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Garrett ACE 400#31of 50

Garrett ACE 400

The Garrett ACE 400 remains one of the best mid-range metal detectors for hobbyists and intermediate detectorists who want accurate target ID, solid discrimination, and dependable build quality without breaking the bank.

8.8
Sift ScoreRanked #31 of 50 reviewed · #3 in Coin & Park
  • Accurate digital target ID
  • Lightweight all-day comfort
  • Great value for beginners
Search Coil
8.5" x 11" PROformance concentric
Operating Frequency
10 kHz
Weight
3.8 lbs (1.7 kg)
Target ID Scale
0-99 with iron discrimination 0-40

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01The verdict

The Garrett ACE 400 remains one of the best mid-range metal detectors for hobbyists and intermediate detectorists who want accurate target ID, solid discrimination, and dependable build quality without breaking the bank. While it lacks some pro-level depth and full waterproofing, it's an excellent all-around choice for coin, relic, and jewelry hunting on land and in shallow water.

Our scorecard

  • Depth8.3
  • Separation9.0
  • Ergonomics8.9
  • Value9.2

Best forParks, yards and first-season hunters

02Specifications

BrandGarrett
CategoryCoin & Park
Search Coil8.5" x 11" PROformance concentric
Operating Frequency10 kHz
Weight3.8 lbs (1.7 kg)
Target ID Scale0-99 with iron discrimination 0-40
Search Modes5 modes (Jewelry, Custom, Relic, Coins, All Metal)

03Pros & cons

What we like

  • Fast target recovery speed good for coin shooting
  • High-Res Iron Discrimination separates trash from treasure
  • Lightweight at around 3.8 lbs for all-day swings
  • Affordable price point for the feature set
  • Headphones included out of the box
  • Submersible coil usable in shallow water

What to know

  • Control box itself is not waterproof
  • Plastic build feels less rugged than higher-end models
  • Depth performance limited compared to pro-level detectors
  • Digital Target ID can be less accurate on mineralized soil
  • No wireless headphone capability stock

04Key features

  1. 018.5" x 11" PROformance submersible search coil
  2. 02Digital Target ID with iron audio
  3. 03High-Res Iron Discrimination with 0-40 scale
  4. 045 search modes plus custom mode
  5. 05Adjustable frequency to avoid interference
  6. 06Weatherproof control housing
  7. 07Graphic Target Trace feature
  8. 08Built-in speaker with headphone jack included

05Full review

The Garrett ACE 400 is a mid-range metal detector designed for hobbyists and serious treasure hunters who want more precision and versatility than entry-level machines offer. Operating at 10 kHz, it strikes a balance that makes it especially effective for coin, relic, and jewelry hunting, while still performing admirably in general-purpose detecting scenarios. The unit features a Digital Target ID system that ranges from 0 to 99, giving users a clearer sense of what lies beneath the soil before they even begin to dig. Its iron audio feature allows detectorists to hear variations in ferrous targets, helping to distinguish trash from treasure with greater confidence. The high-resolution iron discrimination further refines this process, letting users fine-tune their rejection of unwanted metals without sacrificing sensitivity to valuable targets.

Built with a lightweight and ergonomic design, the ACE 400 is comfortable for extended use in the field, reducing arm fatigue during long sessions of sweeping across parks, beaches, or old homesteads. The included 8.5 x 11-inch DD searchcoil is submersible, allowing detectorists to hunt in shallow water or wet sand without worrying about damage, though the control housing itself is not waterproof. Five user-selectable search modes—zero, custom, relics, coins, and jewelry—allow the device to be tailored to specific environments and target types, making it adaptable whether you're sweeping a freshly plowed field or combing a sandy shoreline. The addition of a standard ¼-inch headphone jack ensures compatibility with most headphones, letting users hear subtle audio cues clearly even in noisy outdoor settings.

Power comes from four AA batteries, offering extended runtime that's well-suited for all-day outings without the need for frequent recharging. The ACE 400 also includes Garrett's proprietary Ground Balance technology, which automatically adjusts to mineralization in the soil, enhancing accuracy in varied terrains from mineral-rich fields to typical parkland dirt. Its blue-and-black weatherproof design not only looks distinctive in the field but also signals durability for repeated use in outdoor conditions. Overall, the Garrett ACE 400 is a trusted choice among metal detecting enthusiasts, offering a thoughtful blend of advanced features, rugged construction, and user-friendly operation that caters to both newcomers eager to step up their game and experienced hunters seeking a reliable, mid-tier detector for diverse detecting adventures.

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Garrett ACE 400

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Sift Score 8.8ACE 400
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