Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector Waterproof Coil Review: A Field-Tested Verdict on This Entry-Level Treasure Hunter

There’s a unique thrill that courses through you the moment a metal detector sings its high, clear tone. It’s a sound of pure potential. Is it a lost silver coin from a forgotten era, a piece of discarded jewelry, or just another bottle cap? That moment of discovery, the blend of history and luck, is what hooks so many of us on this hobby. My first foray into metal detecting was with a cheap, department-store model that chattered constantly, gave frustratingly false signals, and ultimately spent more time in the garage than out in the field. The experience was more frustrating than fun, and it nearly ended my treasure-hunting journey before it began. That’s the crux of the problem for newcomers: a bad tool can kill a passion. You need a machine that is simple enough to learn quickly but capable enough to deliver real, rewarding finds. It needs to be a gateway, not a barrier, to the exciting world hidden just beneath our feet.

What to Consider Before Buying a Metal Detector

A metal detector is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking history, getting outdoors, and experiencing the excitement of discovery. It’s a scientific instrument designed to turn a casual walk in the park or on the beach into a genuine treasure hunt. The main benefit is its ability to find metallic objects—coins, relics, jewelry, and even gold nuggets—that are invisible to the naked eye. This transforms familiar landscapes into maps of possibility, offering not just the potential for valuable finds but also a fantastic form of exercise and a deep connection to local history. A quality detector filters out the noise, provides reliable signals, and empowers you to dig with confidence, turning a game of chance into a game of skill.

The ideal customer for an entry-level detector like the Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector Waterproof Coil is someone new to the hobby, a parent looking for an engaging outdoor activity to share with their kids, or even a seasoned detectorist seeking a lightweight, reliable backup machine. It’s perfect for individuals who want to hunt for coins and common relics in parks, yards, and dry sand beaches without being overwhelmed by a dozen complex settings. Conversely, this type of product might not be suitable for those who intend to hunt for deep, low-conductivity targets like fine gold, or for detectorists who need to work in highly mineralized soil or saltwater, which requires more advanced multi-frequency technology. For those specialized tasks, a higher-end model would be a more appropriate investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Target ID & Discrimination: A detector’s ability to identify a target before you dig is crucial. Look for a machine with a clear Digital Target ID scale. Good discrimination allows you to filter out or “notch out” undesirable targets like iron nails and pull-tabs, saving you from digging up endless trash and letting you focus on more valuable signals.
• Operating Frequency & Coil Type: The operating frequency affects what a detector is best at finding. A lower frequency, like the 7 kHz of the ACE 200, is excellent for general-purpose hunting and highly conductive targets like silver and copper coins. The size and type of the search coil matter too; a waterproof coil is essential for hunting in shallow water or on wet ground.
• Ergonomics & Durability: You’ll be swinging this device for hours, so weight and balance are paramount. A lightweight detector (under 3 lbs) with an adjustable shaft is essential for comfort and can be adapted for users of all heights, including children. Look for sturdy construction from reputable brands that can withstand the bumps and scrapes of outdoor use.
• Ease of Use & Learning Curve: For a beginner, simplicity is king. A detector with preset search modes, an intuitive display, and simple push-button controls will get you out and finding targets within minutes. While all detectors have a learning curve to master their audio tones, a good entry-level machine should be productive right out of the box.

While the Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector Waterproof Coil 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: Unboxing the Garrett ACE 200

Opening the box of the Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector Waterproof Coil immediately brings a sense of quality. Garrett has been a titan in the industry for decades, and their “Made in USA” commitment is evident. The components are well-packaged and feel substantial without being heavy. Assembly was a “no-brainer,” as one user aptly put it, taking less than ten minutes with no tools required. The S-shaped shaft snaps together securely with camlocks, the coil cable wraps neatly, and the control box slides on firmly. The final assembled unit is remarkably light, clocking in at just 2.75 pounds, making it feel balanced and easy to swing. The iconic yellow and black color scheme is instantly recognizable. Compared to many generic, flimsy-feeling detectors in this price range, the ACE 200 feels like a serious piece of equipment designed for real-world use. It gives you the confidence that it’s ready for hours in the field, and you can see its robust design and features for yourself.

