Detectors

I’m often asked, “What metal detector would you recommend?” I wish it were that easy. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a detector. Are you new to the hobby? Where will you be detecting? What are you hunting for? What is your price range?

If you need help deciding on a detector, please contact me at RelicRecoverist@gmail.com and I will try my best to help you make a decision. I’ve included some options below to get you started:

Entry Level Detectors: ACE Series

Choosing your first metal detector is a big decision. For a quality machine, you could expect to pay between $150 – $350. My first detector was an ACE 250. Garrett no longer makes the ACE 250, but here are a few machines in the ACE series that would make for a great starter machine:

Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector with Accessories – $191.15

MSRP: $199.95 (U.S.)

Includes:

6.5″ x 9″ PROformance™ submersible searchcoil (as shown)

    With the quality and performance of the ACE 200, you can begin finding treasure right away—in your own backyard or wherever you travel.

    Easy to use for any age!

     

    Key Features
    • New Digital Target ID: 0 to 99 scale offers target information
    • New Camlocks for increased stem stability
    • New Includes Pulse-Width Modulation audio: sharper, more responsive audio
    • Light weight with big performance at a small price
    • Three Search Modes
    • Four Sensitivity adjustments
    • Coin Depth Indicator determines target depth

     

    Garrett Ace 300 Metal Detector with Accessories – $254.95

    MSRP: $299.95 (U.S.)

    Includes 7″ x 10″ PROformance™ submersible searchcoil (as shown) with 
    3 FREE
     Accessories*:

    • Volume control Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow headphones
    • ACE Environmental Coverup
    • 7″ x 10″ Searchcoil cover
      • Garrett has placed big features into the ACE 300—Digital Target ID, better detection abilities, a new audio system, and more—for a price that can’t be beat.
      • Key Features
        • Digital Target ID: 0 to 99 scale offers target information
        • 7″ x 10″ PROformance™ submersible searchcoil offers more coverage, depth
        • Higher frequency (8 kHz) provides better sensitivity on low and medium-conductivity targets (i.e. gold, lead)
        • Increased Iron Resolution: twice the iron resolution of an ACE 250, to help overcome target masking in iron-laden hunt sites
        • Adjustable Frequency to help eliminate interference
        • Camlocks for increased stem stability
        • Includes Pulse-Width Modulation audio: sharper, more responsive audio
        • Includes Electronic Pinpointing: precisely locates targets and speeds recovery
        • Notch Discrimination: Modify discrimination patterns based on what you are seeking.
        • Five Search Modes (plus Pinpoint)
        • Eight (8) Sensitivity/Depth adjustments
        • Coin Depth Indicator determines target depth
        • Expanded Target ID legend: includes indication of U.S. coin denominations

         

      Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector with Accessories – $339.95

      MSRP: $399.95 (U.S.)

      Includes 8.5″ x 11″ DD PROformance™ submersible searchcoil (as shown) with 3 FREE Accessories*:

      • Volume control Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow headphones
      • ACE Environmental Coverup
      • 8.5″ x 11″ Searchcoil cover

      The king of ACEs, the ACE 400 includes advanced features like Iron Audio, Digital Target ID, and Frequency Adjust to help you dig more treasure and less trash.

      Key Features

      • Iron Audio: allows user to hear discriminated iron targets and to alter the mid-tone signal range.
      • Digital Target ID: 0 to 99 scale offers target information
      • Higher frequency (10 kHz) provides better sensitivity on low and medium-conductivity targets (i.e. gold, lead)
      • Adjustable Frequency to help eliminate interference
      • Camlocks for better stem stability
      • Includes Pulse-Width Modulation audio: sharper, more responsive audio
      • 8.5″ x 11″ PROformance™ submersible DD searchcoil offers excellent coverage, depth
      • Enhanced Iron Resolution: twice the iron resolution of an ACE 250, to help separate good targets from adjacent junk iron
      • Includes Electronic Pinpointing: precisely locates targets and speeds recovery
      • Notch Discrimination: Modify discrimination patterns based on what you are seeking.
      • Five Search Modes (plus Pinpoint)
      • Eight (8) Sensitivity/Depth adjustments
      • Coin Depth Indicator determines target depth
      • Expanded Target ID legend: includes indication of U.S. coin denominations

      Mid-Level Detectors: AT Series

      Whether you’re just starting out or looking for an upgrade, Garrett’s AT series detectors are ideal for hunting coins, relics, caches, jewelry, and even gold nuggets. I’ve used the AT Pro, AT Gold, and AT Max. I’m currently using the AT Max.

