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A Garrett detector is only as effective as the accessories you pair with it. The right pinpointer, coil, or headphones can cut recovery time in half and open up sites that would otherwise feel too trashy to hunt. The wrong ones just add weight to the kit bag.
Most accessory listicles read like a catalog: every SKU, no clear hierarchy. This guide takes the opposite approach. It ranks the ten Garrett-branded accessories that actually deliver a measurable field improvement, and it flags the ones that are only worth buying for a specific detector, hunting style, or missing stock component.
Every pick below is judged against one question: does it make you find more targets, recover them faster, or hunt where you otherwise couldn't? Convenience items that don't clear that bar are labeled honestly.
This guide covers the most common Garrett detector families — ACE, AT, and ATX — but the decision logic applies broadly. Whether you just bought a Garrett ACE 400 or run an AT Max with a full kit, the priority order is the same.
Quick Picks
| # | Accessory | Best For | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pro-Pointer AT | Every new Garrett owner | Mid-range |
| 2 | Pro-Pointer AT Z-Lynk | Z-Lynk ecosystem users | Premium |
| 3 | 5×8 DD Searchcoil (ACE or AT version) | Trashy, iron-infested sites | Premium |
| 4 | Edge Digger | Park and turf recovery | Budget |
| 5 | All Terrain Dig Pouch | Keeping finds and trash separate | Budget |
| 6 | MS-3 Z-Lynk Headphones | Wireless audio with Garrett detectors | Mid-range |
| 7 | WT-1 Wireless Transmitter | Adding Z-Lynk to AT Pro/AT Gold | Mid-range |
| 8 | ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones | Low-cost dry-land audio | Budget |
| 9 | All-Purpose Carry Bag | Transporting a full detector | Budget |
| 10 | Submersible Headphones | Fully submerged hunting | Premium |
The 8.5×11 coils, ATX 11×13, camo soft case, Razor shovel, and spare coil covers are covered in the decision guide as situational or replacement picks rather than universal recommendations.
What Makes a Great Garrett Accessory?
A worthwhile accessory does one of three things: it helps you locate a target that the detector alone misses, it cuts the time between signal and recovery, or it lets you operate in conditions the stock setup can't handle. Anything that only adds convenience usually belongs lower on the list.
The single highest-impact purchase for a new Garrett owner is a pinpointer. Garrett's own beginner guidance puts it first, and field experience backs that up: a good pinpointer shrinks recovery holes and eliminates endless handful-by-handful searching. After that, a digger and a finds pouch form the core recovery kit. Audio upgrades and alternate coils come later, and even then only when the hunting site justifies them.
Compatibility is the most common buying mistake with Garrett gear. Garrett maintains several incompatible coil ecosystems: ACE coils do not fit the Apex, AT coils have their own connector, Vortex coils are Vortex-only, and the large 11×13 DD closed coil is an ATX product, not an ACE or AT Pro/AT Max coil. Before buying any coil or connector, confirm the exact detector family and model.
Garrett's Z-Lynk system is also frequently misunderstood. It is not Bluetooth. It uses a proprietary 2.4 GHz frequency-hopping signal with roughly 17 ms latency. That matters because MS-3 headphones and the Z-Lynk pinpointer pair with Z-Lynk hardware, not with any generic Bluetooth-equipped detector. If you own an AT Pro or AT Gold and want wireless audio, you need the WT-1 transmitter plus the correct AT-series cable.
