You’ll find the Garrett ACE 300 operates at 8 kHz frequency with five search modes—Zero-Disc, Jewelry, Coins, Relics, and Custom—detecting targets up to 8 inches deep. It weighs 2.8 lbs with an adjustable 42″-51″ shaft and runs on four AA batteries. The digital Target ID system uses a 0-99 scale with 12-segment cursor display, while its three-tone audio system differentiates targets by conductivity. You can adjust sensitivity across 8 levels and select from four frequencies to minimize interference. Below, we’ll cover pinpointing techniques, ground balance limitations, and how it compares against other ACE models.
Key Takeaways
- Operates at 8 kHz frequency with adjustable sensitivity, offering enhanced detection of gold and lead compared to previous models.
- Features five search modes including All-Metal, Jewelry, Coins, Relics, and Custom for personalized target discrimination settings.
- Includes 7×10-inch submersible coil detecting coins up to 25 cm deep, with digital Target ID scale from 0-99.
- Weighs 2.8 lbs with adjustable shaft (42″-51″), powered by four AA batteries for extended portable use.
- Provides electronic pinpoint mode, three-tone audio system, and coin depth indicator for accurate target location and identification.
Technical Specifications and Build Quality
The Garrett Ace 300 operates at 8 kHz—a significant upgrade from the ACE 250’s 6.5 kHz frequency—which translates to measurably better sensitivity on low and medium-conductivity targets like gold and lead.
You’ll appreciate the metal detector design that keeps weight at just 2.8 lbs across a 42″ to 51″ adjustable shaft, allowing hours of swinging without fatigue. The build quality shows in practical details: the standard 8.5″ x 11″ DD PROformance searchcoil comes with a protective cover, while an alternative 7″ x 10″ concentric option adapts to tighter spaces. The ACE 300i includes an environmental cover-up for control box that protects the electronics from dust and moisture during field use.
Four AA batteries power the unit with a four-bar indicator maintaining full performance until depletion. The adjustable arm strap secures the detector during extended hunts, and built-in frequency adjustment eliminates interference when you’re working crowded sites. Enhanced stem stability comes from the integrated camlocks that reduce unwanted movement during operation.
Search Modes and Detection Capabilities
Five operational modes on the Ace 300 address distinct hunting scenarios through targeted discrimination patterns and sensitivity adjustments.
Metal detection begins with Zero-Disc Mode, activating all 12 discrimination pixels to identify every metal type without restrictions. You’ll shift to Jewelry Mode’s 8 kHz frequency for enhanced low-conductivity target discrimination on gold items.
Coins Mode eliminates iron trash while providing depth indicators for U.S. denominations. Relics Mode‘s increased iron resolution maintains sensitivity to brass, bronze, and lead while rejecting small ferrous objects.
Custom Mode stores your personalized discrimination patterns across power cycles, letting you adapt frequency settings to eliminate interference. The mode allows you to associate target IDs with specific sounds for easier identification in the field. Use the plus/minus buttons to select between these preset modes or create specific discrimination patterns tailored to your hunting environment.
Each mode automatically compensates for ground minerals, ensuring you’re not bound by factory presets when field conditions demand operational flexibility.
Digital Target Identification System
The Ace 300’s digital target ID system combines a numeric scale (0-99) with a 12-segment cursor display to classify targets by conductivity levels.
You’ll receive immediate visual feedback through the upper scale cursor while the lower scale shows your active notch discrimination pattern.
The integrated three-tone audio system reinforces this visual data—belltone for high conductivity targets (ID >75), standard tone for medium range (ID 33-75), and base tone for low conductivity items (ID <33). The pulse width modulation audio delivers sharp, responsive signals that help you distinguish between different target types more accurately.
This conductivity-based identification enables you to differentiate between materials like iron, gold, lead, bronze, copper, and silver before you dig, saving valuable time during your detecting sessions.
Target ID Cursor Function
When your searchcoil passes over buried objects, the Ace 300’s Target ID Cursor immediately displays across 12 segments on the upper scale, working in tandem with a numeric readout spanning 0 to 99. This dual-indicator system delivers enhanced target accuracy through real-time visual feedback, regardless of whether your discrimination settings accept or reject the detected metal.
