Many potential precious metal hunters are faced with a tough choice of whether to buy entry-level or professional metal detectors. Entry-level devices are more affordable, but of low-quality, while professional models are expensive and can be challenging to operate.
That is why Garrett’s company was established in 1964 to solve this dilemma. It is a brand that develops metal detectors that are suitable for both the new and experienced metal hunters.
The article below looks at the top Seven Garrett Metal Detector Reviews. It also gives you some valuable information to guide you when choosing the best model for your specific needs.
Top 7 Best Garrett Metal Detectors
Garrett offers a wide array of metal detectors that serve different purposes. That means you should know what every model was designed to do, and this review has outlined the brand’s seven leading devices.
1. Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
The AT Pro Metal Detector is probably the most popular model among the brand’s collection. It comes from the AT series that also includes MAX and Gold and provides professional-quality service at a low price.
The AT Pro Metal Detector is a Very Low Frequency (VLF) machine that is made to handle multiple purposes. It uses four AA batteries to operate, but you can always add a rechargeable cell if you want to save money in the future.
The model has a padded armrest that adds comfort when operating it. One thing you should note is the “AT” stands for “All Terrain” – you can use it at the beach, local park, desert, or any other place.
You can also consider it the best Garrett metal detector due to its rugged nature due to the durable exterior. It is easy to operate this metal detector, and you do not need to incur money when maintaining it.
The AT Pro Metal Detector is recommended for hunting jewelry, relics, and coins, but can also find gold because it uses 15kHz frequency and has the ground balance feature. It provides an 8.5-inch by 11-inch DD PROformance coil that is submersible.
At only 3.03 pounds, the system is lightweight enough to allow you to carry it for hours without getting tired. The machine is waterproof, and you can submerge it up to 10-foot, even in seawater.
Key Specifications
- Product measurements: 22 x 11 x 5 inches
- Product weight: 3.03 pounds
- Iron discrimination: Yes (40 segments)
- Notch discrimination: Yes (12 segments)
- Waterproof design: Yes
- Usage terrains: Salt and freshwater
- For hunting: jewelry, relics, coins, and gold
- Digital target ID: 0-99
Pros
- A waterproof design
- A lightweight product
- Easy to use and maintain
- An affordable metal detector
Cons
- Not ideal for diving
- Headphones are not waterproof
2. Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector
Garrett ACE 400 is the latest model in this series, and it provides more features compared to the ACE 350 model. It is still an entry-level product that uses VLF technology and a suitable frequency of 10kHz.
The product is more sensitive to tinny objects and those with medium-conductivity. That frequency is also perfect for balancing depth and make it ideal for hunting relics and coins.
One thing to note is the product weighs about 2.9 pounds, which is lightweight to ensure you use it for hours. You can also adjust its stem from 40-inch to 53-inch to meet different users.
The brand has stuck with the visible yellow color of its metal detectors. It requires up to four AA batteries to operate, and they can last for up to 25 hours.
One feature that is not present in former models is the battery-level indicator that helps you to know when it is time to replace the batteries. You can separate the metal detector into three parts, which are cam locks, separation joins, and search coil.
You can adjust its frequency if other frequencies are interfering with your search. The product boasts three-tone audios, which are Beltone, low-pitched signal, and pulse-width modulation.
It also has an iron audio system that helps you to keep out trash like nails. The system also comes with a visual ID function that can help you figure out whether you have detected copper, gold, iron, or other metals.
Key Specifications
- Product measurements: 22 x 15 x 6 inches
- Product weight: 5.48 pounds
- Iron discrimination: Yes
- Notch discrimination: Yes (3 segments)
- Waterproof design: No (only coil)
- Usage terrains: dry land
- For hunting: jewelry, relics, coins, silver, and more
- Digital target ID: 0-99
Pros
- A durable product
- Can detect multiple metals
- Quite affordable
- Waterproof search coil
Cons
- It takes more time to learn
- No ground balance adjustment
3. Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector
ACE 300 might be the perfect machine for users who need a New Garrett Metal Detector. The system replaced the ACE 250 model and offers better more features and better services.
