Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector

Purchased for Another Use

Strengths: Easy to use, comfortable, and high-tech at a low cost.

Weakness: None so far.

I purchased this not really as a hobby item, but to determine if my home improvement contractors had placed supporting metal/re-bar under and within a new concrete slab they had poured for me. I had argued that they did not pour this slab as agreed on with the reinforcement, and they said that they had done so. It was with this metal detector that I was able to prove in a court of law that they...
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I purchased this not really as a hobby item, but to determine if my home improvement contractors had placed supporting metal/re-bar under and within a new concrete slab they had poured for me. I had argued that they did not pour this slab as agreed on with the reinforcement, and they said that they had done so. It was with this metal detector that I was able to prove in a court of law that they were not telling the truth.

Now for the hobby part ... I've been looking for an easy hobby for my 79 year old father and I to enjoy together. I have done a lot of research on brands and have found Garrett to be one of the leaders. Its ability to fine tune the detection with easy that has made this a good choice for my father.

By doowop02 - Apr 27, 2008

Garrett Metal Ace 250 a good choice for beginners

Strengths: Ease of operation. Batteries last a long time.

Weakness: Narrowing in on targets takes some practice. I wish there was a volume control and a sealed display for inclimate weather.

I've had my metal ace for about a week. It was very easy to learn to operate it. I've only detected for about three hours with it and I've found an 1893 Indian Cent, A 1961 Silver Quarter, about 4 bucks in recent coinage and about 200 pop tabs and misc junk. I've had a really good time with the machine. I'm very happy with my selection.

By anonymous; - Dec 15, 2007

Ace 250 reallyHot or just overrated?

Strengths: Looks good Light weight. Long batter life when useing headphones

Weakness: Pinpointing is an issue.

The Ace 250 is the best thing in detectors that has ever come along! Well, not quite the best thing but very close. When I first got the Ace eight weeks ago I was ecstatic! I could not wait to get out into the field and see what this little guy could do. Already being familiar with the power of the MXT, I was quite surprised by the ACE and its simple turn and go application. There is almost NO...
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The Ace 250 is the best thing in detectors that has ever come along! Well, not quite the best thing but very close.

When I first got the Ace eight weeks ago I was ecstatic! I could not wait to get out into the field and see what this little guy could do. Already being familiar with the power of the MXT, I was quite surprised by the ACE and its simple turn and go application. There is almost NO learning curve to scare off the first time detectionist. The DVD and the instruction booklet are easy to understand. A first time buyer can be up and running in a matter of thirty minutes! That’s not an exaggeration!

The ACE 250 is solid and small but don’t let the size fool you. It’s a rugged little machine. The visual display is clear but may be too small for some of us with poor eyesight, even with glasses. The sounds of the machine, the tones that indicate when you have hit a coin, iron, or just trash, are all clear and distinct. You will KNOW when you hit a target worth digging. If you’re not sure about the target you will quickly learn to dig it anyway. Many iffy tones, while usually junk, have turned out to be real keepers. You will soon learn what to dig and what to ignore.

After having said all that, I have to vent my one complaint: the pin pointing is a real problem for many people and for my self as well.

The standard coil that comes with the ACE 250 is an elliptical 6.5x9inch coil. It does not pin point accurately with any consistency. It does NOT pin point dead center of the coil. Usually it will pin point in the front inner coil….maybe. Sometimes it WILL pin point very close to the center but be off to the right or left. You will have to perform a little “stunt” called “detuning.” This is not discussed on the DVD or in the instruction booklet but needs to be. The reader is lead to believe that all you have to do is move the machine forward, backward and sideways, while pressing on pin point and keeping your eyes on the visual pin point display. “In your dreams!” After referring to experts on the metal detecting forums, I soon learned how to pin point and detune the ACE 250. Has it helped me find my targets any better? Sometimes I find them, and at other times I spend too much time looking for them. The results are more wasted time and usually a bigger and deeper hole that need not have been dug.

The only way around this situation is one: too buy a hand held pin pointer that cost an arm and a leg, or two, buy the 4.5 sniper coil. The sniper coil is always dead on. There is no wasting time trying to locate your target. The third alternative is to just live with the situation. I do not agree with this last alternative. Garrett needs to address this problem by “fixing it,” or by providing an 8inch concentric coil for us die hards who like them.

Would I recommend this machine? Yes but only half heartedly. I would give it a full thumbs up when Garrett comes through and fixes the pin pointing problem AND provides us with an 8 inch concentric coil.

By anonymous; - Sep 11, 2007

Our Beach Toy

Light weight, works great. My wife loves it and is very happy. She will use it for morning and evening walks along the beach. The kids all want to use it one their beach trips and everyone can not wait to find something. I think it more about the fun of what you will find.

By anonymous; - Apr 10, 2007

Best Metal Detector

Bestcovery experts have rated the Garret Ace 250 Metal Detector as a best pick for the Best Metal Detector. Bestcovery's experts recommend the best products and services for a particular need based on extensive research and evaluations. Click below to see Bestcovery's full review of this product.
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By bestcovery.com - Dec 11, 2009