Rating  - seems to be the most reccommended 'first' metal detector
Metal detecting seemed like something fun to do occasionally in my free time and on beach vacations, so I picked up the Ace 250 here (through electronica direct). After quite a bit of online research, this seemed to be to be the most reccommended "introductory" metal detector - a good compromise between price and features/performance. I mainly want to just have a fun time, and this has the minimum features to keep me from digging up a lot of garbage, which would quickly get frustrating.
I just received the item, and it came very quickly from electronica direct, who also gave a ups tracking number and quickly responded to an email I sent them. I really wanted the instructional dvd, which is an advertised bonus on many websites. However, the dvd is included in the box from the manufacturer, so of course it's included!
Once I start using it, I'll try to write a more performance-based review.
Rating - A winner
I bought this for my husband for Christmas and he was delighted. A perfect gift for him. Now he wants all the accesories.
Rating  - I like this detector
I've used various metal detectors off and on for many years. While I would certainly not classify myself as a hardcore-detecting hobbyist, I do try to do it properly when I participate.
One thing I have noticed is that there are a lot of metal-detecting "snobs" out there that love nothing more than telling you that while your detector is cute, it might as well be a giant turd with earphones compared to theirs! It's weird--I like this hobby because it's different / not mainstream, but when that stuff happens, it may as well be golf...
Anyway - I'm not into this hobby enough to spend $700 - $1500 on a detector, but I do want to get my moneys worth. There are A LOT of reviews on the web for this particular detector, and I would say that 1 in 10 were negative, with the rest being very positive. For $200, I gave it a shot. My findings:
The good:
When I received the device, I walked out into my backyard to play around a little, and immediately, with a resounding "DING", found a penny about 4 inches deep. It seems to really like coin shooting
The discrimination and sensitivity settings work well, and the various settings (coins, all metal, jewelry, etc...) work fairly well-- as far a coin shooting, the find usually is exactly what the detector says it is.
I've read many reviews slamming the "pinpoint" feature. Honestly, after I READ THE BOOK and played with it for a couple minutes, I found that it worked quite well.
It seems to work very well down to about 8". It may work well beyond that... I really haven't had the chance yet to hunt anywhere for really deep items.
It's very light, and the display crams a lot of usefull stuff into a small area without being confusing.
If you turn it off while you're digging, the batteries last a long, long time.
The bad:
It uses 4 "AA" batteries instead of a 9-volt.
The shaft is a bit on the flimsy side, although it is pretty easy to stabilize if you desire.
It only has a couple tones - a dull beep for trash or unknown items, and a 'DING!' for coins. Honestly though, after I got used to them, they were plenty.
It seems to like a slightly slower sweep than most detectors.
*Major Gripe* There is no volume knob. Get with the program guys, that thing is LOUD!
In short:
The bottom line is this - you really need to read the book that comes with it and spend an hour getting aquinted with the device for it to really work for you. I like it, and for the money wouldn't think twice about buying another.
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Customer Reviews for GARRETT METAL DETECTORS,1139070,786156002715,0786156002715,B00095ODBI, |