It is an affordable product that uses VLF technology to detect precious metals on dry land. Although it does not offer ground balance feature, it is the perfect machine for people who want to hunt for different targets.
One notable feature is the simple control box that provides clearly labeled buttons to allow you to use it with ease. These buttons include sensitivity, discrimination, and mode and offers +/- operation.
There is also a digital target ID that ensures you know your target accurately and quickly without digging. The target ID varies from 0-99 to suit metal conductivities.
Another feature is the 8kHz operating frequency, which you can adjust to ensure you go metal hunting with your friend. The system offers up to five pre-set search settings that make it possible to look for your object.
These settings are custom, relics, coins, jewelry, and no-discrimination. A notable feature is the iron discrimination that allows you to stay away from junks such as nails.
Three tones add to metal detection accuracy, and they are the high, medium, and low pitches. It also has ground balancing that comes pre-set.
The control box is made of water-resistance material, meaning you should not submerge the whole system in water. However, you can count on the coil as it is 100% waterproof to a few inches.
Read more information about this model Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector
Key Specifications
- Product measurements: 22 x 11 x 6 inches
- Product weight: 5.13 pounds
- Iron discrimination: Yes
- Notch discrimination: Yes (3 segments)
- Waterproof design: No (only coil)
- Usage terrains: Dryland
- For hunting: jewelry, relics, coins, silver, and gold
- Digital target ID: 0-99
Pros
- Offers iron discrimination
- Provide accurate metal detection
- For beginners and professionals
- Durable construction
Cons
- Pre-set ground balance
- Control box not waterproof
4. Garrett ATX Metal Detector
The ATX matches most of the expensive models when it comes to features and design. It uses the Pulse Induction (PI) technology with variable frequencies of between 18-19kHz and 730 pulses per second.
That means you can enjoy better depth detection and is not affected by ground mineralization. It is the perfect model is you wish to hunt gold since it gets rid of iron signals commonly found in gold veins.
The product is also recommended for hunting smaller targets with low conductivity like gold nuggets. Another notable feature is the push-button, which acts as an automatic frequency scanner.
You can use this feature to adjust the frequency and detect metals faster compared to using other machines. The other suitable feature is the ground balancing – not that most PI detectors do not come with this feature.
You can use the metal detector in most places, including saltwater. The product also provides superb features that allow you to detect metal resting deeper in the ground compared to using a VLF model.
You can use it to detect coins up to 18-inch deep and more significant objects about 24-inch. The model also works effectively with the 15-inch by 20-inch DeepSeeker search coil for finding larger objects.
It is submersible up to 10-foot since the control box can handle underwater use. The product even comes with a waterproof speaker.
Read more information about this model Garrett ATX Metal Detector
Key Specifications
- Product measurements: 23.2 x 17.4 x 5.9 inches
- Product weight: 14.6 pounds
- Iron discrimination: Yes
- Notch discrimination: Yes
- Waterproof design: Yes
- Usage terrains: underwater (salt and fresh)
- For hunting: jewelry, relics, coins, silver, and more
Pros
- Uses PI technology
- Offers ground balance feature
- For use in most terrains
- Waterproof design
- Can hunt for different materials
Cons
- Expensive to buy
- Quite heavy
5. Garrett ACE 250 Metal Detector
The ACE 250 is among the best Garrett Metal Detectors for beginners thanks to its many features and lightweight nature. It is a product that provides the features of the entry-level and professional ACE series, making it more advanced than the 150 but cheaper than the 350.
As an entry-level product, ACE 250 uses VLF technology to detect jewelry, coins, and relic. The machine is easy to use, and you can count on getting all the features of an advanced device.
The product weighs just 4.84 pounds, making it one of the lightest metal detectors by Garrett that you can use for hours. Another feature is the 3-piece design that makes it easy to handle, and the elbow rest that adds comfort.
