Welcome to the ultimate Garrett ACE 200 review.
The 200 is the ACE series’ little model, but it comes with its range of benefits for beginners. There are several search modes, a fixed ground balance, and sensitivity that can all be adjusted.
The Garrett ACE 200 is the product to look for if you’d like to get in on the entry-level market with a good metal detector that isn’t too expensive.
The Best Metal Detector?
We’re on a mission to review all the best metal detectors.
While the ACE 200 can be a good fit for some people, it definitely doesn’t beat other detectors on our list…
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In this review, we examine the features, performance, and benefits of the Garrett ACE 200 metal detector. To provide you with the best analysis of this product, we will discuss aspects like quality and value, functionality, simplicity of its use, and detection capacity.
There are several things you need to understand to give you an edge in the field. This model of the Garrett ACE unit is the cheapest metal detector in the series. It’s the simplest metal detector, but it’s still a great one with good value functions for the cost.
As a result, it will cater to newcomers and parents searching for their kid’s first metal detector. It shouldn’t be confused with a children’s toy because it is more complex to navigate than an average toy. Newbies also have to figure out the accessories they would need to set up for their ACE 200.
Although experienced treasure hunters could appreciate fiddling with the ACE 200 because of its portable and hassle-free framework, it will be limited when it has to do with spotting in various terrains.

Garrett ACE 200 Features
1. Easy to Use
The Garrett ACE 200 metal detector’s components are designed for beginners to use easily. Therefore, several of the most advanced parts were considerably simplified. This enables people without much experience to appreciate the hobby without getting frustrated by everything they do not understand.
2. Controls
The ACE series from Garrett has a straightforward control panel with precisely labeled keys.
Three buttons are available for the ACE 200. Mode, sensitivity, and power are all settings that can be adjusted. The power button is self-explanatory: it toggles the device on and off.

Typically, the sensitivity will help your target accuracy as you hunt. We’ll discuss more below. Switch down the sensitivity if you’re on mineralized surfaces, or it’ll start falsifying and emitting screeches.
The common thing you’ll be concentrating on is the identification scale. It will tell you whatever you’ve discovered before excavation. This is the numerous Garrett target ID.
The display is graded on a scale of 0 to 99. While the number that appears whenever you meet a mark indicates which metal it is composed of, such as silver, bronze, or iron. Then there’s a light on the vertical side that shows how deep it’s buried.
For a beginner metal detector, this is decent technology.
3. Price
The ACE 200 is directly on the fundamental and entry-level market. Therefore, it will not have the features and complexities of models that cost twice as much. It might be fair to pay a bit more for a design with Iron Audio, notching, and headphones, such as the Garrett ACE 400. But that model also has the ground balance pre-determined.
Since your cash is spent on the metal detector, there are really no extras involved with the purchase. It costs higher than some other entry-level versions on the market. But it includes features such as digital Target ID, customizable sensitivity, three search modes, and three tones. That’s a fantastic deal considering what you’re buying.
4. Modes
The ACE 200 does not have so many settings compared to its counterpart models. However, the ones it does have might be the most optimal to get in an entry-level detector.
The ACE 200 affords you the option of using three different scanning modes: Zero DISC, Jewelry, or Coins.
Zero Disc is a mode that detects all metals. It does not discriminate between targets containing iron and those without, so it can ring off on both ferrous and non-ferrous targets that are identified. It is like a general search mode, unlike the coin mode and jewelry mode.
Jewelry and coins have pre-determined processes of discrimination crafted for the search for such targets. Coin and jewelry modes exclude all ferrous signals and concentrate on the metals used to make coins and jewelry, such as gold, brass, copper, bronze, and silver.
Iron and other rubbish, such as pull tabs and foil, are often ignored. Few decent targets, on the other hand, appear and sound a lot like garbage targets. So they could be skipped in these fixed modes. If a goal has an irregular tone, it’s better to find it in Zero Disc and compare it to your all-metal mode.
