In this article we are reviewing Garrett ATX – pulse induction metal detector. This metal detector appeared on the market in 2013, but it hasn’ become rather popular since then. In this review we’ll take a look at such device properties as operating frequency (and how many frequencies it has), how to assemble/disassemble it, the weight of the device, the batteries it requires and the device price.
Contents
What the metal detector was designed for?
Garrett is a renowned American company specializing in the manufacturing of metal detectors. In 2013, it made a significant impact on the treasure hunting community by introducing its flagship device, the Garrett ATX.
This device features a striking military-style design that closely resembles military-grade metal detectors. While this design approach is not unique to Garrett, it represents a bold shift in their product aesthetics.
The Garrett ATX was developed with the influence of the Garrett RECON-PRO AML-1000 mine locator in mind. However, it offers versatility beyond military applications; the ATX is engineered for gold nugget prospecting, treasure hunting, and coin detection.
Designed to operate effectively across various soil types, the Garrett ATX excels in highly mineralized and salty conditions. Its performance shines on diverse terrains, including dry and wet land, clay, and sand. One of its notable advantages is portability; treasure hunters can easily transport it to challenging locations without hassle.
The ATX stands out not only as a gold prospecting metal detector but also as an excellent tool for relic hunting. It performs reliably in both standard and highly mineralized soils, as well as in brackish water, making it a versatile choice for serious treasure seekers.
| Model | Garrett ATX |
| Weight | 6.9 lbs (3.13 kgs) includes batteries |
| Length (Adjustable) | 20″ to 68″ (1.51m – 1.72m) |
| Batteries | 8 AA (included); rechargeable and charger also included |
| Headphones | Included |
| Warranty | 2 Year |
| Circuit Type | Advanced Pulse Induction |
| Standard Searchcoil | 10″ x 12″ DD |
| Operating Frequencies (kHz) | Pulse, 730 pulses per second, adjustable |
| Water resistance | Yes |
| Submersion Depth | Up to 10 feet (3m) |
| Discrimination | Adjustable, 25 settings |
| Ground Balance | Manual |
| Search Modes | 2 (Motion and Non-Motion) |
| Audio Threshold | Yes |
| Sensitivity/Depth Adjustments | 13 |
| Electronic Pinpointing | Yes |
| VDI (0 to 99 scale) | No |
| Updatable Software | No |
| Build-in flashlight | No |
- ATX with 12″ DD coil
- Land headphones (waterproof headphones sold separately)
- Soft storage/travel case
- Garrett Detector Sling
- AA alkaline, rechargeable batteries and charger
Last update on 2024-11-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates
The review
A distinctive feature of the Garrett ATX is its use of Pulse Induction (PI) technology. Unlike many metal detectors, the ATX does not include an LCD display; instead, it relies on a LED signal indicator, ground balance function, and threshold tone to provide essential feedback to users.
Pulse Induction technology enables the ATX to achieve impressive detection depths compared to Very Low Frequency (VLF) technology. This is primarily due to its superior ability to filter out minerals commonly found in various soils, allowing for clearer target identification. Additionally, PI technology excels at detecting smaller targets, making the Garrett ATX a versatile choice for treasure hunters seeking fine details in their finds.
The device package set
The Garrett ATX is available in two package options: the standard set and the DeepSeeker package.
The DeepSeeker package includes several additional features designed to enhance detection capabilities and user convenience:
- Double D 15″ x 20″ PROformance Coil: This larger coil significantly increases detection depth for large objects buried deep in the ground. It is also engineered with low sensitivity to iron debris, minimizing false signals from unwanted items.
- Plastic Protection Cases: The package includes protective cases for both the 10″ x 12″ and 15″ x 20″ coils. These cases safeguard the coils from mechanical damage, such as impacts with rocks during treasure hunting.
- Durable Carry Bag: A convenient and robust plastic carry bag is included for easy transportation and storage of the metal detector, ensuring it remains safe and secure between hunts.
The shaft
The Garrett ATX features an all-screw construction, making it convenient for both carrying and storing the metal detector. Its design incorporates telescopic shafts, allowing users to easily adjust the height of the device.
This all-screw system facilitates quick assembly and disassembly, which is ideal for transport. To prepare the metal detector for transport, simply loosen the screws, extend the shaft to the desired length, and re-clamp it securely with the screws.
The control unit, battery holder, and armrest are attached to the upper section of the shaft, providing easy access to essential controls during operation. The coil is mounted on the bottom section of the shaft, while the middle section is telescopic, allowing for height adjustments ranging from 20 inches to 68 inches (approximately 0.51 m to 1.72 m).
