Thinking about diving into metal detecting and want something that actually delivers? The Garrett ACE 300 bundle keeps popping up as a dependable pick for both folks just starting out and those who’ve already been bitten by the treasure-hunting bug.
Right off the bat, you get digital target ID on a 0-99 scale, which seriously helps cut down on wasted digs for junk. The iron resolution tech is handy in cluttered spots, and electronic pinpointing makes zeroing in on finds a lot less frustrating.
- DIGITAL TARGET ID: 0-99 numeric scale helps identify metal conductivity for accurate target detection.
- IRON RESOLUTION: Enhanced discrimination improves target separation in trashy areas.
- ELECTRONIC PINPOINTING: Non-motion All-Metal Mode helps precisely locate detected targets.
Plenty of users are out there finding everything from coins to old relics on their first few trips. The Pro-Pointer AT, included in the bundle, is a real highlight—waterproof up to 20 feet and picks up signals from all directions.
You get headphones and covers too, though it seems a few folks have had issues with missing pieces in their shipments. Assembly isn’t rocket science, but the instructions could definitely be clearer, especially about how everything fits together.
In actual use, the ACE 300 picks up targets several inches deep, even in tough soil. Its 8 KHz frequency strikes a balance between depth and target separation, which is honestly what most hobbyists need.
Get started on your metal detecting adventures with the Garrett ACE 300 bundle today!
Overview of the Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector
After putting this detector through its paces, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular as a mid-range option. The frequency is spot-on for most common finds, and that digital display with its conductivity numbers takes a lot of guesswork out of the equation.
Key Performance Features:
- Digital target ID with a numeric scale
- Iron discrimination to weed out junk
- Electronic pinpointing for exact location
- Adjustable shaft for comfort
The accessories aren’t just filler. That Pro-Pointer AT is a game-changer for quickly homing in on targets, and the headphones help you catch those faint signals that might otherwise slip by.
It’s not feather-light—after a few hours, you’ll feel it in your arm—but the weight is distributed well enough for most people. Assembly is mostly straightforward, though the manual could do a better job guiding new users through initial setup.
In moderately trashy spots, the ACE 300 holds its own, though it can get tripped up in the really nasty, iron-heavy areas where pricier models have the edge.
Digital Target ID Technology
The numeric display on the ACE 300 gives you instant feedback, which honestly makes hunting a lot more satisfying. The 0-99 scale assigns numbers to different metals, so you’re not just listening for beeps and hoping for the best.
Target Classification Performance:
- 0-40: Iron and ferrous stuff
- 41-60: Pull tabs, aluminum, small jewelry
- 61-99: Coins, silver, and the good stuff
The readout updates quickly as you sweep, and the numbers are pretty consistent. You’ll still want to listen to the tones, especially in mineralized ground, since the display can get a little jumpy and assign similar numbers to different targets. It’s not foolproof, but it’s a big step up from older analog models.
Advanced Iron Resolution
If you’re hunting in spots littered with nails and bottle caps, the ACE 300’s iron resolution is actually quite useful. It helps you pick out the decent finds from the sea of junk.
Testing in iron-heavy areas showed it can distinguish between trash and keepers, though it’s not perfect—rusty bottle caps sometimes sneak through, so you’ll still need to double-check with the pinpointer.
| Iron Resolution Performance |
|---|
| • Rejects most nails and small iron bits |
| • Sometimes fooled by rusty caps |
| • All-metal mode gets you more depth |
Numbers below 20 generally mean iron, but if you’re new, it’s worth digging a few “iffy” signals just to get a feel for it. In mineralized ground, the iron resolution can get less reliable, sometimes masking good targets if they’re close to iron. For most beginners, though, it’s more than enough to get started.
Electronic Pinpointing Capability
The Pro-Pointer AT pinpointer is what really rounds out this bundle. After you get a hit with the main coil, this probe makes finding the exact spot so much easier.
It works on its own, vibrating and beeping more intensely as you get closer to metal. That’s super handy if you’re in a noisy spot or wearing gloves.
Key pinpointing benefits:
- Cuts down dig time
- Less mess in your holes
- Works even when things are muddy
- Built-in LED for dim conditions
It’s waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about rain or puddles. The battery lasts through a bunch of hunts. Occasionally, the tip can be a little too sensitive in mineralized soil and give false positives, but it’s not a dealbreaker.
