So, you’re considering dipping your toes into the world of metal detecting, and you’ve likely heard the name “Garrett ACE 250” come up repeatedly. It’s regularly hailed as one of the best beginner metal detectors—lightweight, simple to use, durable, and, importantly, budget-friendly.
But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dig in (pun intended) and see why theGarrett ACE 250 remains a favorite for beginners and seasoned detectorists alike.
Why the Garrett ACE 250 Stands Out
TheGarrett ACE 250 is marketed as one of the world’s best-selling metal detectors, but what makes it so popular? The combination of user-friendly features, solid performance, and affordability sets it apart. It strikes the perfect balance between being accessible to beginners while still offering enough customization for experienced users.
For those just starting out, thepreset modes make detecting easy, while the option forcustom settings gives more flexibility to adapt to different environments. To learn how to set up these custom settings and optimize your machine, check out our Garrett ACE 250 settings guide.
First Impressions: Design and Build Quality
At first glance, theGarrett ACE 250 resembles its predecessor, the ACE 150, but it comes with several upgrades under the hood. Its sleek yellow design and lightweight frame make it easy to transport and use for extended periods without fatigue.
The ACE 250’s build quality is impressive for its price. It breaks down into three main parts: thecontrol box,coil, andadjustable pole, making it compact and simple to assemble. The control box is ergonomically designed, and the grip is padded for extra comfort during long detecting sessions.
Weighing in at1.2 kg (2.7 lbs), the ACE 250 is light enough for all-day hunts but sturdy enough to handle rougher terrain. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around, whether you’re in fields, parks, or the beach.
If you’re curious about performance in various environments, head over to our full settings and tips guide for in-depth advice.
Ease of Use: Perfect for Beginners
One of the key selling points of theGarrett ACE 250 is its simplicity. The controls are straightforward, and even beginners can get the hang of it quickly. With only six buttons—Power, Mode, Sensitivity, Pinpoint, Discrimination, and Elimination—you don’t need to be a tech expert to figure out how to use it.
Check out the Garrett ACE 250 on Amazonfor the latest prices and deals.
Ease of Use: Perfect for Beginners (and Those Who Don’t Read Manuals)
One of the key selling points of the Garrett ACE 250 is its simplicity. With only six buttons—Power, Mode, Sensitivity, Pinpoint, Discrimination, and Elimination (Elim)—you don’t need to be a tech whiz to figure it out. Each button is strategically placed for easy thumb access, so you can make adjustments on the fly without having to stop, squint, and fumble with settings.
Overview of the Modes
The ACE 250 comes equipped with five preset modes, making it adaptable for different detecting environments. Here’s a brief look at each mode and when to use them:
- All-Metal: Detects all metal types, including iron. This mode is ideal when you want to detect everything in a clean area like a field, but be ready to dig up a lot of trash.
- Jewelry: Designed to filter out common trash items like bottle caps and nails, focusing on valuable objects such as rings and bracelets.Jewelry Mode is especially useful when beach detecting or hunting in parks.
- Custom: Offers flexibility to notch in or out specific metal types. You can adjust the detector to ignore certain items like pull-tabs and bottle caps, allowing you to focus on more valuable targets.
- Relics: Specifically aimed at historical artifacts, this mode filters out modern trash while focusing on older, low-conductivity targets like musket balls and brass buckles.
- Coins: A go-to mode for most beginners,Coins Mode filters out trash and focuses on detecting coins, small relics, and high-conductivity targets.
Display and Controls: What You See is What You Get
The LED display on the ACE 250 keeps things simple yet effective. It shows battery level, depth of the target, mode selection, and sensitivity settings. The depth indicator has even been upgraded from the ACE 150, now displaying up to 8 inches deep (although reports suggest it can detect even deeper, depending on conditions).
Table: Key Features Comparison – Garrett ACE 250 vs. Garrett ACE 150
| Feature | Garrett ACE 150 | Garrett ACE 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Detection Modes | 3 (All Metal, Coins, Jewelry) | 5 (All Metal, Jewelry, Custom, Relics, Coins) |
| Target ID Cursor | No | Yes |
| Depth Indicator | Up to 6 inches | Up to 8 inches |
| Pinpoint Function | No | Yes |
| Interchangeable Coils | Yes | Yes |
| Price Range | Lower | Slightly Higher |
Performance: How Does It Handle in the Field?
TheGarrett ACE 250 delivers solid performance across different terrains. Below is a breakdown of how well it performs in various environments based on user feedback and testing.
Fields and Parks:
In parks and fields, the ACE 250 shines.Coins Mode andRelics Mode are particularly effective for picking up coins, jewelry, and small relics at depths of6-8 inches. The lightweight design also makes it easy to swing for long hours, so you can comfortably cover large areas.
Beaches:
While the ACE 250 does an excellent job ondry sand, detecting onwet sand can be more challenging due to interference from mineralization. To mitigate false signals, it’s best to lower the sensitivity and useJewelry Mode. The waterproof coil allows for shallow water detecting, but be cautious as the control box isnot waterproof. For a detector more suited to wet sand and water, consider theGarrett AT Pro.
Forests and Wooded Areas:
In wooded areas, theACE 250 holds its own, but manoeuvring through dense underbrush can be tricky. However, it’s light enough to carry for extended periods, andRelics Mode works well in these environments, filtering out most modern trash while detecting older relics buried in the soil.
Accessories and Upgrades: Make It Even Better!
