Garrett ATX 2024 Review: Best Metal Detector for Experts

Have you ever considered a metal detector that can handle extreme conditions and find metals and gold buried deeper in the ground? The Garrett ATX might be exactly what you need. This metal detector is designed for serious and professional metal detectorists. Whether it’s underwater, in mineralized soil, or across challenging terrains, this machine is built to detect even the smallest targets in tough environments.

The main reason why people choose the Garrett ATX is its ability to go beyond the limits of ordinary detectors. With its advanced pulse induction technology, this detector is perfect for finding gold nuggets, relics, and deep-buried treasures that other detectors often miss. If you are someone who wants to take your metal detecting to the next level, the Garrett ATX could be the perfect tool to add to your gear.

In this review, I will provide an in-depth look at the Garrett ATX metal detector. I will guide you through its key features, performance, and specifications, as well as its pros and cons, to help you determine if this detector is the right choice for your metal-detecting needs.

The Garrett ATX was developed to meet the growing demand for a metal detector that could perform in extreme and diverse conditions. Before its release, many detectors struggled to find targets in highly mineralized soils or underwater environments. Garrett, already a well-known name in the metal detecting industry, saw the need for a more advanced machine that could work in these tough conditions, while still maintaining sensitivity to small targets like gold biscuits.

The introduction of the ATX brought a revolutionary change. Its pulse induction (PI) technology allowed it to perform where other detectors couldn’t. This technology made it ideal for professionals searching in areas with high mineral content, such as deserts or goldfields. Its strong design and versatility quickly made it a popular choice among experienced detectorists who needed a reliable machine for metal detecting.

Over time, the ATX metal detector earned its reputation for being one of the most durable and capable detectors on the market. Its ability to detect both deep and shallow targets in challenging environments helped it gain huge popularity among detectorists and even military professionals. The ATX is now regarded as a top choice for those who need a high-performance detector for extreme conditions.

Read my review of Garrett AT MAX, the all-terrain metal detector.

I have spent a lot of time with this metal detector. I have used it in various conditions. Based on the functionality of its features in various conditions, I am providing an in-depth review of them.

Impressive Depth

One of the standout features of the ATX is its depth capability. I tested it with the 12″ DD coil, and I was amazed by how deep it can detect. It consistently reached depths of 18 inches, which is remarkable for a metal detector. Online reviews support this, with users praising its ability to detect targets at great depths.

Waterproof Design

The Garrett ATX is fully waterproof, which means you can use it underwater at depths of up to 3 meters (10 feet). This feature is great for beach and river searches. I tested it in both wet and dry conditions, and it worked smoothly in shallow water. 

However, the standard package does not include waterproof headphones, which is a drawback if you are planning to use them underwater frequently. You will have to purchase waterproof headphones separately for a complete underwater experience.

All Areas Performance

The ATX performs exceptionally well in all areas and environmental conditions. Whether you are detecting in highly mineralized soil, saltwater, or rocky ground, the ATX maintains stable detection without false signals. I used it in tough conditions, including wet sand and mineral-rich areas, and it handled everything smoothly. The ability to work in extreme weather and challenging terrains makes it ideal for serious metal detector enthusiasts.

Simultaneous Detection of All Metals

One feature I really appreciated is the ATX’s ability to detect all types of metals at the same time. You don’t need to switch between modes or settings to identify different types of metals. This saves time and makes detection more efficient, especially when searching in areas with a mix of objects. The included Double D coil enhances its sensitivity, even detecting small targets like coins or jewellery with precision.

Collapsible Design for Flexibility

The ATX has a smart collapsible design, allowing you to adjust the length of the stem. This feature makes it easy to carry and use in tight spaces. I tested it in various settings, and the ability to collapse and extend the stem helped me reach difficult areas, such as narrow spaces between rocks or scanning walls. Whether fully extended or collapsed, the performance remained consistent.

Pulse Induction Technology

The ATX operates on pulse induction technology, with a frequency range of 18-19 kHz and around 730 pulses per second. While the pulse rate is lower than some other detectors, such as the Minelab GPX5000, Garrett has fine-tuned the ATX to deliver high sensitivity and performance. I noticed this, especially in areas with highly mineralized soil and saltwater, where other detectors might struggle.

Ground Balancing for Harsh Conditions

The ground balancing feature of the ATX makes it ideal for tough environments, especially when detecting black sand, saltwater, and hot rocks. In my test, the ATX performed exceptionally well in these conditions, far better than other detectors I have used in the past. This makes it a good choice if you plan to detect in challenging environments like beaches, deserts, or volcanic areas. 

The ATX does a great job of minimizing electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can be a big problem with other detectors in such environments.

I tested the Garrett ATX in various environments, and its performance was impressive. In highly mineralized soil, which usually causes issues for many detectors, the ATX remained stable and provided clear signals. I didn’t experience any false readings, even in difficult areas like rocky ground or clay. The ground balancing feature worked perfectly. It allowed the detector to adjust to changing conditions without needing constant adjustment.

In saltwater environments, the ATX performed well. I used it at the beach, and even in wet sand and shallow water, it performed exceptionally well. Many detectors struggle with saltwater interference, but the pulse induction technology of the ATX handled it smoothly. It was able to pick up both large and small targets with ease, even in challenging wet conditions. Extreme weather, like rain or high humidity, didn’t affect its performance either, making it reliable in all kinds of weather.

Whether I was on dry land, in water, or on rough ground, the Garrett ATX maintained solid performance. Its versatility is a big plus, especially for those who detect in different types of environments.

Another top beginner friendly metal detector is the Garrett Ace 300. You can easily buy it also from our site.

The Garrett ATX metal detector is a powerful and flexible machine designed for serious metal detectorists. It is great for depth detection, reaching up to 18 inches with the 12″ DD coil. It is fully waterproof up to 10 feet which makes it ideal for water and beach searches. Its ability to work in different conditions allows it to perform smoothly in mineralized soils, salt water, and harsh weather conditions, thanks to its Ground Balancing Pulse Induction (GBPI) technology. The detector can handle all metal types simultaneously without mode switching. Its collapsible design makes it easy to use in tight spaces.

However, the ATX is heavy, weighing 6.9 pounds, which might be tiring for extended use. It is also a bit expensive and does not come with waterproof headphones, which must be bought separately. Despite these drawbacks, the strong performance, durability, and versatility of the ATX make it a top choice for professional detectorists looking for reliable performance in challenging environments.