Best Garrett Metal Detectors

Understanding Your Needs

Before diving into specific models, it's crucial to identify what you intend to use the metal detector for. Different activities require different features:

1. Coin Hunting: If your primary goal is to find coins, you'll need a detector with good discrimination capabilities to differentiate between valuable coins and less desirable metal objects.
2. Relic Hunting: Relic hunters often look for historical artifacts, which can be made of various metals. A detector with adjustable sensitivity and depth capabilities is beneficial.
3. Gold Prospecting: Gold detecting requires a machine with high sensitivity to small gold nuggets. Higher frequency detectors are generally better for this purpose.
4. Beach Hunting: For beach hunting, especially in saltwater environments, you'll need a detector that can handle mineralized soil and salt interference.

Key Features to Consider

1. Frequency: The operating frequency of the metal detector affects its sensitivity to different types of metal. Lower frequencies (e.g., 5 kHz) are better for detecting larger objects and achieving greater depth, while higher frequencies (e.g., 18 kHz) are more sensitive to smaller objects, such as gold nuggets.
2. Discrimination: This feature allows the detector to distinguish between different types of metal. Good discrimination helps in ignoring junk metals and focusing on valuable targets.
3. Ground Balance: Ground balance is essential for reducing the impact of mineralized soil, which can cause false signals. There are manual, automatic, and tracking ground balance options.
4. Depth Indicator: This feature provides an estimate of how deep the target is buried, which can be useful for retrieving the object.
5. Waterproofing: Some detectors are fully waterproof and can be submerged, while others may only have waterproof coils. For beach and underwater hunting, a fully waterproof detector is ideal.
6. Weight and Ergonomics: A lightweight and well-balanced detector is more comfortable to use for extended periods, reducing fatigue.

Popular Garrett Metal Detector Models

1. Garrett ACE 300: This model is excellent for beginners, offering user-friendly features such as digital target ID, adjustable frequency, and five search modes. It is suitable for coin hunting and general-purpose detecting.

2. Garrett AT Pro: Known for its all-terrain capabilities, the AT Pro is a favorite among intermediate to advanced users. It features Pro Mode Audio, high-resolution iron discrimination, and manual ground balance. It's also waterproof up to 10 feet, making it suitable for beach hunting.

3. Garrett AT Max: An upgrade from the AT Pro, the AT Max includes Z-Lynk wireless technology for headphone use, enhanced detection depth, and a backlit LCD screen for low-light conditions. It is also waterproof up to 10 feet and excels in various environments.

4. Garrett Goldmaster 24k: Designed specifically for gold prospecting, this detector operates at a high frequency of 48 kHz, providing excellent sensitivity to small gold nuggets. It also features ground tracking and adjustable discrimination.

5. Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II: Ideal for underwater and beach hunting, this pulse induction detector can handle saltwater and high mineralization. It is fully submersible up to 200 feet and has a robust design for challenging environments.

Conclusion

Choosing the best Garrett metal detector involves balancing your specific detecting needs with the features offered by different models. Consider what you aim to find, the environments you will be searching in, and your level of experience. By understanding the key features and capabilities of various Garrett detectors, you can select the one that best fits your requirements and enhances your metal detecting experience.