Is Garrett Ace 400 the Best Metal Finder? Fisher vs. Garrett

Garrett Ace 400 Review

In the Garrett Ace 400 Review, we reveal a couple of exciting new features compared to the Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector we reviewed below. The most obvious is the 11-inch DD Pro-formance coil that comes standard with this new detector as it was quite popular in the Ace 350. The larger coil increases depth detection, and the DD configuration increases lateral detection meaning the coil sweeps a larger area with each pass.

The Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector operates at a higher frequency (10 kHz as compared to 6.5 kHz of the 250), meaning it is better able to detect smaller low conductive targets like foil, nickels, gold, and pull tabs. Both the Ace 250 and 400 utilize 12 target identification segments, the Garrett Ace 400 incorporates five iron discrimination segments instead of the two found on the 250. The new Garrett Ace 400 also has exceptional iron discrimination, new saltwater capabilities, and the deepest searching coil ever but still retains the same strong and lightweight design that has made them so popular.

Garrett Ace 400 Features and Specifications

• Enhanced Iron Resolution – Allows more control of iron discrimination levels.
• Powerful 8.5" x 11" PROformance Double-D search coil
• Battery Level Indicator – shows the remaining battery life.
• Higher Frequency – Offers improved ability to detect small conductive targets.
• Continuous Coin Depth Indicator – to determine target depth
• Electronic Pinpointing – to speed target recovery
• Accept/Reject discrimination – to modify discrimination patterns.
• Five Search Modes – select pre-set discrimination pattern
• Interchangeable Ace series coils available
• Push Button controls – one-touch operation

The most prominent feature of the Garrett Ace 400 is the Double-D search coil, which gives you better handling of soil mineralization and also better target separation. Besides, it also expands not only the depth but also the coverage of your scanning. The higher frequency of 8.25 kHz compared to the 6.5 kHz of the Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector improves the detectors' ability to locate smaller conductive objects like gold, nickels, foil, etc.…

You have preselected modes you can use to target what you are looking for. The modes are Jewelry, Relics, Coins, Zero (All Metals), and Custom. The Custom setting gives you the ability to set up a custom mode to discriminate items you don't want to find and only find objects you do want. I highly recommend you go through the manual and videos before you start, so you know what to do and how to do it. It will take a while to get used to the different tones, and the best way to do this is to test the detector with a range of different metals. Further down is a video showing you the process.

Another great feature of the Ace 400 is the Pinpoint button – how this works is once you have found something you push and hold the pinpointing button while swinging from side to side and once you get the strongest tone and also all the top row of segments are lit that's the spot to start digging. Below is a pic of the Ace 350 display showing all the different controls.

Pros

• Low overall weight and excellent balance
• Great battery life – batteries will last between 20 to 40 hours.
• Extremely easy to use – literally turn it on, select a mode and off you go
• Ideal for beginner and intermediates alike
• Great discrimination ability – you can even create your custom mode to find only objects you want to find
• Pinpoint push button to accurately locate your treasure
• Higher operating frequency to find smaller highly conductive objects like jewelry and gold
• A whole range of other features to make the Ace 350 one of a kind

Cons

• Reports of false signals and the Target ID not working as well as it should when used on the beach. Setting the sensitivity lower will help.

Should you buy the Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector

In a word, Yes. The Ace 400 has a range of standard features you would only expect to find on detectors costing into the $1000 range. It is well thought out and very well constructed – also its made in the USA by the Garrett company who have been in business since 1964. You don't stay in business that long by producing below par detectors.

Garrett Ace 250 Review

Many of the features of the GTI and GTAx models have been successfully carried over to the Garrett Ace 250 to produce a rugged and easy-to-use detector for outdoors. The Garrett Ace 250 offers great performance without complex adjustments and settings.

The outstanding technology built into this latest offering includes custom notch discrimination, adjustable sensitivity, pinpointing, and depth settings. It also features excellent detection depth, accurate target ID, and discrimination.

Garrett Ace 250 Features and Specifications

• Large 10" Scan Area For Quick & Accurate Scanning
• Electronic Pinpoint Feature with Coin Depth Gauge For Quick Retrieval
• 6.5" x 9" PROformance submersible search coil
• Headphone Jack
• Large LCD Display
• Low Battery Indicator
• Three search modes including All Metal, Jewelry, and Coins
• Interchangeable Ace Series Search Coils
• Graphic Target ID With 12 Element Notch Discrimination for Greater Accuracy
• Sensitivity and Depth Adjustments
• Weight – 2.7lbs
• Length – 42 inch to 51 inch adjustable
• 4-AA Batteries Included

The Garrett ACE 250 Metal Detector is easy to assemble, has an easy to read display, great features, is lightweight and sensitive. The digital instrumentation provides accurate information, and the depth perception is spot on.

