AT Pro.

[Rawhide]

Both the Etrac and AT Pro can find the goodies.

Yes, that was my entire point. The Etrac is a workhorse and it should be due to the substantial cost, HOWEVER the ATPro can hold its own for a much more reasonable price. Is the Etrac TWICE the detector? I really don't think it is. I wouldn't hesitate recommending either detector, and especially the ATPro for a determined beginner.

I agree the AT Pro is a good starting point for the hobby. There is too many differences for my statement about the Etrac. I will own a Etrac someday as it perfect for my area. The ATP is alsi suited for my area.

My first advice for novice and expert is read the manual. Manual can be downloaded for free online in pdf format.

 

[MDLand]

i love my AT pro.
It is a machine you can grow into.-from novice to expert.
I run my stock coil mostly. I have the 5x8 coil too.
It locates deep targets. 99% of the time i can tell what i'm digging from the sounds and VDI. It took me about 4 months to learn/understand the Pro mode. It still has a lot more to offer with experimentation of settings. I would classify myself as a beginner.

 

[rustyk1]

Thanks again for all the input, I have years of experience with detectors as I started in the early 80's with the VLF Compass RM-7A and Groundhog. these machines have a large learning curve so patience is not a problem. My biggest problem is waiting for the money to come in. I have also used the Garrett ADSIII (I think) Master Hunter, then got into Tesoro. the Tesoros were capable machines despite using only 1 or 2 nine volt batteries. I was not impressed with the silent search feature but in trashy area, I understand the usefulness of it. I loved my old threshhold machines.

 

[Mud-puppy]

Great posts on a very unique rig! Before it came out, Fresh Water hunters had to use rigs designed for 250'! Heavy, dedicated for a single purpose pretty much...Or else a guy attempted to wade with dirt rigs to @3' depth and hope to not wreck them with a dunking...Then this AtPro thing showed up!

Of course the Fresh Water Boys were all in as the first adopters, then came the relic guys and cladders and even old dirt silver hunters...amazingly, it performed great for all these subsets of our Sport as well...which was an eye opener...this rig has proven to truly be 'All Terrain'..No telling how much gold and silver has been found with this machine in the last 5yrs or so, both in the water and on the dirt, but its a staggering amount....friggin Aquachigger!

I am amazed at how well the cladders do with it too...A guy could buy one and be well off even if he never hit the water...I cannot think of any other machine that has such a wide usage...it sure opens up Year round hunting in all kinds of weather for all of us....priced right, resale value, coil options aplenty...a guy cannot argue with in field results, and this thing delivers!
Mud

 

[Ice Scratcher]

Great posts on a very unique rig! Before it came out, Fresh Water hunters had to use rigs designed for 250'! Heavy, dedicated for a single purpose pretty much...Or else a guy attempted to wade with dirt rigs to @3' depth and hope to not wreck them with a dunking...Then this AtPro thing showed up!

Of course the Fresh Water Boys were all in as the first adopters, then came the relic guys and cladders and even old dirt silver hunters...amazingly, it performed great for all these subsets of our Sport as well...which was an eye opener...this rig has proven to truly be 'All Terrain'..No telling how much gold and silver has been found with this machine in the last 5yrs or so, both in the water and on the dirt, but its a staggering amount....friggin Aquachigger!

I am amazed at how well the cladders do with it too...A guy could buy one and be well off even if he never hit the water...I cannot think of any other machine that has such a wide usage...it sure opens up Year round hunting in all kinds of weather for all of us....priced right, resale value, coil options aplenty...a guy cannot argue with in field results, and this thing delivers!
Mud

When you put it that way, I guess it's alright, maybe..

<°)))>{

 

[Shavnore]

I would go for it! I have owned Garrett machines for a few years now and they have always been top notch and they reasonably price the machine compared to its abilities. That thing will find you what you need


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[Shavnore]

I think I am buying this one new, Have had only one other detector brand new. and the waterproof feature is looking really good. I have scrambled to find cover before, it is not fun. I did have one other question, How is the AT Gold?

I own the AT-gold and love it! It has a true all metal mode that is great for areas that are not trashy and haven't seen human contact in a long time.
Much more sensitive to gold too


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[rustyk1]

Lots of food for thought here, and all good. When the time comes I will be getting one, just need to know from where to get it.

 

[ugadigger]

Great posts on a very unique rig! Before it came out, Fresh Water hunters had to use rigs designed for 250'! Heavy, dedicated for a single purpose pretty much...Or else a guy attempted to wade with dirt rigs to @3' depth and hope to not wreck them with a dunking...Then this AtPro thing showed up!

Of course the Fresh Water Boys were all in as the first adopters, then came the relic guys and cladders and even old dirt silver hunters...amazingly, it performed great for all these subsets of our Sport as well...which was an eye opener...this rig has proven to truly be 'All Terrain'..No telling how much gold and silver has been found with this machine in the last 5yrs or so, both in the water and on the dirt, but its a staggering amount....friggin Aquachigger!

I am amazed at how well the cladders do with it too...A guy could buy one and be well off even if he never hit the water...I cannot think of any other machine that has such a wide usage...it sure opens up Year round hunting in all kinds of weather for all of us....priced right, resale value, coil options aplenty...a guy cannot argue with in field results, and this thing delivers!
Mud

I have many hours on the AT PRO, but if I were looking to buy you would have me sold by these comments. Have you sold ice to an eskimo?