The Garrett ACE 300i is a mid-range metal detector designed for hobbyists and beginners looking for reliable performance without breaking the bank. It’s an upgrade from the popular ACE 250, featuring improved features like higher frequency, better iron discrimination, and enhanced audio feedback.
Key Features
✔ Operating Frequency – 8 kHz for improved target detection.
✔ Digital Target ID – A numerical scale from 0-99 to help identify targets more accurately.
✔ Iron Discrimination & Notch Discrimination – Allows you to filter out unwanted metals like nails and bottle caps.
✔ Adjustable Sensitivity & Depth Indicator – Helps detect targets at varying depths.
✔ Large 7” x 10” PROformance™ Search Coil – Enhances detection depth and ground coverage.
✔ Five Search Modes – Includes modes for all-metal, jewelry, relics, coins, and custom settings.
✔ Electronic Pinpointing – Helps you locate your target precisely.
✔ Clear Audio Tones – Three-tone audio feedback to distinguish between different metals.
✔ Lightweight & Ergonomic Design – Weighing just 1.3kg, it’s comfortable for long detecting sessions.
Performance
The ACE 300i delivers great value for its price range, offering solid depth detection of up to 25cm (10 inches) depending on soil conditions. The Digital Target ID is a welcome addition, making it easier to distinguish between different metals.
Its 8 kHz frequency provides a good balance between sensitivity and depth, making it effective for searching coins, jewelry, and relics. The improved iron discrimination is a noticeable upgrade from the ACE 250, helping to reduce false signals.
The large PROformance™ coil increases coverage, allowing you to scan more ground efficiently. However, it struggles a bit in highly mineralized soil compared to higher-end detectors with multi-frequency technology.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
✔ Affordable & Beginner-Friendly – Great for newcomers to the hobby.
✔ Digital Target ID – Helps identify targets more accurately.
✔ Decent Depth Detection – Finds targets up to 25cm deep.
✔ Good Discrimination Features – Helps reduce unwanted signals.
✔ Lightweight & Comfortable – Easy to carry for extended use.
❌ Cons
✖ No Waterproof Control Box – Only the search coil is waterproof.
✖ Lacks Ground Balance Adjustment – May struggle in mineralized soil.
✖ Limited Frequency Range – Less sensitive to fine gold than higher-frequency detectors.
Who Should Buy the Garrett ACE 300i?
✔ Beginners – Easy-to-use interface makes it perfect for those new to metal detecting.
✔ Casual Hobbyists – A solid all-rounder for coin shooting and relic hunting.
✔ Budget-Conscious Detectorists – Offers great value at an affordable price.
Final Verdict
The Garrett ACE 300i is an excellent choice for beginners and hobbyists looking for a reliable, easy-to-use, and affordable metal detector. While it lacks some of the advanced features of higher-end models, it excels in its price range, providing good depth, effective discrimination, and user-friendly controls.
If you’re looking for an entry-level detector with solid performance and great value, the Garrett ACE 300i is a fantastic option.