Minelab Safari vs Garrett AT Pro: Ultimate Choice

Choosing between the Minelab Safari and Garrett AT Pro is a common dilemma for detectorists. This guide breaks down each detector’s strengths and weaknesses to help you make the best decision for your treasure hunting needs.

Deciding on your next metal detector can be tough. Many detectorists wonder about the Minelab Safari vs Garrett AT Pro. Both are popular choices. They offer different features for different types of searching. This article will help you understand which one is right for you. We will look at what each detector does best. Then, you can pick the perfect tool for your adventures.

Why This Choice Matters for Detectorists

Picking the right metal detector is crucial for a good treasure hunt. It can mean the difference between finding amazing finds and going home empty-handed. The Minelab Safari and Garrett AT Pro are often compared. They are both solid machines. Understanding their unique abilities will guide your decision.

This comparison aims to give you clear answers. We want you to feel confident about your choice. Let’s explore what makes each detector stand out.

Meet the Contenders: Minelab Safari and Garrett AT Pro

The Minelab Safari is known for its ease of use and multi-frequency technology. It’s a great all-around detector. The Garrett AT Pro is a workhorse, praised for its ruggedness and depth. It excels in challenging conditions.

Both detectors have loyal fans. They are designed for different detectorists and different types of hunting. Let’s dive deeper into their features.

Minelab Safari: Simplicity Meets Versatility

The Minelab Safari is built for simplicity. You can turn it on and start detecting right away. It comes with preset modes for different targets. These modes help you find coins, relics, and jewelry easily. It uses Multi-Frequency technology, which means it can detect a wide range of targets in various soils.

Its design makes it comfortable to use for long periods. This is important when you are out searching for hours. The Safari is a solid choice for beginners and intermediate users. It offers a good balance of features and performance without being overly complicated.

Garrett AT Pro: The All-Terrain Pro

The Garrett AT Pro is a rugged detector. It is waterproof, which is a big plus. You can use it in shallow water, rain, or dusty conditions. This makes it very versatile for different environments. It is known for its excellent target separation. This means it can help you find good targets even when there is a lot of junk metal around.

The AT Pro has advanced features for experienced users. It offers manual ground balance for tricky soil conditions. It also has adjustable audio tones. These features allow you to fine-tune your search. It’s a favorite among serious detectorists.

Key Features Compared: Minelab Safari vs Garrett AT Pro

When comparing the Minelab Safari vs Garrett AT Pro, several key features stand out. These differences will heavily influence your decision. Let’s look at them side-by-side.

Frequency and Depth

The Minelab Safari operates on multiple frequencies simultaneously. This allows it to detect a wide range of targets effectively. It can find both small, thin items and larger, deeper targets. Its depth is generally considered good for general-purpose detecting.

The Garrett AT Pro typically operates at a single, higher frequency. This makes it very sensitive to small gold nuggets and shallow targets. While it can reach good depths, its strength lies in its sensitivity to smaller items and its excellent target separation.

Ground Balancing

Ground balancing is important for removing interference from minerals in the soil. The Minelab Safari features automatic ground balancing. This makes it very easy to use. You just turn it on, and it adjusts itself. This is great for beginners who don’t want to fiddle with settings.

The Garrett AT Pro offers both automatic and manual ground balancing. Manual ground balancing gives you more control. It allows you to fine-tune the detector for specific soil conditions. This can lead to better performance in mineralized ground. It requires a bit more learning but offers superior results for experienced users.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing is a major consideration for many detectorists. The Minelab Safari is not waterproof. It is designed for dry land use. You should keep it away from rain and water. This limits where you can use it effectively.

The Garrett AT Pro is fully submersible up to 10 feet. This makes it ideal for hunting in rivers, streams, or even the ocean. Its waterproof design adds significant versatility. You can confidently use it in wet conditions without worry.

Target ID and Discrimination

Target Identification (ID) helps you guess what’s underground before you dig. The Minelab Safari offers a good range of Target ID numbers. It also has a feature called “All Metal Mode” that doesn’t discriminate. This means it will signal on everything. It also has modes that let you ignore certain types of trash, like iron.

The Garrett AT Pro is known for its excellent Target ID system. It provides clear numerical IDs and distinct audio tones. Its iron discrimination is very effective. This helps you avoid digging up junk. It’s very good at distinguishing between different types of metal targets.

Audio Features

The Minelab Safari has a standard audio output. It provides clear signals for detected targets. You can adjust the volume. It offers a good listening experience for general detecting.

The Garrett AT Pro features Pro Audio. This gives you more information through distinctive tones. You can hear faint targets better. The tones change as you move the coil. This provides a more detailed audio feedback. It helps experienced users identify targets by sound alone.

Performance in Different Scenarios

How a detector performs in real-world situations is what matters most. Let’s see how the Minelab Safari and Garrett AT Pro stack up in common detecting scenarios.

Coin Hunting

The Minelab Safari is a strong performer for coin hunting. Its multiple frequencies help it find various coin types. The preset modes make it easy to focus on coins. It offers good depth for general coin shooting. It’s a user-friendly option for finding pocket change and older coins.

The Garrett AT Pro also excels at coin hunting. Its sensitivity to small targets means it can find smaller or older coins that other detectors might miss. The excellent target separation helps in trashy areas. You can find good coins even amongst nails and pull tabs. Its audio tones provide detailed information.

Relic Hunting

Relic hunting often involves finding iron objects as well as other metals. The Minelab Safari’s “All Metal” mode can be useful here. It will signal on iron relics. Its broad frequency range can detect a variety of relic materials. It’s a capable detector for historical sites.

