I would rate the AT PRO extremely high for the money. Best detector for $600 or less that I've ever used. Not quite as deep as the E-Trac only because the E-Trac does a very good job of telling the user when a deep coin is there. The AT PRO could see every coin, so far, that I've found with my E-Trac, but the E-Trac makes it easier to tell it's a coin. As far as gold goes it is hands down the best I've ever used. It will hit on a 14k gold ring just about as deep as a silver dollar. I just found a nice 10k gold bracelet at a tot lot that was next to a metal poll. I'm sure it has been there for awhile because of the dirt packed on it. I got it on video so once I clean it up I'll post it.
The AT PRO has a few design flaws such as the upper rod too short, leg stands too short and a coil that will false if you twist your wrist, but not a big deal for me. I added an extension on the upper rod, problem solved, and I just lay it on it side, problem solved. I don't twist my wrist when I hunt so I have yet to see any issues with the so called coil problems. I think some people are nit picking or have a personal issue with Garrett. If the AT PRO was a $1000 detector then I could see a reason to complain, but for the money I doubt you could find anything in the same class. And that includes the Omega 8000 which I owned as well.