Additionally, the device case is constructed from durable khaki-colored plastic, reflecting the military-style design inherited from its predecessor, which was originally created for military applications.
The coil
The Garrett ATX comes equipped with a 10″ x 12″ DD coil, which features a waterproof design, making it suitable for beach hunting as well as searching in shallow waters, rivers, and streams. This coil boasts a high sensitivity level, allowing it to detect even the smallest gold nuggets that might be overlooked by other detectorists.
Utilizing Pulse Induction (PI) technology, the ATX operates differently than traditional detectors, making questions about operating frequency less relevant. Notably, the device produces 730 pulses per second, which is adjustable to suit various detecting conditions.
Additionally, the DeepSeeker package offers an extra 20-inch coil, further enhancing the metal detector’s capabilities for those who seek deeper targets or larger areas.
The headphones
The Garrett ATX metal detector is equipped with wired headphones and also features an embedded external speaker. The included headphones are specialized terrestrial headphones designed specifically for metal detecting. However, it’s important to note that these headphones are not intended for underwater use.
The wired headphones provide clear audio feedback, enhancing the user’s ability to detect subtle signals in various environments. They are designed to filter out background noise, which helps users focus on faint signals and enhances overall detection accuracy. Many metal detectorists appreciate the ergonomic design of the headphones, allowing for comfortable prolonged use during long treasure-hunting sessions.
The external speaker allows for easy sharing of sounds with nearby treasure hunters or companions. This feature is particularly useful for group outings, enabling users to share their discoveries or demonstrate signals to others. The combination of wired headphones and an external speaker ensures that users have versatile options for audio output during their detecting adventures.
Additionally, the audio output from the headphones or speaker can convey different tones and pitches, providing valuable information about the type and size of the detected metal object. For those who engage in underwater detecting, it’s worth noting that waterproof alternatives specifically designed for aquatic environments are available, ensuring flexibility in various detecting scenarios.
The battery
The Garrett ATX metal detector is powered by eight AA batteries, organized into two containers with four batteries each. This dual-container setup ensures a balanced distribution of power for optimal performance during use.
In addition to the standard battery setup, the device package includes a battery charger and rechargeable batteries. This allows users to conveniently recharge the batteries after extended detecting sessions, providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly power solution. The ability to use both standard and rechargeable batteries enhances the device’s versatility, catering to different user preferences and ensuring that the ATX remains operational during long treasure-hunting expeditions.
Users often appreciate the long battery life of the Garrett ATX, which can last several hours of continuous use, depending on the terrain and settings. The use of high-quality AA batteries can significantly impact the detector’s performance, with lithium batteries typically offering longer life compared to alkaline options.
The design of the battery containers helps maintain a balanced weight distribution in the detector, making it easier to handle and reducing fatigue during extended use. Additionally, the ease of replacing the AA batteries allows users to quickly swap out power sources in the field, minimizing downtime during treasure-hunting trips. The Garrett ATX is also designed to be energy efficient, maximizing battery life without compromising detection performance, which is crucial for serious detectorists.
Waterproofness
The Garrett ATX metal detector is capable of searching for various targets both on land and underwater. Its highly durable and waterproof case can be submerged up to 10 feet (3 meters) deep, making it suitable for beach hunting, river explorations, and even shallow water detecting. The robust design easily withstands rain, dust, and dirt, ensuring that the detector remains functional in challenging environments.
This metal detector features a mine locator case, which is optimal for treasure hunting when high resistance to weather conditions is essential. The design not only enhances the detector’s durability but also allows users to study the area with maximal thoroughness, enabling precise target detection even in less-than-ideal conditions.
The waterproof construction further adds to its versatility, making the Garrett ATX a reliable choice for detectorists who venture into diverse terrains, whether searching for coins, relics, or precious metals.
The device weight
The Garrett ATX metal detector has a total weight of 6.9 lbs (3.13 kg), which is significantly higher than many modern metal detectors on the market. This increased weight can be attributed to its robust construction and advanced features, which contribute to its durability and performance in challenging conditions.
Despite its higher weight, the Garrett ATX is designed for optimal weight distribution, allowing users to maneuver it with relative ease. The materials used in its construction contribute to overall durability, making it resistant to wear and tear from frequent use in various environments. Many users appreciate the solid feel of the ATX, often associating the weight with increased stability and reliability in the field.
To enhance comfort during the detection process, the manufacturer has equipped the Garrett ATX with a durable carrying belt. This belt allows users to easily transport the metal detector while reducing strain on the arms and shoulders, making it more manageable during extended treasure-hunting sessions. The thoughtful design not only facilitates mobility but also helps stabilize the detector when in use, ensuring more precise targeting and control.
