The Garrett AT Pro has been the go-to metal detector for coin hunters since 2010. But in 2025, with multi-frequency machines like the Minelab Equinox and Nokta Legend dominating conversations, is the AT Pro still worth buying?
After analyzing years of user feedback, field tests, and comparing it to modern alternatives, here’s the honest truth about whether the Garrett AT Pro deserves a place in your detecting arsenal.
Garrett AT Pro Specifications
| Operating Frequency | 15 kHz (single frequency) |
| Weight | 3.03 lbs (1.4 kg) |
| Waterproof | Yes – 10 feet (3 meters) |
| Search Coil | 8.5″ x 11″ DD PROformance |
| Battery | 4 AA (not rechargeable) |
| Made In | USA (Garland, Texas) |
| Price | ~$550 |
What the AT Pro Does Well
1. Rock-Solid Reliability
One reviewer on TreasureNet shared: “I’ve owned a Garrett AT Pro for about 8 years and it is still going strong.” That kind of longevity is rare in electronics. Garrett’s build quality is legendary—these machines just don’t break.
2. True Waterproof Design
Unlike many “water-resistant” detectors, the AT Pro is fully submersible to 10 feet. You can hunt in rain, wade into creeks, and work wet beaches without worry. The entire control housing is sealed.
3. Iron Audio Feature
This underrated feature lets you hear the iron “grunt” in targets. Even when a target reads as a good coin, Iron Audio tells you if there’s iron contamination. It’s saved countless hunters from digging trash.
4. Fast Recovery Speed
The AT Pro recovers quickly between targets, which matters in trashy areas where coins sit near iron nails. You can swing faster without missing targets.
5. Proven Track Record
One reviewer reported finding 9 Roman hoards with this detector, including two silver Julius Caesar coins and one gold stater. When a machine has found that much treasure, it’s hard to argue against it.
6. Made in America
Charles and Eleanor Garrett founded Garrett Metal Detectors in Garland, Texas, from their home garage in 1964. The AT Pro continues that legacy with American manufacturing and American support.
Where the AT Pro Falls Short
1. Single Frequency Limitations
The AT Pro’s 15 kHz single frequency works well for most coins, but multi-frequency machines like the Equinox and Legend can detect a wider range of targets at better depths. In heavily mineralized ground, the difference is noticeable.
2. Saltwater Beach Performance
While Garrett markets the AT Pro for beach use, experienced hunters report significant chatter in saltwater and wet sand. “You’re going to get a lot of chatter even with ground balancing,” one reviewer noted. For serious saltwater beach hunting, you need multi-frequency.
3. No Backlight
The AT Pro’s display has no backlight, making it difficult to read in low-light conditions. Dawn and dusk hunts—often the best times—require a headlamp to see your settings.
4. AA Batteries Only
In an age of USB-rechargeable detectors, the AT Pro still runs on 4 AA batteries. You can buy a rechargeable battery pack separately, but it’s an additional expense.
5. Target Separation in Heavy Trash
In head-to-head testing, the Minelab Equinox detected coins with nails almost touching, while the AT Pro needed more spacing. In iron-heavy sites like Civil War camps or old homesteads, this matters.
AT Pro vs. Modern Multi-Frequency Detectors
| Feature | AT Pro | Nokta Legend | Equinox 900 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $550 | $595 | $1,149 |
| Frequency | Single (15 kHz) | Multi-frequency | Multi-IQ |
| Waterproof | 10 ft | 16 ft | 16 ft |
| Battery | 4 AA | USB rechargeable | USB rechargeable |
| Learning Curve | Easy | Moderate | Moderate |
Who Should Buy the AT Pro in 2025?
Buy the AT Pro If:
- You value simplicity and reliability over cutting-edge features
- You primarily hunt parks, fields, and freshwater locations
- You want American-made quality with excellent customer support
- You prefer a machine you can master quickly
- You found a good deal on a used or refurbished unit
Consider Alternatives If:
- You hunt saltwater beaches regularly
- You detect heavily trashed or iron-contaminated sites
- You want the latest multi-frequency technology
- You prefer USB rechargeable batteries
- You hunt in low-light conditions frequently
The Verdict: Is the AT Pro Still Worth It?
The Garrett AT Pro isn’t suddenly obsolete. For straightforward park hunting, schoolyards, and most field work, it remains an excellent choice. Its reliability, American manufacturing, and proven track record count for something.
However, for the same price as an AT Pro, you can now get the Nokta Legend with multi-frequency technology. If you’re buying new in 2025, the Legend offers more capability per dollar.
If you already own an AT Pro: Keep using it. It’s still a capable machine that will find coins for years to come.
If you’re buying your first quality detector: The Nokta Legend at $595 offers better technology for similar money.
If you find a used AT Pro for $300-400: That’s still an excellent value for a proven performer.
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