Did you ask AI the same question about the ATX or Infinium? it would be interesting.
Here is a response on the ATX via AI .
I am convinced after using AI for information over the last month or so that it will quickly become the detectorists best friend providing summarized data on all aspects of detecting from machine setups, to specific location performance, machine comparisons, you name it..... Fast start to answers to just about anything a person would want to ask..... totally cool, except of course it's propensity for world domination
"The Garrett ATX performs exceptionally well on black sand beaches, making it a standout choice for detectorists facing challenging, mineralized conditions. As a pulse induction (PI) metal detector, it’s designed to handle highly mineralized environments—like black sand beaches—where VLF detectors often struggle due to interference from iron-rich minerals and saltwater. Its ability to maintain depth and sensitivity in these conditions is a key strength.
The ATX features automatic ground balancing, known as Ground Track, which continuously adjusts to changing mineralization levels. This is particularly useful on black sand beaches, where the concentration of minerals can vary widely even within a small area. For best results, you can manually ground balance by holding the GND BAL button and moving the coil between 1 to 6 inches above the sand until the ground response stabilizes, though the automatic feature often suffices for inconsistent black sand patches. In areas with heavy black sand, keeping discrimination low or off maximizes depth, as cranking up discrimination can reduce sensitivity to smaller or deeper targets.
Users have noted that the ATX excels in wet sand and shallow surf zones where black sand mixes with saltwater, offering stable performance and good depth compared to VLF detectors, which often lose effectiveness in such conditions. It’s not uncommon for the ATX to detect targets like gold rings or small coins at depths that other machines miss in mineralized sand. However, it’s a PI detector, so it doesn’t discriminate as precisely as VLF models—expect to dig more trash like bottle caps alongside treasure. The Iron Check feature helps somewhat by identifying ferrous targets, but it’s not foolproof.
The ATX’s waterproof design (up to 10 feet) also makes it ideal for working the waterline or submerged areas where black sand often accumulates. Its weight—around 7 pounds—can be a drawback for long sessions, but the telescoping shaft and balanced design help mitigate fatigue. For black sand beaches with basalt cobbles or volcanic rock, the ATX has been praised for tuning out hot rocks and maintaining stability, a feat that sets it apart from non-ground-balancing PI detectors like earlier White’s Surf PI models.
In short, the Garrett ATX is a top performer on black sand beaches, offering deep detection and reliable operation in tough conditions. It’s best suited for those willing to dig all signals and master its settings to unlock its full potential.
The Garrett ATX performs exceptionally well on black sand beaches, making it a standout choice for detectorists facing challenging, mineralized conditions. As a pulse induction (PI) metal detector, it’s designed to handle highly mineralized environments—like black sand beaches—where VLF detectors often struggle due to interference from iron-rich minerals and saltwater. Its ability to maintain depth and sensitivity in these conditions is a key strength.
The ATX features automatic ground balancing, known as Ground Track, which continuously adjusts to changing mineralization levels. This is particularly useful on black sand beaches, where the concentration of minerals can vary widely even within a small area. For best results, you can manually ground balance by holding the GND BAL button and moving the coil between 1 to 6 inches above the sand until the ground response stabilizes, though the automatic feature often suffices for inconsistent black sand patches. In areas with heavy black sand, keeping discrimination low or off maximizes depth, as cranking up discrimination can reduce sensitivity to smaller or deeper targets.
Users have noted that the ATX excels in wet sand and shallow surf zones where black sand mixes with saltwater, offering stable performance and good depth compared to VLF detectors, which often lose effectiveness in such conditions. It’s not uncommon for the ATX to detect targets like gold rings or small coins at depths that other machines miss in mineralized sand. However, it’s a PI detector, so it doesn’t discriminate as precisely as VLF models—expect to dig more trash like bottle caps alongside treasure. The Iron Check feature helps somewhat by identifying ferrous targets, but it’s not foolproof.
The ATX’s waterproof design (up to 10 feet) also makes it ideal for working the waterline or submerged areas where black sand often accumulates. Its weight—around 7 pounds—can be a drawback for long sessions, but the telescoping shaft and balanced design help mitigate fatigue. For black sand beaches with basalt cobbles or volcanic rock, the ATX has been praised for tuning out hot rocks and maintaining stability, a feat that sets it apart from non-ground-balancing PI detectors like earlier White’s Surf PI models.
In short, the Garrett ATX is a top performer on black sand beaches, offering deep detection and reliable operation in tough conditions. It’s best suited for those willing to dig all signals and master its settings to unlock its full potential.
