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The AT Max is a quality upgrade for detectorists who have been using detectors from the AT series like the AT Pro and AT Gold.
The numerous features of the Garrett AT Max make it the preferred option among entry-level detectors.
In this article, we are going to cover the pros and cons of the Garrett AT Max, the stand-out features, a depth test, and much more.
Keep reading to see a complete Garrett AT Max review.
Garrett AT Max Metal Detector Review 2024
The AT Max is one of the most advanced and dynamic detectors on the market. It can function seamlessly in all kinds of terrains.
It belongs to the VLF category and comes equipped with features like increased depth, built-in Z-Lynk Wireless headphones Technology, and other quality features.
The AT Max has been designed to perform well when submerged or used around freshwater or saltwater.
The AT Max comes with Z-Lynk Wireless Technology, so you can pair it with wireless headphones provided by the company.
These headphones are designed for high precision sound and have almost zero latency.
The audio reception of these headphones is six times faster than standard Bluetooth headphones and other wireless headphones.
It comes with high-performance coils that can locate targets in different terrains under varied conditions.
It also allows you to tune the settings of the detector and improve your metal hunting experience. The body of AT Max is entirely submersible making it suitable for serious hobbyists and seasoned detectorists.
Pros
- An excellent all-terrain detector
- Clear wireless audio headphones that provide clear audio with low latency
- Sizeable LCD screen and light body
- High-speed response
- Comes with true all-metal mode
Cons
- High price
- Cannot be compared to multi-frequency detectors
Who Should Choose The Garrett AT Max?
Always remember that The AT Max is an advanced level detector. If you’re a complete beginner, it can be somewhat challenging to set it up the first few times.
On the other hand, detectorists who have been using the AT Pro in the past can make the most of the AT Max.
It has the same interface as other detectors in the AT series but there are some additional functions and features that you might need some time to understand.
The AT Max is an excellent metal detector once you learn to customize the settings and decipher its signal data.
Its multiple detections and discrimination modes are really worth trying.
Benefits of Buying the Garrett AT Max
AT Max has a plethora of features loaded into a small box, so you might have to spend some time configuring it.
The Max waterproof metal detector body will help you when looking for valuable objects in the water, but the readings might not be as accurate as they are on land.
It has an ergonomic design, which means you can use it for hours without having to worry about enduring any kind of discomfort.
Finding different types of metal objects buried underground with the AT Max is faster and easier as the machine is equipped to offer a high number of discrimination mode settings and deeper reach.
Features of Garrett AT Max Metal Detector
These are the features of the Garrett AT Max that make it a high-tech and professional hunting device.
Digital Target ID
Just like most Garrett Detectors, the AT Max has an LCD screen that shows target ID in numerical form with numbers ranging from 0-99.
The variation in these numbers enables the user to get an estimate of the target’s composition.
The company has improved the target feature in the AT Max. It is more accurate than the lower-end models.
As long as you calibrate the ground balance of the detector correctly, you will get the precise location of the target.
Operating Frequency
The AT Max has a maximum frequency limit of 13.6kHz. The detector utilizes this frequency and couples it with components integrated into the detector to locate the targets.
It has a lower frequency range than the AT Pro but it’s higher than most VLF detectors on the market.
You can rely on the AT Max for detecting and separating the small targets buried underground.
If you want higher sensitivity and depth reach, you can use the all-metal mode which is not available in the AT Pro.
This is something that sets the AT Max apart from the other detectors in the AT series.
Garrett has enhanced the internal electronics of the AT Max. This has enabled the machine to penetrate deeper and improve its detection abilities.
This will help in finding valuable buried underground with ease.
Though it is not a multi-frequency detector, you can still adjust the frequency a little to avoid interference.
This will help you to avoid getting interferences detected from power lines and other detectors nearby.
When it comes to hunting performance, you can be assured of getting an excellent experience with the notable depth offered by the Garrett AT Max.
If you buy one, make sure to visit places that you have treasure hunted before. The AT Max will surely find something you missed last time.
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Iron Audio and Pulse Width Audio
When hunting for underground items, it can be difficult to keep your eyes planted on the screen at all times. This is why audio tones are very important for detectorists.
Since audio tones are a common feature in detectors, Garrett has made the AT Max special by including the pulse width modulation audio.
This feature provides you with more information about the target and helps you decide whether it’s worth digging in a particular spot or not.
You also get the option of choosing between pulse width modulation audio and iron audio.
