Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector Waterproof Review: Our In-Depth Field Test and Verdict

There’s a unique kind of magic in metal detecting. It’s the feeling that history is just inches beneath your feet, waiting to be unearthed. I remember the first time I swung a detector; every beep sent a jolt of pure, unadulterated excitement through me. Was it a priceless relic, a lost silver coin, or just another bottle cap? That mystery is the heart of the hobby. But without the right tool, that excitement quickly turns to frustration. A cheap, unreliable detector can’t distinguish treasure from trash, misses deep targets, and ultimately leaves you digging empty holes. It’s the difference between coming home with a pocket full of history and a pocket full of disappointment. Choosing the right machine isn’t just a purchase; it’s an investment in adventure.

What to Consider Before Buying a Metal Detector

A metal detector is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for anyone looking to connect with the past, find lost valuables, or simply enjoy a unique outdoor hobby. It transforms a simple walk in the park or on the beach into a treasure hunt. The main benefit is its ability to “see” through the ground, alerting you to the presence of metallic objects that have been lost to time. From Civil War relics in old fields to modern jewelry dropped in the sand, a good detector is your personal time machine, unlocking stories and tangible pieces of history that would otherwise remain forgotten.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone with a curious spirit and a love for the outdoors, ranging from a complete beginner to an intermediate hobbyist. If you’re looking to upgrade from a basic, toy-like detector or start the hobby with a serious yet user-friendly machine, this category is for you. However, it might not be suitable for professional archaeologists who require ground-penetrating radar or specialized geological survey equipment. Likewise, if you plan to do deep-water salvage, you’ll need a fully submersible detector, not just one with a waterproof coil. For those on an extremely tight budget, a simple pinpointer might be a starting point, though its capabilities are vastly more limited.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Target Identification & Discrimination: This is perhaps the most critical feature. A basic detector will beep on any metal, but a quality machine will help you discriminate, or ignore, unwanted targets like iron nails and pull tabs. Look for detectors with a clear digital target ID (a numeric scale) and distinct audio tones for different metal types. This saves you from hours of digging up trash.
• Search Coil Technology & Depth: The search coil is the “antenna” of the detector. The size and type (e.g., concentric vs. Double-D) affect depth and target separation. A larger coil can generally detect deeper, while a Double-D coil is better at separating good targets from nearby junk in trashy areas. The ability to find targets at depths of 6-8 inches or more is a good benchmark for a quality hobbyist detector.
• Operating Frequency & Adjustability: A detector’s operating frequency affects its sensitivity to different targets. Lower frequencies are better for large, deep targets like relics, while higher frequencies excel at finding small, low-conductivity targets like gold nuggets. Some advanced models offer multiple frequencies. An adjustable frequency is also a key feature to help eliminate electrical interference from power lines or other nearby detectors.
• Ergonomics & Ease of Use: You’ll be swinging this device for hours, so it needs to be comfortable. Look for an adjustable shaft to fit your height, a comfortable armrest, and a balanced weight (around 3-5 pounds is typical). An intuitive control panel with a clear LCD screen is essential for making on-the-fly adjustments in the field without needing to consult the manual constantly.

We’ve spent countless hours in the field testing dozens of machines. The journey to finding the perfect one can be complex, but it’s a rewarding one.

While the Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector Waterproof is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Classic Reimagined

Unboxing the Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector Waterproof felt familiar, yet refined. As a long-time fan of the Garrett ACE series, I felt that same jolt of excitement one user described as feeling “like I was 10 years old again waiting for Christmas morning.” Assembly was incredibly straightforward, taking less than 10 minutes without even glancing at the manual. The three-piece shaft snaps together securely with locking collars, eliminating the wobble that plagues cheaper models. The control box feels sturdy, and the included environmental cover is a thoughtful touch for protecting the screen from dust and light rain. It’s noticeably lightweight at just under 3 pounds (despite a listed 5-pound shipping weight), making it feel well-balanced. The bright yellow and black color scheme is classic Garrett. This bundle also includes ClearSound headphones and a coil cover, which are essential accessories that often must be purchased separately. It’s a comprehensive package that gets you out in the field almost immediately.

