The Garrett ATX has been discontinued
It is no longer sold new on Amazon. We've kept this review online for reference — the Garrett ATX still turns up on the used market, and the specs, pros and cons below are just as relevant when you're judging a secondhand listing. We're not recommending a substitute, because no current model is a like-for-like replacement.
Last listed at $549.99 before it was discontinued. That figure is historical, not a current price.
Garrett ATXComplete Review & Field Test 2026
The ATX uses pulse induction technology that ignores ground mineralization—essential for gold prospecting and saltwater beaches. Military-spec construction survives harsh conditions, and the collapsible design packs into remote locations. Fully waterproof to 10 feet for underwater prospecting in rivers and streams.
Key Features:
- Pulse Induction technology
- Fully waterproof to 10 feet
- 25 discrimination segments
- Ground Track auto balance
- Military-spec durability
Expert Overview
The Garrett ATX represents Garrett's commitment to delivering reliable metal detection technology. Operating at Pulse Induction (730 pulses/sec), this mid-range detector has earned its 4.6-star rating from over 813 verified users—a testament to its real-world performance.
Frequency
Pulse Induction (730 pulses/sec)
Weight
1.37 Kilograms
Battery
8-10 hours
Coil
12" DD Deepseeker
Dimensions
11L x 5W x 22H
Technical Specifications
In-Depth Field Performance
Detection Depth & Coverage
In field testing, the Garrett ATX demonstrates consistent target acquisition across various soil types. The 12" DD Deepseeker provides excellent ground coverage while maintaining sensitivity to smaller targets. With a maximum detection depth of 19"+ (large targets), it performs admirably for gold and beach hunting. Recovery speed between targets is fast enough for trashy sites, making it suitable for competition-level detecting.
Target ID & Discrimination
Target identification on the Garrett ATX uses 25 segments to differentiate between valuable finds and junk. The 2 + motion/non-motion search modes provide flexibility for different hunting scenarios. Audio feedback is clear and responsive, helping you make quick dig decisions. The Speaker + headphone jack delivers clear tones even in noisy outdoor environments.
Technology & Ground Handling
Garrett equipped the Garrett ATX with Pulse Induction (730 pulses/sec) technology, which is optimized for detecting a wide range of targets from gold jewelry to silver coins. The Ground Track + manual system gives experienced users full control over mineralization compensation. Full waterproof capability to Full to 10 ft opens up beach and shallow water hunting opportunities.
Build Quality & Ergonomics
Weighing 6.9 lbs (3.1 kg), the Garrett ATX has a solid feel that inspires confidence, though longer sessions may require breaks. The Collapsible 25" to 66" accommodates users of different heights. Build quality is excellent—made in the USA with quality materials. 8-10 hours means less worry about power during full-day hunts.
Settings & Modes Guide
Choosing a Search Mode
The Garrett ATX offers 2 + motion/non-motion search modes. For gold prospecting or beach and wet-sand hunting, start with the preset closest to that target type — it pre-loads discrimination and tone breaks tuned for it — then fine-tune discrimination and sensitivity from there as you learn the site.
Discrimination Setup
Discrimination on the Garrett ATX runs on 25 segments. Notch narrowly rather than rejecting broad ranges of the scale — wide notches on a segmented display bury real targets that share a tone with trash.
Ground Balance
The Garrett ATX's Ground Track + manual ground balance gives you both options. Leave it on auto/tracking for normal parks and fields — it adjusts on the fly and needs no attention. Switch to manual in heavily mineralized soil, black sand beaches, or old homesites where auto-tracking can drift: pump the coil a few inches over clean ground until the threshold stops changing, lock it in, and re-check whenever the soil type changes.
Sensitivity & Mineralization
As a Pulse Induction detector, the Garrett ATX isn't affected by ground mineralization the way VLF machines are, so sensitivity can generally run near maximum even over hot ground or black sand. Only back it off if you're getting excessive chatter from nearby power lines, electric fences, or other detectorists working close by.
