Garrett 8.5" x 11" DD Multi-Flex Raider Search Coil for Ace Apex Metal Detector

The 8.5" x 11" DD Multi-Flex Raider coil is compatible only with the Garrett Ace Apex metal detector. As a result of the Multi-Flex coil technology, this coil will not work with older ACE models like the ACE 300 or ACE 400. Similarly, coils designed for older ACE detectors are not compatible with the Ace Apex. Garrett engineered the Multi-Flex system specifically for the Apex platform, creating a dedicated coil line that cannot be used interchangeably with previous ACE detector generations.

The 8.5" x 11" DD Raider coil provides greater detection depth than the stock coil that ships with the Ace Apex, especially on larger targets like silver dollars and deep relics. The larger coil footprint generates a stronger electromagnetic field, which translates to deeper penetration in mineralized soil and improved target ID at the edge of detection range. The Raider coil can provide additional depth on coin-sized targets compared to the stock coil. The tradeoff is slightly reduced maneuverability in tight spaces, but for open-ground hunts where depth matters, the 8.5" x 11" coil is the better choice.

The 8.5" x 11" DD Multi-Flex Raider coil is waterproof and can be fully submerged, making it suitable for saltwater beach hunting in the surf and shallow tidal pools. The DD coil configuration helps cancel mineralization from wet black sand, improving stability as you move between dry sand, wet sand, and shallow water. Adjust sensitivity to eliminate false signals from salt, and sweep slowly to let the detector process targets in the high-mineral environment. For more practical detecting tips on beach hunting, our team has compiled field-tested advice from working detectorists.

The 8.5" x 11" DD Multi-Flex Raider coil is slightly heavier than the stock coil due to its larger size and additional coil windings. The weight difference is not published in Garrett's specifications, but the Raider coil adds a few ounces to the detector's overall swing weight. Most Ace Apex users adapt to the difference within a session, and the depth and coverage gains outweigh the minor weight increase for open-ground hunts. If arm fatigue is a concern for long detecting sessions, consider adjusting your swing technique to use shorter, controlled arcs rather than full-width sweeps.

The 8.5" x 11" DD Raider coil works best in clean to moderately trashy sites where depth and coverage are priorities. The DD configuration maintains reasonable target separation, but the larger coil footprint will see more trash signals simultaneously compared to a smaller coil like the 5" x 8" Ripper. In heavily iron-contaminated sites (old homesteads, demolition fills, urban parks with dense bottle caps and nails), the smaller 5" x 8" coil will isolate individual targets more effectively. For open fields, beaches, school yards, and parks with scattered trash, the 8.5" x 11" coil's depth advantage and faster ground coverage make it the better tool.

The 8.5" x 11" DD Multi-Flex Raider coil operates at the same multi-frequency range as the stock Ace Apex coil. The coil does not change the detector's frequency operation; it changes the size of the detection field and the depth at which targets can be detected. The larger coil footprint allows for greater ground coverage and improved depth performance while maintaining the Ace Apex's target identification capabilities across different soil conditions and target types.