Dubbed as one of the most advanced and all-around VLF (Very Low Frequency) metal detectors in the market, this product has a lot of new features to offer. Just to name a few, it is equipped with the Z-Lynk wireless technology, increased detection depth, and can withstand various types of environment.
Having this will surely let you experience next-level metal detecting. In this Garrett AT Max review, we will discuss its features in detail to help you know it more from its core. Also, we will compare it to other metal detectors on sale for additional reference.
So let us get started!
Product Design
The Garrett AT Max metal detector is designed similarly with the AT Pro as it is part of the brand's All-Terrain (AT) series. It is engineered for advanced hunting and is applicable for both land and shallow-water detecting.
Weighing only around 3.03 pounds, this won’t be a burden when carried around. This is powered by 4 pieces of AA batteries that are easily available. And a pinpointing mode is equipped with the machine for easier searching.
Being created with excellent durability, you are sure that it can withstand any form of impact from its surroundings. So, there is no need to worry even if you bring it while traveling or looking for objects in rough terrain.
Much more, this comes with the brand's PROformance DD search coil measuring about 8.5x11 inches. Its function is to ensure target separation and to provide exceptional depth, especially when it comes to a stock coil.
With this device, you can search for jewelry, coins, and relics, giving you the flexibility that you always wanted. But take note that the model is not a gold detector. It is not the best option if you plan to look for gold.
Display and Control Panel
One of its features that will be essential in hunting is the backlight display on its LCD. This allows you to clearly see the figures shown even in low-light conditions. Now, you can look out in the field at any time of the day with this device.
Just like other metal detectors that are manufactured by Garrett, AT Max's control panel design is simple for everybody to understand and use. All the buttons are big enough, and the labels are clearly visible in which most are multi-functional.
Waterproof
This is waterproof, making it an excellent option for searching in shorelines, streams, or in any shallow water. The entire metal detector is submersible up to 3 meters or 10 feet, allowing you to do underwater searching.
But when you perform these activities, wired headphones are required, and they are sold separately from the main product.
Much more, it is designed to resist extreme conditions. That is why it’s possible for you to keep on searching even if it is raining. It is also perfect for metal detecting in dry and dusty environments. Garrett AT Gold is another quality and high performed metal detector out there.
Operating Frequency
This has an operating frequency of 13.6 kilohertz (kHz), which is higher than an average VLF detector. Small targets are easily separated and found during the search. Along with this, the model has premium-quality circuitry and components, just perfect for hunting a variety of items such as pieces of jewelry, coins, and relics.
Anyway, power lines and other metal detectors can cause interference at times of searching. To solve this problem, you can subtly adjust the frequency to remove the unnecessary intervention. But it is worth noting that multi-frequency metal detection is beyond the capabilities of the product.
So, if you ever want to upgrade your old metal detector, don’t hesitate to opt for this product. With this, you can try to revisit your previous hunting spot, and you will be amazed that you can find more exciting items, which your former device couldn’t detect.
Z-Lynk Wireless Technology
Z-Lynk wireless technology is one of the newest features included in this product. You can clearly hear the signal when the coil is directly above the target because there are little to no audio delays.
Since it is cordless, hunting for items just wherever you want is not a hassle. Compared to other products with the audio cord connected to the metal detector, movement is limited and constrained. The use of wireless MS-3 headphones contributes to your comfort, allowing you to move freely without hesitation.
Iron and Notch Discrimination
The iron discrimination option allows you to change the settings to ignore certain types of ferrous targets depending on what item you are looking for. If you set your iron discrimination at a higher level, you will detect a minimal amount of junk targets.
This Garret AT Max has 44 segments of iron discrimination to maximize the possibility of getting valuable items. Well, several notches can be found above the iron region, which can either be selected or knocked out.
There are four search modes to choose from: all-metal, coin, custom, and zero-discrimination.
The all-metal mode can give you exceptional sensitivity and depth, and they are crucial considerations when you're into more serious hunting. With this, you are sure that you won't be missing any valuable targets, mainly due to its high-level target separation.
Also, you can filter junks from valuable items if you are searching in areas with many alerts. Using this can allow you to get the job done with ease, comfort, and a faster pace.
The coin mode is a pre-notched setting that separates foil, pull-tabs, and iron from others. This is the perfect option if you're a beginner in the hobby. The custom mode, on the other hand, enables you to set your own pattern of looking for targets.
And lastly, the zero-discrimination mode is usually referred to as the silent search mode. Targets are filtered, and all are recognized by the detector as good targets.
Another feature you can conveniently use is the elimination button. If you think that the machine is detecting trash, you can simply press it, and it will be removing junk from the search pattern.
Digital Target ID
Just like other Garrett metal detectors, the Digital Target ID number ranges from 0 to 99. This is to visually represent the composition of the target. For this model, the numbers are shown in large sizes on the LCD panel, which is easier for you to see and recognize.
This is a standard feature among mid-range metal detectors, as long as it has the correct ground balance suitable to the environment, the target ID will be shown quickly and accurately.
