Garrett ACE Series Metal Detectors

Garrett ACE Series: The Most Reliable Way to Start Detecting

The ACE series is how millions of US detectorists got into the hobby. Simple enough to produce finds from the first session, capable enough that most hunters stick with them for years before feeling the need to upgrade. The lineup covers entry-level through capable intermediate performance, all at prices that do not require significant financial commitment to get started.

Garrett ACE 400 - the Machine Most Buyers Should Choose

The Garrett ACE 400 is the volume choice in the ACE lineup for good reason. The 8.5x11" DD coil gives it a meaningful depth advantage over the smaller coils on lower ACE models. Iron Audio lets you hear rejected iron targets as a low-tone rumble in the background, which helps calibrate your discrimination settings in the field. Five search modes - All Metal, Jewelry, Custom, Relics, Coins - cover the typical situations a new detectorist encounters. The ACE 400 is the machine we recommend to most first-time buyers who are primarily hunting parks, fields, and land sites.

Garrett ACE 300 - Simpler, Lower Cost

The Garrett ACE 300 is the step down from the ACE 400: a smaller 7x10" coil, fewer search modes, and no Iron Audio. For straightforward coin hunting in parks and fields with moderate junk, it performs the job at a lower price. If you are buying a detector for occasional weekend use and uncrowded sites, the ACE 300 is a reasonable choice. For anyone who expects to develop the hobby seriously, the ACE 400 is worth the price difference.

Garrett ACE 250 and ACE 200 - Older Models, Still Capable

The Garrett ACE 250 and Garrett ACE 200 are older machines that preceded the current ACE lineup. They remain capable for coins and shallow relics in straightforward ground, and are often available at reduced prices. If you find one at a significant discount, they will produce finds. The newer ACE 300 and 400 are meaningfully better machines, so if pricing is similar, choose the current models.

Garrett ACE APEX - When You Want More

The Garrett ACE APEX moves beyond the standard ACE lineup by adding Simultaneous Multi-Frequency - the same technology principle as Minelab's Multi-IQ, just under Garrett's implementation. This improves performance in variable soil conditions and light beach use where single-frequency machines lose target ID accuracy. The APEX also adds wireless audio capability and a more advanced target ID display. For hunters who have outgrown the ACE 400 but are not ready for the full AT series price, the APEX is the step up.

Important: ACE Models Are Not Waterproof

All Garrett ACE models have waterproof coils, but the control box is not submersible. Detecting in rain is fine; submerging the control box in water will damage it. If you want to wade streams, hunt surf zones, or detect in serious rain, go directly to the Garrett AT Series, which is fully waterproof to 10 feet across all models.

Related Guides: Best Metal Detectors for Beginners | Getting Started with Metal Detecting | How Do Metal Detectors Work?