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 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.

The Garrett 1140460 AT Pro is a versatile metal detector suited for various environments, including both land and shallow water up to 10 feet deep. It features an 8.5 x 11-inch PROformance DD search coil that is submersible, making it ideal for detecting metal in wet conditions. The device runs on battery power and is constructed from durable aluminum, providing a solid and reliable build for frequent use.

One of its standout aspects is its ability to ground balance in saltwater, which is a significant advantage for those searching on beaches or coastal areas. The inclusion of premium volume-control land headphones enhances the user experience, although waterproof headphones need to be purchased separately for fully submerged operations. The AT Pro offers excellent discrimination and target identification, assisting users in distinguishing between different types of metals.

The depth indicator is a helpful feature for understanding how deep the detected items are buried. Weighing 1.37 kilograms, it strikes a good balance between being lightweight and sturdy, which adds to its ergonomic benefits during extended use. Some users might find the need for separate waterproof headphones an additional expense, and its best-seller ranking suggests it is popular among hobbyists but may not be the top choice for professional use. This product is well-suited for avid hobbyists and semi-professional users who need a dependable and adaptable metal detector for diverse environments.