Garrett ACE 300 vs ACE 400: What's Actually Different
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The ACE 300 and 400 look almost identical. Here's what Garrett's own pages and manual say is different. We haven't tested them.
Side by side (Garrett's specs)
| ACE 300 | ACE 400 | |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 8 kHz, adjustable | 10 kHz, adjustable |
| Coil | 7 x 10 in. concentric | 8.5 x 11 in. DD |
| Iron Audio | No | Yes |
| Digital Target ID | Yes | 0-99 scale |
| Weight | 2.8 lb | 2.9 lb |
| Batteries | 4 AA (included) | 4 AA (included) |
The ACE 400 manual lists five modes (Zero-Disc, Jewelry, Custom, Relics, Coins) and four small frequency adjustments (F1 to F4) to deal with interference. Garrett's own summary of the 400's extras: Iron Audio, a DD coil, a higher frequency and volume-control headphones.
What the differences mean
- Frequency. Garrett says higher frequencies are better at picking up small or low-conductivity targets, while lower ones do better at depth and on highly conductive metal.
- Iron Audio. On the 400 you can hear iron rather than having it silently discriminated out, which helps you judge a spot with iron and good targets mixed together.
- Water. The ACE 400 manual says the searchcoil is submersible but the control housing and connectors are not. Garrett's ACE 300 page doesn't state waterproofing; its listing title mentions a waterproof coil.
The two detectors
Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector
- Digital Target ID, 0-99 scale, per the listing
- Electronic pinpointing (non-motion All-Metal mode)
- Adjustable frequency to reduce interference
- Searchcoil cover included; title lists a waterproof coil
Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector
- Digital Target ID, 0-99 scale, per the listing
- Iron Audio to hear iron before you dig
- Electronic pinpointing; adjustable frequency
- Searchcoil cover included
Below and above: ACE 200 and ACE Apex
ACE 200: a 0-99 Target ID, a 6.5 x 9 inch waterproof concentric coil (control box not waterproof), under 3 pounds, per the listing.
Garrett ACE 200
- Digital Target ID, 0-99, per the listing
- 6.5 x 9 in. waterproof concentric coil; control box is not waterproof
- Under 3 lb; adjustable stem
- 4 AA batteries; 3-year limited warranty
ACE Apex: adds selectable 5, 10, 15 and 20 kHz plus Multi-Frequency and Multi-Salt modes, a 6 x 11 inch DD coil, Z-Lynk wireless and a rechargeable battery, at 2.5 pounds, per the listing.
Garrett ACE Apex Metal Detector
- 5, 10, 15 and 20 kHz plus Multi-Frequency and Multi-Salt modes, per the listing
- 6 x 11 in. DD Viper searchcoil; waterproof coil per the title
- Z-Lynk wireless ready; iron volume control
- Built-in rechargeable battery; listed at 2.5 lb
Add-ons
Both ACEs come with a searchcoil cover, per the listings. A pinpointer is a common add-on; Garrett's Pro-Pointer AT is submersible to 20 feet. See our pinpointer guide.
Garrett Pro-Pointer AT
- Submersible to 20 ft, per the listing
- 3 sensitivity levels; fast retune
- One-button control; stealth mode
- Molded inch/cm ruler; lanyard loop
Want a pinpointer in the box? The bundles pair each ACE with one. Comparing against Minelab? See ACE 400 vs Vanquish 540.
Garrett ACE 300 Bundle with Pro-Pointer AT
- ACE 300 with 0-99 Target ID, per the listing
- Includes Pro-Pointer AT (waterproof to 20 ft) and coil cover
Garrett ACE 400 Bundle with Pro-Pointer II
- ACE 400 with Iron Audio and 0-99 Target ID, per the listing
- Includes Pro-Pointer II, carry case and coil cover
FAQ
What's the difference?
The 400 has 10 kHz, a DD coil and Iron Audio.
Is the ACE 400 waterproof?
Only the coil, per Garrett's manual.
What is Iron Audio?
A way to hear discriminated iron instead of ignoring it.