Garrett Vortex VX5 Metal Detector (Open Box)

An open box Garrett Vortex VX5 brings a fully submersible multi-frequency detector for parks, fields and freshwater swimming areas to beginners and intermediate detectorists at a discount, with Garrett's 3-year warranty. It runs Multi-Freq. or 13 kHz, and Garrett rates it waterproof to 16 feet (5 meters).

What is in the box with this open box Garrett Vortex VX5

Garrett's standard contents for the Vortex VX5 (Garrett part 1142860)

• Garrett Vortex VX5 control box on its straight stem, with upper and lower stem
• Arm cuff with strap
• 8.5 x 11 inch DD Raider searchcoil with coil cover installed
• Coil nut, bolt and washers
• USB-C charging cable
• Quick-Start Guide

About this open box Garrett Vortex VX5

Open Box: Metal detectors with damaged or opened packaging, offered at a reduced price. Full manufacturer’s warranty included. Questions about a specific unit? Call us.

Garrett's 3-year warranty applies to our open box Vortex VX5 the same as on a new one. Every open box and demo detector we have is in our open box collection.

About the Garrett Vortex VX5

The Garrett Vortex VX5 is the Vortex model with the simplest controls: a fully submersible multi-frequency detector built on Garrett's MD-MF (Multi-Dimensional Multi-Frequency) technology, which also analyzes the targets. It offers two frequency choices, simultaneous Multi-Freq. or a single 13 kHz, shows target ID on one 0 to 99 scale with three fixed audio tones, and has a fixed recovery speed. Garrett rates the whole detector waterproof to 16 feet (5 meters).

Garrett Vortex VX5 search modes and key settings

• Four search modes: Zero, Standard, USA Coins and Custom, plus a Pinpoint button you hold to locate a target precisely.
• Frequencies and channels: Multi-Freq. or 13 kHz, each with eight channels, independent frequency shifts that step away from electrical interference.
• Discrimination and iron: notch discrimination, high-resolution iron discrimination, Iron Audio to hear discriminated iron that is normally silenced, and Iron Volume with eight levels. Bottlecap Reject and Iron Boundary are fixed on the VX5.
• Sensitivity and ground balance: eight sensitivity levels and automatic ground balance with 175 points of resolution.
• Display: a backlit LCD with a battery condition indicator and a depth indicator that shows the depth of a coin-sized target in 2 inch (5 cm) steps.

Water and beach hunting with the Garrett Vortex VX5

Garrett engineers the Vortex for submersible operation down to 16 feet (5 meters), control box included. A button lock keeps the keys from changing settings when you dive below 6 feet (2 meters). Z-Lynk wireless audio stops at the surface: Garrett's manual says radio signals do not transmit through water, so wired headphones must be used under water, through the 1/8 inch headphone jack, and Garrett makes fully submersible Vortex dive headphones for it. Picture a family weekend at a lakeside campground: coins in the grassy areas, then the freshwater shoreline, and the waterproof VX5 moves between the two. Multi-Salt and Beach mode are VX7 and VX9 features, and a common mistake is assuming that a waterproof multi-frequency VX5 handles salt water like those models; for regular wet ocean sand and saltwater surf we recommend the Garrett Vortex VX7. See our waterproof metal detectors.

Where the Garrett Vortex VX5 works well, and where it does not

Beginners and intermediate detectorists who search parks, yards, fields, freshwater swimming areas and beaches with fairly mild conditions suit the VX5, and so does anyone who wants a general-purpose detector rather than a specialized gold machine. What we like is that Garrett gives simultaneous multi-frequency and a fully waterproof design without the most expensive Vortex, and the straightforward controls make it easier for a newer detectorist to start. Its recovery speed, Bottlecap Reject and Iron Boundary are fixed; for adjustable recovery and more detailed target information, see the Garrett Vortex VX9. Our best metal detectors for coins guide covers more choices.

Garrett Vortex VX5 battery, charging and build

The VX5 runs on an internal lithium-ion battery that Garrett rates at 15 hours typical, depending on settings. It charges through a USB-C port behind a protective cap on the back of the control box; Garrett recommends a 10 W (2 A) or greater power source for the fastest charge, and charging is faster with the detector switched off. The Vortex can also run while plugged into a 5 V USB power pack. Garrett lists the VX5 at 3 lbs (1.38 kg) with the 8.5 x 11 inch coil, adjustable from 24.75 to 56.75 inches (62.86 to 144.14 cm), and the stem collapses to the short length for travel.

Z-Lynk wireless is built in for Garrett Z-Lynk headphones on land, a built-in speaker covers detecting without headphones, and any wired headphones with a 1/8 inch plug work. Garrett lets a VX5 owner turn the detector into a VX7 or a VX9 by buying an upgrade code through the Garrett store.

Getting started with the Garrett Vortex VX5

Begin with Multi-Freq. for general detecting, in Standard or USA Coins depending on what you are after. Learn the automatic ground balance procedure, start sensitivity at a stable level rather than the maximum, and learn how lowering Iron Volume changes what you hear without rejecting every iron response.

Garrett Vortex VX5 specifications

Garrett lists a 3-year limited parts and labor warranty for the Vortex VX5.

Serious Detecting is a family-owned, authorized Garrett dealer with a showroom in Ypsilanti, Michigan, and our staff help by phone or email.

See all our Garrett metal detectors.