AT pro -VS- AT max -VS- gti 2500

[soimcrazy]

Looking at Garretts top end models.

What are the main differences between the PRO, AT MAX, and GTI 2500?

Which is the one to have for field and woods civil war relic hunting?

 

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[Calabash Digger]

If your hunting thick iron and need to hear the iron you might want to look at my video where I show the max and how it sounds off on iron.. The max is a deep machine but audio for thick iron relic hunting where you need to HEAR the iron is lacking imo. The at pro has better audio but is not as deep as the max ...someone will be along to tell you about the all metal mode on the max and how deep it is.... before someone comes along and comments about what I said remember civil war relics are my game!(Thick iron infested civil war sites) If you don't need a water proof detector have you looked at the f75?

 

[soimcrazy]

I havent considered the F75. Tell me about it

 

[Loco-Digger]

I havent considered the F75. Tell me about it

I used the F75LTD since late 2014. Here are my silvers for 2015 & 2016. Nuff sed.

 

[Calabash Digger]

F75 a top performer except it isn't waterproof... more adjustable and handles iron well. Loco is the expert with the f75 .. AT series are solid and waterproof but there are detectors in that prices range that can beat them performance wise for relics, T2 and F75 fit that bill.

 

[Loco-Digger]

Looking at Garretts top end models.

What are the main differences between the PRO, AT MAX, and GTI 2500?

Which is the one to have for field and woods civil war relic hunting?

The AT Max is an AT Pro except it has a built in Linx wireless headphone system and runs a better freq then the AT Pro IMHO. The GTI 2500 is a dinosaur that likes a slow sweep speed. The Garrett detectors have a huge following and when I first stated I was interested in the AT Pro, but I'm just not a huge fan of their bell-tone. I mainly hunt yards in town and have never hunted in rivers or creeks, thus the waterproof feature is not on my list of requirements. I do have a water detector for the local fresh water beaches.

 

[Loco-Digger]

Looking at Garretts top end models.

What are the main differences between the PRO, AT MAX, and GTI 2500?

Which is the one to have for field and woods civil war relic hunting?

Where do you live and what king of detecting will you be doing? I am mainly a coin shooter that appreciates some gold and silver bling as well as old relics. Here in Ohio, my area, you can detect pretty well without a ground balance feature. I have bought the majority of my machines used and have yet to have any problems. I have bought from online auctions, but rather use craigslist, since you can touch the item and try it out before you pay for it and the owner will usually give you a quick overview on how to set it up.

 

[soimcrazy]

I'm in southern Virginia. No beaches but maybe a few inch deep creek. Lot of civil war stuff here. Sure there are some coins in the ground and wont turn them away.

How user-friendly is the f75?

 

[Calabash Digger]

imo garrett has the simplest machines to run ...

 

[John-Edmonton]

I have lots of hours on both the GTI 2500 and AT Series detectors. The true all metal mode on the GTI 2500 is very deep. The imaging feature, once learned properly, saves you a lot of time by digging only coin sized objects, leaving a lot of junk in the ground. There are several preset programs, to help with the type of hunts you do. The 2500 also has notching capalities, allowing you to selestively remove unwanted targets, or remove all targets except say, a lost earring where you might already know where it shows up on the ID scale. Below is a summery of the various programs/capabilities. On another note, the GTI 2500 is the only Garrett detector available, which supports the large 2 box search coil, used for searching for deep treasures like jars of coins or larger relics.



Field Test Of GTI 2500https://www.losttreasure.com/Home/FieldTestDetail/6202


For general hunting, including water hunting, the AT MAX is a great metal detector. The GTI 2500 is heavier then the AT MAX.

Unless you plan on adding a 2 box search coil and search for deep buried treasured, I suggest you stick with the AT Series.

