Garrett Metal Detectors unveiled it’s ACE APEX back on May 15th 2020. The APEX comes with a completely resigned control interface that is sleek and easy to see and navigate. The APEX is Garrett’s first attempt at incorporating simultaneous multi-frequency (Multi-Flex) operation into their line of metal detectors. The APEX also continues to utilize Garrett’s Z-Lynk wireless technology that provides owners a complete wireless experience. The APEX is now shipping to customers as of late August 2020.
In this article I am going to review the ACE APEX from head to toe. Plus I’ll be doing some depth and VDI testing as well as hunting with the APEX and answering your questions. This article contains all of that and more but if you want to watch the video first, you can watch it below.
How Much Does The APEX Cost?
Looking at Garrett’s website I’m seeing $499.95 (U.S.) Basic Package and $579.95 (U.S.) Z-Lynk Wireless Headphone Package. However most vendors don’t charge the MSRP. Price. 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.
If you are ever in need of a new or used machine as well as coils for your machine please consider Fort Bedford Metal Detectors. You can contact them at 814-215-1732 or via Facebook or through their website.
Is The APEX Easy to Setup?
Yes the APEX is probably one of the easiest metal detectors to setup and use. Anyone can be up and swinging in a matter of seconds. For anyone familiar with an ACE or AT setup, the APEX menu is similar but a lot more easier to navigate in my opinion.
Is The APEX a Replacement For The Garrett AT Pro, AT Gold, or AT Max?
When Garrett announced the release of the APEX many thought this would be a mid-level machine that would be 100% waterproof that would compete with something like the Minelab Equinox. Garrett did a good job of marketing the hype surrounding the APEX with their new Multi-Flex Multi-Frequency technology and their new 6″ x 11″ Viper DD coil. When all they hype finally cleared, the APEX turned out to be a new ACE metal detector BUT.. perhaps the best ACE machine they have ever built.
On the other hand, the ACE APEX disappointed many Garrett fans who were hoping for an upgrade to their beloved AT Pro/Gold/Max metal detector. Speculation is swirling that Garrett will eventually upgrade or replace their AT series with a new look to include their Multi-Flex Multi-Frequency technology similar to what they have done with the APEX.
Is The ACE APEX Waterproof?
Many Garrett fans were hoping for a new waterproof machine but they didn’t get it. The APEX is waterproof from the coil all the way up to the control interface. The control interface is only water resistant not submersible. I would not suggest standing in a rain storm and expect the Apex to weather the storm.
Why Does the ACE APEX Have a Smaller 6″ x 11″ Search Coil?
Garrett’s new 6″ x 11″ DD Viper Search Coil is 100% waterproof and its supposed to bring the best of their previous 5″ x 8″ search coil together with their 11″ DD search coil. The result gives owners the ability to hunt wide open fields with the 11″ coverage but the coil remains narrow enough to hunt in tight spaces such as in between rocks, trees, roots, etc.
Does The APEX Work Well on Wet Salty Beaches?
Where the APEX seems to shine is with their new Multi-Flex Multi-Frequency technology that includes a Multi-Salt feature. I have not personally had the pleasure of testing the APEX on the dry and wet sand but from my research and the videos I’ve seen, I think Garrett finally got it right.
In the past, all of Garrett’s Ace and AT machines did well on dry sand but struggled on the wet sand or in the surf. This isn’t too uncommon to many VLF metal detectors but the AT or “All Terrain” led owners to believe they could use their AT machines on any terrain including the beach. But they quickly realized their limitations at the the beach when they experienced the wet sand. Those machines had difficulty with the mineralization of the wet sand and surf.
The APEX on the other hand, really addresses this issue. The Multi-Salt feature seems to do the trick. I’ve watched several videos of the APEX in action on the wet sand and surf and it appears to be stable and getting decent depth. I know owners will appreciate Multi-Salt feature for sure. Here is a good video by Steve Moore where he is using the APEX at a beach in Florida and hunts both the dry and wet sand.
How Well Does The Apex Work on Dry Sand?
As I mentioned above, most VLF metal detectors work well on dry sand and the Apex is no exception. Its the wet sand and surf that gives VLF metal detectors problems. APEX owners wont have any problems operating the APEX on dry or wet sand. For dry sand, set the APEX up to run in Multi-Freq mode and you won’t have any issues and the APEX will run quiet and stable. Use the Multi-Salt feature for the wet sand and surf.
Does The APEX Get Good Depth?
Air tests are not the best way to determine depth but they are an indicator of how well the machine will perform and provide a baseline of what to expect from the machine. I ran several tests with APEX and I am pleasantly surprised by the depth I’m seeing. The APEX is going to get good depth.
I conducted my own air tests on various targets to get a general idea on depth. Those results are in the table below along with their VDI numbers that were registering during the tests.
