Garrett ATX Ground Balancing PI

[steve herschbach]

Well, Paul (CA) has reported on the Garrett AML-1000 Recon Pro mine detector. I was tempted to get one for some time but did not. I was fairly sure Garrett would eventually leverage the development costs by producing a consumer version. It looks like it has happened in the new Garrett ATX.

The ATX does not appear to be an Infinium in a Recon box or just a Recon with a new decal. It has features unique to it, like a distinct audio tone discrimination for ferrous targets. Whether it works on targets at depth remains to be seen. I am betting the typical shallow target discrimination. The Recon is a single tone (a hi tone or a lo tone) machine that reportedly only works in a non-motion mode that requires constant retuning. The ATX has both a motion mode with Infinium style tones and a non-motion mode with Recon type tones. So basically we appear to have the best of both the Recon and Infinium in a single package, with boosted sensitivity.

The unit is waterproof to ten feet yet has a built in speaker and interchangeable coils like the other AT detectors. Extremely collapsible design, another plus. The non-motion mode is very interesting indeed - how much more depth than the motion mode?

Price $2495 discounted to $2120 and 6.9 pounds. There will probably be a limited coil supply due to unique design that incorporates lower rod assembly. Right now there are three and I suspect that is all there will be for some time but one can hope. I would like to see a small coil.

I am going to get one as I have been in the market for a waterproof PI for some time now, waiting for something newer than what is currently on the market. New waterproof PI detectors are few and far between. My main interests are prospecting for gold in streams and rivers, and jewelry detecting in fresh and salt water.

Steve Herschbach

Circuit Type - Advanced Pulse Induction
Discrimination - Adjustable, 25 settings
Search Modes - Two: Motion and Non-Motion
Ground Balance Range - From ferrous ground (ironstone) to saltwater
Audio Threshold - Adjustable, 25 settings
Detection Frequency - 730 pulses per second, adjustable
Submersion Depth - 10 feet (3m)
Sensitivity/Depth Adjustments - 13
Electronic Pinpointing - YES
Quick Iron Check - YES
Standard Searchcoil - 10" x 12" PROformance DD Included; weight 16 oz. (.45 kgs.)
Optional Searchcoil - 8" Mono & 20" Mono
Standard Land Headphones
Batteries 8 AA (included); rechargeables also included
Length (Adjustable) - 20" to 68" (.51m - 1.72m)
Total Weight - 6.9
Warranty - 2 Year, Limited Parts/Labor

Information and details on the Garrett ATX Waterproof PI Metal Detector

 

[Reno Chris]

Certainly an interesting machine to be sure. Not a lot of guys doing serious underwater nugget detecting, so may be some opportunities there. It seems like it has good potential to fill a niche for shich there is no equivalent detector on the market. The Garrett folks are touting its sensitivity to small gold and I want to see how it does on that account. One of the criticisms of the infinium was its lack of sensitivity to small nuggets, hopefully the ATX will br\e al\ble to hit some of those smaller sizes.
Its very interesting to see a new machine coming on the market.

 

[steve herschbach]

Got curious so here are the weights for some "heavy" detectors for comparison:

Updated 12/5/2013 due to new accurate ATX weight information:

Garrett ATX 6.9 lbs

Minelab GPX 5000 5.3 lbs Battery 1.7 lbs

White's TDI Pro 5.6 lbs

Garrett Infinium 5.5 lbs

Minelab CTX 3030 5.2 lbs

 

[Nimocone]

I guess depending on how badly you want one, you could wait for them to start showing up on the "for sale" section. I've wanted a CTX 3030 since it came out and bided my time. Got it used for 1/2 off in great shape. Your financial situation is probably a little better than mine tho.

 

[steve herschbach]

I am fortunate in that I can pay for most detectors in short order by simply using them. I paid for my GPX 5000 - again - this summer with gold found. It will take less than two ounces of gold to pay for an ATX. And although I am no longer a metal detector dealer I retain my connections, so I get detectors for less than most folks. I am one of the lucky few, and I am very thankful for that.

 

[Nimocone]

I kinda had a feeling you paid for yours in gold! Looking forward to your review. Competition is good.

 

[steve herschbach]

Well, the more I learn about this detector, the more interested I am. For me one of the most intriguing options is the Recon style non-motion mode, that promises extra depth in at least some situations. There are a few units getting passed around and some positive reports drifting in. I was hoping I would have one by now but good things come to those who wait so patience is the name of this game.