Why Garrett Metal Detectors Remain a Top Choice
Garrett Metal Detectors has built a reputation as one of the most reliable brands in the metal detecting world since 1964. Founded by Charles Garrett, the company has consistently delivered innovative, durable equipment that works for everyone from hobbyists to professional treasure hunters. What makes Garrett stand out is their commitment to quality without the premium price tag of some competitors.
The brand’s detectors are known for their user-friendly interfaces, solid construction, and excellent customer support. Whether you’re searching for coins in the park, relics on old battlefields, or gold nuggets in remote locations, Garrett offers a model designed for your specific needs. Their detectors perform well in various conditions, from highly mineralized soils to saltwater beaches.
Garrett’s dominance in the market isn’t just about longevity – it’s about trust. Many detectorists start with a Garrett model and stick with the brand throughout their detecting journey. The company’s focus on continuous improvement means newer models often incorporate feedback from actual users, resulting in practical features that make a real difference in the field.
Garrett’s Complete Product Lineup
Garrett organizes their detectors into distinct categories based on intended use. Understanding these categories helps you narrow down your options quickly. The brand offers models for coin shooting, relic hunting, gold prospecting, beach detecting, and underwater use.
For beginners, Garrett’s Ace series provides an excellent entry point with simple controls and reliable performance. The Ace 150, 250, and 350 models offer increasing levels of sophistication while maintaining ease of use. These detectors are perfect for learning the basics without feeling overwhelmed by complex settings.
The mid-range options include the Garrett AT series, which stands for All-Terrain. These waterproof detectors handle everything from shallow streams to dusty deserts. The AT Pro and AT Gold models are particularly popular among serious hobbyists who want versatility without breaking the bank.
For professional applications, Garrett offers specialized equipment like the CSI Pro Pointer for law enforcement and the GTI series for deep relic hunting. The company also produces high-end gold detectors like the ATX and Infinium LS for serious prospectors working in challenging environments.
Garrett Ace Series: Perfect for Beginners
The Ace series represents Garrett’s commitment to making metal detecting accessible to newcomers. These detectors feature intuitive push-button controls, clear LCD displays, and preset search modes that eliminate guesswork. The Ace 150 serves as the entry-level option, offering three search modes and basic discrimination capabilities.
Stepping up to the Ace 250 adds five search modes, electronic pinpointing, and a larger search coil. This model remains one of Garrett’s best-selling detectors due to its balance of features and simplicity. The Ace 250 excels at finding coins, jewelry, and relics in parks, schoolyards, and other common detecting sites.
The Ace 350 represents the top of the Ace line, adding higher frequency operation for better sensitivity to small targets and improved iron discrimination. It includes four AA batteries instead of two, extending runtime significantly. The Ace 350 also features a larger, more readable display and enhanced target ID capabilities.
All Ace models share common features like adjustable armrests, comfortable handgrips, and weather-resistant construction. They operate at 6.5 kHz frequency, which works well for most coin and relic hunting applications. The included 6.5″ x 9″ elliptical search coils provide good ground coverage while remaining maneuverable in tight spaces.
Garrett AT Series: All-Terrain Versatility
The AT series takes metal detecting to the next level with waterproof construction and advanced features. The AT Pro stands out as one of Garrett’s most popular models, offering professional-grade performance in a mid-range package. Its standout feature is the Pro Mode Audio, which provides both standard and professional audio modes for different hunting styles.
Pro Mode Audio gives you the option to hear target information in both high and low tones, similar to what you’d get from more expensive detectors. This feature helps experienced users make faster decisions about whether to dig targets. The AT Pro also includes electronic pinpointing, adjustable frequency to reduce interference, and a higher 15 kHz operating frequency for better small object detection.
The AT Gold builds on the Pro’s foundation with enhanced gold prospecting capabilities. It operates at 18 kHz and includes a DD search coil optimized for finding tiny gold nuggets. The AT Gold adds iron audio, which allows you to hear discriminated iron targets to avoid missing good targets next to junk. It also features a true all-metal mode and more sophisticated ground balance options.
Both AT models are submersible to 10 feet and include a built-in Z-Lynk wireless headphone system. They feature Garrett’s Digital Target ID system, which provides a 0-99 scale for target identification. The higher resolution helps distinguish between different types of metal more accurately than simpler systems.
Specialized Garrett Detectors
Beyond the mainstream consumer models, Garrett produces specialized equipment for specific applications. The ATX Deepseeker is a pulse induction detector designed for extreme depth and salt beach hunting. It excels at finding large, deep targets and works well in highly mineralized ground where VLF detectors struggle.
The ATX features a unique design with a separate control housing and search coil connected by a cable. This configuration allows for better balance and reduces arm fatigue during long hunts. The detector offers both motion and non-motion modes, letting you choose between maximum depth or precise pinpointing.
For gold prospectors, the Gold Bug Pro 2 coils offer specialized search coils for the AT Gold detector. These coils come in various sizes and configurations optimized for different gold hunting scenarios. Smaller coils work better for tight areas and shallow bedrock, while larger coils cover more ground in open areas.