Switching to iron audio will help you determine the nature of the object and differentiate between actual targets and flat iron objects.
The AT Max filters iron targets automatically, this eliminates them as targets when you switch on the discrimination settings.
It’s a very useful feature that comes in handy when searching in an area that has trash like nails, bottle caps, and pull tabs in abundance.
You will get a distinct tone from the machine when it detects iron. There might be some additional grunting sounds occasionally.
Such sounds can help you get an estimate of the target’s composition.
Depending on the readings and Iron Audio tone, you can choose whether to prospect a particular spot.
The best part is you can use the Iron Audio mode in the All-metal mode too.
Choosing the two combined will allow you to identify the iron objects that are ignored in discrimination in the All-Metal Mode.
Z-Lynk Wireless Technology
This can be considered a major USP of the AT Max. Z-Lynk wireless technology enables you to use the wireless headphones with the detector.
Due to this specially integrated technology, you can prevent interferences from hindering your target location.
It works faster than Bluetooth and has a very low latency duration. This enables you to enjoy the benefits of wireless audio technology without the hassles.
Since there is almost zero delay in audio transfer, you can be assured that the detector is in the right place i.e. over the target.
This innovative feature makes the AT Max a state of the art metal detector as most don’t have this feature.
It’s also a great way to get rid of wired headphones when using a detector. Apart from causing a restriction in movements, the wires make digging very inconvenient.
You also get a pair of wireless MS-3 headphones with the AT Max which enables you to make the most of this technology.
Iron Discrimination and Notch Discrimination
The iron discrimination is a notable feature of AT Max. You get 44 discrimination segments which are higher than the most detectors in this series.
The difference may not be that huge, but it can help you in some extreme conditions.
By adjusting the iron discrimination, you can choose between the ferrous targets you want the detector to ignore.
This speeds up the process of finding the kind of item you’re looking for.
For instance, if you set the detector on a higher setting, the machine will ignore insignificant objects like nails or pull tabs.
Setting the detector on higher settings can increase the chance of missing important objects like relics and boxes.
To avoid missing these valuable items, the AT Max features notch discrimination. It lets you select or remove the number of notches when hunting in an iron-rich area.
There is a custom mode integrated into the AT Max. This mode allows you to create a unique search pattern that can help select or eliminate the objects.
It features a coin mode that programs the detector to locate coins specifically.
With these settings, you can avoid iron, foils, bottle caps, and pull tabs very easily. This ability of the AT Max makes it suitable for beginners too.
The Elimination button is one of the best things about the AT Max. You can use this button to remove an item when it’s detected by the detector.
Manual and Automatic Ground Balance
Having a professional level detector has many advantages, such as the ability to choose between automatic and manual ground balance.
Ground balance has to be adjusted correctly in hunting areas with high mineralization, saltwater, and conductivity.
A ground balancing feature lets you balance your metal detector and ignore the interference caused by these factors.
It helps you scan deeper and reduce audio chatter.
The AT Max has been designed to hunt in saltwater areas, where most VLF detectors struggle to locate targets.
It’s also not that difficult to ground balance the metal detector automatically. By holding the shift button for a few seconds, you can automatically ground balance the AT Max based on the region.
The automatic ground balance works well in regions that have versatile terrain. However, it is better to adjust the ground balance manually to get the best results.
The AT Max has ground balance resolution points going up to 175 points. This allows you to adjust it more accurately depending on the mineralization and soil conductivity.
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Volume Control
If you are planning to go metal hunting in a public place such as a park or a beach you will have to be very careful with the sound.
The loud beeping sound from the metal detectors might be pleasing for you, but it might be disturbing for others.
To help you out in this situation Garrett has added the volume control buttons that can be used to increase or reduce the sound of the tone.
Volume adjustment of the tone does not affect the sensitivity of the metal detector.
The best way to adjust the volume on AT Max is by using headphones. Turn the volume up while wearing the headphones and turn it down gradually to reach an acceptable level.
Search Coils
All the metal detectors in the AT series have a coil connection feature that allows the user to connect different types of coils to enhance its capacity. Here are some of the coils that you can connect to the AT Max.
You can use the search coil that is included in the pack 8.5 inch X 11 inches DD PROformance coil.
It has been designed to work underwater too. It is an all-rounder and can be used for all types of objects.
There is a 4.5 inch Super Sniper coil that is suitable for locating objects in small spaces.
To get a precise location of the target in an area with low trash, you can connect the AT Max with the 6.5-inch x 9-inch concentric coil.