Deep Dive: Performance in the Real World

A metal detector’s true worth is proven not in a spec sheet, but in the dirt. We took the Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector Waterproof through its paces in a variety of environments—from old parks littered with modern trash to quiet fields and the edges of a freshwater lake—to see how its key features translate into real-world finds.

The Brains of the Operation: Digital Target ID and Discrimination

The single biggest upgrade from older models and budget competitors is the ACE 300’s Digital Target ID. This feature assigns a two-digit number (from 0-99) to each target based on its conductivity. This is a game-changer. Instead of relying solely on ambiguous beeps, you get a solid piece of data. In our testing, we quickly learned the numbers. For example, modern pennies and dimes consistently registered in the 80s, quarters hit around 85-87, and pesky pull tabs fell into a predictable range we could choose to ignore. One user noted, “Until you ‘learn’ the tones and numbers being displayed dig everything,” and this is fantastic advice. For the first few hours, we dug every repeatable signal. This process quickly calibrates your brain to the machine’s language. Soon, we were confidently ignoring the low grunts of iron nails and focusing on the clear, bell-like tones of high-conductivity targets. The improved Iron Resolution is also palpable. In a trashy park where other detectors would be overwhelmed, the ACE 300 was able to pick out a 1944 Mercury dime that was less than a foot away from a rusty bolt. The machine gave a clear, high-tone signal for the dime, with just a hint of an iron grunt on the edge of the swing, signaling that both targets were present. This ability to separate treasure from trash is what truly sets it apart from entry-level detectors.

Reaching New Depths: The 7″ x 10″ PROformance™ Coil

Depth is the name of the game, and the Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector Waterproof delivers. The concentric 7″ x 10″ PROformance™ search coil provides a great balance of ground coverage and depth penetration. In our test garden, it easily picked up a quarter buried at 8 inches, giving a loud, clear signal and an accurate Target ID. This real-world performance was echoed by numerous users, one of whom was amazed to find a 1934 quarter buried 8 inches deep on their very first hunt. Another user found wheat pennies at over 6 inches deep in their yard. In the field, we recovered a small, corroded brass buckle from a solid 7 inches down in compacted soil. The signal wasn’t as booming as a shallower target, but it was clear, repeatable, and the depth gauge was surprisingly accurate. The coil is also waterproof, which is a huge advantage. We had no hesitation sweeping through shallow streams, muddy banks, and the damp sand at a lakefront. While the control box is only water-resistant (thanks to the included cover), the ability to submerge the coil opens up a whole new world of hunting possibilities where items are often dropped and quickly covered by silt and sand. It’s a feature that provides both versatility and peace of mind.

User Experience and In-the-Field Adjustments

Using the Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector Waterproof is an intuitive experience. It powers on quickly and offers several preset search modes (like Jewelry, Coins, Zero-Disc) that allow a beginner to start hunting immediately. As you gain experience, you can create custom discrimination patterns to suit your specific hunting grounds. One of its most useful features is the adjustable frequency. While hunting near a chain-link fence, we noticed some faint chatter and interference. A quick tap of the button shifted the frequency slightly, and the machine went silent, ready to hunt. This is invaluable when detecting with friends or in areas with high electronic noise. The Electronic Pinpointing feature is another standout. Once you get a signal, you simply press and hold the pinpoint button. A non-motion, all-metal mode is activated, and the tone gets louder as you center the coil over the target. This allowed us to shrink our digging area from a wide plug to a small, precise hole, making for faster recovery and cleaner work. As noted by one user, the only real ergonomic quirk is the fixed volume. It’s loud. This is great for hearing faint signals, but without the included headphones, it can be a bit much. Using the headphones not only solves this but also allows you to hear the subtle variations in tones more clearly, further enhancing the experience. We highly recommend using the included headphones for every hunt.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment for the Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector Waterproof is overwhelmingly positive. Many users, like one experienced “dirt fisher,” see it as a significant upgrade from other brands, praising its performance and value. He was so excited he was “literally waiting on my front porch for the UPS dude,” a feeling we completely understand. The ease of assembly and use is a recurring theme, with beginners stating they were out finding coins within minutes of unboxing. One new owner was thrilled to find his uncle’s lost gold wedding band within an hour of searching, a testament to the machine’s capability that more than paid for the initial investment.

