Texas-based detector giant; ACE series dominates beginner budgets, AT series owns the all-terrain mid-range, Axiom/Vortex push into premium multi-frequency and PI.
Texas-based detector giant; ACE series dominates beginner budgets, AT series owns the all-terrain mid-range, Axiom/Vortex push into premium multi-frequency and PI.
Founded in Texas by electrical engineer Charles Garrett, who pioneered commercial BFO (beat-frequency oscillator) detectors in the 1960s — the machines that launched hobby detecting. Garrett's ACE series became the default first detector for a generation of beginners, while the AT series proved a mid-range machine could be genuinely all-terrain. Technology family: single-frequency VLF (ACE, AT) plus Multi-Flex multi-frequency (ACE Apex, Vortex) and Ultra-Pulse PI (Axiom).
Best for coins · VLF
Best for coins · Simultaneous Multi-Frequency
Best for relic · VLF
Best for coins · VLF
Best for gold · PI
Best for beach · Simultaneous Multi-Frequency
Best for beginners, parks, relic · VLF
Best for beginners, kids, parks · VLF
Best for underwater, beach · Pulse Induction
Best for gold, relic, parks · VLF
Best for beginners and returning detectorists, coins and jewelry, parks, yards and freshwater edges · MD-MF (Multi-Dimensional Multi-Frequency)
Best for intermediate detectorists, saltwater beaches, parks, fields and freshwater · MD-MF (Multi-Dimensional Multi-Frequency)
Best for gold prospecting, highly mineralized soil, saltwater beaches · Ultra-Pulse (pulse induction)
| Model | Technology | Frequencies | Weight | Waterproof | Coil | Best for | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garrett ACE 400 | VLF | 10 kHz, adjustable | 2.9 lbs | Waterproof searchcoil | 8.5" × 11" DD | Coins | Budget |
| Garrett ACE Apex | Multi-Freq | 5 kHz–20 kHz + MF | 2.5 lbs | Weatherproof | 6" × 11" DD | Coins | Mid-range |
| Garrett AT Max | VLF | 13.6 kHz | 3.03 lbs | 10 ft | 8.5" × 11" DD | Relic | Premium |
| Garrett AT Pro | VLF | 15 kHz | 3.03 lbs | 10 ft | 8.5" × 11" DD | Coins | Mid-range |
| Garrett Axiom | PI | Not published | 4.2 lbs / 1.9 kg with | Not published | 11" | Gold | Flagship |
| Garrett Vortex VX9 | Multi-Freq | 25 kHz + MF | 3 lbs | 5 m | 8.5" × 11" DD | Beach | Mid-range |
| Garrett ACE 300 | VLF | 8 kHz, adjustable | 2.8 lbs | Coil only | 7" × 10" | Beginners, Parks | Budget |
| Garrett ACE 200 | VLF | 6.5 kHz, fixed | 2.75 lbs | Coil only | 6.5" × 9" | Beginners, Kids | Budget |
| Garrett Sea Hunter Mark II | PI | 750 pulses per second, adjustabl | 5.1 lbs | 65 m | 8" | Underwater, Beach | Mid-range |
| Garrett AT Gold | VLF | 18 kHz, adjustable | 3.03 lbs | 3 m | 5" × 8" DD | Gold, Relic | Mid-range |
| Garrett Vortex VX5 | Multi-Freq | 13 kHz + Multi-Frequency | 3 lbs | 5 m | 8.5" × 11" DD | Beginners and returning detectorists, Coins and jewelry | Mid-range |
| Garrett Vortex VX7 | Multi-Freq | 13 kHz + MF | 3 lbs | 5 m | 8.5" × 11" DD | Intermediate detectorists, Saltwater beaches | Mid-range |
| Garrett Axiom Lite | PI | Pulse Induction | 4.2 lbs | Waterproof coil; rainproof electronics | 11" × 7" | Gold prospecting, Highly mineralized soil | Premium |
Garrett is one of the established manufacturers we track with full spec verification. Texas-based detector giant; ACE series dominates beginner budgets, AT series owns the all-terrain mid-range, Axiom/Vortex push into premium multi-frequency and PI.
Check the individual model pages and the manufacturer's official site for current manufacturing information — it varies by model and can change.
For Garrett, the most beginner-friendly options in our database are listed on the model pages above.
Brand loyalty is the enemy of good detecting. Garrett makes excellent machines for some jobs and mediocre ones for others — match the model to your ground, not the badge.