Garrett Pro-Pointer vs Pro-Pointer AT: What Changes? (November 2026)

On this page (8 sections)

1. Garrett Pro-Pointer vs Pro-Pointer AT: what changes?
2. Which model should you choose for water?
3. What does adjustable sensitivity do on the AT?
4. Are the AT's ruler and stealth mode useful?
5. How do the controls compare?
6. What do you get with each Garrett pinpointer?
7. Should you consider another pinpointer?
8. Is the Pro-Pointer AT a worthwhile upgrade?

Choose the Pro-Pointer AT if you need full submersion or adjustable sensitivity; choose the Pro-Pointer II for rain and wet ground. The AT's biggest changes are its 20 ft submersion rating, 3 sensitivity levels, molded ruler and stealth mode.

Both are handheld Garrett pinpointers for locating a target after your main detector signals a find. The Pro-Pointer II focuses on a 360° detection field, fast retune and an LED flashlight, while the AT adds controls and features for more demanding water searches.

If you are new to this tool, start with What Is a Pinpointer? What You Should Know.

It explains how a pinpointer fits into a metal detecting setup.

Garrett Pro-Pointer vs Pro-Pointer AT: what changes?

The AT is the more water-ready model, while the Pro-Pointer II covers rain and wet ground. The main upgrade is not simply a new name: it changes where you can use the pinpointer and how you adjust its response.

The Pro-Pointer II meets IP66 standards and can operate in rain or under running water, with its tip submersible. The AT is fully waterproof to 20 ft, making it the clearer choice for river, beach and underwater searches within that depth.

The AT also has 3 sensitivity levels. Its single button handles power, retune, sensitivity adjustment and stealth mode.

Both have fast retune functions. The II uses retune to tune out mineralized ground, wet sand or saltwater, while the AT can also narrow the detection field to help pinpoint a larger target.

Which model should you choose for water?

Choose the Pro-Pointer AT for underwater use; choose the II when you need a water-resistant pinpointer for rain or wet ground. Their water protection is the most important difference to check before an upgrade.

The AT's 20 ft limit gives you a defined depth for underwater work. Its bright orange casing is intended to improve visibility underwater, which can help you keep track of the tool while searching.

The II's water-resistant design suits wet conditions, but its stated protection is different. Do not treat a submersible tip or rain use as equal to the AT's full submersion rating.

Saltwater and wet sand can also affect target response. The II's fast retune is specified for tuning out those conditions, and the AT's fast retune can tune out mineralized ground or narrow the detection field.

If most of your finds are on dry land, the AT's extra depth rating may not change your search. You can save the upgrade for when underwater work becomes a regular part of your outings.

What does adjustable sensitivity do on the AT?

The AT gives you 3 sensitivity levels to adjust how it responds to targets. This can be useful when you want greater sensitivity for small targets such as gold nuggets, as the AT's features describe.

Sensitivity is not the same as retune. Retune changes the detection field or tunes out environmental effects, while sensitivity sets one of 3 levels.

The Pro-Pointer II has fast retune, but no adjustable sensitivity levels are specified. If you often want to change sensitivity for different search conditions, the AT gives you a control the II does not list.

More sensitivity is not automatically better for every search. Use the setting that helps you narrow the target without making the tool harder to interpret in your ground conditions.

Are the AT's ruler and stealth mode useful?

The ruler helps you judge target depth, while stealth mode gives the AT another operating option. These features are useful if you regularly measure recovered targets or want a mode beyond standard operation.

The ruler is molded into the AT's side and marked in inches and centimeters. It can help you estimate a target's depth after you locate it, though it does not replace a careful dig.

Stealth mode is operated through the AT's single button. The II instead has a built-in LED flashlight, which can help in low-light conditions.

Choose based on what you will use in the field. A ruler and stealth mode may matter more to a water-searcher, while a flashlight can be more useful when recovering targets in dim light.

How do the controls compare?

