Garrett Metal Detector Reviews

There are 3 types of metal detectors to choose from, including VLF, pulse induction, and multi-frequency. The majority of Garrett metal detectors use VLF (very low frequency) technology, but it’s still possible to find PI and MF detectors made by Garrett.  When comparing all 3 types, VLF is the most popular for a few reasons.

The first is its lower price point, but even with the most economical cost, VLF machines are known to be very accurate. It works by using 2 search coils, one for sending the electromagnetic signal and one for receiving it back. Pulse induction works a bit differently by sending small pulses into the ground. It’s great for finding small objects, but not so great for differentiating between metal types.

Multi-frequency detectors operate on multiple frequency levels, which is great for finding both small and large objects and a wide range of metal types. Garrett carries all 3 types of metal detectors, but most customers find that the most convenient (and the most budget-friendly) are the VLF models.

Basic metal detectors aren't designed to find metal that is buried deep in the Earth. Even a high-quality model has limits when it comes to detection depth. The exact depth a metal detector can go depends on the size of the target object, the metal detector type, and the soil composition. Most Garrett models can find small objects up to 10" deep and larger ones up to a few feet.

Setting different search modes can come in handy, especially if you plan on detecting in different locations, or you're looking for specific items. You'll find several search modes on the majority of Garrett products, including Jewelry, Coins, Relics, and Custom mode. The Custom mode is especially helpful if you’re on the hunt for something specific, like valuable gold nuggets.

AT Pro is a well-known name among both beginner and advanced detectorists. This Garrett AT gold metal detector is one of the most-loved detectors on the market, and it's undoubtedly the most-loved Garrett product available. It has a DD search coil design that is great for penetrating targets that are buried deep in the ground. It's suitable for all terrains, and can even be submerged in water up to 10 feet deep.  Any Garrett AT gold metal detector review will tell you the same thing; this device offers excellent audio features.

Looking for the best value? Then you’ll want to go with the Garrett Ace 300 metal detector, a device that comes with all the bells and whistles while also remaining within budget. Unlike the AT Pro, the Ace 300 comes with a concentric-style search coil rather than the DD design. This means that both coils are in a circular position with one placed inside the other. The advantage of this design is better pinpointing, so you should have no trouble accurately locating your targets with the Ace 300.

Another significant difference from the AT Pro is the Ace 300's frequency adjustability. It doesn't operate on just a single frequency but on several. This is really handy for minimizing interference caused by other metal detectors, even eliminating it altogether. If you're a part of a metal detecting club, you'll want to find a device that has this feature, and the Ace 300 is a perfect choice.

Any Garrett treasure Ace 300 metal detector review will tell you that the coolest feature of this detector is the Graphic Target Analyzing, which "simultaneously shows a treasure target's conductivity and the detector's discrimination pattern." This gives you a more accurate idea of what the target might be before you spend time digging it up.

If you take a look at the Ace 300 gallery, you’ll get an idea of all the cool treasure items you could potentially find with this detector. Coins, jewelry, relics, gold… it’s all a possibility. The only downside is the fixed ground balance function, so it doesn’t come with the AT Pro Fast Track automatic ground balancing feature. This isn’t a big deal for beginners, but it might make a difference for more advanced detectorists who plan on hunting in highly mineralized ground cover.

For beginner detectorists looking for an entry-level model that won't break the bank, consider the Garrett Ace 250 metal detector. Like the last one, this is part of Garrett's Ace series of metal detectors but has some minor differences to the 300 model. This has been called the best entry-level option time and time again, and one reason for this is the 250's lightweight design.

It weighs just 2.7 pounds and comes with a well-placed elbow rest to keep users comfortable. The controls are perfectly placed and easy to reach, so even smaller individuals shouldn’t have any trouble staying comfy. Another feature that makes this the best beginner-friendly Garrett is the control panel. The buttons are all clearly labeled, and the LCD screen is easy to see, so it shouldn't take too long to figure out all the key features. 

Speaking of key features, the Ace 250 comes with a Graphic Target ID cursor. This Targe ID feature is way less complicated than the more advanced Garrett detectors - instead of numerical values ranging from 0-99, it comes with 12 segments that help to tell you the target’s metal type (gold, iron, silver, etc.). The 0-99 style is great for detectorists who know what they're doing, but it can be difficult for newbies to get the hang of. This is why beginners love the simplified Target ID on the Ace 250. 

