The Garrett AT MAX arrives in solid packaging that immediately signals this isn't your typical entry-level detector. After years of waiting for Garrett to push beyond the AT Pro's capabilities, the AT MAX promises enhanced target separation and deeper detection in challenging ground conditions.
What's in the Garrett AT MAX Box
Garrett keeps the unboxing straightforward with everything you need to start detecting right out of the box:
- AT MAX control unit with upgraded electronics
- 8.5" x 11" DD PROformance searchcoil - larger than the AT Pro's standard coil
- Adjustable shaft system with cam locks
- Armrest and grip assembly
- MS-3 wireless headphones (Z-Lynk compatible)
- Coil cover for protection
- AA battery pack (8 batteries required)
- Quick start guide and full manual
The MS-3 headphones alone represent a significant upgrade over previous AT series packages. These wireless units connect via Garrett's Z-Lynk technology, eliminating the tangled cord issues that plague most metal detectors.
First Impressions: Build Quality and Design
The AT MAX feels substantially more robust than the AT Pro. The control housing uses thicker plastic, and the button layout improves on the somewhat cramped AT Pro design.
Key physical improvements include:
- Larger, more tactile control buttons
- Enhanced LCD display with better visibility
- Reinforced coil connection points
- Improved shaft lock mechanisms
For hunters moving up from beginner detectors, the AT MAX strikes the right balance between advanced features and user-friendly operation.
Waterproof Rating and Construction
Garrett maintains the AT series' fully submersible design, rated to 10 feet underwater. The sealing appears more comprehensive than earlier models, with better gasket placement around the battery compartment and control buttons.
This makes the AT MAX competitive with other treasure hunting detectors that promise true all-terrain capability.
Notable Features and Upgrades
The AT MAX introduces several enhancements that address long-standing limitations of the AT Pro:
Enhanced Target Separation
Garrett claims improved target separation in trashy areas - a critical upgrade for urban and park hunting where iron masking often hides good targets.
Frequency Adjust
Unlike the fixed-frequency AT Pro, the AT MAX offers frequency adjustment to minimize interference from power lines, other detectors, or electrical sources.
Larger Standard Coil
The included 8.5" x 11" coil provides better ground coverage than the AT Pro's 8.5" x 11" round coil, potentially improving depth and target acquisition speed.
Serious hunters often upgrade to aftermarket coils anyway, but having a more capable stock coil reduces immediate accessory purchases.
Initial Power-Up and Menu System
The AT MAX boots quickly and presents a cleaner interface than its predecessor. Menu navigation feels more intuitive, though users familiar with the AT Pro will need some adjustment time.
The discrimination and sensitivity controls offer finer adjustment ranges, giving experienced detectorists more precise tuning options for specific hunting conditions.
Audio System Improvements
Beyond the included wireless headphones, the AT MAX's internal audio processing sounds noticeably cleaner. Target tones have better definition, making it easier to distinguish between different metal types during actual hunting.
This audio clarity becomes crucial when hunting in areas with heavy mineralization or multiple target types.
How the AT MAX Fits in Garrett's Lineup
The AT MAX slots above the AT Pro but below Garrett's flagship units, targeting hunters who want advanced features without the complexity or cost of professional-grade machines.
For budget-conscious hunters, consider upgrading accessories on current detectors before jumping to the AT MAX. For those ready to move beyond entry-level machines, the AT MAX offers genuine performance improvements over the AT Pro.
What's Missing from This First Look
Real-world performance matters more than unboxing impressions. Key questions remain about actual depth capabilities, false signal rates in mineralized soil, and battery life under typical hunting conditions.
The AT MAX's true value will emerge through extended field testing across different soil types, target scenarios, and environmental conditions. Stay tuned for our complete field test results and comparison with competing models in this price range.
