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10 Best Garrett Metal Detectors 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Garrett ACE 300i Metal Detector

The Garrett ACE 300i is a lightweight and user-friendly metal detector, weighing just 1.27 kg with an adjustable length up to about 135 cm, making it comfortable for extended use. It operates on 4 AA batteries with a strong battery life of around 30 hours. The detector features a digital display that helps with target identification and depth indication, which are valuable for distinguishing between different metals and estimating how deep objects are buried.

It offers good discrimination settings to filter out unwanted metals, supporting a range of general detecting needs. Garrett detectors in this range typically include a versatile coil that balances sensitivity and coverage, suitable for general metal detecting. This model does not include the AT propointer, a book, or a find box, which some users might expect in a complete starter kit. The detector is best suited for dry land or shallow water use rather than underwater hunting, as it is not fully submersible.

Priced and ranked as a solid mid-level detector, the ACE 300i is ideal for beginners and hobbyists who want a reliable detector for coins, relics, and general metal detecting without complex settings. Users seeking advanced customization, performance on highly mineralized ground, or full waterproof capabilities might consider other models.

#3

Garrett AT MAX Waterproof Metal Detector, MS-3 Wireless Headphones and Pro-Pointer AT Z-Lynk Pinpointer

The Garrett AT MAX Waterproof Metal Detector is a versatile tool designed for both professional and hobbyist treasure hunters. One of its notable strengths is its waterproof design, which allows you to search in different terrains, including shallow water. It comes with MS-3 wireless headphones and a Pro-Pointer AT Z-Lynk pinpointer, enhancing the user experience by making it more convenient and efficient to locate items.

The adjustable length feature of the detector ensures comfort and ease of use for users of varying heights. It operates on a battery-powered system, offering up to 30 hours of use, which is quite impressive for extended exploration sessions. It also includes a depth indicator, which helps to give a rough idea of how deep a target is buried, saving time and effort in digging.

In terms of technical capabilities, the AT MAX offers adjustable frequency and reliable discrimination and ground balance features. These are essential for differentiating between valuable metals and junk, as well as adjusting for different soil conditions, respectively. The search coil size is adequate for general searches but may not be as large as some might prefer for more extensive ground coverage. Its weight is relatively low at 0.09 kilograms, which might raise questions about its sturdiness and durability, although users generally indicate satisfaction with the build quality. The inclusion of 4 AA batteries is convenient, ensuring you're ready to go right out of the box. This metal detector ranks decently among metal detector accessories, reflecting its functionality and reliability. Suitable for enthusiasts and professionals alike, it offers a comprehensive set of features that cater to various detecting needs, albeit with a slightly higher price tag that some might find justifiable for its quality and capabilities.

Buying Guide for the Best Garrett Metal Detectors

Choosing the right metal detector can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you know what to look for. Metal detectors come with various features and specifications that can greatly affect their performance and suitability for different types of treasure hunting. Understanding these key specs will help you make an informed decision and find the best metal detector for your needs.
FrequencyFrequency refers to the number of times a metal detector's signal is transmitted and received per second. It is important because different frequencies are better suited for detecting different types of metals and depths. Low frequencies (1-4 kHz) are ideal for detecting larger, deeper objects like relics and coins, while high frequencies (15-30 kHz) are better for finding smaller, shallow objects like gold nuggets. If you're a beginner or looking for a versatile detector, a mid-range frequency (5-15 kHz) is a good choice.
DiscriminationDiscrimination is the metal detector's ability to distinguish between different types of metals. This feature is important because it helps you avoid digging up unwanted items like nails or bottle caps. Discrimination settings can be adjusted to filter out specific types of metals, allowing you to focus on valuable targets. If you're searching in areas with a lot of trash, a detector with good discrimination capabilities will save you time and effort.
Ground BalanceGround balance is a feature that helps the metal detector ignore mineralization in the soil, which can cause false signals. This is important for detecting metals accurately, especially in areas with highly mineralized soil or saltwater beaches. There are three types of ground balance: preset, manual, and automatic. Preset ground balance is suitable for beginners, while manual and automatic ground balance offer more control and are better for experienced users hunting in challenging environments.
Search Coil SizeThe search coil is the part of the metal detector that scans the ground. Coil size affects the depth and area covered during detection. Larger coils (10-15 inches) can detect deeper objects and cover more ground, making them ideal for open areas. Smaller coils (6-9 inches) are better for detecting smaller objects and working in tight spaces or areas with a lot of trash. Choose a coil size based on the type of terrain you'll be searching and the size of the objects you're looking for.
Target IdentificationTarget identification is a feature that helps you identify the type of metal detected before you start digging. This is important because it can save you time and effort by allowing you to focus on valuable targets. Target ID can be displayed as numbers, icons, or audio tones. Higher-end detectors offer more precise target identification, which is useful for experienced users. Beginners may prefer simpler target ID systems that are easy to understand.
Depth IndicatorDepth indicator shows how deep the detected object is buried. This is important for determining whether an object is worth digging for and how much effort will be required. Depth indicators can be displayed as numbers or bars on the detector's screen. If you're searching for deeply buried treasures, a detector with an accurate depth indicator will be beneficial.
WaterproofingWaterproofing is a feature that allows the metal detector to be used in wet conditions, such as on beaches or in shallow water. This is important for expanding your search areas and protecting your detector from damage. Some detectors are fully waterproof, while others have waterproof coils but not control boxes. If you plan to search in water or wet environments, choose a detector with appropriate waterproofing.