1. Garrett Pro-Pointer AT — Best Overall / First Accessory to Buy
Specs:
- PN 1140900
- Fully waterproof to 20 ft / 6 m
- Three sensitivity levels with Fast Retune
- 360° side-scan detection plus pinpointing tip
- Proportional audio and vibration, LED flashlight, scraping blade
- Lost-pointer alarm and automatic power-off
- Molded inch/centimeter ruler, lanyard loop
- Uses one 9V battery; belt holster included
- Three-year Garrett warranty
Mid-range
Pros:
- The accessory Garrett itself recommends first
- Cuts recovery time more than any other single add-on
- Fully submersible for shallow-water and wet-sand work
- Bright orange housing is hard to lose
- Strong side-detection sensitivity for quick hole narrowing
Cons:
- No wireless audio integration (see Z-Lynk version)
- Heavily counterfeited on marketplaces — verify seller and PN
- Weak battery can cause erratic behavior; keep fresh 9V cells
Verdict: The first accessory any Garrett owner should buy. If you only add one item to a new detector, make it this one.
Perfect for: All Garrett users, from ACE beginners to AT Max veterans.
2. Garrett Pro-Pointer AT Z-Lynk — Best Premium Pinpointer for Z-Lynk Owners
Specs:
- PN 1142200
- All core Pro-Pointer AT features
- Integrated Z-Lynk wireless transmitter
- One-press pairing with Z-Lynk receivers
- Sends pinpointer audio through compatible Z-Lynk headphones
- Waterproof to 20 ft / 6 m
- 9V battery and belt holster included
Premium
Pros:
- Pinpointer and detector audio in the same headset
- Same recovery performance as the standard model
- Convenient for AT Max owners with built-in Z-Lynk
Cons:
- Extra cost only justified if you already own Z-Lynk hardware
- Radio signal does not travel through water; submerged use relies on local vibration/audio
- Isolated community reports of battery drain or sensitivity quirks
Verdict: Choose this over the standard Pro-Pointer AT only if you run a Z-Lynk detector or headphones. Otherwise the standard model is the better value.
Perfect for: AT Max owners and existing Z-Lynk headphone users.
3. Garrett 5×8 DD Searchcoil (ACE or AT Version) — Best Coil Upgrade for Trashy Ground
Specs:
- ACE version: PN 2223000; AT version: PN 2222800
- 5×8-inch semi-elliptical Double-D configuration
- Fully waterproof coil housing
- Smaller and lighter than stock general-purpose coils
- ACE version includes protective cover and fits ACE 100–400, not Apex
- AT version fits AT Pro, AT Gold, and AT Max
Premium
Pros:
- Dramatically improves target separation in iron and dense trash
- Maneuvers around roots, playground structures, and tight spaces
- Better performance in mineralized ground than many concentrics
- Lighter for longer sessions
Cons:
- Slower area coverage than an 8.5×11
- Not a universal upgrade — the stock coil is better in clean, open ground
- AT Gold owners may already have the 5×8 as stock
Verdict: The best site-specific upgrade for trashy parks, iron-infested ground, and playgrounds. Pick the correct ACE or AT version.
Perfect for: Park hunters and relic hunters working congested sites.
4. Garrett Edge Digger — Best Garrett Hand Digger
Specs:
- PN 1626200
- 7.5-inch carbon/robust steel blade
- 12 inches total length
- Serrated edge for cutting small roots
- Rubber grip with non-slip blade guard
- Belt-mount carry sheath included
Budget
Pros:
- Cuts clean plugs on manicured turf
- Serrated edge handles roots and packed soil
- Compact and non-intimidating for public sites
- Long-term owners report years of use with basic sharpening
Cons:
- Handle adhesion can fail over time; re-gluing occasionally needed
- Not the right tool for deep relic digging or heavy rock
- Some users prefer other brands for heavy prying
Verdict: The hand digger to pair with a pinpointer for park and lawn recovery. Excellent Garrett-branded value for the majority of hunts.
Perfect for: Turf, park, and coin hunters who need clean, low-profile recovery.