You can easily reach all its controls, and the panel feels simple to let you use it without a hassle. The machine has an adjustable stem that you can vary from 42-inch to 51-inch to meet different users’ needs.
It uses four AA batteries, which can provide power for about 20-25 hours. You can opt to replace them with a rechargeable battery and save money in the future.
The system features five pre-set search modes for all-metal, jewelry, coins, relics, and custom. It also lets you use a pinpointer to enjoy a more accurate item location.
Another great feature is the PROformance search coil, which is submersible in the water. The control box is water-resistance, and you should avoid using this metal detector in water as it can get damaged.
It operates at a 6.5kHz frequency.
Read more information about this model Garrett ACE 250 Metal detector
Key Specifications
- Product measurements: 21.5 x 10.5 x 5 inches
- Product weight: 4.84 pounds
- Discrimination patterns: Yes (5 segments)
- Notch discrimination: Yes (12 segments)
- Waterproof design: No (only the coil)
- Usage terrains: dry land
- For hunting: jewelry, relics, silver, gold, and coins
- Digital target ID: 0-99
Pros
- Can help to detect gold
- Provides hours of operation
- Simple design
- A lightweight design
Cons
- The design looks cheap
- No volume controls
6. Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector
Most Garrett Metal Detectors Reviews can tell you that ACE 200 is an entry-level product that provides more features than the ACE 150. It is still an affordable product that is easy to use and is recommended for all beginners and mature kids.
You can bet on the reliability of this metal detector when hunting for the precious metals. It uses the entry-level VLF technology that lets you search for multiple targets like coins and others.
One notable feature is the easy-to-use control box that offers clearly labeled buttons that make it easy to use. You also get three buttons here, just like the ACE 150, which are power, sensitivity, and mode.
It also comes with Garrett’s numeric target ID that helps you to know the metal you have discovered. The scale ranges from 0-99, with vertical and horizontal flashing.
When it comes to frequency, the metal detector comes with a fixed 6.5kHz rate that lets you find jewelry and coins. The model is limited when it comes to modes, but they are the most efficient ones.
That means you get zero discs that search for multiple metals, including jewelry, coins, and others. Another notable feature is the waterproof coil that can allow you to submerge it in shallow water.
The control box is not waterproof, and you should avoid using the machine under a massive storm. It is easy to identify the metal you find on the ground, thanks to the three tones of the ACE 200.
You can get used to the pulse width modulation, low conductivity, and high tone faster. The ground balance comes pre-set, meaning you cannot vary it to suit highly mineralized areas.
Key Specifications
- Product measurements: 22 x 11 x 6 inches
- Product weight: 4.2 pounds
- Iron discrimination: Yes
- Notch discrimination: Yes (3 segments)
- Waterproof design: No (only coil)
- Usage terrains: dry land
- For hunting: jewelry, relics, coins, silver, and more
- Digital target ID: 0-99
Pros
- An upgrade of ACE 150
- Provides up to three tones
- Easy to use
- Waterproof coil
Cons
- Design not waterproof
- Not quite different from ACE 150
7. Garrett ACE 150 Metal Detector
ACE 150 is among the most popular Garrett Metal Detectors for beginners and is a budget-friendly product. It is a straightforward machine that is lightweight enough to allow you to carry it for hours without feeling fatigued.
You can quickly assemble it as it comes in just several parts, which are the coil, coil wire, little wingnut, pole, and brains of the detector. It can take about 120 seconds to put it together and start detecting precious metals.
The setting of this machine is easy to understand, and it comes with a user manual to help you when operating. Here you get three buttons for the power switch, sensitivity, and mode.
The mode lets you choose among three variables, which are jewelry, coins, and all metal. Another excellent feature is the LCD that makes it possible to vide the target depth and sensitivity bar.
It is comfortable to hold the detector, and it comes with padding on the grip and armrest. It is a system you can use all day without feeling tired or straining your arms, and it ideal for elders, children, and beginners.
