Fisher F11 vs Garrett ACE 250: Which Metal Detector Should You Choose?

If you’re looking to start treasure hunting or metal detecting as a hobby, choosing the right metal detector can be overwhelming. With so many options available, it’s essential to find a model that meets your needs and fits within your budget. Two popular choices for beginners and intermediate users are the Fisher F11 and the Garrett ACE 250. Both detectors offer a variety of features that make them suitable for finding coins, jewelry, and relics, but they also have unique qualities that could make one more appealing than the other. In this guide, we’ll compare the Fisher F11 and the Garrett ACE 250 based on performance, features, usability, and price to help you make an informed decision.

1. Fisher Labs F11 Metal Detector

The Fisher Labs F11 All-Purpose Metal Detector offers a solid combination of versatility, ease of use, and performance, making it a great option for both beginners and seasoned metal detectorists. With three search modes—Jewelry, Coin, and Artifact—it allows users to tailor their search for specific targets, minimizing interference from unwanted metals. The 7-inch elliptical waterproof search coil ensures reliable performance in diverse environments, including dry land and shallow water. Additionally, the lightweight design makes it comfortable for long hunting sessions, even for children. The advanced Target-ID system and 4-tone audio feedback provide precise metal identification, helping users differentiate between valuable finds and trash.

One of the standout features of the F11 is its customizable sensitivity and notch settings. This allows users to adapt the detector to different terrains and filter specific metals, enhancing the hunting experience. The intuitive controls, LCD display, and pinpointing feature make the device user-friendly, and the depth readings ensure more efficient digging. While the F11 excels in many areas, it may not be ideal for deep searches due to its limited depth range.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Versatile search modes for various treasures.
2. Lightweight and ergonomic design.
3. Waterproof coil for use in diverse environments.
4. Easy-to-use controls and LCD display.
5. Good value for the price, especially for beginners.

Cons:

1. Limited depth range compared to higher-end models.

2. Garrett ACE 250 Metal Detector

The Garrett ACE 250 Metal Detector is a solid option for both beginners and experienced users who are looking for a reliable, budget-friendly detector. It offers five search modes—All Metal, Jewelry, Custom, Relics, and Coins—making it a versatile tool for different treasure-hunting activities. The electronic pinpointing feature allows for precise target location, which speeds up the recovery process. The ACE 250 also includes a continuous depth indicator, helping users gauge how deep a target is buried, which is particularly useful for determining how much digging is required. The large LCD and user-friendly push-button controls enhance the ease of use, making it simple to tune and adjust for optimal performance.

This metal detector is praised for its excellent value for the price, providing great depth and rugged design at a reasonable cost. The accept/reject discrimination feature allows for customization, enabling users to focus on specific targets while ignoring unwanted materials. The adjustable arm cuff and long battery life ensure comfort and extended use, making it a good choice for long treasure hunts.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Excellent value for money.
2. Easy to use and tune, ideal for beginners.
3. Versatile with multiple search modes.
4. Precise pinpointing and depth indication.
5. Comfortable design with adjustable arm cuff.

Cons:

1. Limited performance in highly mineralized soil.

Fisher F11 vs Garrett ACE 250: Metal Detector Comparison

Metal detectors are essential tools for treasure hunters, hobbyists, and professionals alike. Two popular models in the market are the Fisher F11 and the Garrett ACE 250. Both are entry-level detectors that provide a range of useful features, but they come with their own strengths and weaknesses.

Key Features Comparison

Both the Fisher F11 and Garrett ACE 250 are designed to cater to beginners, but they also offer features that will appeal to more experienced users. Below is a table comparing their key features:

Feature	Fisher F11	Garrett ACE 250
Search Modes	Jewelry, Coin, Artifact	All Metal, Jewelry, Custom, Relics, Coins
Target Identification	9-segment Target-ID, 4-tone audio	Accept/Reject Discrimination
Search Coil	7″ waterproof elliptical coil	6.5″ concentric coil (not specified waterproof)
Depth Indicator	Yes (via Pinpointing)	Yes (Continuous Depth Indicator)
Pinpointing Feature	Yes	Yes
Weight	2.3 lbs	2.75 lbs
Display	LCD display with simple controls	Large LCD with easy push-button controls

Performance & Depth

When it comes to performance, both detectors perform well for the price, but there are notable differences in their capabilities.

• Fisher F11: The Fisher F11 offers a 7-inch elliptical waterproof search coil, which is great for covering more ground, especially in shallow water or damp environments. It is suitable for general treasure hunting and is designed to provide solid performance in varying conditions. The F11 also has a 9-segment Target-ID system and a 4-tone audio feedback, making it easier to distinguish between valuable targets like coins and jewelry, and less desirable items like foil or nails. Its Pinpointing feature is quite effective for helping users locate specific targets with precision, though its depth detection is decent but may not be as strong as higher-end models.
• Garrett ACE 250: The ACE 250 features a 6.5-inch concentric search coil, which is a bit smaller than the F11’s coil. While it can still provide a good range, it is not as effective in wet environments, as it is not rated as waterproof. It excels in its depth indicator, which continuously shows the depth of the detected target. Additionally, the ACE 250 features a discrimination system, allowing users to reject unwanted metals, making it easier to focus on valuable finds. This makes it a solid choice for those focused on coin hunting or avoiding trash.