5. Garrett All Terrain Dig Pouch — Best Recovery / Finds Pouch
Specs:
- PN 1664800
- Rugged canvas with mesh drainage/sifting screens
- Two large zippered pockets for trash and treasure separation
- Small outer "best finds" pocket
- Integrated Pro-Pointer holster
- Interior carabiner/lanyard attachment
- Adjustable belt up to approximately 66 inches
Budget
Pros:
- Keeps recovered trash separate from valuables
- Mesh bottom drains water and sand — ideal for beach hunting
- Holds pinpointer and digger so both are always at hand
- Garrett's own beginner hierarchy places it right after pinpointer and digger
Cons:
- Not a performance upgrade — purely organizational
- Some may prefer a larger finds bag for high-volume relic hunts
Verdict: A cheap fix for a real field problem: juggling tools and separating junk from keepers. Worth adding to any kit.
Perfect for: Beach, water, and park hunters who want tools and finds organized.
6. Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones — Best Wireless Audio Upgrade
Specs:
- PN 1627710 for standalone headphones
- Integrated Z-Lynk receiver
- 17 ms audio latency — approximately six times faster than typical Bluetooth
- 2.4 GHz frequency-hopping wireless
- Frequency response 30–18,000 Hz
- Speaker impedance 8 ohms
- Rechargeable battery, up to 30 hours runtime
- Foldable; IP52 light-rain protection
- Two-year limited warranty
Mid-range
Pros:
- Near-zero audio delay preserves faint/deep target signals
- No detector-to-headphone cord to snag
- Long battery life with USB charging
- Works with any Z-Lynk detector or a separate WT-1 transmitter
Cons:
- Full-size over-ear cups can run hot in summer/humid conditions
- Only light-rain protection — not submersible
- Does not pair with generic Bluetooth detectors
Verdict: The best wireless audio path for Z-Lynk-equipped Garrett detectors. If you already have Z-Lynk and want cord-free hunting, this is the pick.
Perfect for: AT Max owners and Z-Lynk ecosystem users.
7. Garrett Z-Lynk WT-1 Wireless Transmitter — Best Wireless Retrofit
Specs:
- PN 1627500
- Converts detector audio output to Z-Lynk wireless
- 17 ms latency, 20 kHz audio bandwidth
- Up to 30 hours battery life, USB rechargeable
- IP64 heavy-rain resistant
- Compatible with nearly any VLF or pulse detector with appropriate cable
- Standard 1/4-inch cable PN 1627400; AT-series two-pin cable PN 1627410
- Two-year limited warranty
Mid-range
Pros:
- Adds wireless audio to non-Z-Lynk detectors like AT Pro and AT Gold
- Works with both VLF and pulse machines
- Pairs with MS-3 headphones for the full wireless experience
Cons:
- Redundant if your detector already has built-in Z-Lynk
- Requires the correct connection cable — AT machines need the two-pin adapter, not a standard 1/4-inch plug
- Separate purchase if you need both transmitter and headphones
Verdict: The practical way to bring Z-Lynk wireless audio to an older wired Garrett detector. Verify the cable before buying.
Perfect for: AT Pro, AT Gold, and other wired-audio Garrett owners.
8. Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones — Best Budget Dry-Land Audio
Specs:
- PN 1612700 for the 1/4-inch version
- Padded earpieces, rotating/folding design
- Inline volume control
- 41-inch coiled cable extending to 82 inches
- Standard 1/4-inch phone plug
- Non-submersible; dry-land only
- Also available in a 1/8-inch Apex variant
Budget
Pros:
- Inexpensive way to hear faint targets without speaker noise
- Extends detector battery life by muting the speaker
- Folds flat for easy storage
- Good option for beginners who don't need wireless
Cons:
- 1/4-inch plug does not directly fit AT-series waterproof connector without an adapter
- Not wireless, not submersible
- Basic audio tuning, not tuned for the deepest faint signals
Verdict: The low-cost audio option for dry-land Garrett users. Make sure you pick the correct plug version for your detector.
Perfect for: ACE owners and budget-minded detectorists.