The metal detector uses four AA batteries that can provide power for about 25-30 hours. Another thing is the different tones that make it clear and easy to understand after using it for a short time.
It can help you find jewelry, coins, and other types of metals. The model operates using 7.2kHz frequency and comes with a 24 months warranty.
Read more information about this model Garrett ACE 150 Metal Detector
Key Specifications
- Product measurements: 22 x 11 x 5 inches
- Product weight: 4.11 pounds
- Iron discrimination: Yes
- Notch discrimination: Yes
- Waterproof design: No (only coil)
- Usage terrains: Dryland
- For hunting: jewelry, relics, coins, silver, and gold
Pros
- Great battery life
- Interchangeable coil
- Clear tone speaker
- Perfect for beginners, children, and elders
Cons
- Only for beginners
- Not quite durable
Things to Consider When Buying Garrett Metal Detectors
There are a lot of Garrett Metal Detectors for Sale on the market today, and they are all high-quality. However, you should not just buy any Garrett’s machine you can across. Answer the following question to ensure that you choose the best Garrett metal detector for your need.
Your Hunting Target
Some of the Garrett metal detectors we have looked above are all-purpose products that can find coins, relics, rings, jewelry, and gold. They are easy to use for seniors, retirees, and beginners.
With that said, you need to define your purpose before you pick one. Some people want to have fun by finding jewelry and coin; others want to get real treasures like gold.
Know your interest before choosing the all-purpose metal detector or even choosing one that can find coins and not gold or vice versa.
Place You Wish to Look for Metals
Know where you intend to search for precious metals most of the time. For instance, you can decide to go hunting at the nearby playgrounds, parks, schoolyards, and other dry places.
You should consider choosing an all-purpose machine for finding treasures on dry grounds. An-all-purpose product might also be ideal for people who live near the sea and lakes.
With that said, consider choosing a waterproof metal detector if you intend to hunt underwater. You can find gold coins at the bottom of the sea than at the shore.
How Often You Use the Detector
Do you wish to use your Garrett metal detector every day or during the weekend? You can buy an entry-level product if you do not use your system regularly because it will not experience heavy use.
Alternatively, consider choosing a rugged metal detector that you can often use if you are a professional user. It is also advisable to get a quality model if it is shared among your family members.
Your Level of Experience
It is easy when it comes to experience because you can be a beginner or an experienced metal hunter. Entry-level products with VLF technology are recommended for first-time users, while the PI systems are ideal for experts.
You should consider the features on offer when deciding which metal detector can service your level of expertise.
Your budget
Metal detecting is an activity that can pay for itself in the long run. It is, therefore, advisable to choose a machine that can last for years and one that can continue detecting precious metals for you.
Garrett Metal Detector Coil Size
Garrett Metal Detector Dealers can tell you that these products come in multiple shapes and sizes. The ideal size or shape depends on the location you wish to go hunting for precious treasures.
Generally, Garrett offers an elliptical or circular shaped search coil. A circular loop can easily detect metals rooted deep in the ground and is perfect for non-mineralized soil. An elliptical search coil is narrow and easy to maneuver in terrains with rocks.
The search coils vary in diameter from inches to feet. Any loop of 6-inch or less is considered a small, 6-11-inch are medium, and 11-inch or more are large search coils.
1. Small Search Coils
The magnetic field of small search coils is concentrated within a limited volume, and that makes them the best unit for looking treasures in places with lots of junks. They enable you to move via and around the trash to locate the target, especially in tight spaces.
Another great thing about small coils is they come in handy when detecting small objects. Sadly, they provide minimal coverage per sweep – you need to scan the area for a longer time.
2. Medium Search Coils
They are general-purpose search coils that can detect coin-sized metals. These systems are found in most metal detectors as they offer the ideal combination of magnetic field concentration and depth detection.
They can easily detect a wide variety of metals within a reasonable area and do not add weight to your metal detector. You can maneuver them with ease.
