How to Use the Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
The Garrett AT Pro is one of the most trusted all-terrain detectors on the market. Designed to handle parks, fields, rivers, and even shallow water, it gives hobbyists and seasoned hunters a reliable edge. Among the full lineup of Garrett metal detectors, the AT Pro stands out for its balance of performance and ease of use. Whether you’re chasing coins, relics, or jewelry, this machine brings consistent results. It’s not just about turning it on—it’s about knowing how to unlock its true potential. Let’s break down how to set it up, adjust its controls, and get the most out of every swing.
Garrett AT Pro Overview
The AT Pro comes loaded with features that make it stand out from other Garrett metal detectors. It’s waterproof up to 10 feet, so you can hunt creeks, riverbanks, and shallow lakes without worry. Its Pro Audio system gives detailed tones that help you judge a target before digging. A digital target ID scale from 0–99 provides accuracy in identifying metals. Unlike beginner detectors, it offers more depth and control, appealing to treasure hunters who want to move past entry-level gear. The AT Pro is also lightweight and balanced, which makes long hunts less tiring. If you want a machine that adapts to different terrains and situations, the AT Pro checks nearly every box for serious detection.
Setting Up the Garrett AT Pro
Assembling the AT Pro is quick and beginner-friendly. The control housing, shaft, and search coil all snap into place securely. Adjust the shaft length so the coil sits flat on the ground while your arm rests naturally in the cuff. This makes swinging comfortable during long hunts. Pop in four AA batteries and you’re ready to power up. For quiet areas, you can use the built-in speaker, but in noisy locations, Garrett’s headphones are recommended. Getting the setup right ensures smoother swings, better coverage, and less fatigue in the field. Taking a few minutes to adjust everything before your first hunt makes the detector feel like an extension of your arm.
Understanding the Controls and Modes
Search Modes Explained
The AT Pro has both Standard and Pro modes. Standard is great for learning since it uses simple audio signals. Pro modes, on the other hand, give richer sound details, letting you judge target depth and shape more accurately. Within these, you’ll find Pro Zero for full-range detecting, Pro Custom to save your preferences, and Pro Coins designed to ignore most junk and focus on coins. Each mode fits different hunting goals.
Important Settings
Sensitivity lets you push deeper into the ground but should be lowered if your detector becomes unstable. Iron Discrimination filters out nails and other junk metals. The Notch feature allows you to fine-tune which signals to ignore, helping you avoid bottle caps or pull tabs. The Pinpoint function is a lifesaver—it narrows down the target’s exact spot so you dig less and recover more quickly.
Ground Balancing the AT Pro
Soil minerals can throw detectors off, creating false signals or chatter. That’s where ground balancing comes in. The AT Pro allows both automatic and manual adjustments. To balance automatically, hold the coil a couple of inches above the soil, press the ground balance button, and pump the coil up and down until it quiets. Manual adjustments let you fine-tune in trickier soils like wet sand or red clay. Proper ground balancing ensures that signals come from real targets instead of soil conditions. Skipping this step often leads to wasted digging, so make it part of your routine before you start hunting.
How to Use the Garrett AT Pro in the Field
Sweep Technique
Keep the coil about an inch off the ground and move it side-to-side in slow, overlapping swings. Rushing will cause missed targets, while steady sweeps ensure better coverage. Think of it as painting the ground evenly—you don’t want gaps. Consistency is key for maximum detection depth.
Identifying Targets
The AT Pro’s Target ID scale shows numbers from 0–99, with higher numbers typically meaning more valuable metals. Coins often fall in the 70–90 range, while iron and junk are lower. Pair the ID with audio tones: crisp, repeatable sounds often signal good targets. Cross-sweeping from another angle helps confirm before digging.
Pinpointing
After locating a target, press and hold the pinpoint button. The audio will grow louder as you center the coil over the object. This feature helps avoid digging oversized holes and makes recovery faster. A proper pinpointing technique saves time and preserves the area you’re hunting.
Best Settings for Different Scenarios
Different hunts require different approaches. For coin shooting, many users prefer Pro Coins with iron discrimination set around 35 and sensitivity at six or seven bars. Relic hunters often lean toward Pro Zero, using little to no discrimination to capture all possible targets. If you’re heading into freshwater, remember it’s fully waterproof—run Pro Zero and swing slowly to pick up weaker signals underwater. Jewelry hunters should use high sensitivity with minimal discrimination, since small gold pieces can mimic lower target IDs. Adjusting settings based on your environment ensures the AT Pro works at its best in every situation. This versatility is what makes it one of the most respected metal detectors for hobbyists and serious treasure hunters alike.
Pro Tips for Beginners
Start with a test garden in your backyard. Bury coins, pull tabs, and nails at different depths, then practice identifying them with the AT Pro’s tones and IDs. Always use headphones—they block outside noise and help you hear faint signals. Begin in areas with low trash to build confidence before tackling high-traffic spots. Carry a small pouch for trash and finds so you keep the area clean and organized. The more you practice, the faster you’ll learn the language of the AT Pro. Patience and consistency turn good hunts into great ones.
Maintenance and Care
Taking care of the AT Pro ensures it stays reliable for years. After water hunts, rinse the coil and shaft with fresh water to prevent mineral buildup. Wipe down the control box with a dry cloth—never submerge it. Use quality batteries and remove them during long storage to avoid leaks. Store your detector in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Proper care keeps the AT Pro performing at its best and ready for your next adventure. Think of maintenance as part of the hobby—it protects your investment and avoids unnecessary breakdowns.
Conclusion
The Garrett AT Pro is more than just a detector—it’s a versatile tool for serious treasure hunting. From setup and settings to ground balancing and sweep techniques, mastering its features will reward you with deeper finds and less frustration. Each hunt is a chance to learn its tones, refine your skills, and enjoy the thrill of discovery. With patience and the right adjustments, the AT Pro becomes your trusted companion on land or in water. Ready to experience it yourself? Among modern metal detectors, it remains one of the best choices for those who want reliability, adaptability, and performance. The next great find might just be one swing away.
