Garrett ACE Apex Metal Detector — Multi-Frequency Detecting for Every Hunt

What Is the Garrett ACE Apex Metal Detector?

The Garrett ACE Apex sits at the top of Garrett's ACE Series and is the only ACE model that runs multi-frequency detection. Where the ACE 200, 250, 300, and 400 run single fixed frequencies (6.5 kHz, 6.5 kHz, 8 kHz, and 10 kHz respectively), the Apex introduces Multi-Flex Multi-Frequency technology. Four selectable single frequencies plus a simultaneous Multi-Frequency mode and a saltwater-tuned Multi-Salt mode give you a single detector that handles parks, mineralized inland ground, iron-trashy permissions, wet sand, and small-gold work without swapping rigs. Garrett manufactures the Apex in Garland, Texas.

Multi-Flex Multi-Frequency Technology Explained

Multi-Flex gives you six operating modes: four single frequencies and two multi-frequency settings.

• 5 kHz single frequency: Lower frequency is generally stronger on larger high-conductive targets, including large silver coins and larger relics, with steady response in mineralized ground.
• 10 kHz single frequency: A balanced general-purpose setting for parks and fields.
• 15 kHz single frequency: Sharpens response on coin-sized targets and improves separation in light iron.
• 20 kHz single frequency: Higher frequency is generally stronger on smaller and lower-conductive targets, including hammered silver coins, gold nuggets, and fine jewelry.
• Multi-Frequency: Simultaneous multi-frequency for all-target detection across most soil types. The default for hunters who want one mode that handles varied ground.
• Multi-Salt: Simultaneous multi-frequency tuned for saltwater beach conditions, holding stable threshold in wet salt sand where a fixed single frequency would chatter and drift.

Switching between modes is a direct-drive button on the control face. The Apex is the only ACE-series detector with multi-frequency capability and the only ACE with the Multi-Flex Viper coil. The Multi-Flex coil is a low-impedance, broad-bandwidth design built specifically to support Multi-Flex frequencies; the Apex Viper coil is not compatible with older ACE detectors, and prior ACE coils are not compatible with the Apex.

Garrett ACE Apex Key Specs

• Technology: Multi-Flex Multi-Frequency
• Frequency Options: Six total (5 kHz, 10 kHz, 15 kHz, 20 kHz single frequencies, plus Multi-Frequency and Multi-Salt simultaneous multi modes)
• Detection Modes: Six (Zero, Coins, US Coins with coin icons, Jewelry, Relics, Custom) plus Pinpoint
• Tones: 5-tone audible target ID (Hybrid Audio System with binary plus proportional response on faint targets)
• Iron Audio: Yes
• Iron Volume: 8 adjustable levels
• Discrimination: 20 pixels of Notch Discrimination including 8 pixels of iron (hi-resolution)
• Ground Balance: 175 points hi-resolution auto ground balance, range from ferrous ground to saltwater
• Sensitivity: 8 settings
• Search Coil: 6" x 11" DD Multi-Flex Viper (fully waterproof)
• Wireless Audio: Built-in Z-Lynk (up to 6x faster than Bluetooth, compatible with Garrett Z-Lynk headphones)
• Wired Headphone Jack: 1/8 inch jack
• Display: Backlit LCD with large target ID numbers, volume control for speaker and headphones
• Battery: Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion, approximately 15 hours per charge, Micro-USB charging cable included
• Submersion Rating: Viper coil is fully waterproof. Control box is weather-resistant for rain and light splash; not submersible.
• Warranty: 3 Years, Limited
• Country of Origin: Made in USA (Garland, Texas)

ACE Apex vs. the Rest of the Garrett ACE Series

The ACE 200, 250, 300, and 400 are single-frequency VLF machines. The Apex breaks from that pattern with the multi-frequency Multi-Flex platform, the built-in Z-Lynk wireless audio, the hi-resolution 175-point ground balance, and the Multi-Flex Viper coil that the older ACE coils cannot replace. Note that Apex coils are not compatible with older ACE detectors and vice versa. If a single soil type and a tight budget are the priority, the ACE 300 or ACE 400 still serve. If hunting varied ground including beaches, mineralized sites, and trashy parks is the use case, the Apex is the step that earns the price difference.

Who Should Buy the ACE Apex Metal Detector?

The ACE Apex fits coin shooters stepping up from a single-frequency ACE who want frequency flexibility without a flagship-class learning curve. Beach hunters get the Multi-Salt mode for saltwater work with the same control layout the rest of the ACE family uses. Relic hunters working iron-trashy permissions use 15 or 20 kHz single-frequency for tight target separation, then switch to Multi-Frequency on open fields with mixed mineralization. Hunters who own an ACE 300 or 400 and find themselves skipping site types because a single fixed frequency cannot keep up will recognize the Apex as the direct upgrade path. The Apex is not the call for full submersion underwater work or extreme-depth gold prospecting; the AT Series and the Axiom Pulse Induction line handle those use cases.

Tips from the Field: Getting the Most Out of Your ACE Apex

Start every session in Multi-Frequency mode and let the Apex auto ground balance settle. The 175-point ground balance resolution covers the full ferrous-to-saltwater range automatically, but soil moisture and mineralization change daily; a fresh balance keeps target ID stable. In trashy parks, drop to 15 or 20 kHz single-frequency and slow the sweep speed; the 5-tone hybrid audio gives you proportional response on faint targets that a binary tone system would mute. On wet salt sand, switch to Multi-Salt mode for the cleanest threshold; if you hear false signals near the surf line, drop sensitivity one or two notches before changing modes. For deep coin and large-relic work in open fields, 5 kHz single-frequency pushes deeper on high-conductive targets. Use Iron Volume to back off iron audio when you want to hear non-ferrous targets clearly without losing iron detection entirely. The Z-Lynk wireless link is built in; pair with the Garrett MS-3 (over-ear) or compatible Z-Lynk headphones for cord-free audio.

Why Buy the Garrett ACE Apex Metal Detector from Serious Detecting?

• Free Shipping on Orders Over $99: Your ACE Apex ships at no extra cost across the continental US.
• Authorized US Garrett Dealer: Full 3-year Limited Parts/Labor manufacturer warranty.
• Made in USA: The ACE Apex is manufactured in Garland, Texas, the same facility Garrett has operated from since 1964.
• Detectorists on Staff: Call or email for setup advice, mode and frequency selection for the ground you hunt, package recommendations, and accessory guidance from people who run the gear.