The Garrett AT Pro is one of the most versatile metal detectors you can own. Known for its waterproof build, advanced features, and ability to handle both land and freshwater hunts, it’s become a favorite for hobbyists and serious detectorists alike. Learning to use it properly takes a little practice, but once you understand the basics, you’ll quickly see why it’s trusted worldwide. From setup to fine-tuning, this guide walks you through everything step by step.
When you first unbox the AT Pro, you’ll notice its rugged design and lightweight build. Start by attaching the coil to the lower shaft, then slide it into the middle and upper shafts. Wrap the cable neatly without leaving slack, and plug it firmly into the control housing. Insert the four AA batteries, then test the power button to ensure everything is connected properly. Once the shaft length is adjusted so the coil rests flat to the ground, you’re ready to go.
The control box of the AT Pro may look intimidating at first, but each button serves a clear purpose. The Mode button lets you switch between Standard, Pro, and Custom options, while Sensitivity controls how deep the detector searches. The Iron Discrimination setting allows you to silence unwanted signals, and the Pinpoint button helps locate exact target spots. The LCD screen shows the Target ID scale from 0–99, giving you clues about what’s under your coil.
Standard Mode is simple and smooth, perfect for new detectorists. It delivers basic tones for easy identification. Pro Mode, on the other hand, provides more detailed audio called “tone roll,” which gives you better insight into the target’s size and shape.
Ground balancing is one of the most important steps before you start hunting. Soil contains minerals that can interfere with signals, so balancing tunes the detector to the ground. Hold the coil an inch or two above the soil, press and hold the ground balance button, and pump the coil up and down. The detector automatically adjusts itself to minimize chatter. This small step ensures you get accurate signals and helps you avoid wasting time on false tones.
Selecting the right mode can make or break your hunt. If you’re coin shooting in a park, Standard Mode works best because of its simplicity. Pro Mode is favored by experienced hunters who want more information from subtle audio changes. Custom Mode is great if you want to save preferred settings for a specific site. Experimenting with each mode helps you understand how the AT Pro responds in different environments and conditions.
The key to success with the AT Pro is in your sweep technique. Keep the coil about one inch above the ground and move it side to side in smooth, overlapping swings. Move at a steady pace—too fast and you may miss targets, too slow and you’ll cover less ground. Listen to the tones carefully and check the Target ID on the screen. Practice makes a huge difference in learning how the machine “talks” to you.
Once you get a solid signal, press the Pinpoint button. The detector will give a stronger tone as you move closer to the center of the target. This makes digging much easier and prevents unnecessary damage to the surrounding area. When recovering, cut a clean plug in the ground, lift it carefully, and use a handheld pinpointer for faster recovery. Always replace the plug neatly—good digging etiquette keeps detecting areas open for everyone.
One of the greatest features of the AT Pro is its versatility. It’s waterproof up to 10 feet, making it perfect for shallow rivers, creeks, and lakes. On land, it shines in parks, old homesteads, farm fields, and wooded trails where coins and relics hide. While it performs well in freshwater, saltwater surf can cause interference, so it’s better suited for inland hunts. Explore different terrains, and you’ll find the AT Pro adapts beautifully to each one.
To maximize your finds, start with moderate sensitivity and increase it only if conditions allow. Using headphones helps catch faint signals, especially when background noise is high. Detecting after rain is a smart move since wet soil improves conductivity. Carrying a pouch for both treasure and trash keeps you organized and shows respect for the hobby. These small habits separate casual users from seasoned detectorists who consistently bring home great finds.
Many beginners struggle because they rush the process. Swinging too fast often leads to missed signals, while ignoring ground balance creates unnecessary noise. Running sensitivity at maximum can cause constant false beeps, frustrating your hunt. Another common error is digging every target without checking from different angles—sometimes junk can mimic good signals. Slow down, pay attention to settings, and learn from each session. These mistakes are easy to avoid once you recognize them.
Taking care of your AT Pro ensures it lasts for years. After each hunt, wipe the coil clean and check for dirt around the control housing. If you’ve been in water, dry the detector thoroughly before storing it. Remove the batteries if you don’t plan to use it for a while to prevent corrosion. Keep it stored in a cool, dry place, and avoid leaving it in hot cars. Regular care protects your investment.
The Garrett AT Pro isn’t just a detector—it’s part of the trusted lineup of Garrett metal detectors that open the door to exciting treasure hunting adventures. With proper setup, ground balancing, and practice, it quickly becomes second nature to use. Whether you’re searching for coins in a park or relics in a riverbed, the AT Pro adapts with ease. Take your time, learn its language, and you’ll uncover treasures hidden beneath your feet. Each hunt adds experience, making you more skilled with every outing.