The AT combines power, retune, sensitivity adjustment and stealth mode in one button. The Pro-Pointer II offers a fast retune function and a flashlight, with fewer specified controls.

One-button operation keeps the AT's controls together, including when operating in gloves. You may need to learn the button sequence for switching among functions.

The II's fast retune is a direct tool for ground conditions such as mineralized soil, wet sand and saltwater. The AT adds the ability to narrow its detection field with a button press, which can make a larger target easier to isolate.

For help with the basic recovery routine, read how to use a Garrett Pro-Pointer. Knowing how to scan the hole and plug can matter as much as the model's extra controls.

What do you get with each Garrett pinpointer?

Both Garrett models include a 9V battery and a woven belt holster. The AT also has a lanyard loop, while its orange casing is intended to stand out underwater.

The II includes a built-in LED flashlight. The AT adds a molded ruler, stealth mode and an attachment loop for a lanyard.

Both models have a stated average battery life of 60 minutes. For more detail on replacements and compatibility, see what battery a Garrett Pro-Pointer uses.

Should you consider another pinpointer?

Consider an alternative if you want different alert modes, a display or a different waterproof rating. The SUNPOW and DR.ÖTEK offer those features, but their stated protection and controls differ from Garrett's.

The SUNPOW has 360° side-scan, sound and vibration alerts, and an IP68 rating for its waterproof tip and scale section. It includes a 9V battery, spring clip and belt loop.

The DR.ÖTEK has an LCD signal-strength display and 3 alert modes: vibration, audio, or both. It is stated to be submersible to 9.8 ft, which is less than the Garrett AT's 20 ft rating.

If you are comparing a different brand, our Nokta pinpointer review offers another point of reference. Compare the specific features you need, especially water depth and alert controls.

Is the Pro-Pointer AT a worthwhile upgrade?

Upgrade to the AT when you need its 20 ft submersion rating, sensitivity settings or extra field features. Keep the Pro-Pointer II if its water-resistant design and retune function already cover your searches.

The AT makes the most sense for underwater detecting, where the II's water resistance is not an equivalent substitute. Its orange casing, lanyard loop and ruler also fit searches where keeping track of the tool and judging depth matter.

For dry-land use, compare your actual needs before replacing the II. If you want adjustable sensitivity or stealth mode, the AT adds them; if you mainly need target recovery in rain or wet ground, the II already has a 360° field, fast retune and a light.

Pick the Pro-Pointer II for rain, wet sand and low-light recovery. Pick the Pro-Pointer AT for submersion up to 20 ft and its added controls.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the Garrett Pro-Pointer and Pro-Pointer AT?

The Pro-Pointer II is water-resistant for rain, running water and a submersible tip, while the Pro-Pointer AT is rated for submersion to 20 ft. The AT also adds 3 sensitivity levels, a molded ruler, stealth mode and a lanyard loop.

Can the Garrett Pro-Pointer II go underwater?

The Pro-Pointer II is described as water-resistant, with a tip that can be submerged and operation in rain or under running water. Its stated IP66 standards do not match the AT's 20 ft submersion rating, so choose the AT for underwater searches.

Is the Pro-Pointer AT worth upgrading to?

The AT is a practical upgrade if you need its 20 ft submersion rating, 3 sensitivity levels, ruler or stealth mode. If your searches stay on dry ground or in rain, the Pro-Pointer II already has a 360° detection field, fast retune and an LED flashlight.

Do both Garrett pinpointers use a 9V battery?

Both models come with a 9V battery, and each has a stated average battery life of 60 minutes. Check the instructions for battery handling and replacement details; our Garrett Pro-Pointer battery guide covers the battery question.

How do you use a Garrett Pro-Pointer?

Turn the pinpointer on and use its detection response to narrow down the target in the hole or plug. The AT adds retune and sensitivity adjustment through its single button; our guide to using a Garrett Pro-Pointer explains the basic search process.