Battery life is estimated at between 20 to 40 hours from the four AA batteries depending on usage. The Garrett Ace 250 is great as it allows you to specify what type of objects you would like to find. Once you get a tone that the detector has found something metal, you just press the pinpoint button for a continuous tone, which then increases in volume as you get closer. This detector comes with a padded hand grip and adjustable arm cuff, easy push-button stem adjustment, and an instructional DVD. Do yourself a favor, read the instruction booklet, and watch the DVD to familiarize yourself with the device and to ensure correct usage of the many features.

There were two issues that some users raised, and they are the lack of volume control (as the volume is quite loud) and that the shaft was a bit wobbly. Both these issues can be resolved using one's ingenuity.

Pros

• Five Search Modes: select pre-set discrimination - Continuous Coin Depth Indicator: to determine target depth
• Battery Condition Indicator
• Expanded Target ID Legend: easy-to-read above large LCD screen - Push-button Controls: with One-Touch operation
• Electronic Pinpointing
• Many Extras

Cons

• No volume control
• The shaft was a bit wobbly.

Garrett AT Pro Review

You'll be able to find a ton of relics, coins, jewelry, and gold with the Garrett AT Pro detector as it has been designed to work in ALL terrains. It is a detector you should master in no time if you follow the instructions in the manual and video.

The Control Housing is waterproof, allowing this detector to be submerged up to a depth of 10 feet or 3 meters.

Below are the features of the Garrett AT Pro

• Pro Mode Audio™: Proportional Audio and Tone Roll Audio™ features allow the user to hear characteristics of a target as they would in a True All-Metal Mode
• Digital Target ID: 0 to 99 Target ID scale offers increased ability to distinguish
one target's conductivity from another.
• Iron Audio™: Allows the user to hear discriminated iron and to alter the detector's mid-tone signal's range
• All-Terrain Versatility: Weatherproof housing designed for dusty, humid, or wet 
environments; the unit can be submerged to a maximum 10-foot depth.
• 15 kHz frequency: improved detection of small targets, gold nuggets, jewelry
• Ground Balance: automatic and manually adjustable for improved 
performance
• Graphic Target Analyzer™ (GTA): identifies the target's conductivity.
• Continuous Coin Depth Indicator: to determine target depth
• Battery Condition Indicator: shows battery life continually

Search Modes (Discrimination Patterns): 6 plus electronic pinpointing

• Select from Custom, Zero or Coins in Standard Mode or Professional Mode
• Pinpoint

The advanced features of the Garrett AT Pro are designed for the more advanced treasure hunters, but the beginner will be able to learn by just using the standard modes.

The detector operates at 15 kHz, making it the ideal detector to use for finding coins, relics, coin caches, jewelry, and gold objects. Most cheaper detectors cannot differentiate between composite metals, but the AT Pro can fine-tune to a degree where you almost know what you have discovered.

The 8.5" x 11" DD PROformance coil can detect objects at depths up to 10 inches or deeper, it has a wide coverage area and can be used in virtually any type of terrain.

The iron discrimination has settings from 0 to 40, which will allow you to separate the valuable targets from the trash targets. The iron audio feature allows you to hear the discriminated iron targets tones giving you even more ability to avoid the rubbish.

With the Proportional Audio and Tone Roll Audio, you also get distinct audio tones to help you pinpoint a variety of different metals. The AT Pro has automatic and manual adjustable ground balancing features.

This model is the first Garrett metal detector to feature a Digital Target Identification scale. This scale helps to identify buried targets with pinpoint precision. The targets show on the LCD with numbers ranging from 1, which are the most ferrous and go up to 99, which are the most conducive items.

You have the LCD, which shows you the numbers from 0 to 99 and the 20 target ID cursor segments (12 for notch discrimination). Right next to the ID cursor segments is the Coin Depth Indicator to show the depth of the target. To the left of the Coin, the Depth indicator is the Battery Condition Indicator showing you the exact battery life available.

