Garrett ACE Apex Review: Worth It? (November 2026)
The Garrett ACE Apex is a multifrequency detector bundle with selectable single frequencies, Multi-Frequency and Multi-Salt modes, plus wireless headphones and a pinpointer. It suits buyers who want those features in one package and are comfortable learning several detection modes.
On this page (9 sections)
- What does the Garrett ACE Apex include?
- Which frequencies and modes can you select?
- What does the coil and iron volume control add?
- Is the ACE Apex easy for a beginner to learn?
- What should you expect from battery life and weight?
- Does the Apex suit saltwater or underwater detecting?
- What can you find with a metal detector?
- How does the ACE Apex compare with other Garrett ACE detectors?
- Who should choose the Garrett ACE Apex bundle?
The Garrett ACE Apex is a multifrequency metal detector bundle for buyers who want several frequency options and wireless gear in one package. Its main draw is the choice of 5, 10, 15 or 20 kHz, Multi-Frequency, and Multi-Salt modes, alongside MS-3 wireless headphones and a Pro-Pointer AT Z-Lynk pinpointer.
The trade-off is choice: several modes and controls mean more to learn than on a basic detector. We compared the stated features and package contents to explain who may value that flexibility and what to check before buying.
What does the Garrett ACE Apex include?
The ACE Apex bundle combines the detector, wireless headphones and a wireless pinpointer. It also includes a 6 x 11 in DD Viper searchcoil.
Garrett ACE Apex Metal Detector Bundle: Best for multifrequency flexibility
- 5, 10, 15 and 20 kHz choices
- Multi-Frequency and Multi-Salt modes
- 6 x 11 in DD Viper coil
- MS-3 wireless headphones and Pro-Pointer AT Z-Lynk
A bundle for buyers who want several frequency options, wireless audio and a pinpointer together. Its multiple modes offer flexibility, but you'll want to learn what each setting does before heading out.
Pros
- Several single-frequency choices plus Multi-Frequency and Multi-Salt
- Wireless headphones and a wireless pinpointer are included
- Iron volume control lets you lower iron target sound
- Rechargeable battery with up to 15 hours of stated life
Cons
- Several modes and settings may take time to learn
- The bundle includes more gear than a buyer seeking only a basic detector may need
A pinpointer helps narrow down a target after you locate it with the detector's coil. Wireless headphones let you listen without a headphone cable, while the wireless pinpointer is intended to make target recovery part of the same cable-free setup.
Package names can vary, so check that the specific bundle you choose includes both the MS-3 headphones and Pro-Pointer AT Z-Lynk. If you already own compatible gear, compare what the bundle adds with what you have.
Which frequencies and modes can you select?
The ACE Apex offers four single-frequency choices and two named multi-frequency modes. You can choose 5, 10, 15 or 20 kHz, Multi-Frequency, or Multi-Salt.
Having multiple options gives you room to adjust how you use the detector as your goals and detecting conditions change. It doesn't mean every mode is right for every site, or that one setting will identify every target.
For a first outing, learn how the controls work and practice in a place where you can safely recover targets. Garrett's official site is a starting point for manufacturer information and instructions.
The product details also identify an operating frequency of 8 kHz. Since the same details list several selectable frequencies and modes, use Garrett's manual to understand how that specification relates to each setting rather than assuming the detector is fixed at one frequency.
If you are new to this model, our guide on how to use the Garrett ACE Apex metal detector can help you plan your first setup and practice session.
Is Multi-Frequency different from Multi-Salt?
The ACE Apex names Multi-Frequency and Multi-Salt as separate selectable modes. The available product details don't explain their operating behavior in depth, so consult Garrett's manual before choosing between them.
Treat them as options to learn, not automatic guarantees of better results. Conditions at a site, target types, and your own comfort with the controls all matter when deciding what to use.
What does the coil and iron volume control add?
The included 6 x 11 in DD Viper coil offers a balance of coverage and target separation, according to the feature description. Garrett describes it as providing broad coverage and separation in trashy areas.
Iron volume control lets you adjust the sound level of iron targets while keeping non-ferrous signals clear. That can help you manage iron audio as you listen for other signals, though you still need to decide what to dig based on the signal and your goals.
Target identification takes practice. Learn the detector's tones and display in a test area before using them to make decisions about targets you haven't recovered.
Is the ACE Apex easy for a beginner to learn?
