Garrett ATX vs Minelab GPX 5000 - The Definitive Test 

The Garrett AXT is a good Lower priced Pulse Induction option that is basically a turn on and go detector (a good option for newbies). I give Bearkat4160 credit for keeping both machines with similar sized Double D coils on each one for this video. But for starters Fine gold was designed for the Mono loop coils (I was actually surprised fine gold being optimized for mono coils worked with the dd coil, as the manual and training video's recommend against using the two together as you end up with a doubling of the ground canceling from each one separately costing you depth when used together). A better way to compare the GPX with the DD coil would be in Normal timing and/or Sensitive Extra timing (designed for the DD coils use). Yes the GPX5000 is more complicated to use than the AXT, But once you fully understand the Minelab GPX settings and set up the machine correctly about the only machine that will out perform the GPX5000 is the newer GPZ7000 for depth and the SDC2300 on supper small stuff. I am confident that the GPX5000 using the 11" dd coil and with the threshold set correctly in the Sensitive Extra timing with out any further fine tuning of the other optional settings would have easily nailed all of the target nuggets in this video. One of the additional benefits of the GPX5000 over the ATX is it's flexibility if you understand how to select the appropriate settings for the coil being used and the ground you are working, where the ATX has primarily just all metal mode or discriminate mode to chose from with adjustable sensitivity (Garrett, Whites and some minelab machines, also known as Gain in Minelab GP/GPX terminology). Yes the ATX is less complicated, but it is also much more limited if it's user is in a difficult area to work. I am not knocking ether machine, just simply stating that they both have their place in this great hobby. As far as a turn on and go Pulse Induction machine that is reasonably priced the Garrett ATX is definitely worth a look at. The ATX was never originally meant to be a direct competitor for the GPX5000, it was made as a lower priced alterative for those who wanted a GPX's performance v.s. a VLF (Very Low Frequency) machine but couldn't afford one to still be able to get a P.I. Machine.

though I had some problem with sea water It also ru-vid.comUgkxa-FNYUOM93a388gi9a4brtSCEVmrHgJH land for finding any things very easily. (thought it would work as normal due to it being water proof within certain parts of the detector), on dry land and sand worked well. My first one, so still have lots to learn

MANDE UM TENHO CENTENAS DE SEGUIDORES QUERENDO COMPRAR

Thanks for the time you have taken to set up this comparison Bearkat - much appreciated mate! I'm sure you have noticed that the ATX runs with a much more stable threshold and cleaner operation in all conditions - stable threshold means you won't miss the 'whispers'. Happy prospecting! Warren.

Hey Bearkat4160 ... good to accidentally run across this old video today. It was this video and the full complete test series you did on the SDC2300, that made me switch brands and go with the ATX. I have all 3 coils for it and was still under $2500. Thanks Bearkat!!

Yes I totally agree it is very complicated to the uninitiated, it took me well over 6 months to come to grips with my first GP detector. Things that did help me along the way was the free minelab training days offered to new buyers well worth the time to do since you have spent well over $5000. Joining a detector club where most users own a some kind of minelab detector and picking there brains about how they setup thier machines. Most of the GPX series have more settings than the spaceshuttle but at the end of the day you will most likely only use a half a dozen of those settings and adjust them to suit the ground you searching. Dont give up on the 5000 as of yet once you get it tuned and setup right it will blow that ATX out of the ground. Cheers Nuggetmann

Great and very fair test. Thank you very much for this video which was VERY helpful to decide which brand that I will be buying real soon. Again I am grateful for this post.

Bearcat4160 Just saw the video and read some comments below, This is just what we need to see, comparisons. You spent the time setting this all up AND made a video for us so thank you for that and now I think I am looking into the ATX much further when I make my final decision when buying. Keep those videos coming and the best of luck to you . DS in California.

Thank you for the great show. My mind is spinning with all the options out there, and this helped a lot. Was actually considering the GPR Radar Exp 4000, but with a price of 10k (basic) to 24k (pro), this brings me back down out of outer space, lol. Thanks again.

Cant wait to get mine... Thank you again for all these great test vids .. good job !!

I subscribed, thanks for the video. I use the AT Pro with video's and will do a few with the ATX that a local distributor is loaning me to try out in the salt water here in Miami.

Cool test. Very surprising results, makes me think about my next detector buy. Thanks for putting this one up!

brother which of the two do you recommend the two please

Thanks. I was almost ready to retch & grab the ATX. Reckon I will now. My AT Gold is an awesome little machine. I like Garrett.

Good video! I love my ATX!

Good day. Please tell what device is better about depth:- Garret ATX or GARRET AT GOLD?

