Garrett AT MAX Metal Detector Review 2020

Before going for the treasure hunting, the first and most important thing is to get a metal detector that you trust the most. When you are out in a new location, you will be relying all on your metal detector. So, make sure that your device does not betray you in the field. Otherwise, you will be trying to hunt all day, just to realize in the end that your device isn’t capable enough to find the metal you are looking for. When it comes to trustable metal detectors, Garrett metal detectors make it to the list.

Garrett AT MAX metal detector is a trustable metal detector. As per it is a new edition to the Garrett family, you might be confused about what exactly to expect from it.

Well! Here we have listed out each feature in detail. Read the full review in detail, and you will be able to set your mind on whether it is a perfect choice for you or not.

Garrett AT MAX is basically the combination of the Garrett’s AT Pro and AT Gold. They have combined the best features of the most desired metal detectors and made the ultimate machine for metal detector enthusiasts. 

Z-Lynk wireless technology

Before we go on and discuss further features, I think it is essential to have a look at the most distinctive and appealing feature. Garrett AT MAX waterproof metal detector comes with Z-Lynk wireless technology, not only that it has new Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk wireless headphones too. Previously, when wireless technology was not being used, some delays were observed during detection. The metal detectors were able to detect the metal buried deep, but there was a problem in defining the exact location. To eradicate this problem, wireless technology was introduced. It means that the detector will identify you as soon as you are over the target. No more delays and digging on the wrong spots.  

Wireless headphones were used in the previous versions as well. To be honest, they are way better than the wired ones. The output is more clear and vivid. Plus, no one loves the tangling wires. In my experience, keeping wired headphones is way more difficult than wireless headphones. So, it is headed up on wireless headphones from my side.

If you have used wired headphones before, you must already know the struggle. Every time you want to put the metal detector down, you will have to take the headphones off as well. For me, this is the most irritating thing ever. So, wired headphones are a big NO for me.

If you are a beginner, here is a piece of advice for you. Never leave your headphones at home. If you are stuck with wired headphones¸ it is better to have them then having nothing at all. Your metal detector will make sound, even when you are not wearing headphones, but you will not be able to hear them. Plus, if you are in a public place like sidewalks or parks, it will be hard to distinguish them from the noise coming from outside. 

Greater depth detection

While checking out a new detector, performance is the first thing that must come to your mind. Well, the performance is fantastic. As it offers more increased transmit power and enhanced electronics. It can even detect the treasures which have been buried for a long time, which no previous detector was able to spot. If you have any old metal detector, you can do some experimenting and find out about the performance difference between the two metal detectors. Choose some areas for hunting. First, search with the old metal detector for a while. When you are done. Search with Garrett AT MAX metal detector with enhanced technology. You will be surprised to know how much treasure is left undetected by the previous metal detector.

Features 

• Optimized frequency​

The frequency of every metal detector varies. You will have to select the one which is well suited for you. For example, you are into finding coins made from silver, brass targets, jewelry, this unit is the perfect option for you. It offers a frequency of 13.6 kilohertz. It is much better from the previous versions and well suited for finding small targets that are usually ignored by other metal detectors. 

It is even capable of finding small gold nuggets. Also, though, it is not designed explicitly for finding such delicate and small items. If you are really into finding small gold nuggets, you should probably keep looking for a better-suited metal detector. 

• High res ground balance

Ground balance is another critical feature. The performance of your metal detector depends on it a lot. The detector also features 175 points of high res ground balance, which is why it is able to function properly even when the ground is highly mineralized. If you have been doing metal detection for a while, you must be aware of the fact that the soil on which you are searching has a high impact. If you are searching on the beaches, the sand will be highly conductive. Especially, saltwater beaches are highly mineralized. Electric and magnetic waves do metal detection, so if you are searching on high mineralized and conductive areas, chances of false alarms are increased. Your metal detector will start beeping like crazy, and it will be hard to spot any treasure. This is why ground balance is important. If your metal detector has efficient ground balance, you will be able to search even in challenging environments.

• Multiple modes

There are several modes available in Garrett AT MAX metal detector. If you have a look at the screen, you will see many modes mentioned on the left side. 

