Garrett Metal Detector: Unearth Hidden Treasures with Ease

Embark on an exciting journey and discover the thrill of treasure hunting with a Garrett metal detector. Known as one of the best metal detectors, the Garrett Ace 300, for example, makes it easy and fun to locate hidden treasures in various locations, including your own property. These devices are designed to detect metallic objects, including valuable metals like gold, copper, and aluminum, making them a useful gadget for hobbyists and enthusiasts.

This comprehensive guide delves into the features, testing, and benefits of the Garrett metal detector, helping you determine if it’s the right choice for your treasure-hunting adventures.

What is the Garrett Metal Detector?

The Garrett Ace 300 is a versatile metal detector. This model features a 7-by-10-inch submersible coil and a digital interface. It operates on four AA batteries, has an adjustable length ranging from 42 to 51 inches, and weighs less than 3 pounds. Included with your purchase are Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones with volume control, an ACE Environmental Cover-Up, and a search coil cover.

The Garrett metal detector incorporates five search presets, allowing you to fine-tune your search to find specific items. It also features adjustable frequencies to minimize interference from electrical sources or other metal detectors. Furthermore, the search coil is submersible, making it suitable for treasure hunting on beaches or in lakes.

The electronic pinpointing feature, which precisely locates detected targets, adds to its user-friendliness.

With a price around $270, the Garrett metal detector is a mid-range model that offers ease of use, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Garrett Metal Detector Features

Waterproof

The Garrett metal detector is designed to detect objects underwater.

Customizable Discrimination Settings

This metal detector features five search modes, making it easier to distinguish between valuable finds and trash. These presets include:

• Zero-disc mode: Detects all types of metal, making it ideal for when you are unsure what you are looking for.
• Jewelry mode: Designed to locate items such as rings, bracelets, watches, and necklaces. This mode filters out most iron trash.
• Relics mode: Specifically targets lead, brass, and bronze.
• Coins mode: Optimized for finding U.S. and similar coins. While it aims to eliminate common trash like iron, foil, and pull tabs, the brand warns that medium-sized jewelry might be missed. Some digging of junk targets, such as aluminum cans, is expected.
• Custom mode: This mode allows you to program and save your preferred settings. The default for the custom mode is the same as the coins mode. You can customize the mode using the “DISCRIM” and Accept/Reject controls.

Electronic Pinpointing

This non-motion, all-metal mode is designed to pinpoint the precise location of a detected target.

Three Volume Settings

The Garrett metal detector provides three distinct tones based on a target’s metal type and conductivity:

• High-conductivity targets (Digital ID > 75) produce a unique bell tone signal.
• Medium to low conductivity targets (Digital ID of 33–75) produce a medium-pitched signal.
• Ferrous targets, or metals containing iron as their main component (Digital ID < 33), produce a low-pitch signal.

How We Tested the Garrett Metal Detector

Product testers Annamarie Higley and Sydney Manning thoroughly evaluated the Garrett metal detector. They began by assembling the unit, which presented some initial challenges with the shaft. With assistance, they were able to complete the assembly and adjust the coil angle.

Once assembled, the testers found the detector easy to carry and appreciated the comfortable grip and heavy-duty strap.

They performed an air test, a standard functionality test, by waving a selection of metal items in front of the coils on a non-metal surface. The items included gold earrings, a copper pipe, aluminum foil, pull tabs, bottle caps, a screw, and a nail. The detector successfully identified all items from a short distance, though it could only detect the gold from a few inches away.

Testers appreciated the intuitive tones that helped identify the target without digging. However, they noticed some confusion with mixed metals. They also noted discrepancies between the target IDs displayed and the key provided.

Despite some assembly challenges and testing hiccups, the testers found the Garrett metal detector to be a great purchase, praising its ease of use and accuracy.

Pros:

• User-friendly
• Intuitive tones for target identification
• Successfully detected all test items
• Accurate depth reader
• Waterproof design
• Easy-to-read screen in sunlight
• Durable strap and comfortable grip
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Limited gold detection range
• Confusion with mixed metals
• Target ID discrepancies

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Over 2,400 Amazon users gave the Garrett metal detector a five-star rating, highlighting its user-friendliness, light weight, and overall value.

One reviewer, Mike in VB, considers it a good metal detector for sporting use. He recommends downloading and reading the manual to properly set up the unit.

Another satisfied user, Nicholas Beekman, found his wife’s wedding ring using this model after trying other detectors without success.

Experienced treasure hunter Just Jeff found the transition to the Garrett 300 smooth, praising its balance, lightweight design, and clear display. He noted the learning curve but considered it suitable for all skill levels. He also mentioned the ease of use and long battery life.

Garrett Metal Detector vs. Nokta Metal Detector

Our experts tested 11 metal detectors, recommending both the Garrett Ace 300 and the Nokta Legend. The Nokta model costs about $300 more. Here’s how they compare:

Both detectors are lightweight and user-friendly, featuring customizable discrimination settings and multiple frequencies. The Nokta has more advanced features, including additional discrimination settings, terrain settings, a rechargeable battery, full submersion, Bluetooth, vibration alerts, and multiple user profiles.

In terms of performance, both models are suitable for all skill levels and can detect gold. The Nokta detected gold from approximately eight inches away, while the Garrett detected it from three inches.

Testers found the Nokta’s screen difficult to read in sunlight. They also found it quieter than other models. The Garrett metal detector offers a more user-friendly experience with clear tones. The Garrett includes essential accessories like headphones, an environmental cover, and a search coil cover, unlike the Nokta.

Overall, the Garrett metal detector is considered the better value, especially for beginners.

Final Verdict

The Garrett metal detector is an excellent choice for anyone looking to enter the world of metal detecting. Its lightweight design is comfortable to use, and its ease of operation makes it suitable for both novices and experienced treasure hunters. With its included accessories, the Garrett metal detector provides outstanding value.

Where to Buy the Garrett Metal Detector

The Garrett metal detector is available for around $269.99 at various retailers, including:

• Walmart
• Amazon
• Cabela’s
• Bass Pro Shops
• Scheel’s

FAQ

What is the best Garrett metal detector for beginners?

The brand offers a beginner’s special package on their website, which includes the Garrett Ace 200 metal detector. The Ace 200 costs $200 and features a smaller coil and three search modes.

How deep can a Garrett metal detector go?

According to the brand’s website, metal detectors typically uncover objects buried between 10 to 16 inches deep.

Will a Garrett metal detector find gold?

Yes, the Garrett metal detector can detect gold. However, our testers found that it could only detect gold within a few inches of the coils.

Why You Should Trust Us

At Family Handyman, we are committed to providing you with accurate and reliable information. Our goal is to assist you with everything related to your home and hobbies. Our editors and testers have extensive experience and only recommend products they believe will improve your experience.

Our team spent approximately 80 hours evaluating 11 metal detectors. We conducted 13 tests on each detector and collected about 600 data points.