Air tests were conducted while in Zero Mode with Multi-Frequency turned on. Sensitivity was 2 notches down from full sensitivity. Iron Volume was on 1. It is possible to get more depth with more sensitivity. The sensitivity settings used during the test were based on my local conditions. By dropping the APEX sensitivity down 2 bars I was able to get the APEX quiet and stable for testing. See my results below:
| TARGET | DEPTH (inches) | VDI NUMBER |
| 3 Ringer Bullet | 9 | 66-67 |
| Indian Head Penny | 8 | 67-68 |
| Buffalo Nickel | 10.5 | 51-52 |
| War Nickel | 9 | 51-52 |
| Clad Nickel | 10.5 | 51-52 |
| Clad Quarter | 9 | 84-85 |
| Silver Barber Quarter | 9.5 | 85-86 |
| Clad Dime | 8.5 | 80 |
| Silver Merc Dime | 8 | 83-84 |
| Large Cent | 8.5-9 | 82-83 |
| Pull Tab | Not Tested | 66 |
| Rusty Bottle Cap | Not Tested | Jumps |
| Twist Off Bottle Cap | Not Tested | 76-77 |
| Eagle Breast Plate | 16.5 | 72-73 |
| 3″ Shell Frag | 13 | 44-49 |
| CW Coat Button | 9.5 | 51-52 |
| Silver “Walking” Half Dollar | 9-9.5 | 89-90 |
| Silver Ring | 8.5-9 | 86-87 |
| Gold Wedding Ring | 11.5 | 61-62 |
| Round Ball (Musket Ball) | 8.5 | 66-67 |
What Machines Are Considered The Competition to The APEX?
Nokta Makro Simplex
One of the main competitors to the APEX is going to be the Nokta Makro Simplex. Although the Simplex is only a single frequency VLF metal detector it comes packed with a ton of features and its 100% waterproof and submersible down to 10 feet of water. The Simplex is also easy to use and costs a lot less. But it does lacks the ability to operate simultaneous frequencies which is something the ACE Apex does include. For more information or to compare the APEX with the Simplex check out my Garrett ACE APEX and Simplex Comparison article.
Minelab Vanquish
The other competitor and probably it’s main competition is the Minelab Vanquish. Like the APEX, the Vanquish is also a multi-frequency VLF metal detector. Like the APEX the Vanquish is not waterproof. The competition between these machines will come down to separation speeds, depth, and target ids. Both machines are considered to beginner to mid-level metal detectors.
However, don’t be fooled by the marketing. These machines are good for any beginner to the most experienced users. There is something for everyone in these machines. For more on the APEX and Vanquish check out the article I wrote titled Garrett ACE APEX vs. Minelab Vanquish but in the meantime, here is a quick comparison of the features for the Garrett ACE APEX and the Minelab Vanquish 440.
| FEATURE | Garrett ACE Apex | Minelab Vanquish 440 |
| Multi-Freq | Yes (5, 10, 15, 20 kHz) | Yes (5, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz) |
| Multi-Salt | Yes Garrett Only (for wet sand and surf) | Proven to works on wet sand and surf. |
| Single Freq | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless | Yes Z-Lynk | Yes Bluetooth |
| Audio Tones | 5 | 5 |
| Backlight | Yes | Yes |
| Iron Audio | Yes | Yes High/Low |
| Iron Volume Control | Yes | Yes |
| Iron DISC | Yes (8 Segments) | Yes (Iron Bias High/Low) |
| Notch DISC | Yes | Yes |
| Search Modes | 6 | 5 |
| Target ID Scale | 0-99 | -9-40 |
| Sensitivity Adjustments | Yes | Yes |
| Ground Balance | Yes | Yes |
| Depth Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Search Coil | 6 x 11″ DD Viper | V12 12″ x 9″ DD |
| Pinpoint | Yes | Yes |
| Waterproof | Coil Only | Coil Only |
| Weight | 2.5 lbs | 2.8 lbs |
| Power | Lithium rechargeable | 4 x AA NiMH rechargeable |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 3 years control box and coil |
Does The Apex Get Good Target Separation?
Lets be clear the APEX is not considered an advanced or high end metal detector but it wants to be. If you are going to compare the APEX to something like the Equinox or XP Deus you shouldn’t. For an entry level machine, the APEX is fabulous machine. Its is advanced enough to compete with some of the mid-level machines on the market.
Surprisingly the target separation speeds that the APEX gets is really good. Like I said it is not going to compete with the Minelab Equinox or XP Deus which are 2 of the fastest machines on the market but the APEX does a decent job of identifying a coin in between 2 nails. I ran this test numerous time with different targets. The APEX will pick up the coin but sometimes you will only hear it by swinging at a certain angle.
What Happens if You Have Issues With The APEX Battery?
The APEX comes with a 2 year factory warranty and thankfully Garrett has excellent customer. If there is an issue with the battery during or after 2 years Garrett will have to service the battery. This may come to some as an inconvenience to some but these batteries should provide multiple years of use before they ever need serviced. I don’t expect to see any major problems with these batteries and I wouldn’t worry about it.
Is The Apex Multi-Flex Technology the same as Minelab’s Multi-IQ Technology?
The short answer is No. Only Garrett and Minelab know whats built into their own multi-frequency technology and how their algorithms work. But Minelab did come out and give some hints on how it favors lower frequencies for modern coins and large jewelry. They also state that they favor higher frequencies for smaller targets.
Final Thoughts on The APEX.
The Garrett ACE APEX is great little machine for whats packed into it. Bravo to Garrett for stepping into the multi-frequency competition. The APEX is a very well built metal detector that is easy to use and understand. The APEX may not appeal to everyone but there is something for just about anyone wanting a simple to use, wireless metal detector that offers multi-frequency technology, and gets good target separation with a redesigned search coil. I’m really looking forward to seeing what Garrett is going to do with their future line up of metal detectors.
I would like to thank Keith at Fort Bedford Metal Detectors for giving me the opportunity to review the ACE APEX. For all of your metal detecting needs and wants please consider Fort Bedford Metal Detectors. They are a great company with great customer service and technical support.
Thanks for reading -Scott