The Garrett ACE APEX comes with 6 different search modes designed to let the user easily pick the search mode based on coins, US coins, relics jewelry and more. The search modes are:
- Zero (Zero Discrimination, all metal mode)
- Coins
- US Coins
- Jewelry
- Relics
- Custom
This article is a follow up article to my other article titled “What You Should Know About The Garrett ACE APEX”. I encourage you to read this article as I review the APEX and run various tests on its performance. You can also watch the video embedded below.
Watch it now!
Getting The Most Out of The Apex
In this article I’ll break down each of the search modes to show you how the APEX is discriminating out certain signals to help you find targets based on the search mode you decided to select. I also created a video that goes into more detail as I show you how to select each program and what it looks like live.
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Garrett APEX: Zero Mode
Zero Mode is also know as Zero Discrimination. This program is made for hunting in “All Metal” mode meaning nothing is discriminated out from being heard. You will hear everything that passes under the coil. While many users will prefer this search mode, others may opt for a simpler less chatty search mode. However, to get the most out of the APEX as far as performance and depth is concerned, Zero Mode is recommended.
For beginners, Zero Mode may be a little overwhelming and I would suggest starting out in either the Coins Mode or US Coins Mode. These two search modes will limit (to some degree) the amount of information passing under the coil and at the same time, reduce the extra chatter you might experience in Zero Mode. The performance is still quite good and users will enjoy a quieter experience.
Garrett APEX: Coins Mode
Coins Mode is used to detect well, COINS! This search mode takes into consideration most coins that exist that most metal detectors will find today. Coins mode specifically notches out VDI numbers 0-45 which eliminates all of the iron targets, nails, foil, etc.
However, that doesn’t mean you won’t dig your occasional pull tab or bottle cap. This mode gives you the best changes at find coins but it will also pick up other signals that will sound just as good. Either way, if you have a good repeatable target no matter what, you should investigate and dig up the target. You just might be surprised and pick up a ring or two.
Garrett APEX: US Coins Mode
US Coins Mode is designed to help you find US coins. There are 2 differences in this program compared to Coins Mode. One of those differences is the notch discrimination. In Coins Mode 0-45 was notched out. But in US Coins Mode you also have 0-45 notched out but Garrett added in 55-65. They also added in coin icons under the notch bar so you can see which coin could be ringing under the coil.
Keep in mind that notching out 55-65 also reduces your chances of finding gold coins, rings etc. This is a great program for beginners who are just starting out in metal detecting. US Coins Mode will significantly reduce the potential for trash while at the same time, it will hammer those coins.
Garrett APEX: Jewelry Mode
Jewelry Mode is very similar to Coins Mode and the only difference is the discrimination. Jewelry Mode notches out 0-40 vs 0-45 in Coins Mode. This slight reduction in discrimination will allow the APEX to hear those signals that would otherwise be blocked by previous search modes.
One thing to remember in Jewelry Mode is that your chances of digging more trash increases as you open up the APEX to allow more signals to come in. This will include more pull tabs, bottle caps, foil etc.
Garrett APEX: Relics Mode
Relics Mode is designed for open fields and potential house sites. Besides Zero Mode, Relics Mode significantly opens up the APEX to more signals. Its is important to investigate each and every repeatable target especially at old house sites. You could find all kinds of interesting items such as, old coins, jewelry, buckles, suspender clips, buttons and even the occasional mason jars filled with COINS!
However, you will dig more trash. Particularly in open fields, you may find your fair share of old plow parts, bolts, nuts, and a lot of things that are unexplained. On the other hand, you have a great opportunity to discover those coins the farmer lost 2 or 3 generations ago. I have found many King George coins, Large Cents, Indian head pennies, buttons, cuff-links, pocketknives, lamp parts and more.
Garrett APEX: Custom
Custom Mode is included for you to make your own search mode based on how you want the APEX to operate or based on the targets you want to find. By default Custom Mode defaults to Coins Mode. As you make your adjustments to the settings, the APEX will remember them and the next time you turn on the machine your custom settings will still be there. All you need to do is ground balance and you are off and detecting.
For APEX users who are beginners, I would still recommend starting out with one of the coins programs and get about 20-40 hours on the machine before making any adjustments. Once you get a few hours on the APEX and understand what it is trying to tell you, will have an easier time setting up your own custom program.
Enjoy The APEX!
Garrett’s ACE APEX is an easy to use metal detector. The APEX is designed more for the beginner but there is something for everyone using this machine. The APEX is also Garrett’s first multi-frequency or Multi-Flex metal detector which is designed to help you find more targets spread across a number frequencies instead of hunting in a single VLF frequency all the time.
Take your time and the learn the APEX. Metal detecting is a great hobby but it takes time to learn it. As you learn each of the APEX search modes, you will quickly find your favorite setup that you can easily save as your own Custom Mode. Remember to ground balance each and every time you make any changes and especially right before you begin to hunt. This will ensure you have the right ground balance for the ground conditions your are hunting in. Good luck and happy hunting with the APEX!
Want Your Own Garrett ACE APEX?
If you are considering purchasing the APEX I would highly recommend reaching out to Fort Bedford Metal Detectors. They carry the APEX and can give you their price vs the MSRP that no one pays. I highly recommend them and can personally speak about their great customer service and 1 day shipping! Give Keith a call 814-215-1732 or checkout their website
