Fisher F22 vs Garrett ACE 250: Comprehensive Comparison The Detector Lab, March 5, 2025March 5, 2025 When it comes to metal detecting, choosing the right tool can make all the difference between a rewarding treasure hunt and a frustrating experience. Among the popular options for both beginners and intermediate users are the Fisher F22 and the Garrett ACE 250. Both detectors offer a range of features designed to help you find valuable metals, from coins and jewelry to relics and artifacts. In this guide, we’ll compare the Fisher F22 and the Garrett ACE 250, evaluating their key features, performance, design, and value for money to help you decide which one suits your treasure hunting needs best. 1. Fisher F22 Metal Detector The Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector is a highly efficient, all-purpose tool designed for treasure hunters of all levels. Whether you’re searching for coins, jewelry, or artifacts, the Fisher F22 is up to the task, capable of detecting metals up to nine inches deep. Its weatherproof design ensures that you can use it in almost any condition, from rainstorms to sunny days, without worrying about damaging the equipment. The metal detector is equipped with advanced features such as an ID system that allows for precise target identification, a 4-tone audio system for clear feedback, and pinpoint accuracy, making it ideal for detailed treasure hunts. The 9-inch waterproof coil is perfect for shallow water detection, making it a versatile option for various environments. Weighing only about 2 pounds, the Fisher F22 is lightweight and easy to carry for long hours of treasure hunting. Its ergonomic design includes a padded handgrip and an adjustable arm cup, making it comfortable to use for both adults and children. The detector also boasts up to 30 hours of battery life, allowing for extended outdoor use. However, despite all its advantages, the Fisher F22 does have some limitations. Some users have noted that the depth detection might not always be as deep as expected for larger objects, and the sensitivity might require constant adjustments in certain environments. Pros and Cons Pros: Easy to use with simple presets and instructions. Great value for money, offering solid features for beginners and intermediate users. Comfortable for extended use with a padded handgrip and adjustable arm cup. Provides accurate target identification with advanced target ID and audio feedback. Weatherproof and durable, suitable for various weather conditions. Cons: Depth detection may not be as effective for larger objects. View On Amazon 2. Garrett ACE 250 Metal Detector The Garrett ACE 250 Metal Detector is a versatile and user-friendly device that delivers impressive performance for its price. Its electronic pinpointing feature allows for precise target location, which helps speed up the recovery process. The detector offers five search modes, including All Metal, Jewelry, Custom, Relics, and Coins, making it suitable for a variety of treasure hunting activities. One of the standout features is the Accept/Reject Discrimination, which allows users to filter out unwanted metals and focus on finding the most valuable items. The continuous depth indicator is another helpful feature that provides real-time information on how deep a target is buried, improving efficiency during the search. Weighing in at just 2.7 pounds, the ACE 250 is lightweight and comfortable to use for long periods. Its large LCD display, combined with push-button controls, makes it easy to navigate through the different settings. The adjustable arm cuff ensures a comfortable fit for various arm sizes. The detector is also known for its rugged build quality, which is expected from a brand like Garrett. While it may not be as deep-reaching or sensitive as higher-end models, the ACE 250 offers exceptional value for money, making it a great choice for beginners and casual treasure hunters looking for a reliable and affordable metal detector. Pros and Cons Pros: Easy to use with straightforward controls, making it ideal for beginners. Affordable price point with features usually found in more expensive models. Lightweight and comfortable, even for extended use. Versatile with multiple search modes for different types of metal detecting. Reliable build quality, backed by the reputation of Garrett Metal Detectors. Cons: Limited depth detection compared to higher-end models. View On Amazon Fisher F22 vs Garrett ACE 250: Comprehensive Comparison When it comes to metal detectors for treasure hunting, two popular models stand out: the Fisher F22 and the Garrett ACE 250. Both are highly regarded in the metal detecting community, especially among beginners and casual users. While both detectors offer a set of features designed to make metal detecting easier and more effective, they have distinct differences that cater to varying needs. Key Features Both the Fisher F22 and Garrett ACE 250 come with a variety of features designed to improve metal detecting, but they differ in the specifics of those features. Here’s a breakdown: FeatureFisher F22Garrett ACE 250Weatherproof DesignFully weatherproof for all conditionsNot weatherproof, but durable for typical outdoor useSearch Modes4 modes: All Metal, Coins, Jewelry, Custom5 modes: All Metal, Jewelry, Custom, Relics, CoinsPinpointingPinpoint mode for accurate target locationElectronic pinpointing for precise target detectionTarget DiscriminationAccept/Reject Discrimination with 0-99 Target-ID displayAccept/Reject Discrimination with customizable patternsDepth IndicatorProvides depth reading with depth indicator displayCoin depth indicator for continuous depth readingAudio Feedback4-tone audio feedback for target identification4-tone audio feedback, but slightly less refinedWeight2.3 pounds (lightweight design)2.7 pounds (slightly heavier)Arm CuffAdjustable arm cuff for comfortAdjustable arm cuff for comfortBattery LifeUp to 25-30 hoursUp to 20-25 hours Performance Comparison Fisher F22: The Fisher F22 stands out for its all-weather capability. Its weatherproof design makes it suitable for use in a range of conditions, including rain, which is a major advantage for treasure hunters who want to detect in various environments. It has four search modes, including Coin and Jewelry modes, making it versatile for a variety of finds. The 4-tone audio system and discrimination features allow you to easily identify targets and avoid unwanted metals, which is especially useful in areas with a lot of trash. The F22’s depth indicator provides precise information on the depth of buried targets, allowing users to estimate how deep they need to dig. While it is not the deepest metal detector in its category, it does an excellent job of providing reliable readings and accurate location data. Garrett ACE 250: The Garrett ACE 250 is another solid entry in the mid-range market. It provides