Garrett

Garrett ACE 250 Metal Detector

Ranked #11 in Metal Detectors

310 LP on the category ladder what's LP?

Considered outdated by many in the community, with users recommending upgrades such as the ACE Apex or Minelab Vanquish.

Consolidated from 35 cited sources across 30 outlets

Where the cited sources landed, as we read them

2 enthusiastic sources
28 positive sources
3 mixed sources

See the sources

Flagged as a product to avoid

2 of 3 research runs entered this as a product to avoid rather than a pick.

Considered outdated by many in the community, with users recommending upgrades like the ACE Apex or Minelab Vanquish.
Flagged 7 August 2026

Considered outdated by many in the community, with users recommending upgrades like the ACE Apex or Minelab Vanquish.
Flagged 7 August 2026
Very low price but lacks depth and target ID; reviewers say it is best suited only for very casual use.
Flagged 28 July 2026

Why the boards include products to avoid

Check price

Pros & cons

✓ Sturdy construction

✗ Outdated technology
✗ Lower performance than newer models

The sources behind this ranking

We searched the web and YouTube for what has been published about this product, then read the articles, video transcripts and comments we found.

Evidence 8 articles, 22 video reviews and 5 community sources

2 enthusiastic sources

DetectorFinder DetectorFinder · reviewer · Jan 2024

The Garrett ACE 250 is coil-only waterproof (Coil only): the searchcoil and lower shaft can be submerged, but the control box must stay dry. This is not a diving or full-submersion detector — but it is perfectly fine for wet sand, shallow streams, light rain, and dew-covered grass. If you plan to wade in water above the shaft or work the surf zone, you'll want a fully waterproof model instead.

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Iron & Dirt Piotr Lesniewski · reviewer

I've spent years testing gear across the UK's diverse landscapes, and the Garrett Ace 250 consistently stands out as a reliable companion. It balances sophisticated features with a remarkably low price point, making it a staple for local enthusiasts.

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28 positive sources

DetectHistory DetectHistory · reviewer · Jul 2016

ACE 250 became a true legend, as one of the most user-friendly and versatile detectors. Within the same years, an all-location model AT Pro, a safety check tool Super Scanner V, and an expert level model for gold nuggets search AT Gold. Equipment for places of crime Garrett CSI Pro is released in 2012, and the treasure hunting piece Garrett ATX. In 2017, Garrett presents a new wireless technology Z-Lynk.

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Robb's Homemade Life Robb's Homemade Life · 79.9K subscribers · Aug 2013

I know everyone but a few say you can't use the wonderful $200 ACE 250 in saltwater, but I have seen a few do it. I want to try. I glued a bunch of targets to some string and will be taking it out into the shallow sand and salt water at the beach and do a real saltwater bench test and see what I can see.

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If you want to spend even less, used Garrett Ace 250 and 400i models are a common starting point, often found for $100-$200. The Garrett AT Pro at around $550 is also mentioned as a solid all-around choice, though it’s above the strict budget tier. Many hobbyists suggest buying used from a dealer or pawn shop to get more machine for your money.

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D-TEKT SUSSEX D-TEKT SUSSEX · 10K subscribers · Apr 2020

Tips and tricks for one of the most popular entry-level (and beyond) metal detectors on the market - the infamous Garrett Ace 250!

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Saber Tooth Games Nikita · reviewer · Aug 2026

The Garrett Ace 250 has more than 4,000 reviews on Amazon for a reason. I tested it against the ACE 200 and ACE 300, and the 250 hits a middle ground that makes sense for most beginners. The 4.5-star average rating across thousands of users is hard to argue with.

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GoAndGarrett GoAndGarrett · 10K subscribers · Apr 2020

More Proof The Garrett Ace 250 Works On Wet Sand / Metal Detecting (Garrett ACE 250) Beach Detecting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

Watch F Facebook Christopher Robert · owner

I love the Ace 250. I find them to be incredibly reliable, and just a rock solid machine at their price point. I used one as my second backup for years. Found my first silver coin with one and my first gold ring. It’s a fairly simple machine.

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GoAndGarrett GoAndGarrett · 10K subscribers · Mar 2021

More Proof The Garrett Ace 250 Works On Wet Sand / Metal Detecting (Garrett ACE 250) Beach Detecting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?

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He has found a lot more than I have, but I'm ok with that because the smile on his face when he finds something is priceless to me. Thanks, Garrett.

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Kellyco Metal Detectors Kellyco Metal Detectors · 5.7K subscribers · Mar 2011

Kellyco Metal Detectors reviews one of the best metal detectors on the market, The Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector. This machine is great for both beginners and advanced treasure hunters.

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GreenGardenly Harry Ramos Last · reviewer · Aug 2026

By putting an honest-to-goodness within the budget of nearly everyone, the Garrett ACE 250 Metal Detector is ideal for beach treasure hunters.

