Garrett ACE 350 Metal Detector Review

With a user-friendly interface as well as multiple detection modes, the Garrett ACE 350 is simple enough for a beginner, yet versatile enough to meet the needs of the experienced treasure-hunter in a variety of detecting environments.

This affordable detector allows users to experience many of the features of higher-end detectors— like a powerful DD coil and customizable discrimination settings— without the costly investment. This unit is ideal for finding coins, jewelry, and relics.

The ACE 350 has been discontinued by the manufacturer and replaced by the ACE 400.

But you can still find it through several online vendors and it remains a popular model within the metal detecting community.

The unit’s main assets are its five search modes (including a customizable discrimination setting), enhanced iron discrimination, and higher frequency than most entry-level machines.

Features

Let’s examine some of the features of the ACE 350. Below is a brief description of each main feature and its function.

Segment-based target ID

Rather than a numerical display, the ACE 350 uses a segment-based discrimination system to ID a target.

Basically, a black segment will appear below the corresponding symbol on the Target ID Scale to give you an idea of the target’s size and the type of metal it is.

For example, a segment will appear beneath the 25 cent coin symbol on the Target ID to indicate a high-conductivity target about the size of a quarter.

Because the Target ID is influenced by a variety of factors, including the size of the object and its orientation in the ground, it is not always completely accurate.

For example, an aluminum bottle cap could appear as a quarter on the Target ID Scale.

However, the segment-based system does offer a typically reliable means of identifying your target.

Adjustable sensitivity

While the ACE 350 does not have adjustable frequency settings, it does allow the user to adjust the sensitivity.

The ability to adjust sensitivity is vital, especially if you’re in an area of high ground mineralization.

The ACE 350 offers eight sensitivity levels.

Higher sensitivity allows the detector to “see” deeper targets but may cause it to behave erratically in trashy areas, highly mineralized soils, or when exposed to electronic interference like if you’re near power lines.

Enhanced iron resolution

The ACE 350 offers more “segments” of iron detection than previous models.

This makes the unit more adept at screening out junk targets.

It also improves the unit’s ability to separate junk targets from adjacent “good” targets.

Search modes

Search modes (discrimination patterns) are helpful when you want to limit your focus to specific types of targets (for example coins, jewelry, or relics).

The ACE 350 offers five search modes:

• Zero (no discrimination)
• Jewelry
• Custom
• Relics
• Coins

The search modes work by essentially eliminating certain segments from the Target ID Scale.

Targets matching an unselected segment won’t emit an audio signal so you can easily ignore the stuff you don’t want.

The Coins discrimination setting, for instance, will remove all of the segments except the ones for the penny, nickel, quarter and dime so that the detector only emits an audio signal for these specific targets.

All of the modes can be adjusted using the discrimination buttons and ‘notch’ buttons, but only the Custom setting will retain any changes made to it the next time the detector is powered on.

Other features

Some additional features of the ACE 350 include:

• 3 Audio Tone ID Levels for additional target id (low, medium, high).
• Electronic pinpointing mode to laser in on your target.
• Depth Indicator which gives you a general idea of how deep to dig.

Detector comparisons

The ACE 350 is near the top of the list of entry-level detectors.

Let’s see how its features stack against some similar models.

ACE 350 vs. ACE 400

The ACE 350 has been replaced by the ACE 400 in Garrett’s current lineup. See our review here.

The ACE 400 is the new top model of the ACE series. It has several new features not seen on the ACE 350, including:

• Digital (1-99) Target ID for even better target ID capabilities.
• Iron Audio to quickly determine if a signal is trash.
• Higher frequency (10kHz vs. 8.25kHz) for slightly better sensitivity to smaller objects like small jewelry.

ACE 350 vs. ACE 250

The ACE 350 is the next model up from the (now also discontinued) ACE 250.

The ACE 350 has several features not seen on the ACE 250, including:

• Enhanced Iron Resolution (2x the iron resolution of the ACE 250).
• 8.5 x 11” DD searchcoil (vs. 6.5 x 9”) for better ground cover and enhanced performance in mineralized ground.
• Higher frequency (8.25kHz vs. 6.5kHz).

ACE 350 vs. Fisher F22

A model often compared to the ACE 350 is the Fisher F22.

The F22 has several features not seen in the ACE 350, including:

• Digital (1-99) Target ID (vs. segment-based).
• 5-year warranty (vs. 2-year).

FAQs

Let’s explore some commonly-asked questions about the ACE 350.

How deep can the ACE 350 detect?

How deep the detector can “see” is influenced by several factors, including the size and orientation of the target, ground mineralization, sensitivity level, etc.

The ACE 350’s depth meter only displays up to 8” (marked as 8+”); however, depending on conditions and size of the target, the detector can detect to depths of around 10-11”.

Does it have adjustable Ground Balance?

No, the ACE 350 does not feature adjustable ground balance settings. Its ground balance settings are factory-set and unchangeable.

How much does it cost?

As of March 217, Garrett lists the ACE 350’s current MSRP at $349.95.

Can it be used on the beach?

The ACE 350 performs well on dry sand; however, it will not perform well on wet sand or in the saltwater as it’s a single frequency, VLF machine.

How much does it weigh?

Garrett lists the total weight of the ACE 350 at 2.8 lbs. For most people in their teens or older, this should be quite manageable, but it may be a bit heavy for young kids.

What’s in the box?

The ACE 350 box contains the detector (unassembled), the 8.5” x 11” DD searchcoil, the instruction manual, an instructional DVD, and a pair of Garrett’s Clear Sound Easy Stow headphones (the reviews of these particular headphones tend to be underwhelming).

Is it waterproof?

The searchcoil and poles are waterproof, but the control box is not. As such, the detector is only suitable for shallow water detecting.

What batteries does it take?

The unit takes 4 AA batteries, included. According to Garrett, the battery life of the ACE 350 is anywhere from 20-40 hours, depending on your settings and if you use headphones.

Does it have a warranty?

Yes. Garrett offers a 2-year limited parts and labor warranty from date of purchase.

Final thoughts

All things considered, the ACE 350 is a good value. Like all Garrett detectors, it is a sturdy, capable machine. You really can’t go wrong with any Garrett detector.