Our Garrett Ace 400 review. If you’ve been thinking of updating your metal detector, or getting started in this hobby for the first time, you should check out the Garrett Ace 400 metal detector. In this review, we’ll show you the features as well as the pros and cons of this model. We’ll also give you helpful tips on having more success with metal detecting. After all, the whole point is to increase your odds of finding something cool, isn’t it?
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Garrett Ace 400 Options
Ace 400 Metal Detector with Waterproof Coil and Headphone Basic Package available Here
Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector Upgraded Package available Here
The Garrett Ace 400 Review:
Th Garrett company makes a complete line of metal detectors, not just the hand held hobbyist styles. If you’re ever gone through a stand up metal detector it’s likely that was a Garrett. So this company has been building detectors for a long time and know what they’re doing. For hobbyists, the Garrett Ace 400 provides a very high quality detector at a price that is more affordable for many. There are many other models to choose from and as with anything, the more features a model has the more expensive it generally is.
The Garrett ACE 400 is a top-selling metal detector due because it does a great job and won’t break the bank. In addition, you can get the base package with just the metal detector and a few accessories or upgrade to a package with a lot more accessories but a higher price.
Package Contents:
The ACE 400 package includes everything you need to get started:
- The metal detector with its coil
- Coil Cover
- Set of 4 x AA Batteries
- Branded wired headphones
- Coil Hardware Kit
- Garrett ACE Rain Cover
- Instruction Manual
The standard package includes headphones and a waterproof coil.
Enhancements in Design and Performance:
Compared to earlier models, the ACE 400 has had some really good improvements to increase performance and usability.
It has changed:
- Increased operating frequency to 10 kHz
- Introduction of Iron Audio function
- Frequency Shift feature
- Advanced discrimination scale
Some Key Specs:
- Model: Garrett ACE 400
- Weight: 2.9 lbs (1.32 kgs)
- Length (Adjustable): 40″ to 53″ (1.016 m – 1.3462 m)
- Batteries: 4 AA (included)
- Headphones: Included
- Warranty: 2 years
- Circuit Type: VLF
- Standard Searchcoil: 8.5″ x 11″ DD PROformance
- Operating Frequencies (kHz): 10
- Water Resistance: Waterproof coil
- Submersion Depth: None
- Iron Discrimination Segments: 4
- Ground Balance: Preset
- Search Modes: 5
- Audio Threshold: None
- Sensitivity/Depth Adjustments: 8
- Electronic Pinpointing: Yes
- VDI (0 to 99 scale): Yes
- Built-in flashlight: No
Shaft Construction:
The Garrett ACE 400 has the same basic design as it’s earlier models with a 3 section shaft design. . The top and middle shaft sections are made from a lightweight aluminum alloy that will hold up well in most conditions. The lower part of the shaft is made from a very durable plastic. The height can be adjusted from 40″ to 53″ so it can comfortably be used by a large range adults and older children of various heights. The detector is liight so it will be easy to carry for long hunts, it weight only 2.9 lbs.
Assembly and Comfort:
Putting the detector together will take only a few minutes. The shaft securely locks into place. The control unit and the armrest attach quickly to the upper section of the shaft. To ensure you don’t drop the unit it comes with a Velcro strap. The handle is made of polyurethane handle and it’s a great ergonomic design so it’s easy to hold.
The Coil:
Garrett has replaced the 6.5×9 inches mono coil with a Double-D 8.5×11″ PROformance™ coil. This upgrade means you can potentially find treasures at a deeper depth as opposed to a mono coil. The coil is waterproof, and is made to be very durable. It does come with a protective case, not totally necessary, but some might like the added protection.
Headphones:
The base package of the metal detector comes with Garrett™ ClearSound Easy Stow headphones, It has an auto level control feature. Many people really like these headphones because there’re very sensitive and pick up even very faint signals no matter how deep, or small, the find is. They aren’t wireless, which some people don’t like, but wireless headphones are more expensive and this would add to the overall price of the package.
Battery:
The ACE 400 comes with a set of 4 AA batteries. With quality batteries you can have power for up to 25 hours. You can also use rechargeable batteries if you prefer, and even though it will cost more with the upfront purchase, you may save money in the long term.
Control Unit:
The control hub is made of plastic and the battery compartment is located on top. There is an external speaker and a searchoil jack plug. There is also a headphone jack. The LCD screen has 6 control button it also shows the VDI numbers from 0 up to 99.