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Regton Metal Detectors Regton Metal Detectors · 4.2K subscribers · Jun 2023

whether you are a beginner or more experienced the Ace 250 has it for you.

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Friendly Metal Detecting Forum internetprotocoladdress · reviewer · Sept 2025

Certainly a Garrett Ace 250. All are good starters. May come with accessories like a digger or scoop.

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thatoneguy thatoneguy · 3.5K subscribers · Nov 2016

If you're looking to give someone a metal detector for Christmas, a birthday, or anniversary present.or just because you care :) This is the best metal detector for you to give.

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Detector Warehouse Husnain Shah · reviewer · Jun 2026

It is a proven all-around starter that has put a lot of first finds in a lot of pouches.

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Detecting Devon Detecting Devon · 1.9K subscribers · Aug 2015

GARRETT ACE 250 DEAL ! http://amzn.

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DIY Garden Article · Sept 2018

Best metal detector for beginners - Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector [ CHECK FOR DEALS ]

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MetalDetectingNC MetalDetectingNC · 1.1K subscribers · Apr 2013

Unboxing and First Test of the Garrett ACE 250 Metal Detector - found a ring on the first hunt. I will keep the trusty Bounty Hunter Tracker IV as a backup machine.

Watch F Facebook Garrettmetaldetectorsusa

I've had my Ace 250 for decades and can still out hunt peeps with machines worth $1k

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Detektorist Detektorist · 757 subscribers · Feb 2012

Learn how to use garrett Ace 250 the world's most popular metal detector. This metal detector is manufactured in U.S.A.

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Modern Metal Detectors Modern Metal Detectors · 754 subscribers · Apr 2021

The Garrett Ace 250 really packs a punch for a beginner detector.

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Bryazz Bryazz · 570 subscribers · Apr 2019

A promotional video looking at the Garett Ace 250 Metal Detector which took the UK by storm and have a vast assembly line.

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Gameaning Studio Gameaning Studio · 542 subscribers · Mar 2021

Garrett has placed big features into the ACE 250—excellent detection depth, rugged design and ease of operation.

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richard richard · 480 subscribers · Dec 2013

Introducing the amazing Garrett ACE 250 metal detector. With excellence proven by countless hours of field testing, the ACE brings to economical treasure hunting the miracles of microprocessor controls, target ID technology with computerized circuitry, plus mode selection, precise notch discrimination, and electronic pinpointing.

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DOUBLEYOURINCOME DOUBLEYOURINCOME · 281 subscribers · Feb 2015

No matter why you're treasure hunting, you should consider a Garret Ace 250 metal detector.

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Jason Minor Jason Minor · 49 subscribers · Sept 2025

I've done so much uh work with this and it has been a great unit.

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MyMetalDetectingFind MyMetalDetectingFind · 25 subscribers · Feb 2010

It is one of our favorite metal detectors and we'll tell you why in this metal detecting review!

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Lost Layers Metal Detecting Lost Layers Metal Detecting · 4 subscribers · Dec 2025

It's very easy to use it. And it's very nice for beginners with no experience.

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3 mixed sources

Robb's Homemade Life Robb's Homemade Life · 79.9K subscribers · Aug 2013

I want to emphasize, I do not think the Ace 250 is as good as a water hunter as those detectors made for water like the Minelab and others, even the Garrett AT Pro, I am just trying to let people know they may only need to spend 200 bucks to go hunt in saltwater at the beach and have a blast until they can afford something better.

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MetalDetectingPA MetalDetectingPA · 680 subscribers · Jun 2014

Full sensitivity. It's confused. Oh, gets it. Gets it. But it's struggling.

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hondapartsheroful hondapartsheroful · 441 subscribers · Mar 2013

Similar test as my AT Pro except I didn't video any in the water or wet sand as the 250 falsed very badly no matter what the sensitivity was on due to the mineralized salt water conditions. However it did great on this setting in the dry sand and acting very similar to hunting on normal dirt.

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2 stance not read sources

M r/metaldetecting u/Dry-Week1919 · owner

Got this Garett Ace 250 for free from a family member recently. I know it’s not the greatest machine but any feedback on its performance? So far I have been on about a dozen locations and all I seem to pull are modern clad coins. I think I’m just not going to the right places. I’m dying to find the old silver coins. Is this thing capable? I live in Westchester NY.

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MetalDetectingNC MetalDetectingNC · 1.1K subscribers · Apr 2013

Test of various Gold and Silver Jewelry with the Garrett Ace 250 - Results show I need to DIG ALL Pulltabs, Nickels, Pennies and Foil signals. Also an update on the 10k Gold Class ring I found 1.5 months ago. Shipped it off to midwestrefineries and got a $275 check 7 days later. (paid link) As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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