceptional versatility and performance across various hunting conditions.
The AT Pro features a fully submersible design up to 10 feet, making it ideal for beach hunting, shallow water searches, and rainy-day detecting sessions. The control box, search coil, and stem are all waterproof, though you’ll need to keep the control box speaker above water since it’s not fully sealed.
Key Technical Specifications
The AT Pro operates at 15 kHz frequency, providing excellent sensitivity to small targets like gold jewelry and coins. With its 8.5″ x 11″ DD search coil, you get good ground coverage while maintaining the ability to pinpoint targets accurately.
The detector offers three detection modes: Standard, Pro, and Pinpoint. The Pro mode includes Iron Audio, which allows you to actually hear discriminated iron targets, helping you avoid trash while potentially finding valuable relics with iron components.
With an adjustable threshold and frequency shift capabilities, the AT Pro helps you fine-tune performance in challenging environments. The ground balance range of 175 to 240 PPM covers most soil conditions you’ll encounter.
Performance in Different Environments
Beach Hunting Success
The AT Pro truly shines at the beach. Its waterproof design means you can hunt in the surf line without worry, and the 15 kHz frequency provides excellent sensitivity to gold jewelry. The salt mode helps eliminate false signals from wet sand, though you’ll need to ground balance frequently in these conditions.
Many beach hunters report finding more gold rings with the AT Pro compared to lower-frequency detectors. The Iron Audio feature is particularly valuable on beaches where pull tabs and small pieces of foil are common.
Field and Park Hunting
In parks and fields, the AT Pro’s standard mode provides excellent target separation, allowing you to distinguish between multiple targets in close proximity. The 8.5″ x 11″ coil covers ground efficiently while still being maneuverable around trees and park benches.
The detector’s ability to handle mineralized soil makes it suitable for relic hunting in areas with high iron content. You can use the Iron Audio to determine whether a signal might be a valuable relic with iron components or just modern trash.
Shallow Water Detecting
The AT Pro’s 10-foot waterproof rating makes it perfect for shallow water detecting along shorelines and in freshwater lakes. The detector maintains its performance underwater, though you’ll need to account for the buoyancy of the coil and stem.
Many successful water hunters use the AT Pro to search for lost jewelry, coins, and other valuables in areas where people swim and wade. The key is to hunt after busy weekends or holidays when the likelihood of finding lost items is highest.
Essential Accessories and Upgrades
Search Coils
While the standard 8.5″ x 11″ DD coil works well for most situations, consider adding a smaller coil for trashy areas. The Garrett 5″ x 8″ DD coil provides better target separation in areas with lots of pull tabs and bottle caps.
For covering large areas quickly, the 9″ x 12″ concentric coil offers excellent depth and ground coverage, though it sacrifices some target separation compared to DD coils.
Headphones
The AT Pro includes Garrett’s MS-2 headphones, but many experienced users prefer waterproof headphones for beach and water hunting. The Garrett Submersible Headphones provide excellent audio quality and won’t be damaged if submerged accidentally.
Quality headphones significantly improve your ability to hear faint signals, especially in noisy environments like beaches or windy fields.
Carrying Equipment
A good finds pouch is essential for organizing your discoveries. The Garrett Camo Digger’s Pouch features separate compartments for trash and treasure, plus a dedicated area for your pinpointer.
Consider a detector harness to reduce fatigue during long hunting sessions. The DetectorPro Gray Ghost Harness distributes the weight of your AT Pro, making it more comfortable to carry for extended periods.
Tips for Getting the Most from Your AT Pro
Mastering the Iron Audio Feature
The Iron Audio feature is one of the AT Pro’s most valuable tools, but it requires practice to use effectively. When hunting in Pro mode, listen carefully to how iron targets sound different from good targets. Iron typically produces a broken or choppy signal, while coins and jewelry give clean, repeatable signals.
Spend time digging iron targets initially to train your ear. You’ll soon learn to distinguish between modern iron trash and potentially valuable relics with iron components.
Ground Balancing Techniques
Proper ground balancing is crucial for optimal performance, especially in mineralized soil. The AT Pro offers both automatic and manual ground balancing. While automatic ground balancing is convenient, manual ground balancing often provides better results in challenging soil conditions.
To manually ground balance, pump the coil up and down over clean ground (no metal targets present) while adjusting the ground balance control until the threshold remains steady.
Target Recovery Strategies
When you get a signal, use the pinpoint mode to determine the exact location of the target before digging. This saves time and reduces the size of your recovery holes. The AT Pro’s pinpoint mode is accurate and easy to use, making target recovery efficient.
Always fill your holes and leave the area as you found it. Responsible detecting ensures we maintain good relationships with property owners and the public.
Common Issues and Solutions
False Signals in Wet Sand
Wet beach sand can cause false signals due to its mineral content. Use the salt mode if available, or ground balance frequently. Sometimes raising your coil slightly off the ground can help reduce false signals.
If you’re consistently getting false signals in an area, try adjusting your sensitivity down until the signals stabilize.
Audio Overload in Trashy Areas
In areas with lots of trash targets, the audio can become overwhelming. Lower your sensitivity slightly and use the Iron Audio to help distinguish between good targets and trash. Sometimes slowing your sweep speed helps you hear individual signals more clearly.
Battery Life Concerns
The AT Pro uses four AA batteries, which typically last 20-30 hours depending on usage. Always carry spare batteries, especially for long hunting sessions. Rechargeable AA batteries can save money over time, though they may provide slightly less runtime than alkaline batteries.
Comparing the AT Pro to Other Detectors
AT Pro vs. AT Max
The AT Max offers wireless headphones, built-in Z-Lynk technology, and a larger display, but the core detection technology remains similar to the AT Pro. The AT Pro is often preferred by those who want a simpler interface and don’t mind wired headphones.
AT Pro vs. Minelab Equinox 800
The Equinox 800 offers multiple frequencies and more advanced features, but at a significantly higher price point. The AT Pro provides excellent performance for its price and is often considered better value for most hobbyists.
AT Pro vs. Fisher F75
The Fisher F75 operates at 13 kHz and offers excellent target separation, but lacks the AT Pro’s waterproof design. Your choice depends on whether you need waterproof capability or prefer the F75’s performance in dry ground conditions.
Who Should Choose the AT Pro?
The Garrett AT Pro is ideal for detectorists who want professional features without the professional price tag. It’s perfect for those who hunt in various environments, from parks and fields to beaches and shallow water.
If you’re upgrading from an entry-level detector, the AT Pro offers a significant performance boost while remaining user-friendly. The learning curve is manageable, but the features will keep you challenged and improving for years.
Experienced detectorists appreciate the AT Pro’s reliability and versatility. Many consider it their go-to detector for travel or as a reliable backup to their primary machine.
Final Thoughts
The Garrett AT Pro has earned its place as one of the most popular metal detectors for good reason. Its combination of waterproof design, professional features, and reasonable price point makes it an excellent choice for detectorists at all skill levels.
Whether you’re hunting for coins on the beach, relics in farm fields, or jewelry in shallow water, the AT Pro delivers consistent performance. With proper technique and the right accessories, this detector will provide years of successful hunting and enjoyable outdoor adventures.