Key Features GTI 2500

• Graphic Target Imaging™ (GTI) shows true target size and depth.Watch "Imaging by Garrett" video
• Graphic Target Analyzer™ (GTA) identifies target’s conductivity
• True Digital Signal Processor™ (DSP) improves discrimination accuracy
• ScanTrack™ optimizes treasure signals based on searchcoil swing speed
• Ground Balance: automatic and also manually adjustable
• All Metal, Non-Motion Deepseeking Mode: allows hovering over target
• User-adjustable Volume, Threshold, Tone, Sensitivity, Discrimination
• Salt Elimination Aid: eliminate interference caused by wetted salt at beach
• Hip Mount Battery Pack: reduces detector weight for long searches
• FastTrack™ Ground Balance for use in All Metal Mode
• Surface Elimination: adjustable search aid ignores shallow, undesired items
• LCD Backlight: to illuminate LCD screen for improved visibility
• External Speaker and Headphone Jack: quarter-inch (1/4") size
• Coin Alert Belltone Audio™: Garrett sound for high conductivity targets
• Last Mode Switching: switch from All-Metal into last-used discrim. mode

Search Modes (6 plus electronic pinpointing)

• All Metal
• Zero
• Jewelry
• Custom
• Relics
• Coins
• Pinpoint

AT MAX FIELD REPORT

The AT Pro, was my favorite coin, jewelry and water hunting machine. It had incredible audio in Pro Mode utilizing iron audio to distinguish ferrous/nonferrous targets, especially useful when used to search for silver and copper coins. The AT Pro has notching abilities, in that you could pick a specific target, identified by the corresponding number readout (VDI) and either remove it, with no loss of depth, only the audio, or.....you could isolate only the readout number, making it easier to find a specific target like a lost earring or ring. The AT Pro was the recommended salt water metal detector, and when set up properly would work well in most salt water environments. The AT Gold was not recommended for salt water usage.

Garrett's latest introduction model of metal detectors is the new "AT MAX." It was designed to posses the "best" options from both the AT Pro/AT Gold, and tweaked to squeeze out even more depth using the current available Garrett Search Coils. There are also after market coils available for those who even want to go deeper. The new "Garrett AT MAX." also included some entirely new features: Click on link for more information on the new features.

Garrett AT MAX Metal Detector

-NEW Built-in Z-Lynk™ Wireless Technology (Wireless Headphones included)
-Back light
-Optimized Frequency
-Higher Resolution Ground Balance
-Larger Display Numbers
-Volume Control
-Maximum Detection Depth ( significant depth increase)
And, included on the AT MAX are the "best" features from both the AT MAX and AT PRO:
-Iron Audio™
-True All Metal Iron Audio and Discriminate Mode
-Adjustable Frequency
-All Terrain Versatility
-Fully submersible to 10-foot (3 meter) depth. Weatherproof design also protects against dusty and humid environments.
-Digital Target ID–0 to 99 scale.
-High-Res Iron Discrimination
-44 points of iron resolution.
-Adjustable Threshold
-Pulse Width Modulation Audio results in sharp, responsive target signals
-Search Modes: True All-Metal, Custom, Coins, and Zero Discrim Modes.
-Fast Recovery Speed
-Notch Discrimination
-Coin Depth Indicator
-Battery Condition Indicator
-13.6 kHz Operating Frequency

I received the new AT MAX at the beginning of August, opened it and had it assembled in about 30 minutes. The official instructions were not available at this time, however, I did receive an unedited photo copy. Very simple, precise with pictorial instructions.
http://www.garrett.com/hobbysite/hbb..._manual_en.pdf

I put it through some air tests, to assess it's possible maximum detection depth. I tested various objects in both true all metal mode and discriminate mode. There was a definite increase with depth on the AT MAX over similar tests with the AT PRO and AT Gold in both discriminate mode and true all metal mode. The iron audio was more pronounces on the new AT MAX, possibly a bonus for relic hunters. The modulated audio (shallow targets produce a stronger signal, deep targets produce a softer signal) was apparent in both true all metal mode and discriminate mode. It could be enhanced using the "Adjustable Threshold" feature to hear those soft whisper. Please note that the "Adjustable Threshold" feature only works with true all metal mode. This feature assists with location very deep signals and is often utilized by relic and gold nugget hunters.






