Introducing The Garrett APEX Metal Detector


Update 5/27/20

Steve Moore put out a video called “Apex Field Testing” which included George “KG” Wyant in Kansas. Most of the field testing was done in Texas. I’ll link the video below.

https://youtu.be/ZK5Glg5IvJw

In addition, I added two comparison articles against two of the Garrett ACE Apex competitors. Feel free to check them out. However, until the unbiased videos come out we can only compare we currently know about the machines. You can find both of the articles linked below.

Update 05/15/20

Garrett ACE APEX REVEALED!

Garrett launched their APEX today and there were several surprising features that I didn’t expect to see. I thought their reveal was pretty good and I would expect that format to happen again. Here is a summary of the features that Garrett revealed about their new Ace APEX metal detector today.

Garrett ACE APEX Features:

  • New Control Box (Slim).
  • Multi-flex Multi Freq Technology (5 kHz, 10 kHz, 15 kHz, 20 kHz) and it includes simultaneous multiple frequency use. I didn’t see that coming.
  • Built in Wireless Z-Lynk (6 times faster than Bluetooth).
  • New 6 inch X 11 inch VIPER DD Coil. (Mergers 2 coils into 1)
  • Universal Version (Contains both international coins and U.S coins)
  • 5 tone targeting system vs. 3 tone from previous Garrett detectors.
  • Impressive Fast Reactivity
  • 175 Points of High Resolution Ground Balance (including a salt water ground balance feature).

The APEX is not 100% Waterproof.

Unfortunately, they came up short in the waterproof category. This machine is not 100% waterproof. The Viper coil does appear to be waterproof but this is not a submersible machine. Many of us were hoping for a waterproof, fully submersible machine but the APEX falls short. Perhaps they will upgrade the AT Series down the road?

APEX = No Software Updates.

One other thing that they didn’t mention is software updates. There is no software update feature for the APEX. At least, it wasn’t mentioned in the live reveal.

When Will The APEX Be Available to Purchase?

Garrett says shipping will start in July 2020. I’m seeing some dealers taking pre-orders already.

How Much Will The APEX Cost?

MSRP $499 or $425 in U.S without wireless headphones
MSRP With MS3 Wireless Headphones $579 or $492 includes in the U.S

What Does APEX Compete With?

Garrett is clearly going after the Minelab Vanquish and the Nokta Makro Simplex. Garrett’s bread and butter has been the Ace with over 1 millions machines sold internationally and I think Minelab and Nokta Makro have cut into their market share a bit.

More to Come As their Tech Specs Come Out.

I plan on doing some more research on this new machine so keep checking back. A lot of us have some mixed emotions about the APEX. I think it will be a great machine for beginners. For the price you get a lot of features. But we’ll have to see how the field tests do especially on the wet sand. Plus, will the new Viper coil provide more depth or will you lose some depth. These are just a couple of questions I have. Stay tuned! As I learn more I will share it with you.

Update 04/27/20

Garrett Metal Detectors has been in business for over 50 years. Garrett is widely respected and well known for their line of metal detectors that span across a wide array of use to include security screening, military use (counter mine), and sport.

On May 15th 2020 Garrett will unveil a new sport metal detector called the APEX. To see the the big reveal you will need to register to see the APEX unveiling.

Garrett has released 2 teaser videos (so far) and both videos are embedded below. But what does the word APEX really mean?

Clues From The Videos (Updated).

If you watched both videos there wasn’t much to learn (see for yourself below) but there are few clues that were revealed in the videos.

  • Lightweight
  • No Batteries (probably rechargeable)
  • Wireless Headphones (probably Z-Lynk)
  • Iron Volume Control
  • New Coil Design

The new coil design is probably the most interesting clue so far. I’ve been seeing some speculation (from a good source) that this coil design will be a coil within a coil. In other words those days of switching out coils could be over.

I suspect the coil will be another 11 inch DD but with something similar to the 5 x 8 in the middle. You will probably have a feature or option to turn on the smaller coil when you need more separation in trashy or iron infested conditions. However, this is pure speculation.

