In this review, we will explore the Garrett Pro Pointer AT, widely regarded as one of the most popular pinpointers among treasure hunters today. This tool has helped uncover countless treasures, relics, and even discarded items, solidifying its reputation in the metal-detecting community.
Everyone is aware of the fact, that treasure hunting is impossible without a metal detector. Although, not all treasure hunters know that using a pinpointer makes metal detecting more efficient and less time consuming. All treasure hunters can be divided into two types – those who use a pinpointer and those who don’t. By the way, the beginners should know that treasure hunting becomes a torture without a pinpointer. This way, you spend tons of time digging your target out from the ground.
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Garrett pro-pointer AT
The Garrett Pro-Pointer AT replaced the original Garrett Pro-Pointer, not simply to add new features, but to combat the flood of imitation products. Many knockoff versions, almost identical in appearance and function, had entered the market, offering cheaper alternatives. To stay competitive, Garrett introduced the Pro-Pointer AT with several significant upgrades. Unfortunately, despite the update, counterfeit versions of this model still proliferate.
One of the standout features of the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT is its versatility—it functions both as a ground and underwater pinpointer. This dual capability makes it a valuable tool for any treasure hunter, allowing it to perform effectively across various terrains, including sand, clay, and even submerged environments. It can be used in both fresh and brackish water and withstands depths of up to 10 feet (3 meters), making it ideal for shallow water exploration and beach hunts.
While it is waterproof and easy to clean, the device is not intended for deep diving due to its depth limitations. However, for those searching on the shoreline or waist-deep in water, the Pro-Pointer AT is more than sufficient.
Another key feature is its 360-degree detection field, generated by the device’s coil. This allows the pinpointer to detect metal objects from any direction, ensuring you don’t miss a target, even if it’s located at an awkward angle. The addition of a bright LED light on the device helps illuminate targets in low-light conditions, further improving its usability.
The pinpointer also includes a convenient safety lanyard attachment point, ensuring that the device stays secure while in use. In terms of design, it inherits the signature bright orange color of its predecessor, making it easy to spot if dropped. Other features carried over include three sensitivity levels and the option to receive target signals through vibration or sound. Both automatic and manual adjustments are available, depending on user preference. There’s even a built-in ruler in inches and centimeters for easy measurement of depth.
| Model | Garrett Pro-Pointer® AT |
| Length | 9″ (22.9 cm) |
| Thickness | 1.5″ (3.8 cm) tapered to .875″ (2.2 cm) |
| Weight | 6.5 oz (0.2 kg), with battery |
| Battery | Single 9V (included) |
| Battery life | 16 hours (carbon), 30 hours (alkaline), 8 hours (rechargeable) |
| Operating frequency | 11.5 kHz VLF |
| Operating temperatures | -4°F (-20°C) to 130°F (54°C) |
| Waterproof | 20 foot (6 meter) maximum depth; IP 68 |
| Tuning | Automatic or manual retune |
| Indicators | Proportional audio/vibration pulse rate |
| Controls | Power, Retune, Adjust switch |
- Maximum Sensitivity: Improved detection of nuggets and other small targets;…
- Fast Retune: Quick button press instantly tunes out environment or narrows…
- Waterproof: Submersible to 20ft
- Exclusive adjustment: The push of a button enables quick adjustment and avoids…
Last update on 2024-12-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates
Control
The Garrett Pro-Pointer AT is designed with simplicity in mind, featuring a single multifunctional waterproof button that controls all of its essential functions. This button allows users to power the device on and off, as well as adjust the sensitivity settings without needing additional switches.
To access the sensitivity settings, simply press and hold the button for 2 seconds. You’ll hear a distinct two-tone sound and see the LED blink quickly, indicating that you’ve entered programming mode. Once inside this mode, each press of the button will cycle through the six preset sensitivity options.
The device offers both sound and vibration feedback, allowing you to choose the mode that best suits your environment:
- One signal with sound indicates minimal sensitivity, ideal for precise pinpointing in areas with a lot of interference.
- Two signals with sound represent the default middle sensitivity, offering a balance between depth and accuracy.
- Three signals with sound activate the highest sensitivity, perfect for detecting deeper targets in open areas.
For those who prefer silent operation, the Pro-Pointer AT can also be set to vibration mode:
- One vibration signal corresponds to minimal sensitivity with no sound.
- Two vibration signals mean medium sensitivity with no sound.