Iron and Pulse with Modulation Audio
The iron audio is another feature added to this model. And the purpose of this is to help you determine which among them are flat iron objects and are valuable targets.
When discrimination is turned up, you won't be able to hear the iron targets because they are filtered by default. It is also present in the previously discussed all-metal search mode.
Listening to audio when looking for items is often much faster than relying on the digital target IDs. To provide you more information about the target, it is designed to have a pulse width modulation audio. This will ease your search and help you decide where to dig.
Ground Balance
It can offer you both a manual and automatic ground balance. This is an important feature, especially when it comes to searching in locations with high soil conductivity, mineralization, or saltwater. Adjusting the ground balance maximizes depth and removes the intervening factors in the surrounding environment.
Holding the shift button will activate the automatic mode of balancing, self-adjusting to the current environmental situation. The manual ground balance operation is recommended for more difficult hunting locations.
In addition to the information given, fine-tuning on mineralization and soil conductivity is now possible because this is equipped with 175 ground balance resolution points.
Additional Features
- Adjustable length of 43 inches to 56 inches
- Eight levels of sensitivity
- All four search modes have an available PRO Mode audio
- Electronic pinpointing option
- Threshold adjustment
Pros
Cons
In Comparison to other Metal Detectors
Garret AT Max against ACE 400
Garrett ACE 400 is the recommended metal detector for beginners. It is easy to use and also has the iron audio feature that is present in the AT Max. Anyway, this model is designed to be open for upgrades using Z-Lynk technology.
Unlike the AT Max, this model is not waterproof. It also has a low operating frequency, which makes it ineffective in looking for tiny pieces of jewelry, relic, or coin.
Still, it is expected that to be a top-notch device, especially that it is made by the same manufacturer. Garrett ensures that all its metal detectors are of premium quality and produce excellent results.
Garrett AT Max against AT Pro
In the AT range, the Garrett AT Max is the most expensive model. But with its price comes additional features such as true-all metal mode, more iron discrimination segments, wireless audio, and threshold adjustment option. With these qualities in one device, it is able to detect metals at greater depths.
Garrett AT Pro, on the other hand, is much cheaper than AT Max. One of its features is the standard audio mode—an option that makes it easier for beginners to use. It also has a slightly higher frequency operation, which makes it better at looking for smaller metals.
Both of the products are excellent metal detectors coming from the same manufacturing company. Garrett AT Max is a good choice in terms of the additional features it can offer you.
Garrett AT Max against Fisher F22
The Fisher F22 has a lot of features to offer, which are also quite similar to the AT Max. This product is weatherproof—an essential quality to look for in a metal detector. Therefore, this can allow you to search for objects in extreme conditions. It also has the iron audio to help you differentiate valuable targets from iron ones.
Much more, it has a fast recovery speed for processing. The model is lightweight and easy to use. Unfortunately, the F22 has no manual ground balance, which is a feature present in the Garrett AT Max.
If you are a beginner in the metal detecting hobby, the Fisher F22 is already a good option. But if you are into more serious hunting or just want it to be submersible to water, then the Garrett AT Max would be the better choice. Also check our Fisher 75 review to learn more.
Garrett AT Max against Minelab Equinox 800
The Minelab Equinox 800 is a professional all-terrain metal detector that offers a multi-frequency mode. This product is more expensive, but along with its price comes more features to try.
It has Multi-IQ technology with 5 single frequencies, 8 customizable search modes, and is high speed with accurate target ID. The product's software can be upgraded if you want to improve its current performance.
Just like the Garrett AT Max, this model is lightweight and waterproof, submersible up to 10 feet. Both are good options for underwater hunting.
However, the Equinox 800 is more suitable for gold prospecting because of its gold detecting mode, which allows you to detect nuggets. Although it offers such great features, apparently, it has a short battery life, and its settings are quite difficult for a beginner to manage. Want to learn how a metal detector work then check our post on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garrett AT Max suitable for beginners?
For starters, most people recommend the use of cheaper metal detectors. One of the advantages of this suggestion is that they often have fewer features and therefore are simpler to learn.
But if you choose to buy an expensive metal detector like the Garrett AT Max, you can look for objects at much greater depth. Not to mention that it is also usable in almost any type of environment. It may take more time to learn its features, but the results are much better.
Will the Garrett AT Max find gold?
Larger gold nuggets can be surely detected by the AT Max. However, in finding gold, it usually involves looking for small-scale nuggets. That’s why you will need a detector with a much higher frequency.
Can a metal detector find diamonds?
Unfortunately, a metal detector cannot find non-metal items like diamonds, pearls, and other gemstones. Metal detectors, as used by prospectors, can lead to indicator minerals.
How deep do most metal detectors go?
Coin-sized objects are detectable six to ten inches below the ground with the use of a good quality metal detector.
Final Words
This Garrett AT Max review proved that the product would surely give you satisfying and quality results. The durability and toughness of its design are ensured for advanced searching along with its exclusive features not found on cheaper models.
It is simple to use, despite the fact that it has a lot of options and settings. With its weatherproof and waterproof feature, you are able to hunt under any condition in almost all types of environments.
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