You’ll notice the cursor activates for every target your coil encounters, while audio signals only sound for items matching your discrimination pattern. Signal clarity depends considerably on proper technique—center your targets precisely and maintain level coil positioning throughout your sweep.
The cursor’s positioning reveals probable target identity by indicating conductivity levels, from ferrous trash through gold, nickels, and high-conductivity silver coins. This independent visual confirmation lets you make informed dig decisions before audio response occurs. The system utilizes sharp audio tones that complement the visual display to help you distinguish between different target types with greater confidence. Rejected targets display a pixel indicator on the cursor without producing any accompanying audio signal.
Three-Tone Audio System
Building upon the visual Target ID Cursor, Garrett’s three-tone audio system translates conductivity data into distinct auditory signals that let you identify targets without glancing at the display.
High-conductivity targets (Digital ID >75) trigger a unique belltone, while medium to low conductivity items (33–75) produce the loudest response with maximum upper-scale segments. Low-conductivity targets (<33) generate the lowest tone.
This audio calibration ties directly to the 0–99 Digital Target ID scale, delivering signal clarity through Pulse-Width Modulation for sharper, more responsive feedback.
The fixed-volume output runs extremely loud—expect to modify it externally for comfort. Tape the speaker to reduce sound levels if adjustable volume controls are unavailable.
In pinpoint mode, you’ll hear a fast double beep.
Combined with Iron Resolution and adjustable 8 kHz frequency, these three distinct tones help you distinguish coins and jewelry from trash without constant screen monitoring. The Ace 300 includes Garrett ClearSound headphones for enhanced audio clarity and a more comfortable detecting experience.
Audio Alert System and Tone Settings
Garrett’s Ace 300 employs pulse width modulation technology to deliver sharp, responsive audio signals that outperform the vaguer tones of earlier detector models.
The Ace 300’s pulse width modulation creates crisp, precise audio feedback that surpasses the indistinct signals from older metal detector generations.
You’ll hear three distinct tone levels: low tones for Target ID readings 0-32, mid tones for 33-75, and high tones above 75. This audio frequency system corresponds directly with the 0-99 Target ID scale, giving you immediate target classification without checking the display.
The tone customization extends through five search modes plus Pinpoint, each producing mode-specific audio patterns. You can adjust eight sensitivity levels to fine-tune audio responsiveness, while frequency adjustment eliminates interference affecting clarity.
In Pinpoint mode, audio intensity increases as you approach the target’s center. The included ClearSound headphones with volume control optimize your output settings for maximum detection efficiency.
Pinpoint Function and Target Location
After identifying a target through audio feedback, you’ll need the Ace 300’s electronic pinpoint function to determine its exact location before digging.
Press and hold the PINPOINT button to activate non-motion All-Metal Mode, displaying “PP” on your LCD.
Position your 7″ x 10″ coil one inch above ground beside the suspected target, then sweep in crosshair patterns.
The upper scale segments and audio intensity peak directly over your target’s center, while the Coin Depth Indicator reveals burial depth on the 0-99 scale.
This precision minimizes your recovery hole size, protecting historical relics and reducing environmental disturbance.
The stationary coil requirement at 8 kHz frequency delivers accurate results in trashy areas, though underwater detection isn’t supported by this model.
Ground Balance and Sensitivity Adjustments
While the Ace 300 delivers reliable performance across typical hunting environments, its preset ground balance represents both a simplification for beginners and a limitation in challenging terrain.
You’ll find it handles dry beaches and freshwater sites effectively, but ground mineralization in salt water zones or black sand areas exceeds its capabilities.
The factory-tuned balance can’t adapt to highly ferrous soils containing magnetite.
You’ve got eight sensitivity calibration levels accessible through the (+) or (–) pushbuttons.
Crank it up for deep or small targets, dial it down when excessive trash or electrical interference creates false signals.
Combined with four selectable frequencies via the LM button, you’ll minimize environmental interference.
Keep your coil one inch above ground, sweep slowly, and overlap passes by half-width for ideal coverage.