If this coil within a coil is accurate, the weight of the machine starts coming into question for me. Plus, that also indicates that Garrett has not been able master or refine their separation speeds within their own software like Minelab, Nokta, or XP has been able to do. Sure a smaller coil/footprint will definitely help in trashy sites but at what cost?

Regardless, a lot of speculation has already begun. Garrett is doing a good job of amping up the hype. Watch the videos below to see for yourself.

Watch The Garrett APEX Videos Below.

https://youtu.be/rXM0eEHts44
https://youtu.be/bG2vmZPZZhU

New Advancements?

Like many of you, I purchased the Garrett AT Pro many years ago and still use it to fresh water metal detect today. For it’s time, the Garrett AT Pro was the machine to own. You saw it being used on episodes of “Diggers”. The AQUACHIGGER swore by the AT Gold and Max during most of his water and land adventures on YouTube. Now you see other famous YouTube content creators picked up by Garrett to increase sales. Without question that was a smart move by Garrett to remain relevant without changing much. But its time to deliver.

Many previous Garrett owners have moved into the multi-frequency market and purchased other metal detectors. Minelab’s Equinox has cut into what used to be Garrett’s bread and butter. But technology is changing fast. Whether its the Minelab Equinox, or the Nokta Makro Anfibio Multi as well others machines, the advancements in technology have created some remarkable metal detectors with additional features at half the cost.

The APEX will need to catch Garrett up on whats being offered today by other companies but perhaps, leap Garrett forward with something innovative that pulls previous owners back to Team Garrett.

May 15th should be day we find out more and what the future may bring for Garrett. You will need to register to see the big reveal. If you register you can post questions to Garrett or leave comments.

What Should The APEX Price Be?

If the APEX happens to be a more advanced machine than the AT series, then the price point should be somewhere between $600-$900 depending on the package they offer. The price will have to be comparable to what is being offered by Minelab for their Equinox lineup.

What Features Should The APEX Offer?

Wireless

For starters, the APEX must include wireless technology. I expect them to continue to utilize their Z-Lynk technology which shouldn’t surprise anyone.

100% Waterproof.

The APEX must be 100% waterproof like the AT Series. If it isn’t then a lot of potential buyers may turn away.

Multi-Frequency.

The APEX really needs to answer the call for multi-frequency. The proof has been put out there by Minelab. Mult-frequency metal detectors work and work well. If Garrett can deliver with something similar, they will generate a lot of interest.

Customized Programs.

Many metal detectors are offering the ability to customize settings and keep them in memory for the next hunt. Although this feature would be for the more advanced user, this option could really appeal to previous Garrett owners who have moved on and purchased more advanced metal detectors. However, this feature should be simplified and easy for anyone to understand and use.

Tone Adjustments.

Garrett has always been able to provide a nice array of tones for their customers that is easy hear and understand. But many of the newer machines offer users the ability to customize tone frequencies to their liking. This feature could also appeal to buyers of the APEX.

However, the APEX “out of the box” should have tones similar to what their AT series of machines offers. This shortens the learning curve for current and previous owners.

What Other Features Do You Want The Garret APEX to Have?

Leave a comment below and tell us what features you think or predict the APEX will need to offer on May 15th to convince you buy this new metal detector from Garrett.

Checkout My APEX Videos.

Keep Checking Back For More Updates About The Garrett APEX.

I will be watching for any new developments and leaks about this new machine and I’ll continue to post updates until May 15th so keep checking back.

Looking For a New Metal Detector?

If the APEX isn’t for you, I put together a Metal Detecting Resource Guide that will help guide your way to a new machine or pick up some of those must have accessories. You can also check out my Amazon Store where I have additional items not found in my resource guide.

NOTE: Sections of this post may contain affiliate links that allow you to find the items mentioned in this blog post and support the site at no cost to you. While this site may earn minimal sums when the reader uses the links, the reader is in NO WAY obligated to use these links. Thank you for your support!

Mental Metal

Here is a little about me. I started this hobby back in the early 90's. My first detector was a Whites 5900 DI. I found enough clad the first summer (around $400) to pay it off. Then I stopped detecting... Fortunately, I didn't give it up for good. Here I am 20+ years later and I've rediscovered the joy of metal detecting.

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