Garrett ACE 200, ACE 300 and ACE 400 Review

8.6/10
Very Good
Metal Detector
  • Country USA
  • Released 2017
  • Warranty 2 years
  • Additional
    coils
  • Headphones included

Best for

  • Coins
  • Relics
  • Beginners

Instead of the old Garrett ACE 150, 250 and 350 metal detectors, a new series has been released: meet ACE 200, 300 and 400. The old series of metal detectors has been on the market for 10 years, and it was so popular (Garrett ACE 250 is one of the most demanded metal detectors on Amazon.com) that Garrett decided to update it. All new metal detectors have new features, but the main update is a VDI target discriminations (compared to older metal detectors which lacked those).

Garrett ACE 200 and Garrett ACE 300 are some of the best models for newbie treasure hunters. Garrett ACE 400 is the best model of the series, but it will be more handy for experienced hunters. All three variants, though, are good for search of ancient relicts, coins, and jewelry.

The only common disadvantage of the series is no option for underwater search, as the shaft can be submerged only to the level of control box. However, for underwater search Garrett offers two other top tools – Garrett AT Max and Garrett AT Pro.

Rating Explanations
All Purpose
8
Key Features
9
Easy to Use
9
Durability
9
Price
8
8.6/10
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Reviewed by
Michael Moore
Pros
  • easy to use, totally beginner-friendly
  • has tons of positive feedback from customers all over the world, mostly because it is simple and comprehensive
  • can be considered all-purpose
  • there are several additional compatible coils increasing the versatility
Cons
  • Low recovery speed; if the detector spots more than one item underground at the same time, it will have hard time telling good target from a bad one and giving proper signal
  • only one operating frequency (but it is okay for newbies)
  • software cannot be updated online
  • only the search coil is waterproof, making the metal detectors basically unprotected from rain or accidental splash during the shallow water search
  • Technology: VLF
  • Number of frequencies: 1
  • Frequencies: 10 kHz
  • Search Coil: 8.5"x11"
  • Search Coil Type: DD
  • Waterproof: Coil only
  • Updatable Software: No
  • VDI (Target ID): Yes
  • Search Modes: 5
  • Search Mode Types: All Metal, Coins, Jewelry, Relics, Custom
  • Ground Balance: Fixed
  • Pinpoint Mode: Yes
  • Audio Tones: 3
  • Batteries: 4 AA batteries required
  • Length (min-max): 42"-51"
  • Weight:2.75 lb
  • Warranty: 2 years

Garrett Ace 400 Key features

VLF Technology

Features an electromagnetic field that applies a constant sinusoidal wave to the location.

DD Coil

Will bring finds to beginner detectorists even on mineralized and complicated trashy grounds.

Pinpoint

Points to exact location and sizing of the target underground, to prevent it from being damaged, or lost.

Waterproof Coil

This level of waterproofness is enough for beginner detectorists and allows wet sand and shallow water treasure hunting.

Notch Discrimination

This is a useful feature that enables the user to activate search for certain types of metal, and deactivate other types.

The Shaft

The design of the metal detectors remains the same – the S-shaped shaft, consisting of three sections. The upper section is attached to a comfortable armrest, repeating the shape of the arm. In addition, the armrest has special openings where you can insert the fixing strap. The strap is included in the kit, so no need to purchase it separately. Also, the control unit is located on the shaft. Unfortunately, though, it is impossible to dismantle it, as the design does not suggest this option. But technically it is not necessary, since the folded ACE does not take much place and can easily fit into any travel bag. On the bend, there is a polyurethane handle of a very ergonomic configuration. It will be comfortable both for professional detectorists, and also for beginners not used yet to long hours of search. The middle shaft part is used for fitting the metal detector to the height of the operator. To adjust the height, it has ten openings that allow to smoothly change the length of the detector. Carbon fiber bottom shaft part provides reliable operation for several years. The upper shaft part is aluminum and is painted matt black by powder paint. All the shaft parts are connected with spring buttons, which facilitate the assembly or disassembly of the device. Each detail of the metal detector provides structural strength and prevents from unpleasant surprises.

Garrett ACE 300 and ACE 400 Coils

Garrett ACE metal detectors have two types of the coils:

The coils are oval shaped, which ensures accurate search on different soils with different degree of surface contamination. Thanks to this, you can easily search even in places with a huge accumulation of iron debris. The coils are completely sealed, and therefore provide the opportunity to work on the beaches. But it is worth noting that the control unit is not sealed, and it cannot be immersed underwater. If the water gets there, the level of performance will drop instantly.