• All-metal mode

The first and the most used one is the all-metal mode. As it is pretty clear from the name, you will be able to use this mode in multiple challenging environments. All-Metal mode, you’re provided with the greatest detection depth and sensitivity. I think it is justified to say that it is the most stable model. If you want to hit even the smallest targets, this one is the right option for you. Even if the target is buried deep in the sand, it will be detected. You might hear a faint sound, but you will have to hear closely if you want to hit maximum targets. The only problem with this mode is that there is no clear discrimination. Obviously, no one wants to dig for an hour and end up finding a bottle cap. With this mode, you will be notified even if a nail is detected. So, the only drawback is that while using this mode, you might end up finding a lot of trash. 

If you want to do more discriminative searching, there are three more modes available Custom, Coins, and then Zero.

• Custom mode

For me, the custom mode is the most interesting one. You can set the settings according to your desire and then save it for using it later. Normally, this mode is suitable for searching for rings and coins. But not everyone is looking for these two things. So, if you are not interested in finding them, just change the settings and save them for later. This practice will help you in saving a lot of time and effort. Plus, once you are able to find the perfect setting according to your location, you will not have to change it again and again.

• Coins Mode

As per it is pretty clear from the name, coin mode is specifically designed for finding coins. Here the condition is a little more specific, and it can find all U.S coins. The best part about this mode is that you will not end up with trash. The detector will only beep when a coin is detected. There will be no false indications. But there is a little drawback to this model. When you are searching in coin mode, there are good chances you will miss out on small items like jewelry or relics. 

• Zero Discrimination mode

If you want to just go for a stroll in the park and there is not something which you are specifically looking for, then this mode is perfect for you. This mode is also suitable for the situation when then the target’s signal is not very consistent. In the zero discrimination mode, you will be able to hear different sounds when different goals are spotted as compared to the all-metal mode.

• Distinctive tones

Every target has different conductivity, which is why it is important that it has a different audio tone as well. If you hit the target with a digital target ID rating from 0 to 34. The audio sound is going to be extremely low. You will only be able to hear the tone from headphones. It will be inaudible if you do not have your headphones on, and you are in a public place. It shows that the target has a really low level of conductivity. If you are not interested in such targets, just ignore the beep and move on. 

If the target has a digital target ID rating of 35 to 75, you will hear the mid-tone. This one is comparatively much louder than the previous tone. For example, if you spot a gold ring, you will hear this sound. When you are using the all-metal mode, this sound will be produced no matter what the target is, except if you were using All Metal Iron Audio. 

If your target ID rating higher than 75, you will hear a high pitch tone. This tone is produced when the conductivity of the target much higher. Normally, when the Garrett AT MAX has spotted a bigger piece, this tone is produced.

• Iron Audio Mode and how it works 

It has Iron Audio Mode too. This model is specifically designed to detect items that have a greater value of iron. You can turn this mode on according to your desire. The best part is that it produced a unique sound when an item is with higher iron is detected. It produces a sort of like a low-medium-low beeping sound. This feature helps in saving time. When you are searching in All metal mode, it is recommended to turn this mode on as well so that trash items are detected.  

Comparison with other metal detectors

Garrett AT MAX vs. Garrett AT Pro

Well, a review is never complete unless we have compared it with another metal detector. In the above-mentioned metal detector, the biggest difference is Z-Lynk wireless technology. As mentioned earlier, this technology is much faster than Bluetooth and helps in reducing the delays. Garrett AT Pro lacks here as per it does not have this technology due to which the results are delayed and sometimes not so accurate. With AT Pro, there are greater chances of missing out on a buried treasure. Even if the metal detector can spot something valuable, the response will be so delayed that you will not be able to spot the exact location. 

Another major difference is the backlight. Garrett AT MAX comes with a user-friendly interface, and the control panel has a backlight. Which means you do not have to worry when the sun goes down. In AT Pro, there is no backlight, which is a huge setback. It takes away the leverage of searching at night or during the dawn. You will have to take an extra spotlight with you if you are looking forward to metal hunt at night.

Watch this video for the detailed comparison:

 

Conclusion

Garrett AT MAX is one of the most user-friendly and amazing metal detectors. It is fully waterproof to up to 10 feet. The performance is excellent even in challenging environments like when the soil is extremely mineralized. It comes with advanced Z-Lynk wireless technology, which means that there will be no more delays in results. There are several modes available, and you can choose the best one according to your desire. Not only that, but it is also really inexpensive. With the number of features this unit has to offer, the price is really low. You can buy this even if you are on a budget.