One of the best things about the Garrett ACE 250 is its versatility when it comes to accessories. The standard coil can be easily swapped out for a larger or more specialized one, like the Nel Tornado, which increases depth and sensitivity. A good pair of headphones is also a must because, let’s face it, the built-in speaker is great for making sure everyone on the beach knows what you’re doing, but not so great for picking up those subtle signals.
Coils
- Larger Coils: For greater depth and wider coverage, upgrading to a larger coil like theNEL Tornado can improve both depth and target separation. This upgrade is ideal for detecting in large, open areas such as fields or beaches.
- Sniper Coils: For trash-heavy areas like parks, theGarrett 4.5-inch Super Sniper Coil helps isolate valuable targets among trash. This smaller coil improves pinpoint accuracy and reduces the chance of missing targets hidden among debris.
Pinpointers
- Garrett Pro-Pointer AT: This handheld pinpointer is a must-have for quick and accurate target recovery. TheGarrett Pro-Pointer AT is waterproof and durable, perfect for detecting in a variety of environments. It helps save time and effort by reducing the need to dig unnecessarily large holes.
Headphones
- Headphones are a valuable accessory for any detectorist. The ACE 250’s built-in speaker is useful, but it can be too loud for quiet environments. A good set of headphones not only saves battery but also helps you hear faint signals that might be missed otherwise. Any standard ¼-inch headphone jack works with the ACE 250, butGarrett ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones are a solid, affordable choice.
Digging Tools
- A durable digging tool is essential for any detectorist. TheLesche Digging Tool is a popular option thanks to its strength and precision. If you frequently hunt in soft soil or sandy areas, a good-quality trowel or digging knife will also do the trick.
For more tips on useful tools and accessories, check out Serious Detecting, a trusted resource for metal detecting equipment.
Pros and Cons: Is the Garrett ACE 250 Right for You?
Every detector has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a quick overview to help you decide if theGarrett ACE 250 is the right choice for you:
Pros:
- Affordable: It’s a budget-friendly detector that offers great value for its price.
- Lightweight: At just1.2 kg (2.7 lbs), it’s comfortable for long detecting sessions.
- Versatile Modes: The five preset modes make it suitable for various environments like parks, beaches, and fields.
- Pinpoint Feature: The built-in pinpoint mode helps you narrow down target locations, reducing the amount of digging needed.
- Upgradeable: Interchangeable coils allow for future upgrades, making it a detector that can grow with your skill level.
Cons:
- Struggles in Wet Sand: While the coil is waterproof, detecting in wet, mineralized sand can cause false signals, requiring some adjustments to sensitivity.
- Control Box is Not Waterproof: The ACE 250’s control box is not waterproof, so it’s not suitable for underwater detecting unless you invest in a cover or opt for a fully waterproof model like theGarrett AT Pro.
- Limited Depth: It detects targets up to6-8 inches deep, which may not be sufficient for detecting very deep or small targets.
Final Thoughts: A Solid Start for Any Detectorist
The Garrett ACE 250 remains one of the top choices for beginners, offering a fantastic balance of ease of use, affordability, and solid performance. It’s ideal for those starting out in metal detecting but also serves as a reliable backup for any detectorists.
With preset modes like Coins and Jewelry, beginners can get started without needing to learn all the technical details, while more experienced users can benefit from the Custom Mode to tailor their hunts. The lightweight design ensures long detecting sessions without fatigue, and its pinpointing feature helps reduce digging time.
Although it has some limitations in highly mineralized soils and wet sand, the ACE 250 still performs well in most environments, making it a versatile and reliable detector for a wide range of applications. For those who want to maximize their success, the ability to upgrade with accessories like coils and pinpointers makes the ACE 250 a detector that grows with your skill level.
This was the second detector I ever owned, and it found me all sorts of treasures. From Roman grots (those small bronze Roman coins you often see detectorists proudly showing off) to silver shillings, sixpences, hammered coins, and even some medieval artifacts. Of course, it helped that I had some good permissions in Lincolnshire—where you can’t swing a coil without hitting history!
The Garrett ACE 250 didn’t miss much, even when I was out detecting with a mate who had the high-end XP Deus. We tested them side by side, and the ACE 250 picked up around 70% of the signals the Deus got. Sure, it missed a few deeper or smaller targets, but for its price and simplicity, it put up a good fight. It’s proof that you don’t always need the fanciest gear to enjoy the hobby and make some great finds.
If you need more solid evidence that it’s fully capable of finding gold and silver treasure, here’s an article about a hoard of gold and silver hammered coins found using the 250 in the UK. Read it here.
Why Choose the Garrett ACE 250?
- User-Friendly: Perfect for beginners, with an intuitive interface and easy-to-understand controls.
- Affordable: Offers great value for its price, making it one of the best entry-level detectors.
- Versatile: With multiple modes and adjustable sensitivity, it adapts to a variety of detecting environments.
- Upgradeable: Swap coils, add a pinpointer, or customize your settings for more advanced hunts as your skills grow.
If you’re looking for a detector that offers great value for money and will take you from beginner to intermediate without needing to upgrade too soon, the Garrett ACE 250 is a solid choice. Check the latest price here on Amazon.
Passionate about history, metal detecting, and the thrill of the hunt, I’ve spent years uncovering hidden treasures across the Lincolnshire countryside and beyond. As a pub landlord with a love for music and a knack for storytelling, I bring a unique perspective to every adventure—whether it’s finding a rare coin in a field or sharing tales of British history.
When I’m not swinging a detector, you’ll find me exploring micro hobbies, dreaming of life on a canal boat, or helping others dive into the world of metal detecting with practical advice and a good dose of humor.