Pros & Cons
- Extreme depth capability
- Fully waterproof for diving
- Military-grade durability
- Folds compact for travel
- 25 discrimination segments
- Very heavy at 6.9 lbs
- Expensive at $2499
- Battery hungry
Gold prospectors hunting nuggets in mineralized ground. High frequency and ground balance capabilities are essential for this application.
Beginners who would be overwhelmed by advanced features, or those on a tight budget.
Things to Know Before You Buy
Very heavy at 6.9 lbs
Factor this in for full-day hunts — arm and shoulder fatigue adds up faster than the spec sheet suggests.
Expensive at $2499
Weigh this against how often you'll actually use the extra capability — it's real money either way.
Battery hungry
Carry a spare battery or charger on longer trips so this doesn't cut a hunt short.
vs Competition
| Feature | Garrett ATX | Nokta Legend | Minelab Vanquish 540 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $549.99last listed | $659.00 | $399.00 |
| Rating | 4.6 | 5 | 4.1 |
| Frequency | Pulse Induction (730 pulses/sec) | SMF (4-40 kHz + single) | Multi-IQ |
| Weight | 6.9 lbs (3.1 kg) | 2.86 lbs (1.3 kg) | 2.8 lbs (1.27 kg) |
| Waterproof | Full to 10 ft | IP68 to 3 meters (10 ft) | Coil only (IP68) |
Frequently Asked Questions
In optimal low-mineralized soil, the Garrett ATX can detect a quarter-sized coin at 19"+ (large targets). Larger objects like relics and caches can be detected at greater depths. In highly mineralized ground, expect 15-20% reduction in depth. Actual results depend on soil conditions, target size, and discrimination settings.
The Garrett ATX is designed for experienced detectorists who want more control and features. Beginners can use it but may need time to learn the advanced settings. Consider the Garrett entry-level models if you're just starting out.
Yes — the Garrett ATX is fully waterproof (Full to 10 ft), making it excellent for beach and even shallow-water hunting. You can hunt the wet sand, surf zone, and shallow water without worrying about the control box. The Pulse Induction (730 pulses/sec) handles saltwater mineralization well.
Start on the search mode closest to "gold" — the Garrett ATX ships with 2 + motion/non-motion search modes, and the closest match pre-loads discrimination and tone breaks for that target type. Keep discrimination low at first so you don't skip real targets while you learn the site, and ground balance manually before you start swinging. Tighten discrimination and sensitivity once you know what the local trash sounds like.
The Garrett ATX uses 25 segments for target ID. Start with little to no discrimination so you learn what iron, foil, and pull tabs sound like in your specific soil, then notch out only the confirmed junk tones — narrow notches beat wide ones, since wide rejection zones also bury real targets.
The standard Garrett ATX package includes: the detector unit, 12" DD Deepseeker, coil cover, headphones, requires AA batteries (sometimes included), and user manual. Some retailers offer accessory bundles with additional coils, carrying bags, and digging tools.
Yes, Garrett provides a 2 years manufacturer warranty for the Garrett ATX in the USA through authorized dealers. As a USA-made product, service and parts are readily available. Register your detector after purchase for full warranty coverage.
The Garrett ATX at its last listed price of $549.99 competed with mid-range options like the Minelab Vanquish and Nokta Legend. Key advantages include extreme depth capability and fully waterproof for diving. However, note that very heavy at 6.9 lbs. See our comparison guides for detailed head-to-head analysis.
Final Verdict
Based on 813 reviews
The Garrett ATX is an excellent choice for gold prospectors hunting nuggets in mineralized ground. high frequency and ground balance capabilities are essential for this application.. With a proven track record of 4.6-star ratings from 813 users, it delivers on its promises in the field.
At its last listed price of $549.99, the Garrett ATX sat in the mid-range segment. For intermediate hobbyists, it offers professional-level capabilities that justify the investment. The 2 years warranty applied to units bought new, and may no longer be transferable on a secondhand purchase.
Bottom Line: The Garrett ATX is no longer made or sold new on Amazon. It's still worth considering secondhand if the specs above match how you hunt — just budget for the fact that parts, coils and warranty support get harder to find on a discontinued machine.
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