If you want to cover a larger area, you can use the 9-inch x 12-inch concentric coil.
Garrett AT Max Depth Test
The Garrett AT Max will impress you with its deep seeking functionality.
You can easily locate coins, and other precious metals buried up to 10-12 inches deep with basic configuration and standard search coil.
The coin depth is indicated on the right side of the control panel, it is divided into different parts like 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 inches.
The detector does lose the targets buried at maximum length when the coil is raised 2-3 inches off the ground.
However, the AT Max compensates for the loss of sensitivity in the All-metal mode.
When the all-metal mode is switched on the coil can locate 10 inches deep metal from 8 inches above the ground.
You can also switch it to the zero-mode and press the pinpoint button to get a precise location of metals that are located 6-7 inches deep.
The metal detector’s deep depth seeking abilities also vary according to the metal that is located underground and the mode selected to search for it.
Based on the results of the depth test, you can say that Garrett AT Max is good for hunting coins, jewelry, gold nuggets, and relics.
To see how the Garrett AT Max depth Test you can watch this video:
Garrett AT Max Chatter
Chatter is a problem that some users complain about in the AT Max. To reduce chatter you can try these things.
- Check the connection to the control box, make sure it is tight enough
- Ensure the search coil is installed correctly
- The coil wire is adequately tight
- Replace the batteries if they are getting old
Try reverting the machine to factory settings with the factory reset button
If you have tried all of the above and chattering persists you can check for the following problems in the settings.
- Ensure Iron Audio is turned off
- Change the frequency
- Try recalibrating the ground balance
- Make adjustments in the discrimination settings
Sometimes chattering occurs when the detector is on high sensitivity and there is another detector, electrical interference, or mineralized soil around the detector.
Garrett AT Max vs Other Metal detectors
Garrett AT Max vs AT Gold
The closest competitor to the AT Max is Garrett’s the AT Gold. Both detectors have many similarities along with some peculiarities that make them prominent in their domain.
The AT Gold is designed for finding gold hidden underground and therefore needs a higher frequency to locate the target.
Due to this, AT Gold has a higher frequency range i.e. 18kHz, and requires a smaller stock coil.
Both the AT Max and the AT Gold features 44 iron discrimination segments, Pro Audio, a true all-metal mode, and 8 sensitivity modes.
You get a digital target ID and Iron Audio in both detectors.
It is the adjustable notch discrimination that makes AT Max superior to the AT Gold. In the AT Gold, you can choose from the pre-loaded options included by the company.
With the AT Gold you also lose on many more things like the cutting-edge Z-Lynk wireless audio, volume adjustment feature, and the backlit LCD screen.
Unless you’re looking for a metal detector that is specifically designed for gold hunts, choosing the AT Gold instead of the AT Max would not be a wise move.
Garrett AT Max vs AT Pro
The AT Pro is not at the rock bottom of the AT series but against the AT Max, it stands no chance.
The AT Max is loaded with features like more iron discrimination segments, a true all-metal mode, wireless audio, deeper depth reach, and a threshold adjustment option.
However, the AT Pro also has some peculiarities that make it a tough competitor. Keeping the low price aside it offers you the option of choosing between ‘Standard’ and ‘Pro’ audio mode.
The standard audio mode makes the AT Pro more suitable for beginners. Whereas, the AT Max comes with Pro audio mode only.
The AT Pro has a higher operating frequency range which enables it to locate smaller targets. You can get similar sensitivity in the AT Max with the help of some modes.
The Garrett AT Max is undoubtedly the better option but if you need a low-cost high-performance detector the AT Pro is a good alternative.
Garrett AT Max vs Minelab Equinox 800
The AT Max and Minelab Equinox 800 are two super useful and powerful detectors. Both have wireless headphones, a fast recovery, and a submersible design.
However, there are some differences that you need to look out for. The most game-winning quality of the Equinox 800 is that it’s a multi-frequency detector.
You get to choose from varying frequencies such as 5kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz, and 40kHz. There is also a gold detecting mode in the Equinox 800.
The above qualities do make the Equinox 800 a diverse detector but it comes with a higher price tag so keep that in mind.
Is the Garrett At Max Worth the Money?
If you wish to go metal hunting in different types of soils and terrains, you have to try the Garrett AT Max.
Its ability to work remarkably well on any kind of terrain and withstand varied conditions will definitely exceed your expectations and its definitely worth the money.