This detector features 5 search modes, including Coins, Jewelry, Relics, All-Metal, and Custom. It comes with a pinpointer function to more accurately locate the target, plus it comes with a waterproof search coil. The main negative feedback for the 250 is the lack of volume control and no manual ground balancing. All in all, this is a great choice for beginners, but it’s a bit basic if you’re looking for more advanced features.

Most Garrett detectors come with some sort of waterproof detection, especially surrounding the search coil. But none of these quite stand up to the waterproof performance of the AT Max. The Garrett AT Max metal detector is as rugged as they come. It's very similar to the company's top-rated AT Pro, but it's more suitable for detectorists who plan on spending a lot of time in or near shallow water.

The AT Max is all about durability. It comes with a waterproof, shock resistant LED-backlit screen which allows users to treasure hunt in low-light conditions. This all-terrain device is suitable for most conditions, including dusty deserts, dewy meadows, and shallow waters. It is entirely compatible with salt water, so you can go from freshwater to saltwater environments without a hitch.

The Sea Hunter uses pulse induction technology, which is the much better choice for beach and underwater hunting; PI detectors can handle high levels of salt. You're probably wondering how it's possible to hear alert signals when underwater, but Garrett has got you covered. Included with the Sea Hunter detector is a pair of waterproof headphones, so you’ll be able to hear alert for different targets even while underwater.

Since this is an underwater device, it doesn't come with an LCD screen. The control panel consists of knobs for adjusting the threshold, elimination/discrimination, and more. Some people don't love the fact that this doesn't come with an LCD readout, but this is the price you pay for metal detecting up to 200 feet.

The Garrett Ace 400 metal detector is the top performer in the Ace series. It's a step up from the Ace 300 thanks to its advanced features that make it more powerful than the previous model. According to Garrett 400 metal detector reviews, this is the better choice for finding small objects like coins, gold nuggets, and jewelry items. The main reason for such high marks from Ace 400 users is the detector's advanced features come with an affordable price that you wouldn't expect.

So what makes the Ace 400 more advanced than the 300 models? The first thing has to do with the search coil. The 300's search coil is smaller than the 400's, which means the 400 models can penetrate deeper into the ground, and do so more accurately with fewer false signals. The other difference is that the 300 doesn't offer iron audio, while the 400 does. The lack of iron audio can make it difficult to differentiate between iron junk and valuable treasure.

We’re not saying that the 300 isn’t a solid choice, only that the 400 is a better option if you’re looking for more advanced features.  Metal detecting with the Ace 400 isn’t just for the pros, though. Garrett has made it easy to operate this high-end machine by including essential features like electronic pinpointing, digital target ID, and adjustable frequency to minimize interference from other detectors.

Ground balance is the one area that Ace 400 is lacking. If you plan on treasure hunting in an area with highly mineralized soil composition, you might want to go with a different Garrett model. It's also important to realize that the Garrett Ace metal detectors aren't submersible, and this also applies to the Ace 300.

The Garrett Ace 200 metal detector is all about simplicity, but that doesn't mean it lacks in performance in any way. It features a one-touch operation, which is the main reason that so many first-time detectorists opt for the 200 - not to mention the affordable price tag. This detector is similar in every aspect to the 300 and 400 models, especially in the way it looks. When comparing the machines side-by-side, you might struggle to tell the difference.

But there are a few slight differences in their performance. Using the 200 is considered the most “basic” of the Ace series; it has the lowest frequency (6.5kHz), the fewest search modes (3), and the fewest sensitivity levels (4). You might automatically assume that these downgrades make the 200 an inferior detector, but it’s actually just the opposite. The more basic features and lightweight design is what makes this the ultimate choice for new detectorists, especially those on a budget.

No Garrett metal detector compares to the GTI 2500. Unfortunately, this top of the range model doesn't fit within every detectorist's budget, but if you're willing to throw down some cash, keep reading. The GTI 2500 is the priciest device on our list, but there’s a reason for that - many reasons, actually. The main reason is that the device’s Graphic Target Imaging, which is where the acronym GTI comes from. The GTI feature means that you’ll be spending less time digging up trash, and more time focusing on potential buried treasure.