The additional carrying belt provides various adjustment options, accommodating different body types and preferences, ensuring a secure fit for all users. Furthermore, the ergonomic design of the metal detector, combined with the carrying belt, allows users to engage in longer treasure-hunting sessions without significant fatigue, enhancing the overall experience.
The control unit
The Garrett ATX metal detector does not include an LCD display, eliminating the need for a complicated menu filled with numerous icons and pictograms. Instead, the device’s control unit resembles a remote control, featuring large buttons, LED indicators, and a battery charge indicator for user convenience.
You can easily control the metal detector using seven large, rubberized buttons, designed for durability and ease of use, even in challenging outdoor conditions. Each button serves dual functions, enhancing the detector’s versatility. Here are some of the most notable features:
- Ground Tracking: This feature constantly monitors the soil’s mineralization levels and automatically adjusts the ground balance, allowing for optimal performance in varying terrains.
- Iron Check: This function enables users to differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous targets by utilizing distinct signal tones, helping to streamline the search process and avoid false positives.
- Frequency Scan: The frequency scan selects the most convenient operating frequency based on the soil type, ensuring effective detection regardless of environmental conditions.
Overall, the intuitive button layout and practical features make the Garrett ATX accessible and user-friendly, catering to both beginners and experienced detectorists alike.
Modes of operation
One of the notable characteristics of the Garrett ATX metal detector is its constant background noise, which is typical for all pulse induction (PI) devices. However, this feature often annoys many detectorists who prefer a quieter experience while searching.
Unlike other detectors, the Garrett ATX continuously produces sounds, changing tone and volume depending on the conductivity of the target metal. This monotonous sound profile allows users to gauge basic characteristics of detected objects, including size, depth, and conductivity. Information is conveyed through the embedded speaker or wired headphones, while LED indicators provide additional feedback to the user.
It’s important to note that the Garrett ATX requires some preliminary study before use. This is not only due to the absence of a visual display indicator (VDI) but also because users must familiarize themselves with the specific tone signals the device generates. It may take time to adjust to the sounds produced by the ATX, but mastering these audio cues is crucial for effective operation.
The metal detector offers two modes of operation: one for detecting targets while moving the coil towards the target and another for stationary use. Additionally, to achieve more precise localization of detected objects, the Garrett ATX is equipped with a supplementary PINPOINT mode, allowing for targeted detection when the user is close to a potential find.
Conclusions
Like all metal detectors, the Garrett ATX has its strengths and weaknesses. One of its notable advantages is its capability to operate effectively on various soil types, including both standard and highly mineralized soils, without requiring frequent mode changes. This flexibility makes it suitable for diverse treasure hunting environments, from dry land to wet and brackish waters.
Advantages:
- Versatile Performance: The Garrett ATX excels in different soil conditions, providing reliable detection without the need to switch modes.
- Portability: Its design incorporates an adjustable telescopic shaft, making it easy to transport and store.
- Durability: The waterproof casing allows for beach hunting and other wet environments, enhancing its usability for various treasure hunting scenarios.
Drawbacks:
Despite its advantages, the Garrett ATX has some significant drawbacks. Its weight, at 6.9 lbs (3.13 kg), is considerably higher than many other metal detectors in the same category. While it remains portable, this excess weight can lead to fatigue after extended periods of use, potentially diminishing the overall experience for users.
In my opinion, I would personally hesitate to choose this metal detector for my own needs. If you’re searching for a top-ranked device with superior functionality and modern features, the CTX 3030 is a compelling alternative. Although it costs and weighs approximately the same, it offers enhanced capabilities and user experience that may justify the investment.
Competitors:
When considering alternatives to the Garrett ATX, notable competitors include:
- Minelab CTX 3030: Known for its advanced features, including GPS integration, superior discrimination capabilities, and lighter weight, making it a favored choice among serious treasure hunters.
- Fisher F75: This model is lighter and has a variety of user-friendly features, including an LCD display and adjustable sensitivity, appealing to both beginners and experienced detectorists.
- XP Deus 2: Renowned for its wireless design and lightweight construction, the XP Deus also boasts customizable settings, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize ease of use and versatility.
In conclusion, while the Garrett ATX offers unique benefits, such as versatility and durability, its weight may deter some users, especially those who value comfort during long treasure hunting sessions. Exploring competitors like the CTX 3030, Fisher F75, and XP Deus may provide alternatives that better align with individual preferences and needs.