Garrett is the name known to every metal detector enthusiast, and why not? It has been known for producing the best quality metal detectors. It promises to provide you with the best quality and options according to the situation provided. With Garrett, it is guaranteed that the spending every penny is going to be worth it.
With Garrett, you will not have to worry about ending up with more trash rather than treasure. It offers all the best features like iron audio, digital target ID, adjustable frequency. For increasing the stability levels and extra cam, locks are also provided. If you have previously used the older versions like ACE 350, you will be more than happy in using Garrett Ace 400. In easy words, Garrett Ace 400 is the more enhanced and better version of ACE 350.
Let’s have a look at deeper details so that you can make an informed decision.
Design and Appearance
While choosing a metal detector, your main focus is going to be in the features and performance. What most people neglect are appearance and design. For me, the design is as important as any other feature. If you are not comfortable using the machine, you will not be able to enjoy the whole experience. Thus, it will result is you getting easily tired and losing all interest.
As compared to the previous versions of Garrett Metal Detectors, this one is comparatively lightweight. It weighs 2.9lbs (1.3kgs). Even if you plan to metal hunt all day long, you will not feel tired. While designing this product, your ease and comfort have been put forth to be the first priority, which is why it has an adjustable stem. You can adjust the stem up to 40″ to 53″. You can easily adjust it according to your height and use it according to your desire. For me, the plus point is that it offers more stability as compared to the previous versions. It has a separate camera stand, which adds up to the stability.
Not that the appearance and the color of the device hold any importance, but there are some people who give special importance to the appearance. The outer body is made from a bright yellow color. Even though I do not appreciate such radiant colors, but if we look at the positive side, you easily spot it from a distance. So, no more worrying about it getting misplaced. Do not worry, it is not unattractive, but for some people, it might not be according to their taste.
If we talk about the previous versions, they were not stable enough. Due to which most of the people felt uncomfortable. Compared to that, Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector is far more comfortable. It has cam locks available. It ensures that the detector feels more stable throughout the swing. If you still feel that the coil is unstable, try to change the length of the search coil.
Another important thing is the battery life. For me, it is the most vital thing. In my opinion, the battery should last at least throughout the day. One cannot go through the pain of charging it multiple times while hunting. Thankfully, Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector has four AA batteries, which provide around 25-hours of search time.
Other than that, the frequency adjustment option is a mentionable option as well. You can adjust the frequency according to your needs, especially when the frequencies are colliding with other metal detectors. This normally happens when you are searching in the form of groups, and another person is using the same metal detector.
Important features of Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector
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Digital Target ID
Normally, Garrett users do not have any complaints. Still, in the previous versions, it was notified by many users that not having the Digital ID feature makes things difficult for them. In Garrett Ace, 400 digital target ID is present. The numeric numbers are shown from 0—99 on the screen. This feature comes in handy when you are trying to find a specific type of metal. You just have got to enter the metal ID in the system, and rest will automatically be done by it. The only problem you are going to face is that the segment approach is that it’s too broad in its metal identification. To overcome this problem, the 0-99 scale is used. Using it, you only have got to enter the specific ID and your work in done.
In the previous versions, the metal detector was only able to identify whether metal coins the present in the ground or not. But with Garrett Ace 400, you will be able to identify whether the quarter is silver or clad and if a penny is copper or clad.
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Distinctive audio features
While buying a metal detector, audio features are the last things that are on the mind of a new buyer. In my experience, audio features are extremely important. As you already know, Garrett Ace 400 comes with all the best features, and when it comes to audio features, it definitely has to offer something amazing. It has a three-tone audio system. If we talk about it in simple words, it emits three different tones whenever metal is detected. Previously, the problem was that it was identified that the metal is detected, but there was no indication about the type of metal. This problem has been eradicated in Garrett Ace 400.
If metal is detected with higher conductivity, a high-pitched, loud tone is generated. If the medium or lower-pitched sound is produced, it means that metal with low conductivity has been detected. It also comes with “Pulse-Width Modulation” audio. This technique has correctly been used in newer versions of metal detectors. This is used to enhance the audio features. It produces high pitched and clear noise so that the metal identification is easy for newbies as well.
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Iron Audio system
You must have already heard about the audio discrimination system. But the previous technologies were only able to discriminate between different types of metal. Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector comes with the most amazing technology. It has been able to differentiate between different types of iron targets. Sounds amazing, no? During all my metal hunting years, the main problem was that the metal detector only used to differentiate between different types of metal due to which it was hard to hit specific targets hard. The best part about this particular technology is that it helps you in eliminating the chances of getting the ghost signals.
The intensity of the signal’s changes according to the target it is hitting. For example, if you hit a small target, a very low-frequency sound will be heard. When the target is large, the sound will be quite audible and distinctive. This approach is extremely helpful when you are surrounded by trash. It will save you from unwanted digging. You only have got to dig when the sound is loud, audible, and clear.