Thanks, makes me feel, I did good on ordering the ATX ( couldn' afford the Minelabs with similar performance, but wy pay 2-3 times the ATX for that anyway)

Buenas tardes esta muy bueno tu análisis lo malo que no se el ingles y tu video no tiene la opción de traducción lo que estas hablando por favor considéralos la traducción para poder entenderte hasta pronto

it's funny with the prices now that minelab re released the gpx 4500 making it cheaper than the atx here in australia. But i have to say your test sort of missed the point of why you need a pi machine by testing in that sand, you probably would of hit those targets better with your at gold vlf machine in that ground? Oh and did you have any threshold on? i cant hear it in this video so i cant hear if the minlab hit those targets or not cause its sometimes only a slight threshold pull heard not those big screamer signals you were getting. cheers and thanks for the video :)

How deep does this device go. I would appreciate if you help

Great test would you also think swing speed does matter

muy buena demostración, siempre me gusto el Garrett ahora que veo tu video ,mas me gusta, mi próximo será el ATX, muchas gracias por el video,saludos

Awesome video! Would love to see how the TDI SL fairs in that mix

hi what kind of metal detector is the Garrett you were using

excelente vídeo y que tal es el t2

Thanks for taking the time to test, were you running the GPX in fixed or tracking?, cheers.

I'd like to see a comparison with both detectors tuned / configured / optioned to their absolute peak. The best the Garrett ATX can produce V the best the Minelab GPX5000 can produce. Regardless of the cost of extra coils etc, most of us are prepared to pay whatever it costs to get the most out of our detector when it comes to finding gold. Thanks

I would really like to see how the large mono coil does on the ATX! I'm really thinking about selling my minelab and getting an ATX after watching this video!!!!!

qual dos dois vc me recomenda?

HI. I AM PLANNING to buy ATX. but i see different prices for different coils sizes. what do u recommend to buy. i like to look for small and big nuggets. also can 20" coil search for buried treasure? thank you in advance

Beautiful Video. What was your best find ever? Regards from Germany ZUG STEINER

Thank you that was the video I was looking for. It was helpful information.

Good video. If I did nugget hunting I would look at the the ATX.

How metres does it work deep and length?

How many depth with GPX 500o with a big target 10 x 10 cm?

disculpa la experiencia comparativa de Garrett atx gpx 5000 y un El DRS GROUND EXPER me podrían orientar su experiencia y conveniencia

Very good.. thank you for sharing!!!

hi Bearkat. do you think GPX5000 is good for relics hunting, too? like silver/bronze coins, etc? thanks

Thanks for the test.

great machine fir gold Bearkat i agree. carnt wait for the next VLF machine from garret, enjoyed the AT GOLD on relic coin hunting. i need a machine with disc will go 15" on a coin =D

Bearkat have you tested the gold seeker from Ger?

Good test and information. Thank you.

bao nhieu tien mot cai may gpx 5000, toi mua

Wats are good cpx 500 vs garret ?

Great review! Thanks

How about MD 6350 how deep is detect?

Just saw your video. Can you believe that people are actually paying $5000+ for the mine lab??? Garret is the way to go. Always has been. Years ago I had a Garrett ground hog and was prospecting in Australia. Found loads in places that had already been done dozens of times by other prospectors using whites (the other metal detector of choice in the 80's) the garrett is a superior product, more robust and less complicated. Exactly what you want when your hundreds of miles from nowhere in the Australian outback. I've spent years away from Australia due to my job, but I'm heading back soon, still have the gold bug and I know exactly where I'm going to head with my brand new ATX........

The ATX looks like a upside down futuristic sniper rifle.

Hello, is there a cheaper detector that compares to the Minelab GPZ 7000?

Who doesn't like double "DD" ?

Bearkat. I have been detecting for 35 years in Australia and have used most detectors ever made. You are absolutely correct in saying that the 5000 is far too complex and leaves too much room for error when trying to set it up. There is no setting that suits all sizes and depths of nuggets. I have no doubt that there are pro detector operators that really know what they are doing but that probably accounts for 1% or less of operators and even they miss gold. Yes many will leave gold in the ground. Although I have not used an ATX I must add that Minelab could certainly learn from Garrett about making a user friendly detector that everyone could use without all the what I call 'Giggle switches.' They really are a waste of electronics.

why didn't you test the gold bug 2, i've read it's better than both of those specifically for finding gold.

have you tried atx on salt water

Hello bearkat. Im from Malaysia. Is it normal when everytime i swing my ATX and hit grass or gnd and it will make sounds even after gnd balance? Sens is 10 and treshold is 1.

Don't Pulse machines always go deeper, but you dig up 1/2 the beach ? This is confusing. I live in georgia where we have iron rich red clay, and then sand near the beach. I scuba so I bought an Excalibur 2, which is pretty worthless on dry land - only because it beeps at everything !