5. Sensitivity Can Be Controlled
It’s nice that sensitivity can be adjusted, especially with so many pre-set functions on the 200 model. It enables you to set it to the maximum sensitivity in perfect and calm soils, allowing users to identify tiny and deep targets.
Reduce sensitivity to reduce inconsistencies and noise if soil materials and electrical interference make the ACE detector loud and incorrect.
6. Kit Set-up
There are so many benefits to getting this Garrett ACE 200 metal detector. One of which is that it arrives as a complete package, which means you’ll be able to go metal detecting the moment it lands. Besides receiving a metal detector, Garrett Treasure, Sound Headphones, Guide Manual, additional batteries, and a 2 years warranty are also given to you.
7. Audio
Three tones can be heard while searching with the ACE 200.
These tones have been improved from the ACE 150s to provide ‘pulse width modulation,’ which results in cleaner, more sensitive audio. A low tone, like iron, shows poor conductivity, while a high one like a coin implies higher conductivity.
Low, medium, and high tones are available on the ACE 200. It can also be used in conjunction with Digital Target ID.
The tone will be low on ferrous/iron targets with IDs of 21 and lower.
A medium tone will be generated by targets with low to medium conductivity values of 21-80.
A high tone will be generated by targets with conductivity values of 80-99.
You’ll become accustomed to the audio quickly, and it’ll be a pleasant break from staring at the control box all the time.
Usually, other models arrive with a headphone, but this is the only one which doesn’t. So, unless you enjoy being in front of a crowd, you’ll want to invest in some.
8. Digital Target ID
Do you know what a Digital Target ID is and how it works? This metal detector employs digital media to show a series of numbers centered on the material science of the object in question, precisely the form of metal and conductivity. This allows the individual to quickly and accurately determine the kind of target before it is excavated.

Is it true that Target ID is always correct? No, it’s not that easy. The scale, depth, and direction of the target can all affect the ID. Tiny and thin metal bits are more difficult to dig up than bigger objects, so it’s wiser to dig it out if you’re unsure.
9. Waterproofing
Since the Ace 200 is not waterproof, do not submerge it in water or allow the control box to become drenched during rain. It’s also a bad idea to put it out on wet grass.
The search coil is waterproof, and you can use it around water but only as far as a few inches deep. Meaning you can use it by the river bank or in shallow poodles.
10. Ground Balance
The ACE 200 has ground balancing, but the setting is fixed and cannot be changed.
But honestly, for a great introductory metal detector, this step is smart. Since manually changing ground balance is both tedious and can take a lot of time.
This ground balancing setting actually performs well on most surfaces. However, it is advisable not to use it on wet sand or soil with plenty of minerals.
11. Frequency
The Garrett ACE 200 operates at a single frequency of 6.5 kHz, which is ideal for coins and jewelry.
➜ Read our Garrett ACE 250 review
➜ Read our Garrett ACE 300 review
Garrett ACE 200 Design and Appearance
The Garrett Ace 200 shares a lot of similarities with the Ace 150 in terms of appearance.
In reality, you’d have a tough time finding any distinctive characteristics at first glance.
This accounts for the fact that both metal detectors are consistent with the submersible searchcoil performance of 6.5′′ x 9′′. The shaft connects both the 200 controllers and the bracket to the coil.

The metal detector will be shipped in bits to you.
You can, however, conveniently set it up without any external assistance or equipment. Joining the parts together with the pieces given is all that is needed for the installation process.
New Cam Locks have been mounted as well.
This contributes to the stem’s continuity by maintaining that it is still kept intact. As soon as you’ve finished installing it, you can immediately start using the metal detector.
While the Ace 200 is designed to include a headphone, this kit does not come with any headphones.
Regardless of the absence of a Velcro grip to keep the arm in place, the Ace 200’s armrest is quite comfortable.
Likewise, there is protection for the forearm when changing the settings on the control box. Generally speaking, it’s an excellent metal detector to use.
Besides, it only weighs 2.75 lbs.
With a transparent screen and significant controls, the multimedia display is both detailed and easy to navigate.
