I have used the Garrett Pro Pointer AT personally for several years now. This has become my favorite handheld metal detector, and a great accessory to any metal detecting arsenal. I live in an area with highly mineralized soil, and the Pro Pointer AT makes short work of this.
Many detectors, both handheld and traditional, struggle with accurate target location in this soil type. The Garrett Pro Pointer AT has yet to let me down!
Prior to the Pro Pointer AT, I used a Sunpow OT-MD01 for handheld metal detecting. This was a budget purchase, and was okay, but not great. While it worked on certain targets in certain areas, it did struggle with mineralized soil conditions. I saw a few detectorists who used the Pro Pointer II or AT, and I was sold.
If you want to learn more about the Garrett Carrot and check prices here’s a shortcut link to Amazon to see what others are saying. 👉 Garrett Pro-Pointer AT
Features of the Pro-Pointer AT
The Garrett Pro-Pointer AT, or the Garrett Carrot, as it is lovingly referred to, has many features that make it one of the best handheld metal detectors on the market.
- Waterproof up to 20 feet
- Lightweight at just 6.5 ounces
- Bright orange color makes it easy to see
- 3 sensitivity levels
- Lost alarm triggers after 5 minutes of inactivity
- You can turn off audio and rely on vibration only detection for quieter use
For full specs on this model, read more here: Pro-Pointer User Manual PDF
Real-Life Experience with the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT
While metal detecting with my family in the mountains of Northeastern Utah, we came upon a patch of strange silver colored metal. The metal was primarily near campground sites in a densely forested area.
The traditional metal detectors were struggling to break through the highly mineralized soil conditions and give an accurate location of the metal we were finding. Once we narrowed down the search area, we pulled out the Carrot, which had little trouble pinpointing the exact location of the metal (we still are not sure what type of metal this was as it rings through as silver).
Another time while detecting along Grimes Creek in the Boise National Forest of Idaho, I set my Pro-Pointer AT down to dig a target. I found an old railroad spike and ran to show my family without grabbing my pinpointer. I was unsure exactly where I left it until the lost alarm chirps began. These chirps led me right to the device!
What I Love About the Pro-Pointer AT
One of my favorite features of the Pro-Pointer AT is its waterproofing. Detecting on beaches and underwater is one of my favorite hobbies. I have used the Carrot at many lakes, rivers, and beach settings and always have good results. It is a lot of fun to be able to dive underwater with the Pointer and find a target!
The bright orange color also makes it easy to see in most settings. Combine this with the lost alarm and you are less likely to lose the pinpointer.
What is Not So Great About the “Carrot”
One of the drawbacks of the Carrot is the use of 9-volt batteries. I have tried the unit with expensive 9-volts and discount 9-volts.
While both drain relatively quickly, the expensive ones obviously last longer (hence why they cost more). The unit will shut itself off after 60 minutes of inactivity, so this will drain the battery quickly.
The unit also has an LED light on it which is helpful but could be a little brighter. It does illuminate the target area slightly, but unless the hole is very deep or it is dark, it is not as helpful as you would hope.
Looking for some “How To” metal detecting articles? I’ve got you covered
- Metal Detecting Digging Tools – Tells you all about shovels, scoops and how to dig a plug.
- Where are the Best Places for a Beginner to Metal Detect? – Just like the title says, this article points the beginner to the highest probability places.
- Can You Metal Detect on BLM Land? – So many people have asked me about BLM detecting I had to write this article.
Some Solid Alternatives
There are many knockoffs of the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT. Most of these will also be bright orange in color but lack the features of the Pro-Pointer AT. There are a few budget models that give solid performance if your budget simply does not allow for this model.
The Sunpow pinpointer I mentioned previously is less than half the cost of the Garrett model. It is also waterproof and lightweight, with 3 different search modes. This model is mostly black, so it can be more difficult to find when you set it down.
The Kuman Pinpointer is also a decent budget model. This model is water resistant, very lightweight, and has 3 search modes and 3 sensitivity modes.
Minelab Pro-Find 35
The Minelab Pro-Find series features 3 handheld detectors. Minelab is an amazing company and makes quality products. This model features DIF technology, which eliminates interference with an operating metal detector.
It removes false signals and noise associated with other detectors. This model has 5 sensitivity levels, is waterproof to 10 feet, and features vibration and audio indication. It also has an LED flashlight built in.
Are you a Minelab fan? The Pro-Find is a solid pin-pointer. Check prices and reviews with this shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Minelab Pro-Find 35
Nokta Pointer Waterproof Pinpointer
Nokta is another quality brand in metal detecting. The detector I use most frequently is a Nokta. Their pinpointer is waterproof, features lost alarm, adjustable sensitivity, coil interference blocking, audio and vibration alert, LED light, and replaceable hard-shell case. This quality handheld detector is just one of the models Nokta sells for handheld detecting.
Learn more about the Nokta Pointer and check prices here’s a shortcut link to Amazon 👉 Nokta Pointer Waterproof Pinpointer
One Last Sweep
A handheld metal detector really comes in handy when narrowing your search area. You will need to dig a smaller hole and be more accurately on target with one of these detectors. The Garrett Pro-Pointer AT (👈 link to Amazon) is one of the most popular models, and for good reason. I have never had an issue with mine and have used it for several years. You will not be disappointed with this pointer!
Malory Ericksen discovered metal detecting in 2015, initially unearthing nails and pull tabs in Idaho. The finding of an old railroad tie cemented her passion for the hobby. Now in Utah, she delights in uncovering historical treasures, driven by her love for history.
Read Malory’s complete bio 👉 About Malory Ericksen