10 Best Garrett Metal Detectors 2025 in the United States

The Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector is a solid choice for both beginners and intermediate users looking to explore metal detection. It operates at a good frequency suitable for finding a variety of targets, and its discrimination feature helps in filtering out unwanted metals, making your search more efficient. With a waterproof search coil, you can comfortably use it in shallow waters, which adds to its versatility. The 7" x 10" search coil size is a nice balance, allowing for good coverage while still being manageable.

The detector boasts a user-friendly LCD display with target identification and depth indicator features, which can significantly aid in understanding what you’ve found and how deep it is. The adjustable length makes it suitable for users of different heights, enhancing its ergonomic design. However, at 5.13 pounds, it may feel a bit heavy during extended use, especially for younger or older users.

Battery life is commendable, lasting about 25 hours on just 4 AAA batteries, so you can enjoy long detection sessions without frequent replacements. The included accessories, like the volume control headphones and environmental cover, provide good value and enhance the user experience. The ACE 300 is capable, but it might not meet the expectations of advanced users who require more specialized features. Its lack of advanced ground balance settings may limit its effectiveness on highly mineralized terrains.

The Garrett ATX Pulse Induction Metal Detector is designed for serious treasure hunters and military-grade use, making it a strong choice for those needing deep and reliable detection, especially in challenging ground conditions. Its pulse induction technology allows it to handle highly mineralized soils better than many traditional detectors, which is a big plus if you plan to search in tough environments like saltwater beaches or old mining areas. The detector weighs about 8.8 pounds, which is on the heavier side, so it might feel a bit tiring during long hunts. It has an adjustable length up to 68 inches, making it flexible for users of different heights.

Garrett detectors typically offer some level of discrimination to help distinguish between valuable metals and junk, but pulse induction models usually have more limited discrimination compared to very advanced VLF units. The ATX is known for solid depth indication and strong performance underground. Battery life depends on 8 AAA batteries, which could require frequent changes during extended use.

The detector carries an IP54 rating, so it is protected against dust and water splashes, but not fully waterproof, making it suitable for wet environments but not underwater use. This Garrett detector is an excellent option for those seeking durable, deep-detection capabilities in difficult terrains, though it might feel a bit heavy and less user-friendly for beginners who want detailed target information or lightweight gear.

The Garrett AT MAX Waterproof Metal Detector is a solid choice for both beginners and experienced treasure hunters. One of its standout features is the 13.6 KHz operating frequency, which offers excellent sensitivity for detecting a wide range of metals. The 9-inch search coil strikes a good balance between depth detection and coverage area, making it versatile for various terrains. Additionally, the unit is designed to be waterproof, allowing you to use it in shallow water areas, giving you more opportunities to find hidden treasures.

The discrimination feature is quite effective, helping users filter out unwanted metals, which saves time and effort. The LCD display is clear and easy to read, providing essential information like target identification and depth indicator, which is crucial for making informed digging decisions. Its adjustable length and ergonomic design add to the comfort, especially during prolonged use, and it’s lightweight at only 3.17 ounces, making it easy to carry around.

However, there are a few drawbacks. While the waterproof capability is a great feature, the product has an IP54 rating, meaning it can handle some water exposure but is not fully submersible. This limits its use in deeper water situations. The battery life could also be a concern; it requires four AA batteries, which are included, but regular replacements might be necessary for extended hunts. Additionally, some users have noted a learning curve when it comes to understanding the various settings and their optimal use. This could be a slight hurdle for absolute beginners. The Garrett AT MAX is a reliable option for metal detecting enthusiasts, especially for those who might venture into wet areas, but it does require some willingness to learn for effective use.