Harganya berapa bang garet at yang biasa

For $5000 the damn thing should do all the walking, detecting, and digging. For the amount of the price difference, you would think that the Minelab had some super patented, or even magic technology, that the others just can't figure out? The price is obscene. I have been looking at buying a pair of detectors, and these are both way out of my price range. It's tough to find anything, because I don't want to waste money on a so so pair of detectors. Even the AT Pro is well above my range. So am I going to have to settle for the ACE 250's? I've looked at so many on ebay, and that's what I come up with. Can you give me your expert advice? Thanks

Garrett ATX, cant wait to have one, will play around with AT gold and fisher gb first

Thank you - a very good advisory video - to say - face to face compared.

Well I have a big smile. I bought an ATX las summer and really like it. Thanks for the video. I ordered with the 11x13 DD enclosed coil. What are your thoughts on getting a 8” mono for the ATX?

Why it wasnt treshhold on GPX? And you have to make Graund Balance on GPX after changing timings.

My gpx 4500 would pick that bit of foil in highly mineralised soil a foot and a half deep. Same price as the Atx. That's with default settings.

Thanks for more info

Minelab Mono coil vs Garrett mono coil would be fantastic to see aswell.What ever the outcome. Yeah i know you dont have it .. yet.

You just saved me $3,900 dollars by this video man, thanks!!! May I ask how you goot a GPX 5000 though? That's a lot of money to put down on a detector and im not saying you cant afford it, you know what I mean though? Not everyone can afford to make a video like this with $8,400.00 in detectors!

God test tnx.

great review

2 great machine! Nice video!

Nice review, I find minelabs have too many settings and options. Good to see the garrett atx is relatively a switch on and go machine. Thanks for the video mate.

HI ALL, WHAT IS THE BEST METAL DETECTOR JUST FOR GOING ON THE BEACHES. LOOKING FOR SOMETHING NICE. THANKS

Very helpful thank you!

also Garrett has better service for repairs

Good test. Thank you. Just curious, how does the GPX5000 do with the 11" mono coil which is the other coil that comes standard with the machine?

hola amigos una consulta cuanto es elcosto del detector para aca colombia

So what machine did u find that little 'corn flake' with? The atx?

What would you recon the huge deepseeker coil would have its limits? I mean what would you miss when using it? 2g at 4inches? ,, I know you dont have the deepseeker coil , but you must have more info on it than me,, i hope.

Great video. Saving for the Garrett.

I did not even watch the video past the 32 second mark. Your comment between 0:28 to 0:32 showed me where you wanted this video to go LOL.

Làm thế lào để chỉnh gfx7000 sâu và loại bỏ săt

Wich model better minelab Garrett Pls reply

Maybe if I sold 3 of my detectors and saved up, I could buy a Garrett ATX. I did put a 15" F5 coil on my Fisher Gold bug pro and detected a quarter 12 inches buried in sand. ( New Mexico sand) Different frequencies (coil and GBpro ) but it worked. But very heavy!! Thanks!

great vid

what about leaf gold

Me interesa buen video

looked clear enough...you better sell the mine lab..just kidding GARRET ATX. WINS... for sure....AND .I Think you do a great job on your videos,,, you sold me on it.and just looking at this GARRETT ATX AND IT LOOKS GREAT.....THANK YOU....GOOD JOB........I just bought the Garrett AT PRO found silver ring 1st time out with it....Plus 63 cents......

Hi mate,can you do an ATX v the new SDC id say this is what everyone is waiting to see,cheeers

Well done.

Can anyone give me an idea on underground reef gold detectors 5 to 50 metres

Should also use the dirt cheap detectors see how they go

this test is makin me nuts! the whites tdi sl needs to be in it come on!

Tenho vontade de possuir uma mais aqui no Brasil o preço é muito alto Me envia uma Garrett

Finally good testing

I was at Rye Patch. A guy with a Minelab SDC 2300 shows me a gold nugget he had just found. My ATX Pro would not detect it with either coil right up against the gold! I was pretty ticked off and tried adjusting sensitivity, disc and resetting to factory settings. Nothing. I got out my White's GMT (just got back from the factory for this same problem) even 3" away from the gold nugget and again with a rock on top of the nugget, I was getting a loud zip zip detecting yhe gold nugget.

To me the answer is clear; Garret takes the nugget! If I remember correctly you can buy a mono coil for the garret as well.

Nice bos

Do I need a MONO coil for ATX ? What do I lose with a MONO coil ? If you were buying a New detector, $2500 is top of my Budget. What would you purchase? I am going to Hunt in Montana

im wont buy . in where. i m in taiwan

apples to apples. pretty fair test. happy prospecting!

Wow amazing

Hi Bearkat, Great vid mate!! Can you do a vid comparing 20 inch mono's on both machines or even the Gpx 7000 v ATX. Cheers Aussie.