9. Garrett All-Purpose Carry Bag — Best Value Transport Accessory
Specs:
- PN 1608700
- Reinforced polyester
- 50-inch length
- Fits current Garrett detectors without removing the searchcoil
- Two zippered accessory pockets
- Shoulder strap and carry handles
Budget
Pros:
- Protects the detector during car transport
- No need to remove and reattach the coil
- Extra pockets for digger, pinpointer, and batteries
- Very low cost for the convenience
Cons:
- Minimal padding — more sleeve than protective case
- Not suitable for airline checked baggage without a hard case
- Convenience item rather than a field-performance upgrade
Verdict: The best value for owners who drive to hunt sites and want a simple, coil-on transport solution.
Perfect for: Car-based detectorists and those with limited storage.
10. Garrett Submersible Headphones — AT Connector — Best for Fully Submerged Hunting
Specs:
- PN 2202100
- Waterproof/submersible design for Garrett AT-style connector
- Compatible with AT Max, AT Pro, AT Gold, ATX, and Sea Hunter Mark II
- Padded ear cups
- Required when the entire headphone set will be immersed
- Distinct from Vortex submersible headphones (1/8-inch connection)
Premium
Pros:
- Lets you hear targets while wading or diving with a waterproof detector
- Hardwired connection reliable underwater where 2.4 GHz fails
- Built for the AT-series waterproof ecosystem
Cons:
- Specialist purchase — overkill for rain or shallow coil-only use
- Heavier and bulkier than land headphones
- Not needed for dry-land or even normal rain hunting
Verdict: A must-have only if you actually submerge the headphones. For everything else, MS-3 or wired land headphones are more convenient.
Perfect for: AT Max divers and serious shallow-water hunters.
Garrett Accessories Comparison Table
| Accessory | Best For | Tier | Key Spec / Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pro-Pointer AT | First accessory, all users | Mid-range | Waterproof 20 ft, 360° detection, PN 1140900 |
| Pro-Pointer AT Z-Lynk | Z-Lynk ecosystem users | Premium | Integrated Z-Lynk, PN 1142200 |
| 5×8 DD Searchcoil | Trashy/iron-heavy sites | Premium | ACE PN 2223000 / AT PN 2222800, not Apex |
| Edge Digger | Park/turf recovery | Budget | 7.5" serrated blade, PN 1626200 |
| All Terrain Dig Pouch | Finds organization | Budget | Mesh drainage, PN 1664800 |
| MS-3 Z-Lynk Headphones | Wireless audio | Mid-range | 17 ms latency, PN 1627710 |
| WT-1 Transmitter | Add Z-Lynk to AT Pro/AT Gold | Mid-range | PN 1627500, IP64 |
| ClearSound Easy Stow | Budget dry-land audio | Budget | 1/4" plug, PN 1612700 |
| All-Purpose Carry Bag | Transport full detector | Budget | 50" reinforced polyester |
| Submersible Headphones | Fully submerged use | Premium | AT connector, PN 2202100 |
Which Garrett Accessory Should You Buy?
Use your detector and primary hunting style to pick the right starting point.
New Garrett owner, no accessories yet: Start with the Pro-Pointer AT, then add the Edge Digger and All Terrain Dig Pouch. This trio solves the two biggest field bottlenecks: pinpointing targets and organizing recovery.
Park or turf hunter dealing with heavy trash: After the core trio, add the 5×8 DD coil in the correct ACE or AT version. The smaller footprint separates close targets that a stock 8.5×11 coil will blend together.
AT Max or Z-Lynk user: Skip the standard Pro-Pointer AT and buy the Z-Lynk version. Pair it with MS-3 headphones for a fully wireless setup where pinpointer and detector audio share the same headset.
AT Pro or AT Gold owner wanting wireless: Add the WT-1 transmitter plus the AT-series two-pin cable, then pair with MS-3 headphones. This retrofits wireless audio without replacing the detector.
Beach or shallow-water hunter: The All Terrain Dig Pouch with mesh drainage is the best value. Submersible headphones are only worth it if your entire headset goes underwater; for rain or coil-only water, standard headphones are enough.
