Garrett Metal Detectors, based in Garland, Texas, has been a fixture in the hobby detecting scene since the 1960s. For UK hobbyists, its story from 1980 onward is defined by durable, approachable detectors that often set the entry-level benchmark. The brand’s ACE series, introduced in the early 2000s, became a default recommendation for beginners in the UK—bright yellow control boxes turning up at club digs across the country. Garrett’s all-terrain (AT) line added waterproofing and more advanced controls, a...
The 1980s and early 1990s saw Garrett focusing on VLF/TR discriminators like the Groundhog series and Master Hunter. While these analogue units lacked the speed and ergonomics of modern gear, they established Garrett’s reputation for affordability and ruggedness. In the mid‑1990s the company introduced GTI imaging technology in models like the GTI 2500, allowing target-size estimation—novel at the time for hobbyists. Although imaging never became a UK mainstream requirement, the GTI platform found fans f...
The early 2000s brought the ACE 150/250, delivering simple target ID, multiple discrimination modes, and good coil selection at prices that undercut rivals. The ACE 250, in particular, became the archetypal starter detector in the UK, sold widely through outdoor and catalogue retailers. Garrett followed with the Euro ACE (2011), tuned for European coinage and iron handling. The ACE line evolved into the ACE 200i, 300i, and 400i, keeping the form factor familiar while adding digital refinements and iron au...
The AT Pro, launched in 2010, brought fully waterproof construction to 3 m, Pro audio, and a frequency of 15 kHz—fast becoming a versatile mid-tier choice for UK farmland. Its successor, the AT Max (2017), pushed wireless Z-Lynk audio integration, slightly higher frequency, and improved depth. AT series machines developed a loyal base among UK detectorists who wanted one machine for pasture, plough, and occasional wet sand without moving into premium pricing. Coils from 5" to 13" further extended their v...
In 2020 Garrett introduced the ACE APEX, its first simultaneous multi-frequency (SMF) machine. APEX retained the ACE-series ergonomics but offered Multi-Flex technology for more stable IDs in variable mineralisation. It came with built-in rechargeable power, wireless Z-Lynk, and a choice of Viper coils. Reception in the UK was mixed initially—firmware refinements in subsequent updates improved iron handling and depth—but APEX gave Garrett a foothold in the SMF conversation dominated by Minelab’s EQUINOX a...
Garrett’s product design ethos leans toward robustness and ease of use. Control layouts remain uncluttered, menus shallow, and audio language consistent across generations. This continuity helps UK beginners progress without relearning from scratch when upgrading within the brand. Build quality is perceived as solid if sometimes heavy by modern standards, especially compared to ultralight carbon-stem rivals. Pricing strategy positions Garrett in the budget to mid-tier bracket, avoiding direct fights with ...
From a distribution standpoint, Garrett’s UK presence is supported by long-term dealer relationships and visibility at rallies and events. The company’s aftersales support is often praised for responsiveness, and Z-Lynk wireless accessories have added modern convenience without breaking compatibility. Coil availability is broad, and cross-compatibility across ACE and AT models encourages gradual investment in accessories.
In UK farmland contexts, Garrett detectors are valued for predictability and toughness. ACE models still pull coins and artefacts from permissions, particularly when used with larger coils for depth. AT series machines remain relevant for diggers who want waterproofing without complexity. APEX offers a stepping stone into SMF for those loyal to the brand, though in head-to-head tests it often concedes raw performance to newer premium SMF platforms. The trade-off is simplicity, reliability, and a known sup...
Looking forward, Garrett’s challenge in the UK market will be to further lighten and modernise its mid- and upper-tier machines without alienating the loyal ACE and AT user bases. Expect incremental ergonomics improvements, expanded SMF options, and possibly new coil designs aimed at better separation in iron-heavy ground.