Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Digging into new ground always comes with a bit of uncertainty, and that’s exactly what users face when trying out the ACE 400 detector. With its feature set and trusted build, it stands out among choices for both beginners and hobbyists who are ready to level up.

After using the ACE 400, it became clear that its digital ID display and iron audio really help cut through the guesswork. However, the included coil cover is not the easiest to install and the sheer number of settings can be a lot at first, especially for anyone who hasn’t used a detector before. The headphones with volume control are a welcome touch, given the loud tones that can surprise users during stronger hits.

Bottom Line

The ACE 400 detector handles a variety of terrains well, making it a good fit for anyone looking to find items beyond the basics. For those ready to invest in a reliable device, it’s a practical option worth considering. Check it out on Amazon.

Overview of the Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector

For those who want reliable target detection and clear signals, the ACE 400 stands out for its user-friendly digital display and audible feedback. Its iron audio function helps users identify and often avoid digging up trash items, which reduces frustration, especially in cluttered areas.

Assembly is quick, and the learning curve is moderate—new users may find the features a bit much at first but tend to pick them up after some practice. The included headphones are practical and come with adjustable volume, though the coil cover can be tricky to attach.

The detector works well in varied soil conditions, maintaining consistent performance. While not free from minor hassles, such as setup quirks, it offers a solid mix of accuracy and convenience for its price range.

Digital Target ID for Accurate Finds

Identifying what’s in the ground before digging saves time and effort. With the ACE 400’s digital target ID, users are able to see a numerical value from 0 to 99, which makes it easier to distinguish between trash and more valuable finds. This system lets them make quicker decisions about which signals are worth investigating.

Some appreciate the accuracy when distinguishing iron from items like coins or jewelry, though beginners may need time to get used to interpreting the numbers. While the feature reduces unnecessary digging, occasional mixed signals in mineralized or trash-ridden soil still occur. Overall, most users find the digital ID helpful for clearer, more efficient searches.

Iron Audio to Avoid Unwanted Targets

While testing the ACE 400, it became clear that the Iron Audio feature does make a real difference in trash-heavy areas. The detector gives a distinct sound when it picks up iron objects like bottle caps or nails, so users quickly know when to pass on digging. This helps reduce wasted time and effort on junk finds.

However, the Iron Audio tones can sometimes get overwhelming if there’s a lot of iron in the ground. Some users might need a bit of practice to interpret the sounds accurately, especially in noisy spots. Overall, it adds a practical layer to the experience, helping people focus on more valuable targets and cleaner digs.

Electronic Pinpointing for Precise Location

Locating a target exactly can be challenging with some detectors, but this model’s electronic pinpointing helped streamline the process. The pinpointing function uses a non-motion mode, so users don’t need to sweep the coil constantly—they can hover and narrow down the spot.

While it saves digging time and reduces soil disturbance, it does have a slight learning curve. Some users noticed it took a bit of practice to use effectively, especially in high-trash areas. However, after getting familiar with the function, it consistently provided accurate locations for various targets.

Adjustable Frequency for Enhanced Performance

In environments where multiple detectors are active or where electrical interference is common, being able to tweak the operating frequency can be very useful. The ACE 400 gives users control over frequency adjustments to help reduce false signals from nearby devices.

This feature proves handy in parks, beaches, or event grounds where overlapping signals can disrupt searches. Adjusting the frequency doesn’t require much effort, but some users found it took a bit of trial and error to get optimal performance.

While it’s a helpful addition, frequency adjustment has its limits and won’t block out all interference. Still, the ability to fine-tune the settings offers an advantage over models without this option.

Included Accessories for Better Value

Unpacking the ACE 400, users will find a few extras that immediately set it apart from basic models. It comes with ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones, which make detecting more comfortable and let users pick up fainter signals without outside noise interfering.

There’s also an environmental cover-up that helps protect the controls from dust and light rain. The searchcoil cover acts as a barrier from scrapes and dirt, adding some peace of mind during use. These accessories are genuinely practical for regular outings, though a digging tool would have made the kit more complete. Overall, the included items add convenience and a sense of readiness right out of the box.

Ease of Use and Learning Curve

Initial setup is straightforward, and assembly takes just a few minutes. Most users found that the simple controls and clear numeric ID screen made it easy to start detecting right away. There is a bit of a learning curve for first-timers, especially with adjusting features like sensitivity and interpreting tones, but the included headphones help with clarity.

Some beginners felt a little overwhelmed by the multiple features at first. However, after a few outings and by watching tutorials, most were able to get comfortable quickly. The coil cover was slightly tricky to fit, but the rest of the design is intuitive. Overall, the ACE 400 strikes a solid balance between beginner-friendly operation and advanced options for those wanting to grow into the hobby.

Pros and Cons

Using this detector for a few sessions revealed both strong advantages and some noticeable drawbacks. Here’s what stood out after spending some time in different environments.

Pros

• Easy to Use for Most Experience Levels
  Many found it straightforward to assemble and start using, whether just beginning or returning to metal detecting after a break. The digital target ID was especially useful in identifying different objects quickly.

• Effective Iron Audio and Pinpointing
  The Iron Audio helps avoid digging up trash, which saved considerable time and frustration in areas with lots of debris. Electronic pinpointing made it much easier to recover targets without excessive digging.

• Adjustable Frequency
  Being able to adjust the frequency became really handy around power lines or when detecting with friends nearby—interference was mostly a non-issue.

