Initial thoughts on the Garrett ACE 200
Positioned as the cheapest option in the ACE series, the 200 offers little to boast over its peers outside of affordability. When looking at metal detectors that drop below the $300 price point, I always expect to sacrifice performance and quality of life features. This is a prime example of that argument.
Pros of the Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector
- Easy to Use
- Lightweight
- Target depth indicator
- Digital Target ID
Cons of the Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector
- A low 6.5hz, fixed frequency
- 1 Iron Discrimination Segment
- Fixed Notch Discrimination
- The control box isn’t waterproof
- No pinpointing feature
- Shallow average search depth
- No included headphones
Features of the Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector
Digital Target ID
Digital Target ID is a process of classifying a target based on its conductivity. The Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector uses this process to identify targets in the ground.
The machine has two coils that are wound around each other. When electricity is passed through the coils, a magnetic field is created. This field interacts with the metal in the ground, causing a signal to be emitted.
The signal is then processed by the machine’s microprocessor, which creates a representation of the target on the screen. By comparing the signal to a database of known targets, the machine is able to identify the type of metal that is buried in the ground.
This information is then displayed on the screen, allowing the user to decide whether or not to dig for the target. Segment-based target ID is an essential component of metal detectors, and the Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector is capable.
This feature is one I often recommend to beginners getting a first metal detector. Pairing the visual target ID with audible tones can help you learn to distinguish metal types and targets more quickly by sound alone.
Fixed Notch Discrimination
Notch discrimination allows you to target certain types of metal. By controlling and customizing these settings, you can better isolate lost coins, jewelry, and other metal objects.
Unlike the ACE 300 and 400 models which have adjustable settings, the ACE 200 has fixed notch discrimination. This removes your ability to customize which frequency segments you want your device to ignore.
Preset search modes
There are several basic preset notch discrimination patterns on the 200 that you can cycle through depending on what you’re searching for. These modes are no Zero-Disc Mode, Coin Mode, and Jewelry Mode. If I were using this model consistently I would likely be leaving it on the Zero-Disc mode to get the most hits out of its limited search field.
Coin Depth Indicator
The depth indicator gives you a quick visual of how deep a coin or a similar-sized target is in the ground. This model has a maximum display depth of 8” and shows depth in two-inch intervals. From both personal and second-hand experiences, this depth indicator is generally a dependable one.
Comparing the ACE 200 to other models
The Garrett ACE 200 vs The Garrett ACE 300
The Garrett ACE 300 improves on every aspect of the ACE 200. The 300 has adjustable notch discrimination settings allowing you to customize which segments to ignore with the ability to save one custom setup. The ACE 300 also has better iron discrimination ability, a built-in pinpoint mode, a more powerful adjustable frequency, and double the sensitivity/depth adjustments. Overall the ACE 300 takes a clear step up from the more basic ACE 200 model.
Check out our review of the Garrett ACE 300 for more information about that model.
The Garrett ACE 200 vs The Garrett ACE 400
The Garrett ACE 400 brings every improvement mentioned above that the ACE 300 has but adds iron audio, a higher frequency output, and a larger Double-D search coil which will help you miss fewer targets. Overall the ACE 400 offers significant performance improvements and setting controls that will likely extend its lifespan as your primary metal detector.
Check out our review of the Garrett ACE 400 for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garrett ACE 200 waterproof?
The coil on the ACE 200 is waterproof but the control box housing the electronics are not. If you plan to search in or around water I highly recommend buying a water-proof control box protector.
Is the Garret ACE 200 good for beaches?
Due to its low fixed frequency, and lack of iron discrimination this isn’t a great option for most beaches. Wet sand, especially on saltwater beaches, will cause more false signals and further limit the depth of your already shallow search field.
How much does the Garrett ACE 200 Weigh?
The ACE 200 weighs 2.75 lbs without any modifications to its out-of-the-box inclusions.
Does the Garrett ACE 200 come with a warranty?
There is a 24-month warranty included with the detector that covers system issues not caused by the users. This warranty does not cover damage from misuse, neglect, or accidents that damage the device.
Videos covering the Garret ACE 200
Garret ACE 200 Instructional Video
Garrett ACE 200 Depth Tests
Garrett ACE 200 Owner’s Manual Links
If you’re seriously considering purchasing a metal detector, it’s always a good idea to review the user manual for that specific model. This will give you the clearest picture of all the functions the metal detector has without bias. The links to the English and Spanish versions of the manuals are below.
> Link to the Garrett ACE 200 Manual
>Link to the Garrett ACE 200 Manual – Spanish
Final thoughts on the Garrett Ace 200
The shallow search depth and fixed notch discrimination make this a difficult device to recommend. There aren’t that many signals detectorists can rely on to identify targets and this device lacks a lot of functionality a slightly more expensive metal detector would have. If you save up an extra $100 or shop around for the right sale, you’re going to have a much more enjoyable treasure hunt and be more likely to continue the hobby.
As I mentioned at the start of this review, metal detectors under $300 see a clear drop in performance This sentiment is shared by many of the users over on the metal detecting subreddit, a good source of first-hand experiences.
If you’re looking for a quick option to find a lost ring or clean up trash buried in your garden and lawn or a fun gift for a kid, this would be a good affordable choice. If you want to start searching for coins, old rings, and other items in a more serious manner a more sensitive detector with better discrimination would suit you better.