Garrett Metal Detectors revealed their latest metal detector called the Vortex but is it the storm they think it will be? Garrett recently released a reveal video and I’ll pull out the facts of what was presented and I broke down the features of the Vortex to help you decide if it’s a metal detector for you. You can also check out my updated comparison article here.
Please take note: The information contained in this article was pulled out of Garrett’s reveal video. Garrett has been making additional updates to the Vortex and the information from this article only reflects what Garrett has released at this time. You should assume that there will be additional enhancements and features as they get closer to the shipping the Vortex out to their consumers.
Vortex Models
Garrett has 3 versions of the Vortex that they are offering to include:
- VX5
- VX7
- VX9
Each model is fully upgradable to the VX9 and you can upgrade from the VX5 straight to the VX9 without upgrading to the VX7 first. Each upgrade is a separate software purchase from Garrett. However, all of the hardware on each model is the same which makes upgrading very easy to do and doesn’t require any additional hardware.
In the image above you will notice that there are different target id scales for each version of the Vortex.
- The VX5 only includes a non-ferrous scale from 0-99.
- The VX7 includes 2 scales, one for non-ferrous and one for simple ferrous targets.
- The VX9 includes 3 scales, one for non-ferrous and 2 other scales for simple and complex ferrous targets. See the image below:
How Much Does The Vortex Cost?
The price point is inexpensive with the VX5 starting out at $449. The VX7 is a slight increase in price to $534 and the VX9 is priced at $599.
How Many Search Modes Does The Vortex Have?
Depending on the model the Vortex offers up to 7 search modes. The following table breaks down each model and their respective search modes:
| VX5 Search Modes | VX7 Search Modes | VX9 Search Modes |
| Zero | Zero | Zero |
| Standard | Standard | Standard |
| US Coins | US Coins | US Coins |
| Custom | Beach | Fast |
| Custom | Thin Coins | |
| Beach | ||
| Custom |
Is The Vortex a Single or Multi-Frequency Metal Detector?
The answer is both. By default, the Vortex is a multi-frequency machine. However, the VX5 offers an additional 15kHz single frequency while the VX7 offers 5 kHz, 13 kHz, and Multi-Salt. VX9 offers the widest range of single frequencies to include: 5 kHz, 9 kHz, 13 kHz, 18 kHz, 25 kHz, and Multi-Salt. See the chart below for a better comparison.
| VX5 | VX7 | VX9 |
| Mulit-Freq | Multi-Freq | Multi-Freq |
| 15 kHz | 5 kHz | 5 kHz |
| 13 kHz | 13 kHz | |
| Multi-Salt | 18 kHz | |
| 25 kHz | ||
| Multi-Salt |
What Does MD-MF Stand For?
The answer is Multi-Dimensional – Multi Frequency
Is The Vortex Waterproof?
Yes, the Vortex can be fully submerged underwater down to 16 feet.
Is The Vortex Collapsable?
The answer is yes. Fully extended the Vortex is 57″ in length. It collapses down to 24.75″ but the search coil rotates making is easier to stow in a bag.
How Long Does The Battery Last and is The Vortex Rechargeable?
The approximate run time on a fully charged battery is 15 hours. The Vortex is rechargeable. It has a USBC port for charging.
How Much Does the Vortex Weigh?
According to Steve Moore in Garrett’s reveal video, Steve mentioned that the Vortex weighs 2.9lbs without a coil cover and 3lbs with a coil cover.
What Type of Search Coils Will Be Offered For The Vortex?
Garrett indicated that there will be several coils offered for the Vortex and they include:
- 5×8 Ripper Coil
- 6×11 Viper Coil
- 8.5×11 Raider Coil (Comes Standard)
- 14×11 Reaper Coil
Note: These coils are only designed to work with the MD-MF technology and will not work on other Garrett machines.
What Types of Headphones are Available For The Vortex?
In the video, Garrett provided 4 different headphone options as seen in the image below. The dive headphones have a unique plug in connection. In other words, your other waterproof headphones you have for Garrett machines will not work with the Vortex. The other 2 wired options shown in the image requires a standard 1/8″ jack.
What Other Features Are Included With the Vortex?
The chart below summarizes the additional features that were mentioned in Garrett’s reveal video.
| Feature | VX5 | VX7 | VX9 |
| Reaction Speed | No | Yes: 2 settings | Yes: 3 settings |
| Increased Sensitivity | No | Yes | Yes |
| Number of ID Tones | 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Iron Volume Control | No | Yes | Yes |