Although iron audio has proven to be extremely helpful to me at times, there were situations when I had to turn it off. Mainly when a lot of iron trash surrounded me, it would start bombarding with signals. It is only helpful in situations where the trash quantity is much less.
Apart from that, it has another fantastic feature. The discriminative iron segments are increased, which helps in better detection. Now four segments are used due to which performance is improved. The detector can now easily discriminate between trash and actual iron deposits.
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12 separate search modes
If you have been doing metal searching for a while, you must be aware of the importance of the search modes. There is no denying the fact that they help in enhancing the performance and making the search process much easier for you. Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector has 12 notches used for discrimination. Selecting these modes is not a problem; they are displayed on the screen. There are separate segments available for each option. In front of each segment, a small description is available, which shows an item in each segment is likely to be. By selecting these segments, you can tell the metal detector to ignore the undesired items. In the Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector, five separate modes are available. If you are a beginner, it is highly recommended to start by choosing the most well-suited option for you. Manually, adjusting frequencies can also work, but in the beginning, it is always better; it takes baby steps.
There are five basic modes.
Zero discrimination
As per it is pretty clear from the name, this mode is designed to detect anything, which is metal without any discrimination. You will notice that there is no separate segment available for this model. If you are interested in finding things without knowing about the metal type, just turn this mode on, and you are good to go.
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Coins
As per coins are pretty small items, there are good chances of finding trash with it. This mode will help you in eliminating trash, pull tabs, and foil. It will be able to detect large-sized jewelry, and if you are looking for medium-sized jewelry, there are chances you are going to miss it while using this mode.
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Jewelry
This is the best mode if you are specifically looking for jewelry items. All the trash items will be ignored. The main focus will be on bracelets, rings, and lockets.
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Relics
This mode is the opposite of the jewelry mode. It will the relics mode eliminates smaller iron items while detecting potentially lower conductivity targets.
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Custom
If you like to do things in your own way, Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector lets you set the frequency in your own way. There are accept and reject buttons available. You can use this eliminate segments you don’t want to detect. This mode is the reason why Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector has received so much attention and appreciation from the users. It has increased the versatility and made it easier to use.
In the beginning, it might be a little tricky to adjust the settings according to your desire. But when you get your hands on it, the whole process will become much easier for you. Here is a little example for you. Imagine you are looking for silver coins, just eliminate the copper and zinc segments, and you are good to go.
Waterproof search coil
Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector is well known for its stability, ground balance, sensitivity, and depth. The standard package has an 8.5″ x 11″ DD search coil. There are several additional coils available as well. Examples include a Super Sniper 4.5″ search coil, 5″ x 8″ DD coil, and a 9″ x 12″ PROformance coil.
Ground Balance
Even though Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector is almost perfect when it comes to features, but unfortunately, it has a small set back. You cannot set the ground balance manually. Although the factory setting is pretty amazing, some people prefer to set it according to their requirements. If you are a beginner, it is not going to be an issue. Even if you get your hands on a metal detector that offers manual ground balance settings, it is recommended to go with the factory settings in the beginning.
Learning to do perfect ground balancing settings is truly an art. So, if you are not an enthusiast, this is one less thing to worry about. If you are looking for searching in high mineralized places, it is recommended to look for a metal detector that has manual ground balancing settings. In places like beaches, which have wet sand, Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector will not be able to provide its 100%.
Manual ground balancing is available in rather expensive and latest versions of metal detectors. With this price range, you will not be able to enjoy this feature.
Performance
As a beginner, people are concerned about whether they will be able to use it easily or not. The best part is that while using Garrett Ace 400, you do not have to worry about this problem. It is extremely easy to understand. A clear description is written. Even if you are still confused about using it, go through the manual thoroughly, and you are good to go. There is no need to memorize anything.
If we talk specifically about the performance, it is undeniably good. Even though the device words perfect in every condition, but you can set the sensitivity levels according to your desire. But even when the sensitivity levels are set to low, it will be able to produce amazing results.
If you love to collect coins, you will be amazed to know that it picks out the deepest buried coins in no time. For different metal, the different audio system is installed. For coins, a bell tone is used.
The most amazing thing which I have observed is that by using the Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector, you can get so much done in much less time. Previously, metal detectors were prone to produce false alarms, and thus half of the day was wasted in digging out the trash. Garrett Ace 400 has proven to be amazing when it comes to detecting trash.
Control panel and Display
Easy to use, and the handy control panel is the first choice of every user. Garrett has been known for producing a user-friendly control panel. If you have used Garrett metal detectors in the past, you must be aware of the control panel and the Display. One thing which I have liked the most is that the user interface i.e., control panel, has not been changed a lot as compared to the previous options. All the major brands tend to keep the Display the same in all the improved versions to become the user’s confidant. To be honest, I, too, find it hard adjusting to the new display unit and learning from scratch to use the control panel. So, it is safe to say that Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector saves you from all this pain and offers you clear and straightforward to use.