Usability and Design

In terms of design and ease of use, both detectors offer user-friendly features, but there are differences in ergonomics and control systems.

• Fisher F11: The F11 has a lightweight and ergonomic build, weighing only 2.3 lbs, which makes it ideal for long sessions without causing discomfort. Its LCD display is simple, with intuitive controls that are easy to understand for beginners. The Pinpointing feature is a key asset for quickly and accurately identifying targets. Additionally, the F11 allows you to customize sensitivity and has a notch filter, making it versatile for different terrains and treasure types.
• Garrett ACE 250: The ACE 250, though slightly heavier at 2.75 lbs, still offers a comfortable design with an adjustable arm cuff and an intuitive large LCD display. Its 5 search modes offer flexibility in different types of treasure hunting, from coins to relics. The push-button controls are easy to navigate, and the discrimination feature allows for focused searches, which can help avoid unwanted materials such as nails or foil.

Battery Life

Both detectors are powered by batteries, but there are some differences to consider:

• Fisher F11: The F11 uses 2 AA batteries, providing an adequate amount of usage time. Customers report that it lasts long enough for a full day of treasure hunting. However, it is recommended to carry extra batteries for longer sessions.
• Garrett ACE 250: The ACE 250 uses 4 AA batteries and, as a result, typically offers a slightly longer battery life compared to the F11. Its battery life indicator helps users keep track of their remaining power, which is a useful feature when heading into long detecting sessions.

Price & Value

Both models fall into the entry-level category, making them affordable for beginners.

• Fisher F11: The Fisher F11 is known for providing excellent value for its price. It offers a range of essential features at a lower price point, making it ideal for hobbyists or those just starting in treasure hunting. Its waterproof coil, versatile modes, and precise target identification make it a great all-around choice.
• Garrett ACE 250: The Garrett ACE 250 is a bit more expensive than the F11, but it provides great discrimination features, target depth indication, and multiple search modes. It’s a solid choice for those who are willing to invest a little more for added depth and performance, particularly in dry, non-water environments.

FAQ

What is the difference in the search coil size between the Fisher F11 and Garrett ACE 250?

The Fisher F11 features a 7-inch elliptical waterproof search coil, which offers a slightly larger coverage area, making it suitable for a variety of environments, including shallow water and damp conditions. In contrast, the Garrett ACE 250 uses a 6.5-inch concentric coil. While both coils are effective, the smaller size of the ACE 250 coil might be better for focused, more precise searches on dry land, but it’s not waterproof, limiting its use in wet environments.

Which metal detector is better for beginners, the Fisher F11 or Garrett ACE 250?

Both the Fisher F11 and Garrett ACE 250 are excellent choices for beginners, but the Fisher F11 is slightly more beginner-friendly due to its lightweight design and user-friendly interface. The Fisher F11 offers a straightforward setup with its three search modes and simple controls, making it ideal for new users who want an easy-to-use detector without much learning curve. The Garrett ACE 250, while still beginner-friendly, offers more customization options, which may appeal to users looking for more control over their detecting experience.

Are both detectors waterproof?

The Fisher F11 is waterproof, featuring a 7-inch elliptical coil that works well in shallow water or damp conditions, making it versatile for both land and water-based hunts. On the other hand, the Garrett ACE 250 does not have a waterproof coil, so it is better suited for dry land treasure hunts. This makes the Fisher F11 a better option for those who plan to explore a variety of environments, including beaches or shallow streams.

Can both detectors detect deep targets?

Both detectors provide good depth detection for their price, but there are differences. The Garrett ACE 250 includes a continuous depth indicator, which gives users a better understanding of how deep a target is buried. However, its depth detection may still be limited compared to more advanced models. The Fisher F11 also offers depth readings through its pinpointing feature, but it may not be as effective for deeper targets compared to the ACE 250. Overall, both detectors are best suited for medium-depth finds rather than deep treasure hunting.

How long does the battery last on each detector?

The Fisher F11 uses 2 AA batteries, and users report that it provides a reasonable battery life for regular hunting sessions. However, as with most battery-powered detectors, it’s recommended to carry spare batteries for longer hunts. The Garrett ACE 250, using 4 AA batteries, typically offers slightly longer battery life compared to the F11. It also features a battery life indicator, allowing users to track battery status and avoid running out of power during a hunt.

Conclusion

Both the Fisher F11 and the Garrett ACE 250 offer excellent performance for beginners, but the decision ultimately comes down to the type of hunting you plan to do.

• If you’re looking for a lightweight, waterproof detector with great target identification and ease of use, the Fisher F11 is a fantastic option.
• If you need a detector with advanced depth indication, the ability to reject unwanted metals, and a slightly more versatile selection of search modes, the Garrett ACE 250 is a solid choice.

Enjoyed this guide of Fisher F11 vs Garrett ACE 250? Then be sure to check out our other metal detector guides.

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