Pro-Pointer AT Included
Having the Pro-Pointer AT in the box saves time and hassle. It’s waterproof down to 20 feet, which is perfect for beaches and streams.
The 360-degree detection is a real plus—you don’t have to guess where the target is hiding in the plug. Fast Retune is also nice for dialing in sensitivity if you’re dealing with tricky ground.
Key Performance Features:
- Waterproof—take it underwater without worry
- 360° Detection—finds targets from any angle
- Fast Retune—quickly adapts to changing conditions
Some users turn off the vibration to save battery, but having both audio and vibration is useful. And honestly, getting this pinpointer bundled in saves you from spending an extra $140.
Comprehensive Detecting Bundle
This package is pretty much grab-and-go. You don’t have to chase down extra accessories before hitting the field.
The ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones are actually better than expected—comfortable, block out background noise, and fold up small for storage.
Key Bundle Components:
- Waterproof Pro-Pointer AT
- ClearSound headphones
- Coil cover
- Batteries included
The Pro-Pointer AT is the standout, but everything else is genuinely useful. That said, a few buyers have reported missing items, especially the pinpointer. The coil cover is a bit thin if you’re in heavy brush, but it does the job for most environments.
For beginners, not having to spend another couple hundred bucks on accessories is a big deal.
Ease of Use
You don’t need to be a tech whiz to get going, though there are a few quirks. The ACE 300 finds a sweet spot between being simple and still offering enough features to keep things interesting.
Assembly Experience
Expect to spend 15-20 minutes putting it together. Most of it clicks or twists into place, but the manual could be more detailed—especially about where the grommets go and how the control head fits.
Assembly highlights:
- Quick setup—most parts are intuitive
- Adjustable shaft—good for all heights
- Control head—just be careful not to scratch it
Some users nicked the paint during assembly, but once it’s together, it feels solid.
User Interface
The display is clear, showing target info in numbers and tones. Buttons are straightforward, but you’ll want to spend a little time figuring out sensitivity and discrimination settings.
It’d be nice if there were some suggested starting points for new users, but you’ll get the hang of it after a few outings. Expect to do some experimenting.
| Control Feature | User Experience |
|---|---|
| Target ID | Easy to read |
| Audio Tones | Obvious differences |
| Button Layout | Simple, but takes a little getting used to |
Most people are finding coins and small stuff within their first few sessions, so the learning curve isn’t too steep. The headphones are a nice touch, especially in noisy spots.
Pros and Cons
Here’s what stands out after real-world use—both the good and the “meh.”
Pros
Digital Target ID Is a Big Help
That 0-99 scale actually works. It’s much easier to tell coins from junk, which keeps things fun.
Bundle Is a Great Deal
Getting the Pro-Pointer AT, headphones, and covers all at once saves money and hassle. The pinpointer alone is worth it if you plan to hunt in muddy or wet areas.
Solid in Trashy Spots
The iron resolution does a decent job picking out good targets from piles of nails and other junk. Found coins and relics where other detectors just beeped constantly.
Easy to Learn
The controls are logical. New users found stuff right away, so you don’t need to be an expert.
Cons
Instructions Are Vague
The assembly guide is skimpy. Some people struggled with parts placement, and a few scratched the detector during setup.
No Suggested Settings
You’re kind of on your own for figuring out the best settings for different ground types. Expect some trial and error.
Bundle Sometimes Missing Parts
A handful of buyers got incomplete packages, especially missing the Pro-Pointer AT. That’s a letdown, especially since it’s a main selling point.
| Aspect | Performance |
|---|---|
| Target ID | Strong |
| Accessories | Great Value |
| Assembly | Needs Work |
| Documentation | Could Be Better |
The detector itself is solid, but packaging and instructions could use improvement.
Customer Reviews
Most buyers are happy with how well the ACE 300 finds stuff—lots of people mention getting coins, relics, and even Civil War artifacts on their first tries. One user even dug up a musket ball and a military button from the 1860s right out of the gate.
What People Like:
- Fast shipping and good packaging
- Finds targets under mud and debris
- Assembly isn’t too tough
- Build quality feels sturdy
Biggest complaints? Missing items, especially the Pro-Pointer AT, and bare-bones assembly instructions. Some folks had trouble with grommets and the display.