Garrett has tried to make things as simple for you as possible. With every button on the control panel, the name is mentioned. If you haven’t used a metal detector in the past, don’t worry, it will not be a problem for you. Everything is written in bold, clear words. After exploring it for a while, you will notice that clear visual aid and information are provided, like expanded Target ID Legend with coin denominations.
The only problem is that when you are out in the field, it is hard to read the printed legends. It is a healthy practice to do your homework beforehand and do your research on the field you will be working on and the modes you will be using. When out in the field, it will be hard for you to see the legends. You will only be able to see the target ID, which is the major thing you will be using.
Price
Price! The first and most important question comes into every buyer’s mind. Well, Garrett Ace 400 comes under the category of affordable metal detector. You will be able to grab your hands-on outstanding performance and features at just $400.
Cam locks and adjustable frequencies
Garrett Ace 400 has amazing stability and balance. The addition of cam locks achieves it. Camlocks are a simple, plastic locking mechanism that adds strength and stability to your detector. The balance will not get compromised while you are swinging the metal detector.
Normally metal detectors have three pieces. No matter how stable the metal detector is, the connecting points of these pieces can always cause disbalance. The basic purpose of these cam locks is that it tightens up those joints and makes one solid piece.
Apart from that, you can adjust the frequency of your metal detector manually. Normally, the single frequency of the VLF machine is broadcasting at 10 kHz. But there is a time where it is important to lower the frequency. Especially when you are group hunting, power lines, and other electrical interference such as WIFI signals can also make a metal detector go crazy. During the normal hunting spree, you will not feel the need to change the frequency, and it will work just fine.
Comparison with other metal detectors
There are many names and brands that claim to provide you with the best metal detector. But I have a firm belief that Garrett metal detectors are far better than any other leading name. Especially when it comes to an entry-level metal detector. Each product is extremely affordable as well as it offers the best performance.
Garrett ACE 400 Vs. ACE 200 and ACE 300
The previous versions Garrett ACE 200 and Garrett ACE 300 are were amazing as well. Garrett ACE 200 was a basic metal detector that was specifically designed for beginners. It was known to be an all-rounder. Garrett ACE 300 came with much better options and improvements. The most noticeable feature was the addition of two new search modes. It helped in improving performance.
Garrett ACE 400 is the combination of the previous versions and by far the most in-demand metal detector. All the features which were included in Garrett ACE 300 are included in it. In order to make the searching experience amazing for you, additional features have been launched as well, like new Iron Audio feature, a powerful DD search coil, higher frequency, and volume control headphones.
ACE 400 Vs. AT Pro
Putting the personal preferences aside, AT ProPro is far better than ACE 400. We all know that All Terrain series takes the top position when it comes to metal detectors. Even though the performance is equally good, but if we compare the sensitivity levels, AT ProPro is far more sensitive to smaller objects. Plus, the recovery time is good, which means that it can easily separate from the closer targets.
Even though Garrett 400 is waterproof, but it does not mean that it can be submerged in water. AT ProPro has this advantage, it is submersible to a depth of 10 feet. If you want to do underwater hunting, you will be able to do it with no problem. So, one can easily say that it is a two in one metal detector.
Another noticeable feature is the ground balance. If you are looking forward to searching in the places where there is high mineralization, it is better to get AT ProPro. It has both manual and automatic ground balance, which means that it can produce better results even in harsh conditions.
FAQ
Pros and Cons of Garrett ACE 400
Even though I am a great admirer of Garrett, it still has some drawbacks
- Iron audio
- Digital Target ID
- Powerful performance
- Affordable
- Accurate results
- Large, DD coil
- Four iron discrimination segments
- Multiple mode options
- No manual ground balance settings
- Not enough accessories
- Cheap quality of headphones
- Cannot be submerged
- Not well suited for children. It can be heavy for them
- Summary and Final Rating
Final Verdict
If you have been searching for metal detectors for a while, Garrett is the name you must have seen in every list. When it comes to the manufacturing of perfect metal detectors, Garrett is the name that comes to our mind. They have managed to produce affordable metal detectors without compromising on the performance. With every edition, the number of features has been increased and improved.
If you do metal detection as a hobby and like to swing metal detector for hours for finding coins, relics, or jewelry, I am sure this is the right option for you. These are extremely lightweight. You will not get tired even after using them all day long. As per this, one is an entry-level model, so not expect it to do military level detection. It is specifically designed for beginners, children, and people who like to swing it around as a hobby. But do not get me wrong; the features it provides are enough to do some serious metal detection.
It has a 24 months warranty, more than any other brand will offer you. They have probably covered everything under warranty, but it is recommended to check the policy before you start using it recklessly. The company will not cover any physical damage.
Even though this device is capable of producing perfect results, but not have a manual ground balance is the biggest drawback for me. If you are looking forward to work in dry and low mineralized areas, it will work just fine. But it is definitely not recommended for high mineralized regions. The signals will get all jumbled up, and desired results will not be produced. Try to keep away from beaches and wet sand.