• Solid Build and Useful Accessories
  It felt durable during use, and the included headphones with volume control improved the experience, especially in noisy environments. The searchcoil cover and environmental cover help keep the detector in good shape for longer.

Feature	Benefit
Digital Target ID	Identifies object types with more accuracy
Iron Audio	Reduces time wasted on junk targets
Headphones	Volume control and comfort for extended sessions

Cons

• Learning Curve for Beginners
  The number of features can be overwhelming at first, especially for those who haven’t metal detected before. It may take some time to fully understand target IDs and audio signals.

• Coil Cover Installation
  A few users found the coil cover tricky to put on initially, with some minor frustration during the setup.

• Sensitivity Can Be Too High in Trashy Areas
  In places with lots of metal junk, it sometimes picks up too many signals. Adjusting settings helps, but new users may find this irritating at first.

• Volume on Loud Tones
  The detector can emit fairly loud tones on some targets. While the headphones help, sensitive users might find it sharp until the volume is adjusted.

Overall, it offers valuable features and reliability, with just a few areas where new users should be ready to spend a little extra time learning.

Customer Reviews

Feedback from users shows the ACE 400 generally meets expectations, especially for those upgrading or looking for more accurate results. Many note it picks up a wide range of metal objects and delivers clear signals, with some finding the controls a bit overwhelming at first but easier after some practice.

Beginners and experienced users both appreciate the included headphones and volume control, though a few mention that the coil cover can be tricky to attach. Several reviews point out that the detector is sensitive to different soil conditions and performs well even in challenging areas.

Some buyers had issues with shipping times rather than the product itself. Overall, the reviews suggest the ACE 400 is reliable and effective, with most users satisfied after hands-on use.

Conclusion

After several outings, it’s clear the ACE 400 stands out for its easy setup and user-friendly features, making it approachable for both newcomers and those upgrading from older models. Users appreciated how quickly it finds items in a variety of soil types, though some noted the included coil cover can be tricky to install.

Volume levels seem high on certain tones, but the included headphones help manage this issue. Some found the learning curve steep at first, but with patience, the controls become intuitive. Overall, it performs reliably for typical metal detecting needs, despite a few minor frustrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What improvements does the ACE 400 offer over the ACE 300?

Compared to its earlier model, the ACE 400 adds some practical upgrades that experienced users have found genuinely useful. Iron Audio stands out, letting users better differentiate trash items like bottle caps from more interesting finds without unnecessary digging. The digital target ID system seems to be more precise, making the dig-or-don’t-dig decision a little easier, especially in cluttered areas.

The adjustable frequency is another improvement, helping reduce interference in busy places—a minor but welcome update. While the overall feel is familiar to those who’ve used the ACE 300, these changes make the ACE 400 a more refined tool for regular detecting.

How does the ACE 400 compare to the AT Pro in terms of performance?

The ACE 400 performs well in dry conditions and general use, but it doesn’t quite match the AT Pro, especially when it comes to versatility. The AT Pro is waterproof and handles wet or mineralized environments with greater reliability.

In terms of depth and sensitivity, the ACE 400 holds its own for most hobbyists, especially on land and parks. However, dedicated detectorists looking for advanced features and better adaptability may lean towards the AT Pro.

Feature	ACE 400	AT Pro
Water Resistance	Not fully waterproof	Submersible
Depth Performance	Good in dry soil	Better in variety
Learning Curve	Easier for beginners	Steeper, more options

Can the ACE 400 effectively detect gold?

The ACE 400 can detect gold jewelry and coins if they’re of decent size and not too deep. In real-world use, it responds well to gold rings and similar objects. However, like many mid-level detectors, it’s not the ideal choice for very small gold nuggets or flakes, particularly in highly mineralized soil.

Small or natural gold pieces can be missed, and users focused exclusively on gold prospecting are likely to need a more specialized machine. For most casual searches, though, the ACE 400 is capable of picking up standard gold items.

What are common issues reported by users of the ACE 400?

Some users mention the initial learning curve, especially for those completely new to detecting. The abundance of features and settings can be a bit much at first, but after a few outings, it becomes easier to navigate.

A minor complaint involves the headphone volume—it’s quite loud with high signals, though this can be managed with the included headphones with volume control. Installing or removing the searchcoil cover can also be a hassle.

Delivery setbacks have occasionally frustrated buyers, but aren’t related to the device’s performance itself.

Summary of reported issues:

• Feature overload for absolute beginners
• Loud headphone alerts on high targets
• Tricky installation of the coil cover
• Occasional shipping or packaging delays

What is the depth capability of the Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector?

The ACE 400 performs reliably at standard depths for its price range. Users frequently find coins and small relics at depths of 6–8 inches in typical soil, with larger items detectable slightly deeper. Performance can drop in very dry or mineral-heavy ground, as is common with many detectors in this class.

Overall, the depth capability is described as accurate and consistent after some practice. Maximum depth is influenced by ground conditions, object size, and user settings.

Where can I find a reliable manual for operating the Garrett ACE 400?

A good manual is necessary to get the most from the ACE 400’s features. Most found the manufacturer’s official manual clear and helpful, especially for beginners trying to understand digital target ID and iron audio settings.

The official Garrett website provides downloadable manuals—these are usually up to date and free of charge. Experienced users often recommend starting there rather than relying on unofficial guides. Some also find online tutorials and forums useful for hands-on tips once the basics are covered.