Notwithstanding the control box’s small size, the screen and controls have been designed as easy and reliable to use.
You’ll need 4 AA batteries with a 40-hour battery life. These batteries are required for it to work. Just in case, I’d suggest carrying a spare set in your pack.
It also has a Coin Depth Indicator that specifies the target’s depth, cam locks for improved stem stability, four sensitivity changes, plus other features.
Last but not least, the Garrett ACE 200 metal detector is both portable and flexible. Cam locks are included in the package to secure the device further as you focus on the next component of your search.
Garrett ACE 200 Performance
You can start to find treasure immediately, in your home garden or anywhere you take trips, with the Garrett ACE 200’s efficiency and durability. Garrett metal detectors are simple to operate and can be used by anyone of any age.
This low-frequency metal detector is suitable for simple metal detecting, such as looking for coins, jewelry, and other tiny metallic items on dry ground, dry beaches, or freshwater environments.
How the Garrett ACE 200 Works
The ACE 200 includes some worthwhile characteristics for a simple metal detector, making it a reliable and typical purchase for starters. It’s easy, but it has enough features to enable a novice to gain experience. It includes fixed settings that restrict efficiency a little but render it simpler for a novice to use while out in the field detecting.
The target scale gives new enthusiasts an understanding of how to interpret target IDs of detected objects and how separate targets may have similar IDs. These are prerequisite techniques for making good user changes in updated versions.
Also, it allows for simple audio recognition by distinguishing between the 3 primary tones. A novice can grasp how this function could boost efficiency on various terrains with adjustable sensibilities.
The ACE 200 is a novice metal detector, but it provides enough development for a newcomer to stay relaxed without investing too much money upfront. For more details check the manual here.
Garrett ACE 200 Pros and Cons
By now, it might be apparent to you that this metal detector has a lot of advantages for an entry-level metal detector.
It also seems unfair to discuss the disadvantages of the ACE 200 model because it is an entry-level design, and it will lack the unique high-tech features in its costlier counterparts.
- It’s an excellent step up from entry-level detectors.
- Excellent sensitivity
- Audio enhancements
- A coil that can be submerged in water
- Lightweight
- The ability to control the ground balance happens very rapidly when you enjoy the treasure hunt, but the ground balance of the ACE 200 is pre-set
- There are no functions for the iron filtration or pinpointing that the other models have, and you may find yourself excavating more rubbish than you had anticipated.
- No headphones in the package.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the Garrett ACE 200 waterproof?
The control box is not waterproof though the search coil and shaft are. It’s not meant to be submerged in water or used in saltwater. It’s also advisable not to place the device on wet grass because water will penetrate the control box and harm the hardware.
Due to the waterproof nature of the search coil, cautious identification in shallow water can be carried out. Although, it’s safer not to even go around wet environments if you’re careless.
2. Is the Garrett ACE 200 good for saltwater?
Nope! It is NOT recommended for use in saltwater. However, you can carefully use it over shallow waters as the coil is waterproof.
3. Can the Garrett ACE 200 detect gold?
The ACE 200 is a fixed 6.5 kHz VLF single frequency metal detector. It’s not built to spot gold because gold nuggets, flakes, and dust need a significantly greater frequency. But gold jewelry can be detected.
Final Verdict
Garrett’s ACE 200 is a good choice for beginners and older children. It’s a capable device with all the features you’ll require for another day of searching, but it lacks the enticing extra features or embellishments that dedicated enthusiasts demand.
Although the Garrett ACE 200 metal detector is straightforward, it has more advanced functions than its competitors for the same price. Garrett metal detectors are also manufactured in the United States at a factory in Texas. They use imported components, but the product is manufactured and tested in the United States.
If you don’t mind getting the additional gear to add to it, the Garrett ACE 200 should be something you want to get. Its features are totally worth it.
Garrett ACE 200 Alternatives
’m on a mission to review all the top metal detectors.
Here’s my progress so far:
🏆 Best Metal Detectors 🏆
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Fisher CZ-21 (review)
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Fisher Gold Bug 2 (review)
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29.