Mixed Feedback:
- A few found the performance underwhelming
- Not much guidance for beginners
- Assembly can be a pain if you’re not handy
Still, the overall rating is 4.5 stars from 141 reviews, with most recommending it for hobbyists and casual treasure hunters.
Frequently Asked Questions
After spending time with this detector in various environments, several questions consistently come up from potential buyers and new users. These cover everything from technical capabilities to practical concerns about getting started.
What improvements does the Garrett ACE 300 offer over previous models?
The ACE 300 brings some real, tangible upgrades compared to its older siblings. The digital target ID system now uses a 0-99 numeric scale, so you get a much clearer readout than those old analog meters ever offered.
Iron resolution is another solid step up. In spots littered with metal junk, this feature helps you tell the difference between actual finds and random iron scraps. It’s honestly a relief not to dig up every bottle cap in the park.
Adjustable frequency is a handy addition, too. If you’ve ever had your detector go haywire near power lines or when hunting with a group, you’ll appreciate being able to tweak the frequency to cut down on interference. Previous models just didn’t have this kind of flexibility.
Can the Garrett ACE 300 effectively detect gold and other precious metals?
The ACE 300 can pick up gold, though there are some caveats. Its 8 KHz frequency does a decent job with bigger gold—think rings or chunky jewelry—but it’s not really built for tiny nuggets or flakes.
Silver coins and larger gold items show up nice and clear on the target ID. In testing, silver coins buried a few inches down were no problem at all. But those little gold bits? They just don’t always give off a strong enough signal.
Detection Performance by Metal Type:
- Silver coins: Excellent detection and ID accuracy
- Gold rings: Good performance for medium to large sizes
- Gold nuggets: Limited effectiveness on small pieces
- Copper pennies: Reliable detection and identification
Is the Garrett ACE 300 suitable for beginners in metal detecting?
The ACE 300’s a pretty friendly choice for folks just starting out. Assembly is quick—maybe 10 or 15 minutes, and you won’t need any tools. The control panel is straightforward, with everything labeled in plain English.
Some people have pointed out the instructions could be clearer, especially about installing grommets inside the connection points. It’s a minor headache if you’re not used to putting things together, but nothing you can’t figure out with a bit of fiddling.
Once you’re up and running, the learning curve isn’t bad. The digital display takes the guesswork out of things, especially compared to those old-school analog dials. Most beginners start finding stuff pretty quickly, which is encouraging.
How does the Garrett ACE 300 compare to the Garrett ACE 400?
The biggest differences between these two come down to frequency and target ID features. The ACE 400 runs at 10 KHz, while the 300 is at 8 KHz.
That higher frequency on the 400 means it’s a bit better at picking up smaller targets, especially little bits of gold. The 400 also adds a couple more discrimination modes and gives you a bit more detail on what you’re digging.
For most casual detectorists, the ACE 300 has more than enough muscle, especially considering the price. The ACE 400 makes sense if you’re really serious about gold hunting or want every last bit of target separation.
What accessories are included in the Garrett ACE 300 bundle?
You get a pretty decent haul with the ACE 300 bundle. The Pro-Pointer AT pinpointer is a standout—it’s waterproof down to 20 feet and makes finding your target in the hole a lot less frustrating.
The ClearSound Easy Stow headphones are included, too. They fold up for storage and make it easier to pick out faint signals. There’s also an ACE Environmental Cover-Up, which helps keep your control box safe from rain or the occasional knock.
Complete Bundle Contents:
- ACE 300 metal detector
- Pro-Pointer AT pinpointer
- ClearSound headphones
- Environmental control cover
- Searchcoil cover
- 4 AA batteries
What are the limitations or common issues users have experienced with the Garrett ACE 300?
The most common gripe? Incomplete shipments—folks sometimes don’t get the advertised Pro-Pointer AT. It’s more of a fulfillment hiccup than a flaw with the detector itself, but still, it leaves a bad taste.
Assembly instructions could use a little more hand-holding. Plenty of users have scratched their heads over display installation or where exactly to stick the grommets, wishing for clearer directions.
Running at 8 KHz, this detector just doesn’t pick up tiny gold bits like some of the higher-frequency options out there. If you’re hoping to chase after the smallest gold targets, you might feel a bit let down.
And, of course, ground conditions play a big role. In highly mineralized soil, expect more false signals and shallower detection—pretty typical for entry-level detectors, but worth mentioning if you’re hoping for top-tier performance.
