Garrett Ace Apex Review 2024| Is This The Best Ace Model?

Have you ever wondered about a metal detector that combines advanced features with easy handling? The Garrett Ace Apex might be what you are thinking of. This metal detector brings multi-frequency technology, giving you better performance across different areas. Whether you are hunting on a beach, in the woods, or in your backyard, the Ace Apex adapts to your environment.

The Garrett Ace series has always been popular among professionals and beginners. With the Ace Apex, Garrett has taken things a step further. It offers more versatility, precision, and depth than earlier models. If you are ready to explore what makes the Ace Apex stand out, this review will break down its key features and performance in simple terms.

The Garrett Ace series has been a favourite among metal detectorists for many years. The Ace series is easy to use and dependable, making it a great choice for beginners and professionals. Over the years, Garrett has introduced several models in the Ace lineup, such as the Ace 400, Ace 300, Ace 250, Ace 200 and Ace 150. These models are popular for their easy operation and solid features, making them a go-to choice for metal detectors.

The Garrett Ace Apex represents a big step forward in the series. What sets the Apex apart is its advanced Multi-Flex technology, which allows it to operate on multiple frequencies. This means you can search for a variety of targets in different ground conditions with greater accuracy. Unlike earlier models that worked on a single frequency, the Ace Apex lets you choose from several, or even use them all at once. 

This gives you more flexibility, better target separation, and improved depth detection. The addition of a rechargeable battery and wireless audio also makes the Apex more convenient than its predecessors. In short, the Garrett Ace Apex takes the strengths of the previous Ace models and adds modern technology to deliver better performance in all types of environments. It’s a powerful upgrade for anyone familiar with the Ace series.

Multi-Frequency Technology (Multi-Flex)

One of the most impressive features of the Garrett Ace Apex is its Multi-Flex technology. This technology allows you to choose between different frequencies or use them all at once, which gives a lot of flexibility. I found this feature extremely helpful, especially when detecting in areas with mixed ground conditions. For example, using lower frequencies helped me find larger, deeper targets, like coins or relics. On the other hand, higher frequencies were excellent for picking up smaller targets like jewellery or even small pieces of gold.

What really stood out to me was the ability to use all frequencies simultaneously. This gave me a much better chance of detecting everything in the ground, from small objects near the surface to larger, deeper targets. It saved me from having to switch modes constantly, and I could cover a wide range of targets in one go. This feature definitely puts the Ace Apex ahead of other detectors I have used in the past.

Iron Volume Control

The Iron Volume Control is another feature I quickly grew to appreciate. If you have ever spent time detecting in areas with a lot of iron trash, you know how annoying it can be to hear loud signals for unwanted targets. With the Ace Apex, I could adjust the iron volume separately from the volume of more valuable targets. This meant I could still detect iron, but it wasn’t overpowering the signals from coins or jewellery.

In my experience, this feature made hunts much smoother. I didn’t have to constantly deal with loud and distracting noises from junk targets. It kept my focus on valuable finds without completely ignoring the iron signals, which is useful when detecting in old areas where iron relics could be valuable. Overall, I found the Iron Volume Control to be a game-changer when detecting in trashy or iron-rich locations.

Target ID

The Target ID system on the Garrett Ace Apex is another feature that impressed me. This detector gives a digital reading between 0 and 99 to indicate the type of metal detected. In my tests, the Target ID was consistently accurate. For example, when I detected coins, the ID numbers were in the range I expected, and it saved me a lot of time by helping me decide whether to dig or not.

One thing I really liked was how fast the Target ID responded. It kept up with my swings, and I didn’t have to slow down to get accurate readings. This was especially useful when covering large areas quickly. The Target ID system made it much easier for me to focus on digging valuable targets and avoiding junk.

Water Resistance

The Ace Apex comes with water resistance, which means you can use it in light rain or shallow water. While the control box isn’t fully submersible, I found it perfectly fine for beach detection and shallow river detection. I have used it in wet conditions several times, and I didn’t have to worry about damaging the detector. It’s not built for full underwater detection, but for casual detection in damp or rainy conditions, it worked well.

I do wish the control box was fully waterproof for more flexibility in the water, but for most situations, the water resistance is good enough. Just be cautious around deeper water to avoid accidentally submerging the control unit.