The Garrett AT Pro is also very good for relic hunting. Its advanced discrimination settings allow you to filter out unwanted iron. This helps you focus on more valuable relics. The manual ground balance is beneficial on sites with varied soil. It helps to get the best possible depth and sensitivity.

Beach and Water Hunting

The Minelab Safari is not designed for beach or water hunting. It is not waterproof. Using it near saltwater or in wet sand can damage the detector. This limits its use for saltwater beach detecting or wading.

The Garrett AT Pro shines in this area. Its full waterproofing makes it perfect for beach detecting. You can hunt in wet sand and even submerge it in water. This opens up many more hunting opportunities. It’s a top choice for anyone wanting to detect near or in water.

Ease of Use and Learning Curve

For many detectorists, how easy a detector is to learn and use is very important. The Minelab Safari generally wins here.

Minelab Safari: Beginner-Friendly

The Minelab Safari is known for its user-friendly interface. It has preset modes that simplify operation. You don’t need to be an expert to get good results. Just turn it on, select a mode, and start searching. This makes it an excellent choice for those new to metal detecting. The automatic ground balance also removes a complex step.

Garrett AT Pro: More Advanced

The Garrett AT Pro has a steeper learning curve. While it has automatic settings, its full potential is unlocked with manual adjustments. Learning to use the manual ground balance and understanding the Pro Audio can take time. This makes it more suitable for intermediate to advanced detectorists. However, the rewards for learning are significant performance gains.

Price Point and Value

The cost of a metal detector is a significant factor. Both the Minelab Safari and Garrett AT Pro are in a similar mid-range price bracket. However, their value depends on your needs.

Minelab Safari: Affordable Versatility

The Minelab Safari offers great value for its price. It provides a versatile performance for various types of detecting. Its ease of use means you can start finding targets quickly. For general hobbyists, it’s an excellent investment that won’t break the bank.

Garrett AT Pro: Investment in Performance

The Garrett AT Pro is often seen as an investment in performance. Its ruggedness, waterproofing, and advanced features justify its price. If you plan on detecting in challenging environments or want the best possible performance, the AT Pro is a solid choice. It holds its value well.

Who Should Choose Which Detector?

Making the final decision hinges on your personal detecting style and goals. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide between the Minelab Safari vs Garrett AT Pro.

Choose the Minelab Safari if:

• You are a beginner detectorist.
• You want a detector that is easy to use right out of the box.
• You primarily hunt on dry land for coins and relics.
• You prefer automatic settings and less manual adjustment.
• You are looking for a good all-around detector at a reasonable price.

Choose the Garrett AT Pro if:

• You are an intermediate to experienced detectorist.
• You need a detector that can handle wet conditions and shallow water.
• You want advanced features like manual ground balance and Pro Audio.
• You hunt in challenging soil conditions or trashy areas.
• You are looking for a durable, high-performance detector.

Accessories and Upgrades

Both detectors can be enhanced with accessories. This can further tailor them to your specific needs. Common upgrades include different search coils and pinpointers.

Search Coils

Different search coils offer varied performance. Smaller coils are better for trashy areas and pinpointing. Larger coils offer greater depth and coverage. Both the Safari and AT Pro can use aftermarket coils. This allows for customization based on your target types and hunting grounds.

Pinpointers

A pinpointer is an essential tool for locating targets once you’ve dug a plug. It speeds up recovery and prevents damage to finds. Both detectors benefit greatly from a good pinpointer. Brands like Garrett and Minelab offer excellent pinpointers that complement their detectors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Minelab Safari good for gold prospecting?

The Minelab Safari can detect small gold jewelry. It is not optimized for serious gold prospecting. For gold, detectors with higher single frequencies are usually better. Specialized gold detectors offer superior performance in mineralized ground.

Can the Garrett AT Pro detect deep targets?

Yes, the Garrett AT Pro can detect targets at a good depth. Its sensitivity and adjustable settings help it find items buried deeper. However, extreme depth often requires larger coils or detectors with different frequency ranges.

Which detector is lighter, the Minelab Safari or Garrett AT Pro?

Both detectors are of comparable weight. They are designed to be reasonably balanced for comfortable use. Their weight is typical for detectors in their class. You should not notice a significant difference that would impact your choice.

What is the best coil for the Garrett AT Pro?

The stock coil is excellent for general use. For relic hunting in trash, a smaller coil like the Garrett 4.5-inch Super Sniper is great. For increased depth and coverage, a larger coil like the Garrett 11-inch DD coil is a good option. The choice depends on your target and environment.

Can I use the Minelab Safari in saltwater?

No, the Minelab Safari is not waterproof. It is designed for dry land use only. It cannot be used in saltwater or even in the rain. Using it in wet conditions will likely damage the detector.

Conclusion: Your Ultimate Detector Choice

Deciding between the Minelab Safari vs Garrett AT Pro comes down to your detecting priorities. The Minelab Safari is a fantastic choice for beginners or those who want a simple, effective detector for dry land. Its ease of use and all-around performance make it a joy to swing. If you are just starting or prefer less complexity, the Safari is your winner.

The Garrett AT Pro stands out for its ruggedness, waterproofing, and advanced capabilities. It’s the detector for those who venture into challenging environments, including water. Its superior target separation and manual controls offer an edge for experienced detectorists. If you demand performance in all conditions, the AT Pro is the ultimate choice.

Ultimately, both are excellent metal detectors. Consider where you’ll hunt and your experience level. This will lead you to the right detector for your treasure hunting journey.