The ACE Apex can suit a beginner who wants room to learn multiple frequency choices and settings, but it isn't the simplest possible starting point. Buyers who prefer a basic detector with fewer options may find a more entry-level ACE model easier to approach.
Before a trip, learn the basic controls, how to adjust iron volume, and how to change modes. Work through a few practice targets so you can recognize how the detector responds before searching a new site.
If you're comparing entry-level Garrett options, see our Garrett ACE 200 metal detector review and our Garrett ACE 300 setup guide. Compare their documented features and included equipment with the Apex bundle rather than choosing by model number alone.
What should you expect from battery life and weight?
The ACE Apex weighs 2.5 lb and has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a stated life of up to 15 hours. Those details may appeal if you want a lighter detector and don't want to use replaceable batteries.
“Up to 15 hours” is a stated maximum, not a promise for every outing. Charge the detector before a long session and follow the instructions for charging and storage.
The included wireless headphones and pinpointer are separate pieces of equipment to keep track of and charge as needed. Check their instructions for their own power requirements and battery care.
Does the Apex suit saltwater or underwater detecting?
The ACE Apex includes a Multi-Salt mode, but that fact by itself doesn't confirm that the detector can be submerged. Salt conditions and underwater use are different questions, so check Garrett's operating instructions for water limits before taking equipment near or into water.
For frequent underwater detecting, compare models built for that use and confirm their stated water protection. Our guide to underwater metal detectors can help you explore that category.
For beach plans that stay on dry sand, consider the detector's modes and the conditions Garrett says are allowed. Don't assume a mode name or an IP54 rating means the entire detector is waterproof.
What can you find with a metal detector?
A metal detector can signal on metal objects within its detection range, but it cannot promise a particular find. What you uncover depends on the site, buried objects, detector settings and how you search.
The Apex's frequency choices and iron volume control give you tools to manage signals. They don't replace permission to search, safe digging, or local rules about removing objects.
Get the landowner's permission where needed and check local requirements before digging.
If you're planning a first search, our overview of what you can find with a metal detector explains how site history and target types shape expectations.
How does the ACE Apex compare with other Garrett ACE detectors?
The Apex stands out in this comparison through its selectable frequencies, Multi-Frequency and Multi-Salt modes, and wireless bundle. A different ACE model may be a better fit if you want a simpler setup or have a specific feature need.
Compare what comes in the box as well as the detector itself. The Apex bundle includes wireless headphones and a pinpointer, while the product details here don't guarantee the package contents of other models.
Our Garrett ACE 250 review and guide to using a Garrett ACE 400 metal detector offer two more comparison points. Use the model manuals to confirm current features and operating instructions before deciding.
Who should choose the Garrett ACE Apex bundle?
Choose the ACE Apex if frequency options and wireless accessories are high on your list and you are willing to learn its settings. The included headphones and pinpointer can make the bundle appealing if you need those items too.
Consider another detector if you want fewer controls, don't need a pinpointer or headphones, or plan to search underwater. For that last use, confirm water limits and compare equipment specifically designed for underwater detecting.
The bundle's strongest case is convenience across its included gear and detection modes. The most useful next step is to read the manual, make a shortlist of the modes you need, and compare the exact package contents before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Garrett ACE Apex a multifrequency detector?
Yes. The ACE Apex offers 5, 10, 15 and 20 kHz choices, along with Multi-Frequency and Multi-Salt modes.
Those options give you different ways to configure detection, but the best setting depends on your location and target goals.
Read the manual and practice with the controls before relying on a mode in the field.
What comes with the Garrett ACE Apex bundle?
This bundle includes the ACE Apex detector, MS-3 wireless headphones and a Pro-Pointer AT Z-Lynk pinpointer. The detector also has a 6 x 11 inch DD Viper searchcoil.
Confirm the package contents for the exact bundle you plan to buy, since similarly named packages may differ.
How long does the ACE Apex battery last?
The ACE Apex has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a stated life of up to 15 hours. Actual time between charges can vary with use and settings, so plan to recharge before a long outing and follow Garrett's charging instructions.
Can the Garrett ACE Apex be used in saltwater?
The detector includes a Multi-Salt mode, which is designed as a selectable option for salt conditions. That mode alone doesn't tell you whether the full detector is suitable for submersion or every beach environment.
Check Garrett's instructions for permitted conditions and compare models made for underwater use if you plan to hunt in water.