- Three vibration signals represent maximum sensitivity with no sound, ideal for use in quiet environments or when you want to avoid drawing attention.
To exit programming mode, simply wait a few seconds, and the device will automatically return to regular detection mode.
Fast retune function
When using the Garrett Pro Pointer AT on difficult terrains like wet sea sand, salty soils, or brackish water, you may experience interference or false signals. This occurs because the high mineral content in these environments can trigger the detector unnecessarily.
To minimize or completely suppress these unwanted signals, the Pro Pointer AT is equipped with a quick retune function. This feature allows the device to adjust to the surrounding soil and filter out phantom targets.
To activate the retune, simply press and quickly release the button. If the device continues to pick up false signals, repeat the action to engage the quick retune again. This ensures optimal performance, even in the most challenging soil conditions.
Target response modes
The Garrett Pro Pointer AT offers two detection response modes, giving you the flexibility to choose based on your needs. You can select between vibration mode, which provides a silent response, or a combined mode that uses both sound and vibration for more noticeable feedback.
By default, the device is set to the combined mode, where sound and vibration are activated simultaneously. However, you can easily switch between modes depending on your preference. The device cycles through these options in a loop: combined mode, vibration mode, and back again.
For example, vibration mode can be especially useful when metal detecting in quiet environments where discretion is important, or when operating underwater.
Lost Pro-Pointer Alarm and automatic shut down
The pinpointer has some technical improvements as well. Moreover, none of alike devices used to have it. For example, this model has two programmed technical features, which at first glance seem to be completely unnecessary, though they surely can be of great use in the future.
Alarm mode
In case you were in a hurry and left or just forgotten your pinpointer near the pit you dug, don’t panic. If no button on the device was pushed in the span of 5 minutes, then Garrett pinpointer automatically runs the procedure of “lost alarm”. The device starts emitting warning chirps growing in tone for one hour. To switch the alarm mode off just push the button once.
Automatic power off
The pinpointer turns off after one hour of alarm mode on to avoid further energy loss by the device battery.
Index of protection (IP)
Garrett Pro Pointer AT has the highest index of protection — IP 68.
What does it mean:
Digit 6 — indicates the protection level of the device case – the ingress protection. No foreign objects, soil particles, fine sand and dust can get inside such a device. Hence, Garrett pinpointer is completely dustproof.
Digit 8 — stands for the protection level of the device case from any moisture ingress. That is, you are free to use Garrett pinpointer under water and wash it without any concerns. The device waterproofness stated by the manufacturer is 10 feet. You should keep this in mind in case you decide to go diving with it.
Power supply
The Garrett Pro Pointer AT uses a standard 9-volt battery, giving users the option to choose between disposable or rechargeable nickel-metal hydride batteries. While rechargeable batteries may be more cost-effective and environmentally friendly, they offer slightly less battery life compared to disposable ones.
With a regular 9-volt battery, the pinpointer can operate for approximately 40 hours. When using a rechargeable battery, the runtime is reduced to around 8-12 hours.
The battery compartment is located at the rear of the device. To replace a depleted battery, simply unscrew the plastic cap, insert the new battery, and securely screw the cap back on.
If the device starts emitting alternating two-tone chirps while in use, this is an indication that the battery is running low and should be replaced soon.
The pinpointer weight and size
The Garrett Pro Pointer AT is designed with portability and ease of use in mind. Weighing just 183 grams, it’s lightweight enough for extended treasure hunts without causing fatigue. Its compact dimensions—230x38x22 mm—allow for a comfortable grip, making it easy to handle in any environment.
Whether you’re detecting on land or underwater, the ergonomic shape ensures the device remains comfortable to use for long periods. Despite its powerful performance, the Pro Pointer AT is never too cumbersome for any user.
Conclusions
In summary, the Garrett Pro Pointer AT is a standout success for the company, offering versatility both on land and underwater. Its lightweight design, complemented by a woven belt holster, ensures you’ll hardly notice its presence during treasure hunts.
The device’s fast target response, highly adjustable sensitivity, and durable, creak-free construction make it reliable for a wide range of environments. Since its introduction, the Pro Pointer AT has secured a leading position in the market, quickly becoming a bestseller alongside the Garrett Pro Pointer II.
With two signaling modes, manual and automatic adjustments, and unparalleled ease of use, it’s no surprise that treasure hunters around the world favor this pinpointer for all their detecting needs. Ultimately, the choice between models depends on your preferences, but the Pro Pointer AT offers excellent value and performance at a competitive price point.