If you’re a metal detecting enthusiast such as myself, you’ve probably been wondering; when is Garrett going to come out with a new metal detector?
On the surface, it would appear as if the company that brought us incredible metal detectors such as the AT Pro and the AT Max has fallen behind some of its competitors. People often refer to the Minelab Equinox which was released back in January of 2018 and the XP ORX which was released in January of 2019 as being “Garrett killers.” This is understandable as the Equinox and the ORX are two of the best metal detectors that are currently available. With price points starting as low as $649, there is an argument to be made for purchasing the Minelab Equinox 600 or the XP ORX as opposed to the Garrett AT Max that retails for around $722.
To an extent, I would agree that Garrett is currently lagging behind some of its competitors. But to be fair, the Garrett AT Pro and the Garrett AT Max are not the underdog metal detectors that both have been made out to be on some of the Internet metal detecting forums. I owned a Garrett AT Pro for years and have found more than my fair share of coins with it. Also, before you write off Garrett completely, it is important to understand them as a company. Most hobbyists are familiar with Garrett’s sport division which designs and manufacturers Garret’s Ace series, AT Series, ATX, GTI 2500, and Sea Hunter Mark II metal detectors.
Garrett Metal Detectors Security & Countermine Divisions
Garrett owns a commanding share of the commercial security, public safety, and countermine metal detector markets. Garrett designs and manufactures walk-through metal detectors as well as hand held metal detectors. The next time that you enter a secure facility or venue that requires people to be screened with a metal detector take a look at the device, it will probably say “Garrett” on it! Garrett also designs metal detectors for use at crime scenes and additionally makes pulse induction metal detectors that are used by the military in countermine operations. There is intense competition in the metal detector market right now. It is therefore quite possible that Garrett’s sport division has been buoyed by their security and countermine divisions, which would give Garrett the time to work on an innovative new metal detector design.
The Garrett Ace Apex
Garrett is indeed coming out with a new metal detector! The Garrett Ace Apex was revealed on May 15, 2020. The Garrett Ace Apex is Garrett’s first simultaneous multi-frequency metal detector and has in demand features such as iron volume, auto (tracking) ground balance, and the option to use wireless headphones. Features such as these are typically only found on high end metal detectors. The price point of the Garrett Ace Apex is insanely low given its capabilities. The base model retails for around $425. For $492, you’ll get an Ace Apex along with a pair of Garrett’s Z-Lynk wireless headphones!
Garrett Ace Apex Specifications
Check out the Garrett Ace Apex brochure on Garrett’s website!
The Garrett Ace Apex looks like it will be an incredible metal detector. Some people are already comparing the Garrett Ace Apex to the Minelab Equinox as well as to Garret’s AT series. I’m not going down that road until I have personally tested the Apex. I will say however that I am most intrigued by the “Viper” coil which at 6 inches wide by 11 inches long is unlike any other metal detector coil that we have ever seen. The dimensions of this search coil will allow for the user to cover large open areas by swinging the coil in the normal side-to-side fashion. The user will additionally be able to get the coil into tight spaces using a back and forth motion. I am also interested in seeing (hearing rather) the Ace Apex hybrid audio in action. Garrett describes hybrid audio as being a combination of traditional beep and dig binary audio and Garrett’s pro audio. I absolutely loved the audio on my AT Pro and have yet to find a metal detector (in my opinion) that has better audio. Lastly, as a coin shooter, I am interested in trying out US Coins mode on the Ace Apex.
If you haven’t already seen it, be sure to check out the Garrett Ace Apex Live Reveal video.
Pre-Order the Garrett Ace Apex
As a long time Garrett fan, the Ace Apex is a metal detector that’s got me really excited. Garrett’s strategy was a good one; closely monitor the hobby metal detector market, take the demands of customers into consideration, and then release a killer product!
The Garrett Ace Apex is currently available for pre-order and will most likely ship to customers sometime in August.