Garrett Apex: The Metal Detector That Changed My Treasure Hunting Game
When I first got my hands on the Garrett Apex, I was skeptical. I’d been using the same detector for years, and while it was reliable, I was looking for something that could handle more challenging conditions. The Apex promised multi-frequency technology at an accessible price point, and after months of field testing, I can confidently say it delivers on that promise.
What Makes the Garrett Apex Different
The standout feature of the Apex is its Multi-Flex technology, which gives you access to both single frequencies (5kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz) and dual frequencies (15kHz/10kHz and 5kHz/20kHz). This flexibility is a great option, especially when you’re hunting in areas with mineralized soil or high trash density.
I remember my first hunt with the Apex at an old homestead site. The ground was littered with iron debris from an old barn that had burned down decades ago. My previous detector was overwhelmed, but switching to the 5kHz/20kHz dual frequency mode on the Apex allowed me to hear the subtle signals from deeper coins while effectively rejecting most of the iron trash.
Performance in the Field
The Apex operates at 6-20 kHz depending on your frequency selection, with a waterproof search coil that’s available in 6″x11″ or 11″x12″ sizes. I prefer the smaller coil for trashy sites and the larger one for open fields where depth is more important than target separation.
One of the most impressive aspects is the iron audio feature. Unlike many detectors where iron sounds like a broken record, the Apex gives you variable iron audio that helps you distinguish between different types of iron targets. This saved me countless hours of digging bottle caps and small iron pieces.
The recovery speed is another area where the Apex shines. In a test I conducted at a local park, I buried coins at varying depths alongside pull tabs and foil. The Apex consistently identified the good targets while ignoring the trash, even when targets were only inches apart.
Settings and Customization
The Apex offers five preset modes (Park, Field, Beach, Zero-Disc, and Pinpoint) plus manual ground balance and adjustable iron bias. For beginners, the preset modes are intuitive and effective. For more experienced users, the customization options are extensive without being overwhelming.
I typically start in Park mode for most sites, then adjust based on conditions. The Field mode is excellent for farm fields with variable mineralization, while Beach mode handles wet sand surprisingly well for a VLF detector.
The iron bias adjustment is particularly useful. At 0, you get maximum depth but risk digging more iron. At 5, you get maximum iron rejection but might miss deep, small iron relics. I usually set it around 2-3 for most sites, adjusting based on how much iron is present.
Practical Tips for Getting the Most from Your Apex
Learn the tones: The Apex has excellent audio discrimination. Take time to learn what different targets sound like. Coins have a distinctive high-pitched tone, while pull tabs often have a slightly lower, more drawn-out sound.
Use the correct frequency for your site: In highly mineralized soil, start with the lower frequencies (5kHz or 10kHz). For general coin shooting, 15kHz or 20kHz works well. The dual frequencies are perfect for mixed conditions.
Don’t ignore the pinpoint mode: The Apex’s pinpoint mode is accurate and easy to use. I’ve found that spending an extra 10 seconds pinpointing accurately saves me 2-3 minutes of digging time per target.
Ground balance matters: While the preset ground balance works well in most situations, taking 30 seconds to ground balance manually can add significant depth in challenging soil conditions.
Keep your coil clean: The waterproof coil is durable, but dirt and debris can affect performance. A quick wipe-down after each hunt keeps the Apex operating at peak efficiency.
Comparison with Other Detectors
At around $450-500, the Apex sits in an interesting price bracket. It’s more expensive than entry-level detectors but significantly cheaper than high-end multi-frequency machines like the Minelab Equinox series.
In head-to-head comparisons, the Apex holds its own against detectors costing twice as much. The depth is comparable to the Equinox 600 in most soil conditions, though the Equinox has better performance in extreme mineralization and salt water.
Compared to single-frequency detectors in the same price range, the Apex is superior in versatility. The ability to change frequencies on the fly means you’re not limited to one type of hunting environment.
Common Issues and Solutions
False signals in wet sand: While the Beach mode handles wet sand better than most VLF detectors, you may still get some chatter. Reducing sensitivity by 2-3 notches usually solves this.
Audio overload in trashy areas: If you’re hunting a site with lots of targets, the audio can become overwhelming. Try using headphones with good audio separation, or reduce sensitivity slightly.
Difficulty pinpointing: If you’re struggling with pinpoint accuracy, make sure you’re using the pinpoint mode correctly. The edge of the coil is less accurate than the center, so focus on the center for best results.
Who Should Buy the Garrett Apex
The Apex is perfect for detectorists who want multi-frequency capability without the premium price tag. It’s ideal for:
– Coin shooters who hunt a variety of sites
– Relic hunters working in areas with mixed soil conditions
– Beach hunters who want a capable machine for dry sand
– Detectorists upgrading from entry-level machines
It’s less suitable for:
– Hardcore beach hunters who need excellent salt water performance
– Gold prospectors working in highly mineralized ground
– Detectorists who need maximum depth in all conditions
Maintenance and Care
The Apex is built to last, but like any electronic device, it needs proper care. After each hunt, I wipe down the control box and coil with a damp cloth. If you’ve been hunting in saltwater environments, rinse the coil with fresh water and dry thoroughly.
The batteries typically last 15-20 hours, and I recommend carrying spares for long hunts. The control box isn’t waterproof, so be careful in rainy conditions or when crossing streams.
Final Thoughts
After months of using the Garrett Apex in various conditions, I’m impressed with its versatility and performance. It’s not perfect – no detector is – but it offers exceptional value for the price. The multi-frequency capability, combined with good depth and target separation, makes it a capable machine for a wide range of hunting scenarios.
If you’re in the market for a detector that can handle everything from parks to farm fields to beaches, the Apex deserves serious consideration. It might not have all the bells and whistles of premium detectors, but it delivers where it counts: finding treasure in the real world.
The best part? You don’t need to be a technical expert to use it effectively. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned detectorist looking for a capable all-around machine, the Garrett Apex is worth your attention.