Deep Dive: Field Performance of the Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector Waterproof Coil

A metal detector’s true worth isn’t in its spec sheet, but in its performance out in the dirt, sand, and grass where history lies waiting. We put the Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector Waterproof Coil through its paces in a variety of environments—a local park known for dropping change, an old farm field, and the damp soil near a creek bed—to see if it truly lives up to its reputation as the ultimate beginner’s machine. The short answer is a resounding yes, but the reasons why lie in its thoughtful design, which balances simplicity with surprising capability.

Simplicity and Performance: The Turn-On-and-Go Experience

The single greatest strength of the Garrett ACE 200 is its accessibility. This is a machine you can unbox, assemble in minutes, and be finding targets with almost immediately. The user interface is refreshingly simple, centered around a clear LCD screen and three buttons: Power, Mode, and Sensitivity. There are three pre-programmed search modes—Zero-Disc (all-metal), Jewelry, and Coins—which are brilliantly tuned for their intended targets. For our first test in a local park, we selected the “Coins” mode. This automatically discriminates, or filters out, common iron trash, allowing the machine to focus on the conductive signatures of coins.

Within the first ten minutes, we got a strong, repeatable two-way signal with a high tone. The Digital Target ID on the screen locked in around 84-86, a classic signal for a modern U.S. quarter. A few inches down, that’s exactly what we found. This instant success is crucial for building a beginner’s confidence. We found that the factory presets are highly effective. As one user noted, “on my first day out I found some silver coins among other cool trinkets!” This experience is common. The machine gives you clear, actionable information without the steep learning curve of more complex detectors. The four sensitivity settings are easy to adjust if the ground conditions are causing interference, but for most park and yard hunting, the default setting works beautifully. It’s this combination of thoughtful engineering and ease of use that makes the Garrett ACE 200 a top recommendation for anyone starting their journey.

Target Identification and Depth: Deciphering the Signals

While simple to operate, the ACE 200 provides sophisticated feedback to help you decide whether to dig. The star of the show is the Digital Target ID, which displays a number from 0 to 99 corresponding to the detected metal’s conductivity. After just a few hours of use, we started to learn the numbers: iron typically falls in the low range (1-40), gold rings and nickels in the mid-range, and silver and copper coins in the high range (80+). This numerical ID, combined with the three distinct audio tones (low for iron, medium for mid-conductors, and a high, bell-like tone for high-conductors), gives you two points of data to make an informed decision. This is a premium feature on an entry-level machine and a massive step up from detectors that only offer vague beeps.

In our tests, the depth indicator proved reliably accurate for coin-sized targets up to about 6-7 inches, which is excellent for a machine in this class. We were able to pull clad coinage from that depth with ease. One user reported getting hits “up to 10 to 12 inches” in loose soil, which is entirely possible for larger targets. It’s important to note that some users new to the hobby complain about digging up trash. This is an unavoidable part of metal detecting, but the ACE 200 gives you the tools to learn and minimize it. By paying attention to the Target ID and listening for clean, repeatable signals from multiple angles, you quickly learn to distinguish a promising target from a piece of junk. This learning process is part of the fun and is made much easier by the clear feedback the Garrett ACE 200 provides every time.

Build Quality and the Waterproof Coil: Ready for Real-World Hunting

A metal detector is an outdoor tool, and it needs to be built to last. The Garrett ACE 200 feels solid and well-constructed. The adjustable shaft uses positive-locking camlocks that prevent the annoying wobble found in cheaper detectors. At a mere 2.75 pounds, we could swing it for hours without any arm fatigue, a critical feature for both adults on long hunts and younger users. The foam grip is comfortable, and the control box is positioned for good balance. This attention to ergonomics makes a huge difference in the overall experience.

The key feature highlighted in the product’s name is its waterproof search coil. We tested this by hunting along a shallow creek bed, submerging the 6.5” x 9” elliptical coil completely. It performed flawlessly, allowing us to search areas inaccessible to machines with non-waterproof coils. It is critically important to understand what this means: only the coil and the lower portion of the shaft can be submerged. The control box, where the screen and electronics are housed, is NOT waterproof. One user confirmed this, noting the detector acted up after prolonged submersion, while another offered a brilliant tip for rainy days: “I got around this by putting a ziplock bag over the display and holding it in place with a rubber band. I had this machine out in the rain all day like that with no issues.” This rugged design, combined with the versatile waterproof coil, ensures the Garrett ACE 200 is ready for adventure in almost any weather.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, user feedback for the Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector Waterproof Coil is overwhelmingly positive, especially from those new to the hobby. The most common point of praise is its remarkable ease of use. One happy customer states, “Great detector EASY to use and lightweight,” sentiments that are echoed in dozens of reviews. Many users report incredible finds right out of the box, confirming our own experience. One husband was gifted the detector and “found a Colonial button right off the bat!” Another found a “civil war bullet… in my back yard.” These stories highlight that the machine is not a toy; it is a capable tool that rewards its user quickly.

