Garrett Ace 200 Review 2024| Features & Performance

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore the hidden metals and treasures under the ground? The Garrett Ace 200 metal detector might just be your perfect companion for that adventure. With its advanced features and user-friendly design, it is built to help you discover coins, relics, and even gold, no matter where you go. With its exceptional capabilities and easy-to-use features, this metal detector is perfect for anyone, from beginners to experienced metal detectors. But how well does it really perform when you are out in the field?

In this review, I will take you through everything you need to know about the Garrett Ace 200. We will explore its key features, how it handles different environments, and whether it is worth the investment. 

The Garrett Ace 200 is part of the well-known Ace series, made by Garrett, a company that is been creating metal detectors since 1964. The Ace series first came out in the early 2000s and quickly became popular. Models like the Ace 150 and Ace 250 were loved by beginners and professional metal detectors because they were simple to use and performed well. 

Building on this success, Garrett introduced the Ace 200. This new model was designed to offer better features like a digital display and more accurate target identification, while still being easy to use. The Ace 200 was released to update the Ace series, making metal detecting even simpler but still powerful enough to find hidden metals. 

Today, the Ace 200 is still a popular choice for beginners and those looking for an affordable yet reliable detector.

After testing out the Garrett Ace 200, I can confidently say that it offers some solid features for beginner metal detectorists. Let me walk you through the features that stood out during my use.

Search Modes

The first thing I noticed was the three preset search modes—All Metal, Jewellery, and Coins. Switching between them was simple, and each mode was designed for specific kinds of metal. For example, when I wanted to find coins, the Coins mode was perfect because it filtered out a lot of junk like nails and bits of scrap metal. 

]The Jewellery mode worked well at the beach, focusing on rings and other valuable pieces, while the All Metal mode was great for areas I wasn’t familiar with and wanted to scan everything. These modes make the detector more versatile and beginner-friendly.

Target ID

The numeric target ID system is really helpful, especially for beginners. The display shows numbers from 0 to 99, which gives a pretty good idea of what is under the ground. While testing it out, I noticed that lower numbers often indicated iron or junk, and higher numbers were more likely to be something valuable, like silver or gold. 

It is not perfect, but I found it really useful in avoiding a lot of unnecessary digging. The target ID is a feature that gives you an edge without needing a lot of experience.

Depth Indicator

The depth indicator on the Ace 200 is useful, not just for show. When I was out detecting for coins, I could easily tell how deep they were buried. It shows you whether the target is shallow or deep, and in my experience, it was pretty accurate up to about 6-8 inches. 

This helped save me a lot of time, as I didn’t need to dig too deep for small or shallow items. The indicator isn’t 100% perfect, but it is very helpful for casual detection.

Audio Signals

Another feature I liked was the three-tone audio system. As I moved over different targets, the detector gave off different sounds based on the metal type. Lower tones meant iron, while high tones often signalled something more valuable, like silver. 

I didn’t have to constantly look at the screen because I could judge from the sound whether it was worth digging. It made the whole process smoother, especially in areas with a lot of junk.

Sensitivity Adjustment

While testing the Garrett Ace 200 in different areas, I found the sensitivity adjustment to be quite handy. It has four sensitivity levels, and I noticed that turning down the sensitivity helped reduce interference in trash-heavy areas. I was able to fine-tune it based on the conditions, which helped reduce false signals in places with lots of junk or mineralized soil.

Waterproof Search Coil

The waterproof search coil was another highlight for me. I took it to a nearby stream and could easily detect items in shallow water without worrying about damaging the coil. The fact that it’s waterproof opens up more opportunities for detecting in wet environments like riverbanks or beaches. However, the control box isn’t waterproof, so I had to be careful with that.

Lightweight Design

Using the Ace 200 for a few hours at a time was no problem because of its lightweight build. At just over 2.75 pounds, it was comfortable to carry around for long periods. I took it to the park and the beach, and I never felt tired from holding it. This lightweight design is a major plus for anyone planning on spending hours detecting without fatigue.

I have used the Garrett Ace 200 for some time, and here’] is what I think. First, it is really easy to use, which is perfect for beginners. The controls are simple, so I didn’t have to spend much time figuring things out. I could start searching right away.

In terms of how deep it can detect, I found it works well for coins and small items that are about 6 inches deep. It doesn’t go very deep, but for things near the surface, it does a good job. The sounds it makes when it finds something are helpful too. I could usually tell if it was something worth digging up or not.

The detector is also really light, so I could use it for hours without getting tired. But, one thing I didn’t like is that the main control box isn’t waterproof, only the search coil is. So, I had to be careful around water.

Overall, I think the Garrett Ace 200 is great for beginners. It’s simple, finds things well at shallow depths, and is easy to carry around.

In conclusion, the Garrett Ace 200 is a reliable and user-friendly metal detector, especially for beginners. Its simple controls and lightweight design make it easy to use, even for extended periods. While it may not have the deepest detection range, it performs well for finding coins and relics at shallow depths. The target ID and audio tones also help in identifying whether it is worth digging, adding to the overall convenience.

The waterproof search coil and good battery life make it flexible, though the lack of a pinpoint feature and the non-waterproof control box are slight drawbacks. Overall, it is a solid choice for hobbyists looking for an affordable yet effective detector.