However, no product is perfect. The most common critique, which we confirmed in our testing, is its performance in wet saltwater sand. One user noted, “it was great in the dry and damp sand but did not work in the wet sand down by the water.” This is typical for single-frequency VLF detectors due to the high mineralization of saltwater. There were also isolated reports of durability issues, such as one user whose disc screw holes broke after six weeks and another who received a unit with a stuck upper shaft. While these seem to be rare exceptions given the brand’s reputation, they are important to note for a fully balanced picture. For the vast majority, the experience is one of success and excitement.

How Does the Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector Waterproof Compare?

The Garrett ACE 300 holds a strong position in the intermediate detector market, but it’s not without competition. For those considering this model, it’s worth seeing how it stacks up against some popular alternatives, especially since the Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector Waterproof offers a compelling feature set for its price.

1. hazlewolke Metal Detector 5 Mode Waterproof Coil

The hazlewolke detector is a budget-friendly option that packs in a surprising number of features, including five search modes and a larger 10-inch waterproof coil. It aims to deliver a premium experience at a lower price point. For a beginner on a strict budget, it presents a compelling case. However, in our experience, the brand recognition, build quality, and target separation technology of Garrett are a step above. The hazlewolke’s Target ID system can be less precise, leading to more digging of questionable targets. It’s a good choice for someone testing the waters of the hobby, but a user looking for a more reliable, long-term machine with proven performance will likely find the extra investment in the Garrett worthwhile.

2. DR.ÖTEK MTXR-Red Metal Detector Waterproof Professional

The DR.ÖTEK MTXR-Red is another strong contender in the budget-to-mid-range category, boasting a large backlit LCD display, a 10-inch IP68 waterproof coil, and an advanced DSP chip. The backlit screen is a definite advantage for hunting in low-light conditions at dusk or dawn. It competes directly with the ACE 300 on features, offering similar modes and depth capabilities. Where the Garrett pulls ahead is in its audio tones and iron handling. The Garrett’s PWM audio and improved iron resolution provide a more nuanced and intuitive feedback loop for experienced users, making it easier to identify good targets in trashy areas. The DR.ÖTEK is a solid machine, but the Garrett feels more refined and is backed by decades of industry-leading experience and customer support in the USA.

3. MINELAB Vanquish 440 Metal Detector

The Minelab Vanquish 440 is arguably the ACE 300’s most direct and formidable competitor. Its key advantage is Minelab’s proprietary Multi-IQ technology, which uses multiple frequencies simultaneously. This gives it a distinct edge in handling mineralized ground, particularly wet salt sand where the single-frequency ACE 300 struggles. If your primary hunting ground will be the beach, the Vanquish 440 is likely the superior choice. However, the Garrett ACE 300 often wins on simplicity and its famously intuitive audio. Many users find the Garrett’s tones easier to learn and interpret for inland hunting in parks and fields. The ACE 300 also comes in a slightly more affordable package, making it an excellent value proposition for anyone who isn’t a dedicated beachcomber.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Garrett ACE 300 Worth It?

After extensive field testing and poring over real user feedback, our conclusion is clear: the Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector Waterproof is an outstanding machine that hits the sweet spot between affordability, performance, and user-friendliness. Its Digital Target ID, impressive depth, and excellent target separation elevate it far beyond basic entry-level models. It’s lightweight enough for all-day hunts, intuitive enough for a beginner to master quickly, yet powerful enough to keep a seasoned hobbyist engaged. While it may not be the ideal choice for dedicated saltwater beach hunting, it excels in nearly every other environment—parks, old homesteads, farm fields, and woods.

If you’re serious about getting into metal detecting or are looking for a significant upgrade from a cheaper machine, the Garrett ACE 300 is one of the best investments you can make in the hobby. It provides the advanced tools you need to stop digging trash and start finding treasure. For its proven reliability, powerful features, and the incredible value it offers, it earns our enthusiastic recommendation. Ready to start your own treasure hunt? You can check the latest price and discover what’s waiting just beneath your feet.