similar search modes and discrimination features, with five different modes, including Relics and Coins, which gives it a slight edge over the Fisher F22 in terms of versatility. Its electronic pinpointing makes it quicker and more efficient when it comes to locating targets and speeding up the recovery process. The coin depth indicator on the ACE 250 provides continuous depth readings, and while the depth may not be as deep as some higher-end models, it is still adequate for most users. The ACE 250 is well-regarded for its reliable build quality and audio feedback, making it easy to distinguish between valuable targets and unwanted metals. Design and Comfort Both detectors are designed for comfort and ease of use. Fisher F22: The Fisher F22 is slightly lighter at 2.3 pounds, which is beneficial for long sessions of treasure hunting. The large LCD screen provides clear and readable data, and the controls are intuitive, even for beginners. Its adjustable arm cuff ensures that users of various sizes can use it comfortably. Additionally, the weatherproof design means that the F22 can withstand rain and other harsh conditions, which could be crucial in outdoor environments. Garrett ACE 250: The ACE 250 weighs 2.7 pounds, which is slightly heavier, but it is still comfortable for most users. The LCD screen is also large and easy to read, with a simple push-button interface. The adjustable arm cuff also adds to the comfort of the device, allowing users to make adjustments based on their needs. Ease of Use Fisher F22: The F22 is designed with beginners in mind but is also suitable for experienced treasure hunters. Its user-friendly interface, simple push-button controls, and clear LCD screen make it easy to navigate through settings and modes. The four-tone audio system is particularly helpful for identifying target types. Garrett ACE 250: Similarly, the Garrett ACE 250 is designed to be easy to use for both beginners and seasoned pros. The electronic pinpointing feature helps users locate targets quickly, and the five search modes cater to different types of treasure hunting. The discrimination features are intuitive, allowing users to filter out unwanted metals. Price and Value for Money Fisher F22: While the Fisher F22 is priced higher than the ACE 250, its weatherproof design and additional features, like the 4-tone audio system and advanced target ID, make it a solid investment for those who need more versatility in various weather conditions. Garrett ACE 250: The ACE 250 is slightly more affordable and provides excellent value for its price. It offers a well-rounded feature set and is perfect for those looking for a reliable and easy-to-use metal detector without breaking the bank. FAQ Which metal detector is better for beginners, Fisher F22 or Garrett ACE 250? Both the Fisher F22 and the Garrett ACE 250 are excellent choices for beginners, but the Fisher F22 might have a slight edge due to its weatherproof design and additional features such as the four-tone audio system and multiple search modes. These features make it versatile for various environments, which is a great benefit for someone just starting out. The Garrett ACE 250, on the other hand, is also user-friendly and highly regarded for its affordability, making it a good option for those just dipping their toes into metal detecting without a big investment. Ultimately, both models are beginner-friendly, and the choice comes down to whether you need a more rugged, weatherproof option or a budget-friendly, solid performer. Can the Fisher F22 and Garrett ACE 250 be used in wet conditions? The Fisher F22 is fully weatherproof, which means it is designed to withstand rain and even shallow water, making it a great option for users who plan to detect in various weather conditions. The Garrett ACE 250, however, is not weatherproof, so while it can handle normal outdoor conditions, it should not be used in wet environments like heavy rain or submerged in water. If you plan to use your metal detector in challenging conditions, the Fisher F22 is the better option for you. How deep can the Fisher F22 and Garrett ACE 250 detect objects? The Fisher F22 is capable of detecting objects up to around 9 inches deep, depending on the size and type of metal. It provides reliable depth readings, and its pinpoint feature helps identify the location of targets accurately. The Garrett ACE 250 also provides a good depth detection range, but it may not be as deep-reaching as higher-end models. It performs well for most users and can detect objects like coins at a similar depth, but larger or deeper objects might require a more powerful detector. What is the battery life like for the Fisher F22 and Garrett ACE 250? The Fisher F22 offers up to 30 hours of battery life, which is a strong point for extended detecting sessions. This makes it ideal for long treasure hunts or multiple days of use. The Garrett ACE 250 provides a slightly shorter battery life of around 20-25 hours, which is still sufficient for most treasure hunting activities. However, frequent use at higher sensitivity settings might drain the battery faster. Both detectors use AA batteries, making them easy to replace and maintain. Which metal detector offers better value for money? In terms of value for money, the Garrett ACE 250 tends to be the more affordable option, offering solid performance at a lower price point. It is an excellent choice for users on a budget or those who want to get started with metal detecting without spending too much. On the other hand, the Fisher F22 is slightly more expensive but offers additional features such as weatherproofing, a more advanced target ID system, and a broader range of search modes, making it a good choice for those who value versatility and durability. Both detectors provide excellent value within their price range, but your choice depends on what features are most important to you. Conclusion CriteriaFisher F22Garrett ACE 250Best ForAll-weather use, beginners, versatile treasure huntingBudget-friendly, versatile, reliable performancePriceSlightly more expensiveMore affordable, good value for moneyEase of UseSimple, intuitive controlsEasy-to-use with electronic pinpointingPerformanceGreat for general use, accurate depth readingsReliable for basic and intermediate useWeatherproofingFully weatherproof, suitable for harsh conditionsNot weatherproof, but sturdy for normal conditions In conclusion, the Fisher F22 is the better option for users who need a weatherproof detector and value versatility in search modes and advanced features. On the other hand, the Garrett ACE 250 is a more affordable option with reliable performance, making it an excellent choice for beginners or anyone on a budget. Enjoyed this guide of Fisher F22 vs Garrett ACE 250? Then be sure to check out our other metal detector guides. 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