      Garrett AT PRO Metal Detector with Pro-Pointer AT  – $679.90

      MSRP: $829.95

      Includes:

      • Garrett Pro-Pointer® AT 
      • 8.5″ x 11″ PROformance™ DD submersible searchcoil (as shown)
      • Garrett MS-2 headphones (waterproof headphones sold separately)

      This all-terrain detector offers new and exclusive Garrett technology that makes it ideal for hunting coins, relics, caches, jewelry, and even gold nuggets. Select from either Standard or Professional search modes with enhanced audio features.

      Highly Recommended – Coin Hunting, Jewelry Hunting, Relic Hunting, Cache Hunting, Prospecting, Ghost Town Hunting, Competition Events, Beach/Fresh Water Hunting

       

      Garrett AT Gold Metal Detector with Pro-Pointer AT – $764.90

      MSRP: $899.99

      Includes:

      • Garrett Pro-Pointer® AT 
      • 5″x8″ (14x20cm) PROformance DD submersible searchcoil(as shown)
      • Garrett MS-2 headphones (waterproof headphones sold separately)
      AT Gold includes 18kHz frequency for enhanced detection of small gold nuggets, jewelry, coins and relics!
      Deep-seeking True All Metal Mode Performance for All Terrain Prospecting! 

      Garrett AT Max Metal Detector w MS-3 Headphones, PROPointer AT – $849.90

      with Z-Lynk™ Wireless Technology

      MSRP: $999.95 (U.S.) 

      Garrett AT MAX is our most versatile and advanced all-terrain VLF metal detector. With increased detection depth, built-in Z-Lynk Wireless Technology, and many other improvements, AT MAX helps treasure hunters push their limits to the MAX!

      Includes:

      • Garrett Pro-Pointer® AT 
      • 8.5″x11″ PROformance DD submersible searchcoil(as shown)
      • NEW Garrett MS-3 Wireless headphones – Land use
        (Submersible headphones sold separately)
      • AT Max Cap (PN: 1664600)*
      • 8.5″ x 11″ DD Coil Cover (PN: 1606600)*

      Key Features

      • NEW Built-in Z-Lynk™ Wireless Technology – Cut the cord! Integrated circuitry transmits audio to your wireless headphones. Six times faster than Bluetooth speed! Auto pairing. No cables, and no interference from other wireless devices.
      • NEW Garrett MS-3™ Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones included – The speed of Z-Lynk Wireless Technology, and high-fidelity audio…with no cords attached!
      • Maximum Detection Depth – Increased transmit power and enhanced electronics provides AT Max with significant depth increase.
      • True All Metal Mode – Detects all types of metal and provides the greatest possible detection depth and sensitivity.
      • Backlight: Illuminates LCD screen for improved visibility in low-light situations.
      • Optimized Frequency – The AT Max’s 13.6 kHz operating frequency provides excellent detection on a wide range of targets—including silver coins, gold jewelry, and brass relics.
      • High Resolution Ground Balance – Automatic and manually adjustable for improved performance. Includes 175 points of Ground Balance resolution, allowing the AT Max to handle both conductive soils (such as saltwater beaches) and highly mineralized ground.
      • Automatic Ground Balance Window™ – Garrett Exclusive feature will simultaneously ground balance to a range of values to help overcome localized ground variations. By reducing subtle ground responses, the Automatic Ground Balance Window smooths detector audio and allows the user to hear faint targets.
      • Larger Display Numbers: Digital Target ID number, Iron Discrim number, etc.
      • More Controls—All easily accessible with a single finger as you search.