Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector Review UK

I’ve tested the Garrett AT Pro across muddy UK fields and rain-soaked parks to determine if this veteran still deserves a spot in your kit. It’s undeniably rugged, but the lack of multi-frequency technology means it fights a losing battle on wet salt beaches.

You’ll miss modern comforts like wireless audio, too. However, don't dismiss it just yet; there’s one specific environment where this machine’s raw performance might just change your mind.

Garrett AT Pro Unboxing & Initial Setup: 8/10

Digging into the box, the Garrett AT Pro usually ships with the detector chassis, an 8.5" x 11" DD PROformance coil, MS-2 headphones for land use, and a comprehensive manual that significantly helps with the initial learning curve. I found the assembly process incredibly straightforward. You'll simply connect the shafts using the classic cam-lock stem design. Once I tightened them down, the entire unit felt secure and rigid. It runs on four standard AA batteries, which Garrett kindly includes.

While I miss the modern convenience of built-in rechargeable Li-Ion packs found on newer rivals, standard batteries let you easily swap power sources in the field without waiting for a charge. My first impression suggests a distinctively rugged, military-grade feel. However, attaching the wired headphones proved slightly fiddly. You must carefully align the connector’s waterproof O-ring seal to ensure a proper fit before you start swinging this machine.

Garrett AT Pro Design, Build Quality & Ergonomics: 7/10

Although the standout design feature is undoubtedly the IP68 rating that allows submersion up to 10 feet, the overall build quality is comparable to a tank. I’ve found this detector handles abuse exceptionally well, surviving drops and thick brush effortlessly. However, the ergonomics show their age. It feels slightly nose-heavy with the standard coil, and after swinging for several hours, you’ll notice the weight compared to lighter carbon-fiber rivals. The rubber interface buttons are tactile and easy to press while wearing gloves, which I appreciate.

Unfortunately, the control box lacks volume adjustment, forcing you to rely solely on the headphones. Another major drawback is the LCD screen. While functional, it lacks a backlight. This specific omission makes checking your settings during dawn or dusk sessions incredibly frustrating. While it’s built to last, the rugged design choices undeniably prioritize raw utility over modern creature comforts and pure user comfort.

Garrett AT Pro Key Features & Technology: 6/10

How exactly does the AT Pro distinguish a silver dime from a rusty nail? It primarily relies on its renowned "Iron Audio" and Pro Mode. With Iron Audio active, I hear discriminated iron, normally silent, as a distinctive grunt, preventing me from digging bottle caps mimicking coins. Pro Mode offers "Proportional Audio," meaning the signal’s volume and width correspond to the target's size and depth, providing a richer profile than standard binary beeps. Operating at a single 15 kHz frequency, the AT Pro is deadly on small gold and conductive silver, though it doesn't feature simultaneous multi-frequency technology found in modern rivals.

This limits stability in wet salt sand. However, it boasts forty distinct levels of high-resolution iron discrimination, allowing precise tuning. Coupled with a respectable recovery speed, it separates good targets from trash effectively. While capable, this tech is undeniably aging, earning it a modest score today.

Garrett AT Pro In-the-Field Performance Review: 8/10

When I swing the AT Pro over neutral soil, it delivers competitive depth that easily hits coins at 8 to 10 inches, holding its own against newer mid-range machines. You’ll appreciate this power immediately. Where this unit truly shines, however, is separation. In dense "carpet of nails" scenarios, it picks out good targets remarkably well, although I’d highly recommend swapping the stock coil for the smaller 5x8 sniper coil to maximize this potential.

It acts as a king in freshwater streams. I’ve found the 15 kHz frequency hits hard on rings and gold jewelry while submerged. However, don't expect equal stability on wet salt beaches. While waterproof, the single-frequency tech becomes chatty in conductive salt sand, forcing you to reduce sensitivity and manually ground balance to run stable. Visual Target IDs generally remain consistent, but I’ve noticed they jump significantly on deep targets or in highly mineralized ground.

Garrett AT Pro User Experience & Learning Curve: 7/10

While beginners often rely on the "Standard" mode for its simple binary consistency, you won't realize the detector's true potential until you switch to "Pro" mode. This advanced setting unlocks a rich audio language, offering proportional feedback that vividly describes target size and conductivity through sound intensity alone. Once I mastered this, I could easily distinguish a copper coin from silver without glancing at the visual display. However, the physical experience feels dated.

I found the lack of built-in wireless audio frustrating, as the wired headphones constantly tether you to the control box, making digging targets remarkably awkward and cumbersome. Additionally, the unit is sensitive to electromagnetic interference near power lines, and the limited frequency shifts don't always silence the chatter. Fortunately, the learning curve is softened by massive community support. Since almost everybody owns one, finding specific settings advice online is easier than with any other detector.

Garrett AT Pro Value For Money: 6/10

Community support adds intangible value, but the Garrett AT Pro's current retail price places it in a difficult position against fresh competition. When I see new units hovering around the competitive £550 mark, I notice rivals offering simultaneous multi-frequency tech and essential features for significantly less. It is frustrating that I'm forced to spend extra money for modern "luxuries" like Z-Lynk wireless audio or a smaller coil to truly unlock the detector's full potential.

These hidden upgrade costs damage the value proposition. However, it’s certainly not all negative. You’re investing in a rugged tank that survives a decade of hard use, ensuring long-term utility. Additionally, the resale value stays incredibly high, meaning you won't lose much if you eventually swap it. While I consider the AT Pro a spectacular bargain on the used market, buying one brand new involves paying a significant premium for outdated tech that stings.