The Garrett ACE 400i is a versatile metal detector designed for both beginners and experienced hobbyists. Packed with features that help detect a wide range of targets, the ACE 400i strikes a solid balance between performance and price, making it one of the top choices in its class. Let’s dive into its features, performance, and overall value.
Design & Build Quality
The Garrett ACE 400i has a lightweight and ergonomic design, which makes it comfortable to use for extended periods. Weighing just 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg), it’s easy to carry around, and the adjustable stem allows users to find a comfortable length for their height.
The build is sturdy, with a rugged plastic construction, and while it’s not as premium-feeling as higher-end detectors, it’s still very durable for everyday use. The detector also features a weather-resistant construction, which means it can handle light rain, but it is not fully waterproof, so you’ll need to avoid submerging it.
Performance & Features
One of the standout features of the ACE 400i is its Enhanced Iron Resolution, which helps improve target separation, especially when working in trashy areas. This makes it great for finding valuable targets among other metallic debris.
- Frequency: The ACE 400i operates at 10 kHz, which is ideal for finding a wide variety of targets, from coins and relics to jewelry.
- Target ID: It offers a digital target ID on a 0-99 scale, allowing you to better differentiate between target types. This helps reduce false positives and ensures you’re digging with more confidence.
- Notch Discrimination: The 400i has a useful notch discrimination feature that enables you to block out unwanted targets (like nails or bottle caps) and focus on the ones you’re after.
- Pinpointing Mode: The dedicated pinpoint mode makes it easier to locate your target’s exact position once it’s been detected. This adds precision to your digging process, saving time and effort.
The ACE 400i has 5 search modes, including Jewelry, Relics, Coins, Custom, and All-Metal, which cover most detecting scenarios and allow you to adjust your settings quickly.
User Interface & Ease of Use
The user interface on the ACE 400i is simple and intuitive, making it an excellent choice for beginners. It features a clear LCD screen that displays important information, such as target depth, identification, and battery status. The controls are straightforward, with easily accessible buttons that allow you to adjust settings without getting overwhelmed.
In addition, the audio feedback is clear and responsive, with different tones for different types of targets. This gives you instant feedback while detecting, so you can decide whether to dig or move on to the next target.
Performance in the Field
In terms of performance, the ACE 400i excels on a variety of terrains, including parks, beaches, and fields. The Iron Audio feature helps filter out iron trash, improving your chances of finding valuable targets in littered areas.
Its depth capabilities are impressive for its price range, with the ability to detect coins and relics up to 8-10 inches deep, depending on soil conditions. The 5-inch DD coil provides a good balance of sensitivity and coverage, though upgrading to a larger coil would give you even better depth and coverage for larger areas.
Battery Life
The ACE 400i runs on 4 AA batteries (included) and provides up to 20 hours of use, depending on the settings and how often you use the backlight. The battery life is quite reasonable for the price and ensures you can enjoy long detecting sessions without worrying about recharging.
Price & Value
The Garrett ACE 400i is priced affordably for a detector with such a robust feature set, making it an excellent value for money. While it’s not the cheapest option in the market, it offers far more advanced features than other detectors in the same price range. If you’re looking for a reliable detector for casual hobbyist use, the ACE 400i delivers solid performance without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Affordable for its feature set
- Lightweight and ergonomic design
- Enhanced Iron Resolution for better target separation
- Easy-to-use interface with customizable settings
- Good depth and target identification capabilities
- Pinpoint mode for precise target location
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Not waterproof (limited to light rain use)
- The coil could be larger for better coverage
- Lacks some advanced features seen in higher-end models
Conclusion
Overall, the Garrett ACE 400i is a fantastic choice for those looking for an entry-level to mid-range metal detector that punches above its weight in terms of performance. Its combination of advanced features, ease of use, and affordable price point makes it an excellent option for hobbyists who want a reliable detector without spending a fortune.
Whether you’re detecting in parks, beaches, or fields, the ACE 400i provides solid value and is sure to help you find valuable treasures while learning the ropes of metal detecting.