Modes of Operation:
This is a very beginner friendly model:
- Zero Disc (All Metal)
- Relics
- Coins
- Jewelry
- Custom (User-defined mode)
There are different modes and they differ in the amount of sensitivity and discrimination. This gives you the most latitudes in various detecting scenarios. The level of discrimination can be adjusted in every mode but Zero Disc. Discrimination levels can be modified even during your hunt, you can make fast changes in the field. There is a feature that offers electronic pinpointing so you can accurately find smaller targets at deeper depths.
Iron Audio Function:
The Iron Audio feature makes it easier to identify iron objects. This is a great option if you’re in an area that has a lot of iron debris. It makes it so you can tell the difference between ferrous targets vs. just the iron in the soil.
Zero-Disc Mode:
To be able to find the most things at the deepest depth, the the Zero-Disc mode is the choice of a lot of professionals. Using this mode, you can operate your detector with no discrimination which is great if you’re searching in areas with little to no little iron debris.
Ground Balance:
Many people would consider this a downfall of the ACE 400, it doesn’t have a ground balance adjustment. This model comes pre set by the manufacturer and it may not be great for detecting in soil that has a lot of minerals.
If you’re not sure what this means: Ground balance is a way to set your detector for better detection in areas with high mineral content such as at the beach near the water line or heavy iron level, red, soil. When hunting in areas with highly mineralized soil, your detector will go wonky. It will be picking up all the iron in the soli and with so much background noise, you might miss an actual find.
So, what Ground Balance does is that it filters out the annoying signals from the ground itself. This way, you can hear the beeps and alerts from your metal detector clearly, without all that distracting noise from the ground. It’s like turning down the background noise and turning up the signal for finding valuable stuff.
Beach Hunting:
The Garrett Ace 400 is good for searching in dry sand away from the water line. But, it is a one frequency VLF style metal detector so it doesn’t do well in brackish water or wet sand because salt can create interference. Also, it will limit the depth of detection as well.
Adjustable Frequency:
The ACE 400 has a 10 kHz operating frequency. It does come with a frequency shift feature, so you can make some simple adjustments. This is helpful if you’re hunting with a partner using the same model of metal detector since it can reduce any interference between the detectors.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Iron Audio function
- Large DD coil
- VDI display
- Easy to use
- Affordable price
Cons:
- No ground balance adjustment
- Wired headphones
FAQ’s
Can the Garrett ACE 400 Find Gold?
Yes and no. This isn’t the type of metal detector you’d use if your prospecting for gold. However, it may detect gold jewelry or even larger nuggets of gold. Since the Target Id might not accurately show conductivity, since it will fall in the same notch range as trash items. If you want to find gold your best bet is to dig everything within a Target ID range with your shovel.
Is The Garrett 400 A Good Choice For Kids?
This metal detector is designed for adults but due to it’s adjustable shaft (from 40″ – 53″) and it’s lightweight design (only 2.9 pounds) it would make a good detector for older kids. Kids around 11 to 12 or older should do fine with this detector.
Will The Garrett Ace 400 Work At The Beach?
This isn’t the best choice if you move past the dry sand and get closer to the water. It will act up if it gets too close to saltwater and wet sand. Saltwater and minerals found in the wet sand can create false readings. Turning down the sensitivity and increase discrimination may help a little but ultimately, this unit will work much better on dry sand away from the water.
Is The Garrett Ace 400 Waterproof?
To a point: the shaft and the searchcoil are waterproof. However, the control unit isn’t. You can detect in water that is shallow only. Don’t submerge the system though. Also, make sure that you don’t turn the searchcoil above the control unit otherwise water could enter the control unit.
How Deep Can The Garrett Ace 400 Detect Metal?
This detector has a typical depth of 8″ – 10″. However, the actual depth is dependent on a few variables:
- The type of soil
- The configurations of your unit
- The size of the metal
What Accessories Does The Garrett Ace 400 Include?
The base package include the detector, the ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones, the control box cover, a searchcoil cover and 4 AA batteries. However, there are other packages available online.
Tips for Better Detecting
Metal detecting is a a really fun, and popular, hobby. It is always fun to wonder what treasures you may find every time you head out. You can join groups, go with your kids or friends, or all by yourself. Few hobbies offer so much versatility in when, with who an where you can enjoy it. No matter if this is your first metal detector, or if you have dozens of hunts under your belt, these tips may help you get more out of every hunt and more out of your hobby.
