For enthusiasts and beginners venturing into the world of metal detecting, choosing the right equipment is paramount. Within the Garrett Ace series, the Ace 250 and Ace 350 stand out as popular entry-level options. This article provides a detailed Garrett metal detectors comparison, specifically pitting the Garrett Ace 250 against the Ace 350 to highlight their differences and help you decide which detector best suits your needs.
Key Differences Between Garrett Ace 250 and Ace 350
While both detectors share the hallmark ease of use and digital displays characteristic of the Garrett Ace line, several distinctions set them apart. Let’s delve into a component-by-component Garrett Ace 250 versus 350 metal detectors comparison.
Enhanced Performance Coil: The 11″ DD PRO-formance Coil of Ace 350
The most immediately noticeable upgrade in the Garrett Ace 350 is its inclusion of an 11-inch DD PRO-formance coil as standard. Traditional DD coils are known for two primary advantages: improved target separation in trashy areas and enhanced stability in mineralized ground conditions. The Ace 350 leverages this DD coil to offer a slight edge in performance compared to the Ace 250’s standard coil.
In practice, the Ace 350 does exhibit marginally better stability in mineralized soils thanks to this coil. When it comes to depth detection, the Ace 350 maintains a comparable depth to the Ace 250, with a subtle increase in some conditions. It’s important to note that for significant improvements in handling heavy mineralization and depth, users would typically need to invest in higher-end, more expensive metal detectors. In less challenging soil conditions, the depth advantage of the Ace 350 might become more apparent, but for many users, especially beginners, this difference could be negligible in real-world detecting scenarios.
Signal Response and Target Separation: A Closer Look
One critical aspect for effective metal detecting is signal response and target separation. The Ace 250, while user-friendly and feature-rich for beginners, has a known limitation: a somewhat delayed signal response. This means the audio signal indicating a target often occurs slightly after the coil has passed over the buried object. This delay can complicate pinpointing targets accurately without relying on the dedicated pinpoint mode. Unfortunately, this signal response delay is also present in the Ace 350.
Regarding target separation, the Ace 350 does show an improvement, largely attributed to the narrower detection field of the DD coil. However, the benefit of this enhanced separation is somewhat hampered by the aforementioned delayed target response. Furthermore, users might notice that the target ID on the Ace 350 can appear a bit more erratic or “jumpy” compared to the more stable readings often associated with concentric coils, which are commonly found on detectors like the Ace 250. This behavior is typical when comparing DD coils to concentric coils.
Operating Frequency and Target Sensitivity: Detecting Smaller Finds
Another key specification differentiating the Ace 250 and Ace 350 is their operating frequency. The Ace 350 operates at a slightly higher frequency of 8.25 kHz compared to the Ace 250’s 6.5 kHz. Theoretically, this higher frequency should make the Ace 350 more sensitive to smaller, low-conductive targets such as foil, nickels, gold flakes, and pull tabs.
However, in practical terms, the 8.25 kHz frequency of the Ace 350 is still within a range that is considered relatively low for making substantial claims about significantly improved small gold detection compared to the Ace 250. Both detectors remain entry-level, multi-purpose machines, and while the Ace 350 might offer a marginal advantage in sensitivity to very small targets, it’s not a game-changer in this aspect.
Iron Discrimination: Refining Target Selection
Both the Ace 250 and Ace 350 utilize a 12-segment target ID cursor for visual target identification. However, the Ace 350 incorporates an enhanced iron discrimination system, featuring four iron discrimination segments compared to the Ace 250’s two. This expanded iron discrimination range can be particularly advantageous for relic hunters or users who want finer control over rejecting iron targets while still potentially recovering desirable iron relics. The increased granularity in iron discrimination allows for more nuanced target selection in iron-infested environments.
Garrett Ace 350 vs Ace 250: Is the Upgrade Justified?
In conclusion, when comparing Garrett Ace 250 and Ace 350 metal detectors, the Ace 350 does offer incremental improvements over the Ace 250. The inclusion of the DD coil and enhanced iron discrimination are tangible upgrades. However, the question remains: are these slight benefits worth the additional cost?
Ultimately, the answer is subjective and depends on individual needs and priorities. For users seeking the absolute best value in an entry-level metal detector with a digital display and versatile search features, the Garrett Ace 250 remains a compelling choice, offering excellent cost-to-performance ratio. The Ace 350 provides a modest performance bump, primarily through its DD coil and refined iron discrimination, but whether this justifies the price difference is a decision each detectorist must make based on their budget and detecting goals. For many beginners, the Ace 250 provides a fantastic starting point into the hobby of metal detecting without breaking the bank.