3. Large Search Coils
These products generate more in-depth and broader magnetic fields compared to the small and medium search coils. That means they provide better coverage and can detect metals deep in the surface.
You can scan the area with just a few sweeps using the large coils compared to the smaller ones. That can be a problem if you are looking for targets in places with lots of junks.
History of Garrett Company
Garrett’s company was established in 1964 by Eleanor and Charles Garrett. It began to produce the dual search coil metal detector that now retails at around $145.
The company gained popularity in 1967 and started to compete with over 30 companies that had a long history of producing metal detectors. That is when Garrett decided to add a competitive advantage in its product by providing better-searching capabilities.
By 1968, Garrett continued to improve the metal detectors by conducting field tests with his family. He developed the first distributor store in the same year and set up a dealership across the United States.
Garrett also became the first brand to get rid of the oscillator drift in 1968. He developed a patented, revolution, independently-working search coils that enhanced the hunting process.
The brand also started to use special coaxial search coil winding that helped to eliminate the drift. That technology was later known as Zero Drift Revolution and changed the world industry forever.
The company continued to develop over the years and developed the Garrett’s best-selling ACE series in 2016. These products feature improved features like the Digital Target ID and others – they include ACE 200, ACE, 300, and ACE 400.
Today the brand provides walkthrough metal detectors used in stadium and other places.
Garrett Metal Detector FAQ
Let us turn our attention to Garrett Metal Detectors FAQ:
Q: What Does True Size Mean?
A: True size and real depth are obtained in the same way when using the Garrett metal detectors. That means you enjoy an additional angle of target ID when you use multiple receivers with the GTI technology.
It is how these receivers interact that helps to provide the exact measurement of size and depth. You can enjoy more accurate information if you choose Garrett’s metal detector with GTI technology.
Q: Can Depth be Compromised If I Search Using Discrimination?
A: You can compromise the depth if you hunt using the discrimination feature. That is why most professional hunters use the all-metal mode when looking for treasures using the Garrett metal detectors.
You should also consider using large coils to enjoy the maximum depth.
Q: At What Depth Can My Garrett Metal Detector Find the Target?
A: You cannot predict with certainty the depth of the treasure, no matter the metal detector you use. That is because multiple factors can affect your detector results.
For instance, the mineralization in the soil, the metal you wish to detect, and the quality of the metal detector you use. The surface area and size of the machine can also affect the performance.
In general, Garrett metal detectors with 8-inch or 9-inch can detect as follows:
- Small jewelry at about 3-6 inches
- Large jewelry at about 6-12 inches
- Small coins at about 4-6 inches
- Large coins at 6-12 inches
- Mason jar lid at 9-16 inches
- Coffer can stay at 1-2 feet
- Helmet, cannonballs at 2-3 feet
You can achieve more depth by using a search coil with a larger diameter.
Q: Which Batteries Do Garrett Metal Detectors Use?
A: These systems use AA batteries that can last for about 20 hours, on average. The alkaline batteries are disposable and can be expensive to operate the machine in the long run.
Due to that, you should consider getting a rechargeable battery made of nickel and cadmium. Such a battery can provide power for up to 12 hours and is quite affordable.
We would advise you to carry spare batteries when going out for a hunt because they can quickly lose power because of extreme temperatures.
Q: How Far Should a Garrett Search Coil be off the Surface When Hunting?
A: The search coil should be a few inches off the surface when you are looking for treasures – about freshly cut grass height. You should scan the surface at a rate of 2-3 feet per second.
Q: Should I Carry More than One Search Coil When Going Hunting?
A: The search coil is a significant part of the metal detector, and you should always carry a spare. You should take coils of different shapes and sizes.
Q: Where to Buy Garrett Metal Detectors?
A: You can find Garrett metal detectors form licensed dealers around the world.
Final Verdict
Our Garrett Metal Detector Reviews can help you to choose a model that can meet your needs. They are hundreds of products you can choose from, ranging from entry-level to professional metal detectors. You can find a machine that can meet your needs.