The Garrett AT Pro Specifications

• Target ID Cursor Segments – 12 Notchable
• Iron Discrimination Segments – 40
• Accept/Reject Discrimination – Yes
• Search Modes – 6 (3 standard and 3 Pro Modes)
• Sensitivity/Depth Adjustments – 8
• Electronic Pinpointing – Yes
• Frequency 15kHz
• Audio Tone ID Levels – 3
• Standard Search Coil – 8.5 Inch x 11 inch DD PROformance
• Length Adjustable – 42 inch to 51 inches (1.06m – 1.29m)
• Weight – 3.03lbs (1.4kgs)
• Batteries – 4AA Included

Pros

• Huge package including all the necessary accessories
• It is specifically designed to work in all terrains.
• Can be fully submerged in water up to 10 feet
• Suitable for advanced treasure hunters and beginners
• First Garrett detector to feature a digital target identification scale
• Manual and automatic ground balancing feature

Cons

• The package does not include a pinpointer.

Should you buy the Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector

This detector comes with a fantastic package for its price, and you'll be saving a ton of money. This detector is ideal for advanced treasure hunters and beginners alike. It is very easy to learn the advanced features as you progress, and the amazing features provided would normally only be available in detectors costing upwards of $1000. Very highly recommended!

Bounty Hunter Gold Digger Metal Detector Review

The Bounty Hunter Gold Digger Metal Detector is a bestseller on Amazon for some very good reasons. It is a great metal detector for those just starting, for kids and for people who are starting to take the hobby a bit more seriously. The stylish Gold Digger will help you find precious gold and silver and all types of metal items such as coins, jewelry, and household items.

It is compact and designed to detect large objects up to 2-feet deep and coin-sized objects up to 6-inches deep. This metal detector is made of lightweight materials and also has an ergonomic handle meaning you will be able to dedicate hours to sweeping it around without getting tired.

The Features of the Bounty Hunter Gold Digger Metal Detector

• The Gold Digger can be used anywhere to search for all kinds of valuable metal from gold coins to iron relics.

• Motion all-metal mode and trash elimination control help you find only the treasure you want
• Identifies coin-size objects up to 6" underground, and senses larger items up to 2" deep
• Requires two 9-volt alkaline batteries (unfortunately not included)
• Includes headphones for private searches in crowded places


• Certified Frustration-Free Packaging

The Bounty Hunter Gold Digger Metal Detector is not difficult to use compared to some of the more advanced detectors. It is as simple as switching it on, and you're good to go. The main feature is the Trash Eliminator dial, which prevents the detector from finding useless items like cans or nails. The metal detector sounds a tone to alert the user when it comes across a metal item. The detector operates on two 9 Volt batteries, which should last good time before they need replacing.

Pros

• Easy to assemble, easy to use and very efficient for the price
• Works great whether using on soil or at the beach
• Locates all kinds of metal objects
• Once you get used to the tones, you can filter out the rubbish easily using the Trash Eliminator.
• Ideal for the starter enthusiast or the kids

Cons

• You need to swing the metal detector slowly from side to side, or you could miss an object.
• Drains the 9 Volt batteries quite quickly
• When using the headphones, the tone can be loud as there is no volume control. Be aware.

Summary

The Bounty Hunter Gold Digger Metal Detector is a really good value for money and a great starter detector for those just starting out and for kids. Don't get me wrong; this detector is a favorite with a lot of people who are just happy to be able to do a bit of detecting without blowing the budget and without being the serious hobbyist. It may be basic, but it does what it says on the box, and that pleases a lot of users.

Fisher F44 Weatherproof Metal Detector Review

Are you looking for a durable, high-quality metal detector? If so, you have to consider the Fisher F44 Metal Detector. This detector is one of the best metal detectors on the market, and it doesn't cost a fortune. This device belongs to Fisher's F-series and is the top of the range model. It features a back-lit monitor that enables you to hunt in even the darkest conditions.

The F44 offers extended coverage due to its redesigned semi-elliptical search coil. It is very easy to use, and one of its best features is that this device is weatherproof. This specification means that it can withstand even the harshest weather conditions without losing its functionality. You can purchase this device combined with the bonus package that offers useful accessories as well as discounts for future products.

The Features of the Fisher F44 Weatherproof Metal Detector

• Weatherproof with Waterproof Coil

• Operates on 2 AA Batteries
• Four Tone Audio Target Identification
• Manual Ground Balance
• 9-Segment Visual and Numerical Target Identification
• 5 Modes: Jewelry, Coin, Artifact, Custom and All Metal
• 2-Digit Numeric Target-ID Numbers of 1- 99
• Handy Pinpoint Mode
• Back-light for dark conditions
• 11 Inch Concentric Elliptical Search Coil
• Lightweight at only 2.3 lbs.

The Fisher F44 is a very capable metal detector that can be used in any environment. This device is weatherproof and features five different operating modes. The identification sound includes four different modes to make it easier for you to understand the proximity of your target.