Garrett’s CSI Pro Pointer serves law enforcement and security professionals. This waterproof pinpointer helps locate small metal objects quickly and accurately. Its bright orange color makes it easy to spot in grass or leaves, and the single-button operation simplifies use in high-pressure situations.
Key Features Comparison
Understanding the differences between Garrett models helps you make the right choice. Here’s how the main consumer models compare across key features:
Frequency ranges vary significantly across the lineup. Ace models operate at 6.5 kHz, which provides good all-around performance. AT Pro runs at 15 kHz, offering better sensitivity to small targets. AT Gold uses 18 kHz for enhanced gold detection. The ATX Deepseeker uses pulse induction technology, which operates differently from VLF detectors.
Waterproofing capabilities also differ. Ace models are weather-resistant but not submersible. AT Pro and AT Gold are waterproof to 10 feet. The ATX Deepseeker can handle deeper submersion and more extreme conditions. This makes the AT series ideal for beach hunting and shallow water work.
Target ID systems range from basic to advanced. Ace models provide simplified ID with fewer categories. AT Pro and AT Gold offer Garrett’s Digital Target ID with 0-99 scale for more precise identification. The ATX uses a different system optimized for pulse induction operation.
Ground balancing options increase with model sophistication. Ace models have preset ground balance. AT Pro offers manual ground balance. AT Gold adds automatic ground balance with tracking. The ATX provides both manual and automatic options with more precise control.
Choosing the Right Garrett Detector
Selecting the best Garrett detector depends on your specific needs and experience level. Beginners should consider the Ace 250 or 350 for their simplicity and reliability. These models teach fundamental skills without overwhelming new users with complex settings.
Intermediate users who want more versatility should look at the AT Pro. It handles a wider range of conditions and offers features that grow with your skills. The AT Pro works well for coin shooting, relic hunting, and casual gold prospecting.
Advanced users or those with specific needs might prefer the AT Gold for its enhanced gold detection capabilities or the ATX for extreme depth and salt beach hunting. These models require more understanding of detector operation but reward that knowledge with superior performance.
Consider your primary detecting environment when choosing. If you’ll be hunting mostly in parks and yards, an Ace model provides everything you need. For beach hunting or areas with mineralized soil, the AT series offers necessary features. Gold prospectors should lean toward AT Gold or ATX models.
Garrett Accessories and Support
Garrett’s commitment to their customers extends beyond the initial purchase. The company offers a wide range of accessories designed to enhance your detecting experience. These include specialized search coils, wireless headphones, carrying bags, and digging tools.
Search coil options let you customize your detector for specific conditions. Smaller coils work better in trashy areas and provide better target separation. Larger coils increase depth and ground coverage but may be harder to maneuver. Garrett offers both concentric and DD coil designs to suit different hunting styles.
The company’s customer support receives consistently positive reviews. Garrett provides a two-year warranty on most detectors, covering defects in materials and workmanship. Their support team can help with technical questions, troubleshooting, and finding authorized service centers.
Garrett also offers educational resources through their website and YouTube channel. These include setup videos, detecting tips, and tutorials on using advanced features. The brand’s active user community shares knowledge and experiences, making it easier to learn and improve your skills.
Maintenance and Longevity
Garrett detectors are built to last, but proper maintenance extends their lifespan significantly. After each use, wipe down your detector with a clean, dry cloth to remove dirt and moisture. Pay special attention to the control housing and search coil connections.
For AT series models used in saltwater, rinse the entire detector with fresh water after each session. Salt can corrode metal parts and damage internal components over time. Remove the search coil cover periodically to clean underneath, as sand and debris can accumulate there.
Store your detector in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Extreme temperatures can affect battery life and electronic components. If storing for extended periods, remove batteries to prevent corrosion. Keep the detector in a protective case or bag to prevent scratches and impacts.
Garrett detectors typically last many years with proper care. The modular design allows for easy replacement of worn parts like search coils, armrests, and control housing covers. This repairability means you can keep your detector working like new without replacing the entire unit.
Garrett vs. Competitors
Garrett competes with brands like Minelab, Fisher, and Nokta Makro in the metal detector market. While each brand has strengths, Garrett distinguishes itself through reliability, user-friendly design, and strong customer support.
Compared to Minelab, Garrett detectors often cost less while still providing excellent performance for most applications. Minelab excels in specialized areas like gold prospecting and beach hunting, but Garrett offers better value for general-purpose detecting.
Fisher, now owned by Garrett’s parent company, shares some technology but targets slightly different market segments. Fisher detectors often appeal to users who prefer simpler controls or specific features not found in Garrett models.
Nokta Makro produces innovative detectors with advanced features at competitive prices. But Garrett’s reputation for durability and consistent performance gives them an edge for users who prioritize reliability over latest technology.
The best choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and personal preferences. Many detectorists own multiple brands, using different detectors for different hunting scenarios.