Realistically, I can't judge a new metal detector with one or two outings. I have to do several hunts in order to really get a feel for it, and I always figured a person must get a good hundred hours on a metal detector before you can say you have mastered it. Above are my total clad found in one month, after several hunts including land and fresh water lake hunting. I hunted parks, woods, construction sites and along a river. During one hunt, my buddy, with his AT Pro, 8.5" x 11" DD coil and my AT MAX exact same set-up, compared signals on three different coins. Before it was dug, I got him to raise his 81/2" x 11 DD coil above the coin to where the audio stopped. After measuring the height, I used the AT Max, used the same configuration, and twice I gained an extra 3" and once 2 1/2 inches above the ground beyond where is coil lost the signal. This again, validated what myself and others have noticed with the increase in depth over the other AT Series Detectors. Coins banged hard, and the modulated audio was apparent on the deeper coins.






I did manage to find some silver coins. Two coins (dime, quarter and Buffalo Nickel) were found in a fresh water lake, over 8" down. Old coins just don't come out of this very popular beach.





We never had any civil wars in or around Edmonton, so I can't find pockets of mini balls or old military paraphernalia. What I can find are relics from old picnic grounds, spent cartridges, square nails, dropped bullets and older coins. using the iron audio helped to distinguish brass cartridges and coins from old nails and other iron items. When relic hunting, anything deep gets dug up, no matter what the readings are






My favorite coil for all the AT Series is the 9" x 12" Concentric coil. It just seems to give me better depth, more accurate target ID and faster/easier pinpointing. It's not the best for target separation. A smaller coil and or DD usually gives better separation. An experience hunter chooses his coils wisely for the job. Now this is in my soil, which ground balances to about 90. Even though this coil is the largest coil for the AT Series, it still manages to find tiny targets, as shown in the jewelry finds. Small earring still give up a nice sharp high tone.






Here are the rings I found. Two were found on land, the rest were found in fresh water. The AT MAX works just as good in the water as it does on land. To prevent problems water hunting, you need to check that all your connections, coil and headphones, are tight, and it's good to use a little silicone gel on the "O" ring to keep it from drying out.

I can honestly recommend the AT MAX as a great metal detector, made by Garrett Metal Detectors out of Garland, Texas. This is the same company today, which has been producing metal detectors since 1964. Garrett holds many patents, and is known for developing cutting edge technology, which has been shared and built upon by most metal detector manufacturers.

The AT MAX is an excellent metal detector, both on land and water. The programs are easy master, and when used properly, should fulfill your hunting niche plus much more and give you many years of problem free metal detecting. Check out their website, and find out where the nearest dealer is to purchase such a fine metal detector.

Call one of the dealers supporting TreasureNet for quotes and more information - click below:

Independent Dealer Classifieds

 

[sprailroad]

John-Ed, now THAT was one thorough post. You do Canadians proud.

 

[John-Edmonton]

John-Ed, now THAT was one thorough post. You do Canadians proud.

I'll drink to that!

 

[tommypunk]

Thanks for your post john I totally agree with you when you say that you cannot judge a metal detector before several hunts and hundred hours with it, especially cause giving suggestions without an appropriate experience with it basically could damage other users.
I also find iron audio really useful to discriminate certain objects and I had great results hunting coins in really trashy iron infested pic nic areas.
The Max goes deep (deeper than some videos on youtube show in my experience) as i’ve found 1 cm silver coins at more than 10 inches under the ground.
I can’t talk for the other detectors as I have not experience with them.
Good luck with your choice soimcrazy!!

 

[Loco-Digger]

I'm in southern Virginia. No beaches but maybe a few inch deep creek. Lot of civil war stuff here. Sure there are some coins in the ground and wont turn them away.

