ACE, AT, Axiom & Vortex Series in the Garrett Lineup
The Garrett collection covers four detector families, each built for different ground conditions and target types. The ACE series (ACE 300, ACE 400, ACE Apex) runs VLF or multi-frequency for coin shooting, park hunting, and general-purpose detecting. The AT series (AT Pro, AT Max, AT Gold) offers waterproof housings submersible to 10 feet for creek wading, surf hunting, and wet relic sites. The Axiom is Garrett's pulse induction prospecting machine, designed for high-mineralization desert and volcanic ground where VLF detectors lose depth. The Vortex series (VX5, VX7, VX9) runs simultaneous multi-frequency with single-frequency fallbacks across 5 to 20 kHz. Because isolating targets cleanly in these varied environments requires heavy-duty recovery gear, many detectorists pair these machines with specialized spades and trowels from our digging tools collection. Every unit ships with Garrett's manufacturer warranty and in-house technical support.
Picking Between VLF, Multi-Frequency, and Pulse Induction for Your Hunting Style
Single-frequency VLF detectors like the ACE 400 run a fixed 10 kHz, which balances sensitivity to coins, jewelry, and relics in moderate ground. Multi-frequency platforms like the ACE Apex and Vortex series transmit across 5 to 20 kHz simultaneously, improving target separation in trashy sites and handling mild to moderate mineralization without manual ground balancing. Pulse induction machines like the Axiom ignore mineralization entirely, pushing depth on gold nuggets and deep relics in desert washes and volcanic soils where VLF machines flatten out. If you hunt parks, tot lots, and dry fields, the ACE 400 or ACE Apex covers most scenarios. If you wade creeks or hunt surf zones, the waterproof AT Pro or AT Max handles submersion to 10 feet. If you prospect for gold in hot ground, the Axiom PI is the platform built for that environment.
Waterproof AT Series for Beach, Creek, and Wet Relic Sites
Garrett waterproof metal detectors center on the AT series: the AT Pro, AT Max, and AT Gold are fully submersible to 10 feet, with sealed housings and waterproof coils for freshwater creeks, surf hunting, and damp relic sites. The AT Pro runs 15 kHz VLF with iron audio and a 0 to 99 target ID scale. The AT Max adds Z-Lynk wireless audio and improved iron resolution for trashy sites. The AT Gold runs 18 kHz for small gold nuggets in mineralized ground, with manual ground balance and all-metal mode for prospecting. All three models handle saltwater beach hunting, though the AT Max and AT Gold offer better ground balance control for black sand and wet salt. If you hunt with beach metal detectors or wade streams for relics, pairing these machines with a fully waterproof companion tool like the Garrett Pro-Pointer from our all pinpointers collection ensures you can quickly isolate targets in murky water or deep mud without losing your signal.
Active and Retired Military Discount on Garrett Detectors
Active or retired military personnel receive a 15% discount on Garrett detectors through our military verification program. The discount applies to new units across the ACE, AT, Axiom, and Vortex lines and does not combine with open box or demo pricing. See the Military Discount page for how verification works. If you are getting started with metal detecting and qualify for military pricing, the ACE 400 or ACE Apex are common first machines with strong resale value and widespread coil compatibility.
