Garrett Ace 150 Review 2024| Ideal Detector for Beginners

Have you ever dreamed of discovering hidden metals buried beneath the surface? The Garrett Ace 150 is the tool to turn that dream into reality. This metal detector is designed especially for beginners. It is built to make your metal detection both simple and successful. But does it have what it takes to uncover those hidden gems?

The Garrett Ace 150 is one of the most popular metal detectors for beginners. The Ace 150 has earned a reputation for its ease of use and reliable performance. Whether you are detecting in your backyard or going into local parks, this detector offers the right mixture of essential features to help you get started on your metal detecting journey. Its lightweight design and straightforward operation make it an ideal choice for those new to metal detection.

In this review, I will walk you through the features of the Garrett Ace 150, explore its history, and see how it performs under different conditions. By the end, you will have a clearer idea of whether this metal detector is the perfect companion for your metal detection journey.

The Garrett Ace 150 is part of Garrett’s Ace series which includes famous models like Ace 400 and Ace 300. The Ace series was created to offer high-quality metal detectors at affordable prices for beginners and professionals. Garrett, a well-known name in the metal detecting industry, introduced the Ace series in the early 2000s intending to provide easy-to-use metal detectors that did not compromise on performance. The Ace 150 quickly became one of the most popular models in this series.

Garrett designed the Ace 150 as an entry-level detector that still included key features like discrimination settings and target ID to help users better identify metals underground. It was developed to meet the needs of people who were just getting started with metal detecting while keeping things simple enough for anyone to use.

Over time, the Ace 150 earned a strong reputation for its reliability and affordability. It became a top choice for beginners in the metal-detecting world. Even today, it remains a popular option for those looking to start their metal-detecting adventures.

The Garrett Ace 150 Metal Detector offers very handy features that can take your metal detecting to another level. Here is what I have tested out.

Three Search Modes

The Garrett Ace 150 comes with three search modes: All Metal, Jewellery, and Coins. These preset modes make it easy to focus on specific types of targets. All Metal Mode detects every type of metal, which is helpful when you are exploring new areas, though it can pick up a lot of junk. 

The Jewelry Mode helps filter out trash and focuses on valuable items like rings or necklaces. I found this mode useful when detecting in parks or beaches where jewellery might be hidden. 

Coins Mode is my favourite, especially for beginners looking to find coins without much hassle. It makes your search easier and less confusing.

Target ID with 5-Segment Depth Indicator

The Ace 150’s target ID system is simple yet effective. The five-segment indicator helps you understand what kind of metal might be under the ground before you dig. Each segment represents different types of metals, such as iron, gold, or silver. 

I found this feature incredibly helpful for avoiding unnecessary digging, especially when searching in areas with lots of junk metal. The depth indicator is another great touch. It shows how deep the target is buried, so I wasn’t wasting time digging too deep for shallow targets. 

Though not as detailed as higher-end models, it is accurate enough for beginners and casual users.

Electronic Pinpointing

While the Ace 150 doesn’t come with a built-in pinpoint function, its precision is still impressive. The detector responds quickly when a target is found, and you can use short, slow sweeps to narrow down the location of your find. I have noticed that with practice, it becomes easier to pinpoint where exactly to dig, even without a dedicated pinpoint button. 

For a beginner detector, this accuracy is more than enough.

Discrimination Feature

The discrimination feature on the Garrett Ace 150 is simple to use but highly effective. It allows you to ignore unwanted metals like iron, so you can focus on more valuable finds. I have found this feature particularly helpful in trashy areas, where there is a lot of metal debris. 

By adjusting the discrimination level, I was able to reduce false signals and focus on digging up valuable targets, like coins and jewellery. It’s not too complicated, which is perfect for beginners who want quick results.

Lightweight and Comfortable Design

One of the things I really appreciate about the Ace 150 is its lightweight build. Weighing only about 2.7 pounds, it is easy to carry around for hours without getting tired. The comfortable design makes it easy to hold, even for long detecting sessions. 

The handle is well-cushioned, and the arm support is just right. I have taken it on several long trips, and it didn’t feel bulky at all. For beginners or anyone who wants a detector that is not too heavy, this detector will be perfect for them.

Easy-to-Use Control Panel

The control panel on the Ace 150 is straightforward, with just a few buttons. I like how simple it is because it allows me to spend less time learning and more time detecting. With just a push of a button, you can switch between modes, adjust the sensitivity, or activate the discrimination feature. 

Even if you have never used a metal detector before, the controls are easy to understand, and you will quickly learn how to use it. This is one of the reasons why the Ace 150 is such a great detector for beginners.

The performance of Ace 150 is pretty good. One thing I noticed right away was how easy it is to use. The controls are simple, and I didn’t need to spend too much time learning how it works. It has three basic modes—All Metal, Jewelry, and Coins—so switching between them was straightforward, depending on what I was looking for.

In terms of depth, the ACE 150 performed reasonably well. I was able to detect coins and other small items at a depth of about 6 inches, which I found sufficient for basic metal detection. It might not go as deep as some of the more advanced detectors, but for surface-level detection, it did a decent job. 

The target ID feature is basic but helpful. It gives a general idea of what type of metal you are detecting, though it is not as accurate as some more expensive models. I found myself digging up a few unwanted items like nails, but it was still helpful enough to avoid most junk targets. I appreciated that it saves me from unnecessary digging, though it’s not 100% precise.

When using it for a longer period, I found it comfortable due to its lightweight design. I didn’t experience much fatigue, even during extended searches, which is a big plus for a beginner like me. However, I did need to be cautious around water, as the coil is not fully waterproof.

The Garrett ACE 150 offers reliable performance for a beginner’s metal detector. It is easy to handle, does well for shallow finds, and has enough features to make the detection enjoyable. For its price range, it’s a good option to start with if you are new to metal detecting.

In conclusion, the Garrett Ace 150 is a great option for beginners who want to start metal detecting. It’s light and easy to use, making it comfortable for long searches. With three modes—All Metal, Jewelry, and Coins—you can choose what you want to find. While it can only detect items up to 6 inches deep, it does well for shallow finds.

The target ID and discrimination features help you avoid digging up junk, although they may not catch everything. Overall, the Ace 150 gives good performance for its price. If you want a reliable detector to help you find hidden treasures without spending too much, the Garrett Ace 150 is a solid choice.