Wireless Audio

The wireless audio feature is a huge plus for me. The Garrett Ace Apex uses the Z-Lynk wireless system, and the wireless headphones work seamlessly with it. What I loved the most was the near-instant response time. There is no noticeable delay between detecting a target and hearing the signal, which is important when you are moving quickly through an area.

Wearing wireless headphones while detecting is much more comfortable and practical. There are no cables to get tangled up in, and you have more freedom to move around. The headphones are comfortable, and the sound quality is clear, making the entire detecting experience much better. For me, this feature adds a lot to the overall ease of use and makes hunts more enjoyable.

Rechargeable Battery

I absolutely love the built-in rechargeable battery on the Ace Apex. One of the biggest headaches with detectors is running out of battery in the middle of a hunt. With the Apex, I never had to worry about that. The battery lasts for a long time on a single charge. I have had several detects on one charge, and it’s still going strong. Charging is simple, and you don’t need to buy disposable batteries, which is great for the environment and your wallet.

The Garrett Ace Apex performs impressively well in different environments. Whether I was searching on the beach, in a park, or in highly mineralized soil, the Apex adapted easily. The Multi-Flex technology made it flexible enough to handle each of these conditions. On the beach, it performed well even in wet sand, where some detectors struggle due to saltwater interference. In parks or fields with mixed targets, the Apex maintained solid depth detection and pinpoint accuracy.

One of the things that stood out to me was its sensitivity. The Apex picks up on small targets, even in areas with a lot of trash or iron signals. I was able to detect coins, jewellery, and other valuable items at a good depth. The depth detection is reliable, and I found targets buried deeper than I expected, especially when using the higher frequencies. The detector also performed well at separating targets in areas where trash and valuable metals are close together, which is essential in cluttered environments.

The build quality of the Ace Apex is another highlight. It feels strong and well-made without being too heavy. The design is sleek, and the control box is easy to use with a simple interface. The adjustable stem allows you to change the height to fit your comfort, and the lightweight design means you can swing it for hours without feeling tired. I also found the armrest comfortable, which is important during longer hunts.

In terms of reliability, the Apex delivered consistent performance. It didn’t give many false signals, even in challenging areas. The rechargeable battery lasts long enough for several hours of hunting, so you don’t need to worry about running out of power in the middle of a session. Overall, the Garrett Ace Apex offers solid performance in various conditions, making it a great option for both beginners and experienced detectorists.

Garrett Ace Apex vs. Garrett Ace 400

Multi-Frequency

The Apex has multi-frequency technology, allowing it to operate on multiple frequencies simultaneously. This makes it better for handling different environments, such as wet sand or highly mineralized soil. The Ace 400, on the other hand, operates on a single frequency (10 kHz), which is good but less versatile.

Depth and Sensitivity

The Apex tends to be more sensitive, especially in mineralized ground, whereas the Ace 400 is better for simpler areas.

Display and Interface

The Apex features a larger and more detailed display compared to the Ace 400, making it easier to read the target ID, depth, and settings.

Weight

Both detectors are lightweight, but the Apex has a more modern, sleek design.

Waterproofing

Both models have waterproof search coils, but their control boxes are not waterproof.

Garrett Ace Apex vs. Minelab Equinox 600

Multi-Frequency Technology

Both detectors offer multi-frequency technology, making them versatile in various terrains. However, the Equinox 600 offers more frequencies (5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 kHz), giving it an edge in flexibility.

Waterproofing

The Apex is not fully waterproof (only the coil is), while the Equinox 600 is fully submersible up to 10 feet, making it better suited for water detection.

Performance in Mineralized Ground

The Equinox 600 typically handles mineralized ground better due to its higher frequency range.

Price

The Garrett Ace Apex is generally more affordable compared to the Minelab Equinox 600, making it a good option for those on a budget.

The Garrett Ace Apex stands out as a reliable and flexible metal detector. Its Multi-Flex technology offers the flexibility to operate on multiple frequencies, making it suitable for various environments and target types. The lightweight design, clear display, and rechargeable battery add to its user-friendly appeal. 

However, the lack of a fully waterproof control box limits its use in deep water, and it may struggle with deeper targets compared to higher-end models. Overall, the Ace Apex is a solid choice for both beginners and seasoned detectorists looking for advanced features at a reasonable price.