Budget-minded or casual user: ClearSound Easy Stow headphones and the All-Purpose Carry Bag cover audio and transport without a major investment.
Accessories to skip unless replacing: The 8.5×11 DD coils are typically stock on AT Pro and AT Max — buying another is a replacement, not an upgrade. The ACE 8.5×11 Raider is worthwhile only if you have an older ACE that shipped with a smaller or concentric coil. The ATX 11×13 DD is an ATX-only product and does not fit ACE or AT detectors. The Razor Relic Shovel is a niche field tool, not a first purchase. Spare coil covers are protection, not performance — buy only if yours is missing or cracked.
One compatibility warning worth repeating: never treat Garrett coils as cross-compatible. ACE coils exclude Apex, AT coils have their own connector, and Vortex coils belong to a separate platform entirely. Check the exact PN and detector family before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need both a pinpointer and a coil upgrade?
No. A pinpointer delivers more universal benefit than any coil change. Buy the pinpointer first; consider a small DD coil later only if you consistently hunt trashy or iron-heavy ground where target separation is the limiting factor.
Q: Are Garrett Pro-Pointers compatible with non-Garrett detectors?
Yes. The Pro-Pointer AT and Pro-Pointer AT Z-Lynk are standalone pinpointers that work with any metal detector. The Z-Lynk wireless audio integration only works with Garrett Z-Lynk hardware, but the pinpointer itself still functions as a normal pinpointer with any machine.
Q: Is Garrett Z-Lynk the same as Bluetooth?
No. Z-Lynk is Garrett's proprietary 2.4 GHz frequency-hopping system with about 17 ms latency. MS-3 headphones and the Z-Lynk pinpointer pair with Z-Lynk hardware, not with generic Bluetooth detectors. To add Z-Lynk to a wired detector, use the WT-1 transmitter.
Q: Which Garrett coil should I buy for trashy parks?
The 5×8 DD coil, in either ACE or AT version depending on your detector. The smaller footprint separates adjacent targets far better than a stock 8.5×11 in iron and dense trash. The trade-off is slower ground coverage and often less depth on very large targets.
Q: Are submersible headphones necessary for hunting in the rain?
No. Submersible headphones are for fully submerged use. For rain or shallow coil-only water hunting, standard headphones or the MS-3 with its IP52 light-rain rating are sufficient. Only buy submersible headphones if the entire headset will go underwater.
Q: What's the difference between ACE and AT coils?
They use different connectors and are not interchangeable. ACE coils fit ACE 100–400 series but not ACE Apex. AT coils fit AT Pro, AT Gold, and AT Max. Always match the coil to the detector family.
Q: How do I avoid counterfeit Garrett Pro-Pointers?
Buy from authorized Garrett dealers or reputable sellers, check the part number (PN 1140900 for the standard Pro-Pointer AT), and be suspicious of prices far below the typical market. Counterfeit units are a known issue on large marketplaces.
Q: Do I need a coil cover if my new coil already includes one?
No. Many current Garrett ACE accessory coils ship with a protective cover. A second cover accomplishes nothing. Use the included cover and buy a replacement only if yours is missing, cracked, or badly worn. Clean beneath the cover periodically in dirty ground.
Conclusion
The best Garrett accessories are not the most expensive — they're the ones that change what you can find or how fast you recover it. A pinpointer does that immediately. A small DD coil does it on the right site. A digger and finds pouch make every recovery cleaner. Everything else is either situational or a replacement for something you already own.
Start with the Pro-Pointer AT, then build around your detector and hunting style. If you run Z-Lynk, the wireless versions earn their premium. If you hunt trashy parks, the 5×8 coil is the next upgrade. If you hunt beaches, the all-terrain pouch and submersible headphones cover the extremes.
For a broader look at non-Garrett options, see the complete metal detector accessories guide, the coil sizing and type guide, the dedicated digging tools roundup, and the Garrett brand guide for detector-specific compatibility.
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