How user-friendly is the f75?

It is as easy as you want it to be or as complicated as you want. I mainly hunt in disc mode and try to only disc out 1-4, but will disc up to 9 if the site requires it. I rarely use the boost process for much more than getting a better target ID on a deep iffy signal. You can get a used F75 for about $350 where as they used to cost $799. The F75+ is the new offering. It's a F75LTD but with the gold color instead of being black. It comes with the new Fisher pin pointer and a digging tool for $699. Heck the F75LTD cost $1099 when I bought one. Being a frugal guy I bought mine used and paid 50 cents on the dollar. I recommend you go watch some reviews. This one is the one I recommend.

https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play;_ylt=AwrC5plebzBaajEA6z77w8QF;_ylu=X3oDMTByN2RnbHFoBHNlYwNzcgRzbGsDdmlkBHZ0aWQDBGdwb3MDMw--?p=f75+review&vid=d3f486e22b41f0714858e8333c00a02d&turl=https%3A%2F%2Ftse2.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOVP._RqSjkn007MyC81vzzhOcwEsCo%26pid%3D15.1%26h%3D168%26w%3D300%26c%3D7%26rs%3D1&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DFzD0jY6HfP8&tit=fisher+F75+SE+LTD+Metal+Detector+In+Depth+Test+and+Review&c=2&h=168&w=300&l=1246&sigr=11bu7guts&sigt=11plsp0gc&sigi=12r0o580o&age=1465978586&fr2=p%3As%2Cv%3Av&fr=yfp-t&tt=b

He has many for different makes and models.

Kevin

 

[soimcrazy]

looking at the F75

whats the difference in these two....just the color and the additional coil?
https://www.kellycodetectors.com/catalog/f75

https://www.kellycodetectors.com/catalog/f75

 

[Loco-Digger]

looking at the F75

whats the difference in these two....just the color and the additional coil?
https://www.kellycodetectors.com/catalog/f75

https://www.kellycodetectors.com/catalog/f75

The one for $599 is the standard F75, it does not come with (BP) Boost Process, which gets more depth or (CL) Cache Locator mode which can detect my van at about 3 to 3.5 ft when I messed around with that mode. I rarely use those two processes though. In trashy sites I run a smaller coil and use (FA) fast Action process. Gives up a little depth, but has a very fast refresh rate which is needed to snipe out treasure among-st the trash. (DE) default process iswhat I mainly hunt in. (JE) Jewelry mode is the hottest process on the standard F75. I have never had the need to (BC) Bottle cap mode. When I hunt rutty sites and farm fields I use the (PF) plowed field process which reduces the falsing when you run it hot and sweep over ruts. You can order the F75+ now, currently not available, for $699 and get a free pin pointer and digging tool. The F75+ is really a F75LTD which currently retail for $799. It comes with the BP and CL processes.

 

[soimcrazy]

so at Kellys the special edition LTD black is the f75+ which has the BP and CL ?

 

[MackDog]

If unsure start with a lesser model let your finds pay for the step up. Sometimes you don’t need a different detector to get deeper, you need a larger coil

 

[Loco-Digger]

so at Kellys the special edition LTD black is the f75+ which has the BP and CL ?

The F75+ is a gold shaft F75LTD and comes with other items and is $100 cheaper then the current black F75LTD

 

[devldog]

Very Good Info and tips given here. I have used Garrett's and really like them. My first serious detector back in 1981 was the Garrett Deep seeker. This was a great little detector that I found many relics with. I have also used the AT PRO, but was not real enthused with this detector for the type of hunting I do. Not bashing here, just personal preference. Garrett is a solid company with great customer service. They have been around for some time for a reason. While I have never used a Fisher F75, I used the older Fisher 65'. It was a credible detector and relic hunter. If I may throw another possibility into the mix, have you considered the Whites MXT All PRO? As suggested already, go to Utube and watch videos on the different detectors that would be of most interest to you. Best of Luck to you in your search.