How to Use the Garrett AT PRO in Salt Water?

Particularly appreciated by detectorists who enjoy beach and shallow water exploration, the Garrett AT PRO is a flexible workhorse for metal detection. If you have spent time searching in salt water, though, you have most likely found it to be somewhat more difficult than searching on land. Although the mineralization of saltwater presents difficulties, don't panic—there are practical solutions. This article will teach you just how to run your AT PRO at the beach for optimal results.

Is the AT PRO good for saltwater detecting?

Perfect for shallow-water hunts and beach detecting trips, the Garrett AT PRO is waterproof down to roughly 10 feet. Having said that, the AT PRO's single-frequency (15 kHz) functioning can occasionally suffer from the conductive qualities of saltwater even if it thrives in freshwater situations. This just means you'll have to pick some skills to maximize your settings and reduce interference; it doesn't mean it won't work.

Many AT PRO users routinely grab rings, money, and jewels from ocean beaches. The strength of the detector is in careful tuning and knowing how salt influences your signal. If you regularly find beaches and wish for a multi-frequency machine, something like the Minelab Equinox would fit you better. If you're okay with small changes, though, the AT PRO stays a wonderful pick with excellent performance for saltwater detecting.

Garrett AT Pro vs at maX

Preparing Your AT PRO for Saltwater Use

It pays to do some preparation before visiting your preferred beach. Verify first the waterproof seal of your detector around the control box and battery compartment. This easy action can avoid later on expensive repairs. Install new batteries as well; frequent signal processing and modifications cause saltwater detecting to drain batteries faster.

To guarantee good audio underwater, team your AT PRO with waterproof headphones. Trust me, beach excursions are not suited for regular headphones. Investing in a decent sand scoop is also vital since, without the correct gear, digging in damp sand or waves will rapidly exhaust you. Being ready helps your detecting sessions be more fun and seamless.

Best Settings for the AT PRO in Salt Water

You have to optimize your settings. Because the Pro Mode provides more comprehensive aural feedback, which helps distinguish between real targets and chatter generated by salt crystals, most experienced beach hunters advise against using. Ground balance your detector first by hand on damp sand. Till chatter lowers to a reasonable level, gently move the coil up and down using the ground balancing feature.

Sensitivity will probably be less than in dry-land detecting. At most beaches, a sensitivity level of roughly 4 to 6 bars works nicely, but if you are still receiving continuous chatter, don't hesitate to drop it even further. Iron discrimination is also beneficial; putting it at roughly 30 to 35 usually finds the ideal mix between ignoring most iron waste and still spotting rare coins and jewels.

Detecting in Wet Sand vs. Surf vs. Shallow Water

The beach is not one place; rather, it is three separate spaces with various challenges:

• Wet Sand: Stable yet mineralized. Use lesser sensitivity and move gently. Regular ground balancing ensures stability of your AT PRO.

• Surf Line:  Extremely difficult given waves and fast shifting mineralization. Minimize erroneous signals by keeping sensitivity low and gently and evenly swinging your coil.

• Shallow Water: Usually calmer mineralization, shallow water requires careful coil control owing to water resistance. Swing gently and consistently to provide the detector time to process the signals.

Changing the settings on the go depending on these zones guarantees improved accuracy and fewer false alarms.

Tips to Reduce False Signals and Chatter

Metal detectors—especially single-frequency ones like the AT PRO—are sometimes caused to buzz and generate misleading indications by saltwater beaches. Fortunately, there is much you can do to keep the detector quiet and functional.

• Slow down your swing to let the system precisely process signals.

• Maintaining constant coil height will help prevent bumps on uneven sand.

• Especially when you transition between several moisture degrees, ground equilibrium is quite important.

• Use headphones to help separate background noise from faint target sounds.

Your detecting success and enjoyment will be much improved by these little changes.

Post-Detecting Maintenance for Saltwater Use

Neglecting their gear after finding is one of the most common mistakes new beach hunters make. Saltwater is corrosive; if neglected, it can gradually ruin your detector. Rinse your AT PRO very carefully with fresh water right after every session. Particularly pay close attention to the battery compartment seals, the coil, and the connectors.

Especially the coil cover and connection points, totally dry your detector. It is highly advised to periodically remove the coil cover and clean under since accumulation of sand and salt could compromise performance. Regular maintenance guarantees your detector's dependability for many more beach visits to come.

What You Can Expect to Find with the AT PRO in Saltwater

The AT PRO is quite competent at locating jewelry, coins, and other valuable items on beaches; it is not only a relic or coin machine. Common findings for beach detectorists are rings, bracelets, earrings, and lots of clad coins. Especially following storms or erosion events, you may even find older objects or relics via careful tuning and diligent detecting.

Though deeper targets are achievable in favorable conditions, expect little depth in wet sand, usually around 6 to 8 inches comfortably. Finding more treasure and less garbage depends on learning to accurately understand auditory signals, since you will come across rubbish targets.

AT PRO vs. Other Saltwater Detectors

Although the PRO operates satisfactorily in saltwater beaches, some detectorists ultimately want specialized saltwater devices. Garrett's own AT MAX and Sea Hunter Mark II or multi-frequency detectors like Minelab Equinox often handle seawater conditions more smoothly, hence greatly minimizing chatter and false signals.

But the AT PRO provides great value, particularly if you just sometimes visit shallow water or the beaches. Upgrading might not be required unless you are often detecting in difficult surf conditions—especially if you have learned to understand the AT PRO's settings.

Shop Garrett AT PRO from Detector Hero

Ready to upgrade your tools or begin your saltwater detecting exploits? All Garrett detectors, including the adaptable AT PRO, come from a reliable source, Detector Hero. Why decide on Detector Hero? Simple: speedy shipment, professional guidance, reasonable rates, and first-rate after-sales service.

From waterproof headphones and tough sand scoops to protective coverings and carrying bags, you will find not only the AT PRO but also a variety of accessories to fit your saltwater detecting needs. Detector Hero guarantees you dependable tools supported by a strong warranty, so you can relax about your purchase.

Shop Garrett AT PRO Now at Detector Hero

Conclusion

Although it takes some patience, some precise tweaks, and continuous maintenance, using your AT PRO in salt water is quite fulfilling. Follow these guidelines, spend some time learning the subtleties of your detector, and soon enough, you will be dragging amazing treasures from your preferred beaches.

Now get out there, fine-tune your skills, and enjoy the thrill of beach detecting with your AT PRO!