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 AT Gold Waterproof Metal Detector is a solid choice for hobbyists interested in gold prospecting and general metal detection. Operating at a frequency of 18 kHz, it is particularly effective at finding smaller targets like gold nuggets while providing reliable discrimination to minimize junk signals. This feature makes it user-friendly as it helps users distinguish valuable items from unwanted metals.

One of the standout strengths of this detector is its waterproof design, rated IP54, allowing for use in various environments, including streams and beaches. The included headphones enhance the experience by providing clear audio cues without disturbing others. Additionally, the ProPointer at PinPointer helps users zero in on their targets, making retrieval much easier.

On the ergonomic side, the adjustable length and relatively light weight (6.19 pounds) make it comfortable for extended use. The LCD display provides a straightforward interface for target identification and depth indication, which is beneficial for beginners and experienced users alike. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. First, the AT Gold has only two programs, which may limit advanced users seeking more versatility in settings. The depth indicator can sometimes be less accurate in mineralized ground, which could affect the depth readings for certain targets. Lastly, while the design is generally user-friendly, some users might find the learning curve steep, particularly if they are new to metal detecting.

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.