Know Your Location
You want to take a little time before going on your hunt to learn about the location you’re heading to. If possible, learn about the history of the area, look at old documents and historical records and old maps. This is another fun element to this hobby – the chance to learn more about the various locations you’ll be visiting. You can star in parks, beaches and even old home sites and farms.
Get Good Equipment
For most of us, budget will be one of the primary factors when purchasing equipment for a hobby. It will be a balance. An ultra cheap detector won’t work well and you’re likely to get discouraged and give up on your hobby altogether. So, it’s generally recommended to buy the most expensive, after doing research to ensure it’s wroth the money of course, metal detector you can afford. A full featured metal detector will give you the highest chance of having success on your hunts which will be more fun and help you get more out of your hobby. It’s best to get the highest quality detector you can afford.
Take Time To Learn How Your Detector Works
Before heading out on a hunt with your brand new detector, make sure you know what the various features do and how to adjust settings. The first step is to thoroughly read the owners manual no matter how boring! 🤪 Giving your new detector a try out in your own backyard first may be a good idea. Practice with the settings and get familiar with the sounds and feel of the detector before you set off on your first hunt.
Finding the Perfect Accessories
There are some accessories that can add to the functionality and protections of your detector. Good headphones are something you should definitely consider so you have clear sound and never miss hearing when you’ve located something. The base package of the Garrett Ace 400 comes with a good set of headphones so you’re covered there. A simple digging tool so you can dig down and uncover your find is important too. You don’t want to be trying to find a stick to dig up your treasure!
Work on Your Technique
There is a proper technique when using a metal detector. It’s not hard to learn, but again, it’s best to take some time to practice before you head out on your first detecting trip. Slowly move your detector back and forth in front of you as you walk. Overlap each swing so you don’t miss anything. The detector coil should be just a few inches above the ground. Try to be consistent in the height of the detector over the ground for each swing.
Ground Balance
The soil composition can affect the performance of your detector as explained in the Ground Balance section above. The Garrett Ace 400 comes pre set so make sure to use it only in the types of soils it is set up for. Find out the specific pre set settings in your owners manual. Using your detector for the soils it is set up for will greatly increase your results and your satisfaction with your metal detector.
Learn to Recognize the Different Signals
Different metals will produce different sounds. Knowing the difference in the sounds is one of the most important functions to learn. And, if you’re not sure what the signal means, you can always use your digging tool to dig down and verify what it is you’ve discovered.
Be Respectful Of Your Surroundings
Make sure you pay attention to laws associated with the area you’re exploring. Don’t ever trespass on private property, ask for permission first. Stay away of restricted preserve areas unless you have permission. Don’t disturb wildlife or plant, fill in any holes you’ve made and always take your trash with you.
Join a Group
It can be fun to join a metal detecting club. You can share tips and great places to hunt. If you don’t have a group near where you live, you can probably find one online. You may even be able to meet up for hunts.
Keep Track of Your Finds
Keeping track of what you find can be fun. It can be a great way of enjoying the experience of finding your treasures. Write down the date, time and location of your find as well as a detailed description of the find itself. If you want to take it up a notch, you can even include personal observations such as what the weather was like, who you were with, etc.
Metal detecting can be a really fun hobby, or it might even be a money maker for you. Regardless of your reasons for getting involved in detecting, it can be rewarding. People have beensearching for treasure for as long as there’ve been people! There is something fasciantating about trying to discover somethitng that has been buried over time.
Hopefully these tips will help you get so much more out of all your detecting trips. As with most things, you will build up skills and experience the more you go detecting. With time you will learn how to optimize the settings on your detector and where to go to find the best treasures. If you’re willing to be patient and you’re persistent with it, who knows what you can find?
About Garrett
In 1964, Charles and Eleanor Garrett decided to create Garrett Metal Detectors in their garage at their home in Garland, Texas. They were probably as surprised as anyone at how large their small enterprise has grown in the years since. Today, Garrett is a worldwide company and they still take pride in all the products and innovations they create.
Garrett Ace 400 Review – The Bottom Line
The Garrett ACE 400 has many features and the power to allow you to have great success in all your detecting excursions. For these reasons, it’s a great option for both beginners and intermediate detectors. There are some limitations, however, of the types of terrain you’ll get results, and if wet sand and soil with lots of iron are areas you will be detecting in, this may not be the best option for you.
Garrett Ace 400 Options
Ace 400 Metal Detector with Waterproof Coil and Headphone Basic Package available Here
Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector Upgraded Package available Here