If you’re considering diving into the world of metal detecting, or if you’re looking to upgrade your current gear, the Garrett ACE Apex is a solid choice. This metal detector has made waves in the hobbyist community, thanks to its versatile features, lightweight design, and impressive performance.
Whether you’re a seasoned detectorist or a complete beginner, the ACE Apex offers something for everyone. Personally, I found it to be a perfect balance of functionality and ease of use, making it ideal for both casual outings and serious treasure hunts.
But where should you buy it?
From my experience, purchasing directly from Garrett’s official website or from well-established retailers like Amazon provides not only the best deals but also the assurance of genuine products and warranty support.
These sources often offer bundles that include necessary accessories, which is a great way to get started without additional costs.
My First Impressions With Garrett ACE Apex
When I first unboxed the Garrett ACE Apex, I was immediately struck by how lightweight and compact it is. Having used heavier models in the past, this was a refreshing change. The compact design doesn’t compromise on features, though.
The control panel is intuitive, with a clear display that makes it easy to navigate through different settings.
Getting started was a breeze. As someone who isn’t a tech expert, I appreciated how straightforward it was to set up. The instructions were clear, and within minutes, I was ready to start exploring my backyard.
The first day out, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I began to find interesting items. The ACE Apex seems to strike a perfect balance between simplicity for beginners and enough advanced features to keep more experienced users engaged.
Pros: What Makes The Garrett ACE Apex Stand Out
- Multi-Frequency Technology: One of the standout features of the ACE Apex is its multi-frequency technology. This allows you to operate on multiple frequencies simultaneously, which significantly improves detection depth and accuracy. Whether you’re searching for coins, jewelry, or relics, the ACE Apex can handle it.
- Lightweight and Ergonomic Design: Weighing in at just 2.5 pounds, the ACE Apex is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry for extended periods. The ergonomic design reduces arm strain, which is a big plus if you’re planning on spending a whole day out in the field.
- User-Friendly Interface: The control panel is designed with ease of use in mind. Even if you’re new to metal detecting, you’ll find the interface intuitive. The display provides all the information you need at a glance, including target identification, depth, and battery status.
- Iron Audio and Notch Discrimination: These features allow you to filter out unwanted items like bottle caps and nails, saving you time and effort. The Iron Audio feature lets you hear the difference between good targets and iron trash, so you can decide whether to dig or not.
- Wireless Capability: The ACE Apex comes with built-in Z-Lynk wireless technology, allowing you to connect wireless headphones for a cable-free experience. This feature is a game-changer for those who prefer not to be tethered to their detector.
Cons: What Could Be Improved
- Limited Depth Detection: While the ACE Apex performs well in most situations, it struggles with detecting items deeper than six inches. If you’re searching for deeply buried relics, you might find this limiting.
- Lack of Visual Target Identification: Unlike some of the higher-end models, the ACE Apex doesn’t offer visual target identification, which could help distinguish between different types of metals. This is a minor drawback, but it’s something to consider if you’re used to more advanced detectors.
- No GPS or Mapping Features: For those who are serious about tracking their finds, the lack of GPS or mapping features might be a deal-breaker. Some users have suggested that incorporating GPS and memory card capabilities could make the ACE Apex even more versatile.
- Price Point: While the ACE Apex is reasonably priced for what it offers, it might still be considered expensive for beginners. If you’re just starting out and aren’t sure if metal detecting is for you, the price could be a deterrent.
Tips: Keeping Your Garrett ACE Apex In Top Condition
Maintaining your Garrett ACE Apex is crucial for ensuring its longevity and performance. Here are some tips based on my experience:
- Regularly Clean the Coil: The coil is the most critical part of your metal detector, so keeping it clean is essential. After each use, wipe down the coil with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals as they can damage the coil’s surface.
- Check the Battery: The ACE Apex is battery-powered, and keeping an eye on battery levels is important. Always have spare batteries on hand during your detecting trips. Regularly check for corrosion around the battery terminals and clean them if necessary.
- Store It Properly: When not in use, store your detector in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity, as this can damage the electronics.