The cable connecting the coil with control box has elastic and durable braiding, which should not be exposed to high temperatures and mechanical wear. The plug is equipped with a tap with a fixing thread that protects it from unwanted pulling out due to clinging to bushes and tree branches.

Control Box

All new Garrett ACE 200, 300 and 400 metal detectors have a new feature – VDI target discrimination.

Search Modes

All three models in this series have similar search modes, with minor differences between the models. Of course, the features in every model make each search mode more efficient, or make the metal detector more flexible in performance. So, check out the search modes, but don’t forget to pay attention to other technical specifications, because the search modes are not the most important thing.

Garrett Ace 200 Search Modes

All Metal 

Enables the user to spot every item of metal, and makes it possible to locate the target more clearly if the signal is not really comprehensive.

Jewelry 

Created for modern jewelry, mostly, and allows to spot valuable objects made of the corresponding materials, while filtering out trash. However, this mode won’t be useful for relics.

Coins

Coins mode is focused on coins (mostly US) and shows high efficiency in search of these items. But it will not be very helpful if you scan over a piece of jewelry.

Garrett Ace 300 & Ace 400 Search Modes

All Metal (Zero)

Together with Notch Discrimination, this mode can be extremely helpful when the signal from the target is unclear, or, vice versa, when a specific target is searched for.

Jewelry

Modern types of jewelry are easy to find in this search mode, but it is only effective for specific objects.

Relics

Old relics, jewelry, and generally items made of low conductivity metals, will react well to this search modes.

Coins

This standard mode is basically made with coins hunters’ needs in mind. It works very well with coins, especially US coins.

Custom

This is a free space for unique settings combination programmed by the user themselves. Such saved settings are handy when the user often faces the same location or same type of targets, but the present modes are not fully suitable for them.

Garrett ACE 200

Garrett ACE 200, which has already earned the respect of beginners and professionals alike, opens the Garrett ACE series of metal detectors. The main difference from models by other manufacturers is that this detector has maximum functionality and excellent search capacity, so it can perform a variety of tasks.

Garrett ACE 200 has a simple and clear display and control box. The liquid crystal display has only three touch buttons to adjust the detector. In the middle of the upper part of the LCD display there is an identification scale. During the search, it lights up and the cursor indicates the type of target. At the time of object detection, the data obtained can be compared with the sound response from the detected target. On the left side of the screen is a table with preset search programs. ACE 200 can operate in three modes: all metals, coins, and jewelry. The first is best suited for finding various relics in places of historical settlements. In particular, it is best to carry out search operations in areas where mass battles took place, as the coil informs the operator of any interesting potential finds. The remaining two modes allow you to exclude all iron objects and direct the search exclusively to non-ferrous metals. Switching modes is carried out by pressing the MODE button located under the scale.

Garrett ACE 200 was created mainly for jewelry and coins, but still this device is universal. This detector can be used for searching ancient and military relics. The vertical scale on the right side of the screen indicates the depth (in inches) of the object. There is also a mark that indicates how to dig when extracting the find.

In addition, the display has battery power icon. Thanks to it, you can monitor your power consumption at any time and determine when it is time to replace the battery.

Also, Garrett ACE 200 does not have a pin-point mode, in contrast to Garrett ACE 300 and 400.

Garrett ACE 300

Garrett ACE 300 metal detector is an excellent on-budget device, worth the money spent on it.
This metal detector is an entry-level device with very positive characteristics. ACE 300 completely took over all advantages of its predecessor, Garrett ACE 250.

Regardless of the totally affordable price, this metal detector can adequately search valuable finds and reward even complete newbies. It’s easy to use (in contrast to the majority of expensive metal detectors), because it does not have a lot of unnecessary settings. Just take it and go!

Garrett ACE 400

This metal detector has many advantages. ACE 400 is the most powerful model in the ACE series, which has repeatedly been considered the leader of sales for several years, only occasionally giving the first place to their counterparts from the model range. Garrett ACE 400 is a symbiosis of reliability, excellent price and high performance.

Structurally, this model is all the tighter base as its predecessors: lightweight, well-balanced, with movable construction units, and comfortable armrest. The design is durable and easy to transport.

Garrett ACE 400 has DD 8.5×11″ PROformance coil and Zero-Disk mode that makes it stand out compared to ACE 200 and 300.

Garrett ACE 400 ✅ Best entry-level metal detector

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Author

Michael Moore

Hi detectorists! I’m Michael Moore, founder of this website, and a dedicated treasure hunter since 2013. If you want to be posted about the most recent news and updates in metal detecting, releases, and trends, subscribe!

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