Garrett ACE 400 vs Garrett AT Pro: A Detailed Comparison

If you’re looking to get into metal detecting, two models from Garrett stand out: the Garrett ACE 400 and the Garrett AT Pro. Both detectors are designed to provide excellent performance, but each has its own strengths that cater to different types of treasure hunters. Whether you’re a beginner exploring parks and fields or a seasoned detectorist seeking to uncover treasures in challenging environments, understanding the differences between these two models will help you make the right choice. In this comparison, we’ll break down their features, pros, and cons, so you can decide which one suits your needs best.

1. Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector

The Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector is a solid option for both beginners and more experienced treasure hunters. Its 0-99 Digital Target ID scale allows for precise identification of metal objects based on their conductivity, which significantly enhances the accuracy of your searches. The Iron Audio feature is a standout, enabling users to hear iron-based targets like bottle caps and washers before they start digging. This helps save time and avoid frustration, making the hunt more enjoyable. Additionally, the electronic pinpointing mode aids in accurately locating detected objects, while the adjustable frequency setting reduces interference from other detectors or electrical sources. With the included accessories, like the ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones and searchcoil cover, you get a complete and efficient setup right out of the box.

On the plus side, the ACE 400 offers excellent build quality and dependable performance, even in challenging terrains like granite or iron-rich soil. Users particularly appreciate how easy it is to use, making it a great choice for those just starting out in metal detecting. The price is also quite reasonable given the features included. However, one downside is that it requires batteries, which can be inconvenient during longer hunting sessions. Additionally, while the device performs well in most conditions, it may struggle a bit in highly mineralized soils. Nonetheless, the ACE 400 strikes a great balance between cost and performance, making it a fantastic tool for treasure hunting enthusiasts.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

• Digital Target ID (0-99 scale)
• Iron Audio feature for identifying iron trash
• Electronic pinpointing mode for accurate target location
• Adjustable frequency to minimize interference
• Includes accessories like headphones and searchcoil cover

Pros:

• Accurate and easy-to-use detection
• Reduces unwanted targets with Iron Audio
• Good build quality, even in difficult soil
• Includes useful accessories for better convenience
• Great value for money

Cons:

• Requires batteries, which may not last long during extended use

2. Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector

The Garrett AT Pro & Pro-Pointer AT Metal Detector Bundle offers exceptional performance for both beginners and seasoned treasure hunters. Its all-terrain capability ensures excellent results in various environments, from dry land to wet conditions. The detector’s fast recovery speed and target separation allow for efficient searching, even in trash-filled areas. One of the standout features is its waterproof design, which allows you to dive up to 10 feet underwater, making it perfect for shallow water hunting. Additionally, the Pro Mode Audio offers detailed target response with proportional audio and tone roll, enabling precise depth and conductivity judgments. When paired with the Pro-Pointer AT, which is also waterproof up to 20 feet, the bundle becomes even more versatile, allowing you to quickly recover small targets with its 360° detection and fast retune function.

This bundle is a solid investment for anyone serious about metal detecting. The MS-2 headphones are particularly helpful, as they amplify weak signals and block out ambient noise, ensuring you don’t miss valuable targets. Customers appreciate how easy the AT Pro is to use, with clear instructions that make getting started a breeze. The build quality is durable and sturdy, able to withstand various outdoor conditions. However, the detector is somewhat heavy at 6.5 pounds, which may become tiring during extended sessions. Additionally, like most metal detectors, it requires batteries, and depending on usage, this could lead to additional ongoing costs.

Key Features, Pros, and Cons

Key Features:

• All-terrain performance with fast recovery and target separation
• Fully submersible up to 10 feet
• Pro Mode Audio for detailed target response
• Pro-Pointer AT with 360° detection and fast retune
• MS-2 headphones to enhance weak signals and reduce ambient noise

Pros:

• Great for a variety of environments, including shallow water
• Waterproof up to 10 feet, with the pinpointer up to 20 feet
• Clear, proportional audio for precise target identification
• Includes helpful accessories like the MS-2 headphones and pinpointer
• Durable and easy to use

Cons:

• Weighs 6.5 pounds, which may be heavy for some users

Comparison of Garrett ACE 400 vs Garrett AT Pro

Garrett offers a range of metal detectors tailored to different levels of expertise and specific needs, with the Garrett ACE 400 and the Garrett AT Pro being two of their popular models. While both detectors provide impressive features, they are designed for slightly different use cases.

