Garrett ACE 400i Metal Detector Review
The Garrett brand has earned itself quite the reputation among metal detectors. The ACE model line, in particular, has proven to be quite a handy little detector. With the Garrett Ace 400i, the company has claimed to have produced the “king of ACEs”.
The reviews of the product have been quite positive, so let’s see if this metal detector has really merited this considerable title. This is a well-known product because it’s reliable and affordable with a good reputation.
- Total Weight : 2.6kg or 5.8 pounds
- Batteries: 4 AA 20+ Hour Battery Life
- New Iron Audio: allows user to hear discriminated iron
- New Digital Target ID: 0 to 99 scale offers target information
- New Adjustable Frequency
- New! Includes Pulse-Width Modulation audio: sharper, more responsive audio
Design and Appearance of the Garrett ACE 400i
In terms of the design, the Garrett ACE 400i looks a lot like the other ACE models with the exception of a cross-shaped coil. This metal detector consists of a shaft, a PRO Performance 8.5″ x 11” DD coil, and a 400i control box. The shaft ends in a comfortable arm rest that comes equipped with an adjustable Velcro strap. There is also a coil cover available which can be snapped on with ease.
This model is also armed with the Garrett Clearsound Easy Stow Headphones with an inline volume switch. The 400i comes out of the box in three separate parts with the coil, the straight shaft, and the s-shaft separate from one another. You will need no other tools than the ones provided with the metal detector to put it together.
With your arm in the armrest, it is very easy to man the buttons. You are able to easily adjust the controls with just the movement of your thumb alone. The digital display allows you to keep careful track of all of the functions of the metal detector.
In addition to the comfort factor, the other advantage with the ACE 400i is the weight. Weighing in at just 1.32 kg, you are definitely not going to get tired carrying this detector around. But, it is not recommended for kids, see the best metal detectors for kids here. It also has an adjustable length of 1.06 meters to 1.29 meters.
This is the ideal machine to take with you if you are planning on spending a considerable amount of time out in the field.
Buttons and Modes of the Garrett ACE 400i
The Garrett ACE 400i comes furnished with six different buttons. These are the Power/Iron Audio, Pinpoint, Frequency Adjustment, Discrimination, Sensitivity, and Mode. These are accompanied by a LED display on top. The LED display shows the Mode Indicator, Target ID Legend, Digital Target ID, Target ID Cursor, Lower Scale, Depth Indicator, Sensitivity Setting, and battery level indicator.
The metal detector can be powered by simply pressing the Power button for one second and then releasing it.
Using the Mode buttons, you can scroll through five different modes. These are:
- Zero-discrimination: detects all types of metal
- Jewellery: designed to find necklaces, rings, and bracelets while rejecting iron-based objects
- Custom: to be programmed by the user with settings being saved. Start with discrimination pattern and then use DISCRIM along with Accept/Reject to customize the mode.
- Relics: avoids iron while picking up objects with lower conductivity such as bronze, lead, and brass.
- Coins: programmed to find most types of monies while rejecting foil and iron. Certain unnecessary objects such aluminium cans may be detected.
The Sensitivity buttons can be used to either increase or decrease the sensitivity of the metal detector. There are eight sensitivity levels present.
The Discrimination button is used in conjunction with the Accept/Reject button to ensure that trash is rejected.
The Power button also doubles as the Iron Audio button. By pressing this button, you are able to hear discriminated iron.
The Pinpoint button is used to help narrow the location of a possible object. It is pressed over the suspected location of a target.
Features and Performance of Garrett ACE 400i
The Garrett ACE 400i comes packed with a lot of new features for the ardent explorer. The first feature is the Iron Audio which allows the user to hear the normally silenced discriminated iron. This way, you will not be digging for undesirable objects. Even better, the mid-tone range can actually be altered. This way, different iron objects will produce different sounds allowing the user to distinguish between them. The iron resolution is stated to be at least twice as powerful as the ACE 250.
The other function is the Digital Target ID with a 0 to 99 scale. This allows the user to better identify the objects being picked up. There is also a higher frequency of 10 kHz, allowing objects with lower conductivity such as gold to also be detected. The frequency is also adjustable, meaning that there will less interference when using the ACE 400i. This model also comes equipped with a new Pulse-Width Modulation for more responsive audio.
The old features such as the pinpointing, coin depth, variety of modes, and sensitivity options are still as good as ever. Combined, these not only help you to find targets that you actually want, they also help to narrow down the location. All of these functions help to cut down the amount of time that it takes to find what you are looking for. The discrimination features reduce the likelihood of picking up non-metal items or other pieces of junk.
Pros and Cons of the Garrett ACE 400i
Pros:
- Incredible sensitivity
- Greater distinction between iron objects
- Fast recovery time
- Great value for money
- Good battery life
- Lightweight
- Comes with attachments
Cons:
- Audio volume cannot be adjusted on the machine – only on the headphones
- The detector is less reliable around high mineralised soils
Is garrett ace 400 waterproof?
Yes and no, like any other tricky question. The coil is waterproof, while the box of the metal detector isn’t. It’s really good to make sure that water doesn’t get nearby the box to not risk and damage the electronic circuit.
Final Verdict
Everyone seems to agree the Garrett ACE 400i really can do no wrong. This detector really is an improvement on all of its predecessors. In addition to having great sensitivity, users are also now able to distinguish between different types of iron. One of the major advantages is the price – for all the advanced features that you get, it really is somewhat of a bargain.
Not to mention, you actually get additional attachments to go along with the metal detector. This is definitely a nice little surprise for the price you are paying. The complaints about this detector are far and few. In fact, you are pretty much scraping the barrel.
