I have both.
Performance is similar but different.
Depth advantage = Vx3 probably. However...I've read with accuracy and dug deeper silver coin with my AT Pro and that was with the 5x8 coil not the larger 8.5x11 stock coil.
Speed advantage/target separation = AT Pro. No comparison! Atp is a killer in heavy trash especially with the 5x8 coil. No way the Vx3 can recover as fast in 3 freqs!
Tone Id advantage = AT Pro. It just flat sings on good targets. Tone roll & Iron audio are awesome
Visual Id advantage = Vx3. Very nice visual indicators. Depth in large easy to read numbers and more accurate than the ATPs, very nice visual id icons (penny,dime...), 3 freq pinpoint screen(shows which freq target responds to best) It's all in
color! Makes it very pleasing to look at.
Ease of learning = ATP. WAY less fiddling around.
All weather capabilities = ATP. If it starts raining...run for cover with the Vx3.
Price point = ATP! $600 vs $1200
Build quality/layout = Vx3. Stock for stock it's way better balanced than the ATP. the ATP gains it all back by using the 5x8. The plugs are easy to get to and use. The ATP's plugs are kinda dumb in their position imo.
Battery Life = ATP. Half as many and last 4x as long! Vx3's pretty screen is a battery hog!
All around performance = Equal. That said, are the Vx3's pluses worth it at twice the price? Of course not.
I had the Vx3 before I had the ATP and I have more time on the Vx3. I'm now more comfortable with the ATP than the Vx3. In the short time I've owned the ATP, it has become my favorite detector.
Here, look though these threads. You can see how I have come to be an ATP convert from my other machines.
Please read through them and
DO NOT get caught up in some of bashing. Just leave it alone!
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/garrett/356743-patiently-awaiting-new-pro.html
http://www.treasurenet.com/forums/garrett/359921-my-new-favorite-detector.html