Key Features Comparison

Feature	Garrett ACE 400	Garrett AT Pro
Target Identification	Digital Target ID (0-99 scale)	Proportional Audio, Tone Roll for depth
Audio Features	Iron Audio	Pro Mode Audio, Iron Audio, Proportional Audio
Waterproofing	Not Waterproof	Waterproof up to 10 feet
Pinpointing	Electronic Pinpointing	Fast Recovery with Pro-Pointer AT (included)
Frequency Adjustability	Adjustable Frequency	Adjustable Frequency
Included Accessories	Headphones, Searchcoil Cover	MS-2 Headphones, Pro-Pointer AT
Weight	2.8 lbs	6.5 lbs

Performance and Usability

Garrett ACE 400:

The ACE 400 is geared toward beginners and intermediate users, making it an excellent choice for those new to metal detecting. It boasts a Digital Target ID with a 0-99 numeric scale, helping users identify metal objects based on conductivity. The Iron Audio feature also enables you to hear iron targets (such as bottle caps and washers), saving you time and effort by avoiding unnecessary digging. The Electronic Pinpointing mode helps accurately locate targets, though it is not as advanced as the pinpointing on the AT Pro.

Additionally, the ACE 400’s adjustable frequency allows users to minimize interference in crowded areas, making it ideal for parks or places with multiple detectors. However, it lacks waterproofing, meaning it’s better suited for land-based searches and is not ideal for underwater or wet environment use.

Garrett AT Pro:

On the other hand, the AT Pro is a more advanced detector designed for a wider range of conditions. One of its standout features is its waterproof capability, which allows users to submerge the detector up to 10 feet underwater—ideal for shallow water treasure hunting. The AT Pro also offers Pro Mode Audio, providing a more detailed and nuanced target response, including proportional audio and tone roll, which helps users distinguish between different types of metal at greater depths.

Moreover, the AT Pro has fast recovery speed and excellent target separation, making it effective in trash-heavy areas, which is a great feature for experienced treasure hunters. The Pro-Pointer AT included in the bundle further enhances its capability by offering 360-degree detection, allowing you to quickly locate and recover small targets with ease.

Waterproof and Durability

One of the most significant differences between the ACE 400 and the AT Pro is the waterproof feature. The ACE 400 is not designed for wet environments, limiting its use to dry land. This is a drawback if you’re looking to explore beaches, rivers, or lakes. Conversely, the AT Pro is built to withstand submersion up to 10 feet underwater, making it a more versatile option for treasure hunters who want to venture into shallow waters for exploration.

If you’re serious about exploring beaches or diving into water-based hunts, the AT Pro offers a clear advantage.

Weight and Comfort

The ACE 400 is significantly lighter, weighing only 2.8 pounds, which makes it an ideal choice for longer detecting sessions without fatigue. Beginners, in particular, will appreciate its lightweight and ergonomic design, making it easier to handle.

The AT Pro, at 6.5 pounds, is much heavier and may become tiring during extended sessions. The additional weight is due to its more robust construction, higher-end features, and the inclusion of the Pro-Pointer AT. While this makes the AT Pro a bit more cumbersome, the added features and waterproof design can justify the weight for more advanced users who need those capabilities.

Accessories and Value for Money

The ACE 400 comes with essential accessories such as ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones and a searchcoil cover, providing good value for the price. These accessories help reduce background noise and ensure better detection performance. However, the lack of a pinpointer might make the recovery process slower compared to the AT Pro.

The AT Pro comes with additional useful accessories, including the MS-2 Headphones and the Pro-Pointer AT, a highly beneficial pinpointer that helps speed up target recovery. Although the AT Pro is priced higher, the inclusion of these accessories adds significant value for those serious about treasure hunting, making it a more comprehensive package overall.

Final Thoughts

In summary, both the Garrett ACE 400 and Garrett AT Pro are excellent metal detectors, but they cater to different user needs.

• ACE 400: A great choice for beginners or casual users who primarily hunt on dry land and need an easy-to-use, lightweight detector with solid performance at an affordable price. It is ideal if you’re just getting started and looking for a reliable detector with basic features like Iron Audio and Electronic Pinpointing.
• AT Pro: This is the go-to model for more experienced users who want a versatile detector that works in various conditions, including underwater. Its advanced audio features, fast recovery, and waterproof capabilities make it the ideal choice for those who want to step up their game and explore more challenging environments, such as beaches and shallow waters.

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