The few negative points raised tend to stem from a misunderstanding of the product’s features or limitations. For example, a user who gave a lower rating because it acted up after being submerged for “more than 15 to 20 minutes” confirms the importance of remembering that only the coil is waterproof, not the control box. Another user complained about digging too much trash, a common frustration for newcomers to the hobby that is solved with practice and learning the machine’s tones, not a flaw in the detector itself. As one insightful user puts it, “This is a great metal detector if your having problems with yours you are probably doing it wrong.”

How Does the Garrett ACE 200 Compare to the Alternatives?

The Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector Waterproof Coil occupies a sweet spot in the market, but it’s important to understand how it stacks up against other options. Depending on your budget and specific needs, one of these alternatives might be a better fit.

1. RM RICOMAX Metal Detector for Kids

If your primary goal is to introduce a young child to the hobby in the most straightforward and affordable way possible, the RM RICOMAX is a viable option. It is significantly lighter and smaller than the ACE 200, designed specifically for children’s ergonomics. However, this is where the advantages end. Its performance and features are far more basic. It lacks the sophisticated Digital Target ID and the nuanced audio tones of the Garrett. While it will find metal, it offers much less information to the user, making it more of an introductory toy than a serious hobbyist tool. The Garrett ACE 200, being fully adjustable, can also be used by kids but offers a clear upgrade path as their skills and interest grow.

2. Garrett Metal Detectors ACE 300 Waterproof Metal Detector

The ACE 300 is the Garrett ACE 200’s direct bigger brother. For a moderate increase in price, you get several significant upgrades. These include a larger 7″ x 10″ concentric search coil for better depth and coverage, a higher 8 kHz frequency for better sensitivity to low and medium conductivity targets like gold, five search modes instead of three, and most importantly, an electronic pinpointing feature. Pinpointing allows you to zero in on a target’s exact location after it’s been detected, which drastically reduces your digging time and recovery effort. If you are a beginner who is confident you will stick with the hobby, the ACE 300 is arguably worth the extra investment for the time-saving pinpoint feature alone.

3. MINELAB Vanquish 340 Metal Detector

The Minelab Vanquish 340 represents a step up in technology. Its key feature is Minelab’s proprietary Multi-IQ technology, which means the detector operates on multiple frequencies simultaneously. This gives it a distinct advantage over single-frequency detectors like the ACE 200, particularly in difficult ground conditions such as wet salt sand or highly mineralized soil. The Vanquish will be more stable and provide more accurate target IDs in these challenging environments. It’s an excellent choice for those who plan to do a lot of beach hunting. However, it comes at a higher price point and still maintains a beginner-friendly, turn-on-and-go interface, making it a powerful competitor for the serious novice.

Our Final Verdict: Is the Garrett ACE 200 the Right Choice for You?

After extensive hands-on testing and analysis of real-world user feedback, our conclusion is clear: the Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector Waterproof Coil is arguably the best entry-level metal detector on the market for its price. It masterfully bridges the gap between cheap, frustrating “toy” detectors and complex, expensive expert machines. Its blend of turn-on-and-go simplicity, lightweight ergonomics, and genuinely useful features like Digital Target ID creates an experience that is both fun and rewarding from the very first hunt.

While it lacks the pinpointing feature of its bigger brother, the ACE 300, and the advanced multi-frequency technology of a Minelab Vanquish, it provides more than enough power and information to find coins, rings, and relics at impressive depths. It is the perfect tool to ignite a passion for history and discovery in adults and children alike. If you are looking to get into the hobby of metal detecting without a huge financial investment but still want a quality, American-made machine that delivers real results, you simply cannot go wrong with this detector. It’s an investment in countless hours of outdoor adventure and excitement. Ready to start your treasure hunt? You can check the latest price and availability to begin your journey.