There is also a pinpoint mode available so you can set a specific target area to track. Another great feature is that there are 20 unique levels of sensitivity that transform tracking into an effortless activity. Last but not least, this device is very lightweight, and you can carry it around easily without tiring.

Features explained

Weatherproof

As a possible buyer, you have to know the difference between weatherproof and waterproof. This metal detector is weatherproof, which means it is resistant to rain, sleet, snow, and high wind. You can use this device in wet and dry conditions without experiencing any problem. These characteristics enable you to use this device in harsh weather conditions, where other metal detectors are useless.

Regardless of the weather, the F44 is a trusty companion. In the development phase of this product, Fisher used the best treasure hunters around the world to make sure this product was rock solid.

Five Operation modes

You can set your Fisher F44 metal detector to any of the following modes: coins, artifact, jewelry, all-metal, and custom. Depending on the mode you are in, the sensitivity is set to a specific level to make your search easier. It doesn't matter what metal object you are looking for as long as you are using the right mode.

Pinpoint mode

With this device, you can set a specific target area, so you can maximize your chances of finding something valuable. You can also use this function to save a specific location for later. This function can yield more specific information about the shape and size of your target.

Pros

• Ease of use
• Durability-High construction quality
• Weatherproof
• 20 sensitivity levels
• Pinpoint mode-5 different detection modes

Cons

• It can produce false signals.
• The monitor panel could scratch easily.

Summary

The Fisher F44 is easily one of the best metal detectors on the market, especially when you consider its price level. It is very durable and extremely easy to use. No matter the weather conditions, this detector will always perform. Also, it is very lightweight and offers many tracking modes. You will be satisfied with this purchase. If not, the company offers a 5-year limited warranty to make your purchase hassle-free.

I cannot recommend the Fisher F44 Metal Detector enough. Whether you want to track metal objects such as coins or jewelry or you are just looking for the next adventure, this detector will always give you great results. It is a reliable, all-around metal detector.

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector Review

Bounty Hunter TK4 tracker is one of the newer discoveries, and it presents some technologies that Garret metal detectors don’t have – for better or for worse. One can’t deny that this metal detector is very efficient, and it can complete its purpose without too many issues. Simultaneously, it is very affordable, making it a common choice among novice treasure hunters.

As expected for its price range, it is a very simple device. Despite what some may think, it isn’t a toy detector, and it still has most functions other, much more expensive products have.

Bounty Hunter TK4 Features and Specifications

• Motion metal detecting
• Battery-powered
• 3 operation modes
• 2 tone audio settings
• Has a special Motion All Metal Mode
• Searchcoil is waterproof and 8-inch in size
• Can detect coin-sized metal pieces up to 6 inches underground
• Can detect larger metal pieces up to 2 feet underground
• Can detect any kind of metal, including steel, iron, aluminum, brass, silver, and gold
• Analog display
• Comes with a battery life indicator
• Built-in speaker
• ¼ inch headphone jack
• The stem can be adjusted from 44 inches to 51 inches

This device has been designed to be very easy-to-use. It doesn’t have many complicated and detailed options when it comes to detecting metal. This doesn’t make it amateur, as it can detect metal the same as other products. Also, it is a motion metal detector. If you don’t move it around, it won’t notice anything, even if the metal is right underneath it.

Bounty Hunter TK4 tracker comes with a built-in speaker, as well as a ¼ inch headphone jack. It is made to withstand most hunting conditions, and it is incredibly rugged and durable. There is an analog meter that indicates the strength of the signal. This enables you to have a brief understanding of how deep a metal piece is.

At the same time, the device isn’t too heavy. While there are more lightweight devices out there, it isn’t difficult to hold, even for a prolonged period of time.

As expected for its price range, it does have some downsides. One of them includes the missing ground balance adjustment function, which can limit the overall experience. In other words, you won’t be able to use it on most saltwater beaches or if the ground mineralization is high.

Pros

• Affordable
• Waterproof
• Straightforward to use
• Motion All Metal Mode is excellent
• Very durable

Cons

• Doesn’t have the ground balance adjustment function
• The LCD display can be difficult to see if the weather is too sunny

Should you buy the Bounty Hunter TK4 IV Metal Detector

While this detector has its flaws, it has an excellent value for the price. If you’re looking for a professional device that you can use on sea beaches, this might not be the best product for you. However, if you are looking for a novice unit that is very easy to operate, you should definitely consider it. It is also great as a children’s gift, as it is affordable and durable, and it has the right amount of functions for someone who’s just starting in this hobby.