Garrett AT Max Metal Detector

What Is the Garrett AT Max Metal Detector?

The Garrett AT Max metal detector is the top tier of Garrett's All Terrain VLF single-frequency family, positioned above the AT Pro and the AT Gold. Garrett bills the AT Max as its most powerful all-terrain single-frequency detector, with enhanced electronics, 13.6 kHz operating frequency, eight sensitivity / depth adjustments, and full submersion to 10 ft (3 m). Garrett designed the AT Max for hunters who work parks, fields, salt and freshwater beaches, river beds, and rainy hunts where a waterproof build and wireless audio matter. Garrett manufactures the AT Max at its Garland, Texas facility, the same Made-in-USA factory the company has operated from since 1964.

Garrett AT Max Key Features in the Field

13.6 kHz Operating Frequency with Enhanced Electronics

The AT Max runs at 13.6 kHz on the same single-frequency VLF platform as the rest of the AT family. Per Garrett, the AT Max combines this frequency with enhanced electronics and eight sensitivity / depth adjustments to deliver superior detection depth that surpasses other Garrett AT detectors. For coin shooters, relic hunters, and jewelry detectorists working mid-conductivity targets, 13.6 kHz balances depth on coin-sized targets with response on smaller jewelry.

Z-Lynk Wireless Audio Built In

The AT Max ships with the MS-3 Z-Lynk wireless headphones in the box. Z-Lynk runs at low latency, so the audio you hear matches the swing in real time without the lag that older Bluetooth headphone systems introduced into the workflow. No external Z-Lynk module is required. The detector also has a wired headphone option if you prefer a cable for underwater hunts.

Submersible to 10 ft (3 m)

The AT Max is fully submersible to 10 ft (3 m), making it a real river, surf wading, and shallow-water hunting machine. Hunt the wash zone on a salt beach, wade chest-deep into a creek crossing, or work through a rainstorm at a relic permission without breaking down the rig. The 8.5" x 11" PROformance DD coil included with the AT Max is rated for the same submersion.

Automated Ground Balance Window (Garrett Exclusive)

The Automated Ground Balance Window is a Garrett-exclusive feature on the AT Max that spreads the ground balance setting to a range of values simultaneously. This reduces ground response in severely mineralized areas where a single fixed ground balance point would still let in chatter. The AT Max also offers Automatic and manually adjustable ground balance options for situations where the operator wants direct control.

True All Metal Mode with Iron Audio

The AT Max has a True All Metal mode for maximum depth in clean ground, plus three Discrim modes. Garrett's All Metal Iron Audio feature lets you audibly identify discriminated iron while running True All-Metal Mode, useful when you want the depth of all-metal but the option to hear iron grunts on a bottle cap or square nail before you commit to digging. Iron Audio is also available in the three Discrim modes.

Digital Target ID and Adjustable Threshold

The AT Max uses Garrett's 0 to 99 Digital Target ID scale, displayed on a backlit LCD for low-light hunts. Adjustable Threshold lets you set the constant background "hum" so you can hear faint targets without overdriving the audio.

Garrett AT Max Key Specs

• Technology: All Terrain VLF, single-frequency
• Operating Frequency: 13.6 kHz
• Sensitivity / Depth Adjustments: 8
• Search Modes: True All Metal Mode plus 3 Discrim modes
• Target ID Scale: Digital, 0 to 99
• Iron Audio: Yes (works in All Metal Mode and Discrim modes)
• Ground Balance: Automated Ground Balance Window (Garrett exclusive), Automatic, and manually adjustable
• Adjustable Threshold: Yes
• Standard Searchcoil: 8.5" x 11" PROformance DD, with included coil cover
• Display: Backlit LCD
• Submersion Rating: Fully waterproof to 10 ft (3 m)
• Wireless Audio: Z-Lynk; MS-3 wireless headphones included in the box
• Power: 4 AA batteries (included)
• Stem Stability: Camlocks plus adjustable stem with push-pin locks
• Grip: Robust, non-absorbent textured rubber
• Warranty: 3 Year Warranty
• Country of Origin: Made in USA (Garland, Texas)
• In the Box: AT Max detector, 8.5" x 11" PROformance DD searchcoil, MS-3 Z-Lynk wireless headphones, 4 AA batteries, owner's manual

Garrett AT Max vs. AT Pro: Which All Terrain VLF Fits Your Hunt?

The AT Max and AT Pro share the same All Terrain VLF chassis, the same 8.5" x 11" PROformance DD coil, and the same 10-foot submersion rating. The differences sit in frequency, ground balance system, and wireless audio.

Step up to the AT Max if you want Z-Lynk wireless audio in the box, the Automated Ground Balance Window for severely mineralized soils, Iron Audio in All Metal mode, and a backlit display for low-light hunts. The AT Pro remains a fit if you prefer the slightly higher 15 kHz frequency and do not need wireless audio standard.

Where the Garrett AT Max Performs Best

The AT Max fits coin shooters working iron-trashy parks and old town greens; the 8 sensitivity / depth adjustments plus Iron Audio give you fine control over how much iron breaks through. Relic hunters working farm fields, colonial home sites, and battlefield permissions get the Automated Ground Balance Window for severely mineralized red dirt and hot rocks, plus depth from the enhanced AT Max electronics. Beach and shallow-water hunters use the 10-foot IP submersion for wet sand, surf wading, and creek crossings without breaking down the rig. Hunters who run wireless audio standard, work in rain, or hunt dawn / dusk hours benefit from the included MS-3 Z-Lynk headphones and the backlit LCD. The AT Max is single-frequency VLF, so for heavily mineralized salt beaches a pulse induction or simultaneous multi-frequency platform will edge it out in pure salt-handling performance.

Recommended Accessories for the Garrett AT Max

Pair the AT Max with the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT for plug-side recovery; the Pro-Pointer AT carries the same 10-foot waterproof rating and shares Garrett's one-button interface. Aftermarket Garrett AT-compatible coils include the 4.5" Super Sniper for tight trashy patches, the 5" x 8" DD for trashy sites with tighter target separation, the 6.5" PROformance concentric for general-purpose work, and the 9" x 12" PROformance concentric for open-ground depth coverage. Browse the wider aftermarket search coil selection. For underwater audio, the Garrett Submersible Headphones with 2-position AT connector are the in-brand option. Round out the recovery kit from the digging tool collection.

Why Buy the Garrett AT Max Metal Detector from Serious Detecting?

• Free Shipping on Orders Over $99: Your Garrett AT Max ships at no extra cost across the continental US.
• Authorized US Garrett Dealer: Full 3-year manufacturer warranty.
• Made in USA: The AT Max is manufactured in Garland, Texas, the same facility Garrett has operated from since 1964.
• Detectorists on Staff: Call or email for setup help, ground balance starting points, coil pairing advice, and recommendations from people who hunt the same gear.