- Protect the Control Box: The control box is the brain of your detector. While the ACE Apex is weather-resistant, it’s still a good idea to protect it from heavy rain. A protective cover can help keep moisture out and prevent any accidental damage.
- Routine Calibration: Occasionally, you might need to recalibrate your detector to maintain its accuracy. This is especially true if you’ve traveled a long distance or moved to a different environment. Follow the manual’s instructions for a quick and easy calibration process.
Comparison of Garrett ACE Apex With Other Brands
The metal detecting market is filled with options, so how does the Garrett ACE Apex compare to other popular brands? Let’s take a look at some competitors.
- Minelab Vanquish 540
The Minelab Vanquish 540 is another multi-frequency detector that has gained popularity.
While both detectors offer similar multi-frequency technology, the Vanquish 540 is slightly heavier and doesn’t come with built-in wireless technology.
However, it does offer a superior depth range, making it a better choice if you’re targeting deeper finds.
- Nokta Makro Simplex+
The Simplex+ is a waterproof detector that competes closely with the ACE Apex. It’s a fantastic option for underwater detecting, which is something the ACE Apex can’t do.
However, the Simplex+ doesn’t offer multi-frequency operation, which gives the ACE Apex an edge in terms of versatility.
- Fisher F44
The Fisher F44 is another lightweight detector known for its accuracy and ease of use. It’s priced similarly to the ACE Apex but lacks the multi-frequency feature. It’s a solid choice for beginners, but for those who want more advanced features, the ACE Apex stands out.
My Experience With The Garrett ACE Apex: A Journey of Discoveries
I remember my first outing with the ACE Apex like it was yesterday. Armed with excitement and curiosity, I headed to a local park that I’d frequented many times before. Despite my familiarity with the area, the ACE Apex managed to unearth a treasure trove of items I had never imagined were there.
One of the most memorable finds was a silver ring buried about five inches below the surface. The detector’s iron separation feature proved invaluable as I navigated through areas littered with old nails and bottle caps. The ability to distinguish between these trash items and actual treasure was a game-changer.
Over the weeks, the ACE Apex continued to impress me. I explored different environments, from sandy beaches to rocky terrains, and the detector adapted beautifully to each. The multi-frequency technology allowed me to fine-tune the settings based on the specific conditions, enhancing my chances of making significant finds.
However, I did notice the depth limitation when searching for relics in deeper soil. Items buried more than six inches down were harder to detect, which was a slight disappointment. But for surface-level hunting, the ACE Apex delivered consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Garrett ACE Apex is arguably the best in the ACE series due to its multi-frequency technology, lightweight design, and user-friendly interface. It offers a good balance between advanced features and accessibility, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users.
The best setting for the Garrett ACE Apex largely depends on the environment and what you’re searching for. For general-purpose detecting, the Zero mode combined with the multi-frequency setting works well. For coin hunting, the Coin mode can help filter out unwanted targets.
The Garrett ACE Apex has a decent detection range, effectively identifying objects up to six inches deep. While it can detect deeper items, the range is most accurate within this depth, making it ideal for hunting surface-level treasures.
The Garrett ACE Apex is weather-resistant but not fully waterproof. The coil is waterproof, allowing for shallow water detecting, but the control box is not, so it’s important to avoid submerging it. For underwater detecting, you might want to consider a fully waterproof model like the Nokta Makro Simplex+.
Conclusion: Is The Garrett ACE Apex Worth It?
In conclusion, the Garrett ACE Apex is a versatile and user-friendly metal detector that offers excellent value for both beginners and seasoned detectorists. Its multi-frequency technology, lightweight design, and intuitive interface make it a pleasure to use, while its ability to filter out trash targets saves time and effort.
While it does have some limitations, such as its depth detection and lack of advanced mapping features, these are minor drawbacks when considering the overall performance and affordability of the detector.
If you’re looking for a reliable, well-rounded metal detector that’s easy to learn and fun to use, the Garrett ACE Apex is definitely worth considering.
For the best deals and peace of mind, I recommend purchasing from Garrett’s official website or trusted retailers like Amazon. These platforms not only offer competitive prices but also ensure you receive a genuine product with proper warranty coverage.
Happy hunting!