Operating Techniques and Best Practices
Proper operation begins the moment you press the ON/OFF button—the detector powers up in your last-used mode and executes an automatic ground mineral adjustment.
Lower your searchcoil to one inch above ground and sweep at three feet per second, maintaining constant motion except during pinpoint operations.
Essential Operating Protocols:
- Coil Coverage Pattern – Overlap each sweep by half the coil’s width while walking straight lines, ensuring you don’t miss potential ancient artifacts in unmapped territory.
- Pinpoint Precision – Hold the Pinpoint button and execute crosshair sweeps at constant height to isolate maximum signal response.
- Mode Optimization – Test targets at 3-4 inches across your coil in each detection mode, adjusting discrimination to filter unwanted signals while maintaining sensitivity for valuable finds.
Note: The Ace 300 isn’t designed for underwater detection—keep it moisture-protected during field operations.
What’s Included in the Package
Understanding how to operate your detector effectively matters little if you don’t know what equipment arrives at your doorstep. Your ACE 300i package contains the complete detector unit with S-shaped stem, 7×10-inch PROformance submersible coil, and Clear Sound headphones.
Material durability receives attention through included protective covers for both control box and searchcoil. Four AA batteries come pre-installed, providing immediate field readiness with sufficient battery life for extended searches.
Assembly hardware—nuts, bolts, washers, and camlocks—ensures secure configuration. Documentation includes all-inclusive manuals, quick-start guides, and Target ID references.
Optional J. Robertson Edition adds duck call whistle and camo coating. You’re free to expand capabilities with separately-available large searchcoils and Garrett Pro-Pointer accessories through authorized dealers.
Comparison With Other ACE Series Models
How does the ACE 300 measure against its series siblings when you’re deciding which detector fits your hunting requirements?
Key Specifications Breakdown:
1. Mode Flexibility – You’ll get 5 search modes on the 300, matching the 350 and 400, while the 200 offers just 3.
The 400 adds specialized Iron Audio for enhanced electromagnetic interference filtering in trashy sites.
2. Coil Performance – The 300’s 7×10-inch concentric coil delivers 80 cm maximum depth and 25 cm coin detection.
The 400’s larger 8.5×11-inch DD configuration pushes slightly deeper at 8 inches, while the 350 extends to 150 cm maximum.
3. Battery Life & Weight – All models run on 4xAA batteries with comparable consumption.
At 1.27 kg, the 300 maintains field-ready portability across your hunting grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Garrett ACE 300 Detect Gold Nuggets Effectively?
Yes, you’ll detect gold nuggets effectively with its 8 kHz frequency. Gold detection excels in mineralized soils where coil sensitivity responds sharply to small targets, though you’ll need upgraded coils for maximum depth beyond the standard 4-5 inches.
What Is the Maximum Depth This Detector Can Reach?
You’ll reach maximum depths of 10-11 inches on quarter-sized targets under ideal conditions. The 8 kHz frequency capabilities excel with medium conductors, while coil variations like DD or NEL upgrades considerably extend your detection range in challenging terrain.
Is the Control Box Waterproof or Just the Coil?
Only the coil’s waterproof—you can submerge it in shallow water. The control box isn’t waterproof, so you’ll need the environmental cover for protection. Waterproof features are limited, but coil durability handles streams and wet grass confidently.
How Long Do the Batteries Typically Last During Use?
You’ll get an impressive marathon of 20-40 hours per battery set. Battery lifespan depends on your power consumption patterns and cell quality. This field-proven performance lets you hunt freely without constantly worrying about running out of juice mid-session.
Can I Use This Detector on Saltwater Beaches?
You can’t effectively use it on saltwater beaches due to saltwater limitations—it lacks ground balance for mineralized wet sand. While the coil has waterproof features, you’ll experience severe falsing beyond dry sand areas, restricting your detecting freedom.
References
- https://www.dover.nh.gov/Assets/government/city-operations/library/borrow/library-of-things/Metal Detector Manual – Garrett Ace 300.pdf
- https://bigboyshobbies.net/products/garrett-ace-300-metal-detector
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=496dxFTeMsM
- https://www.metaldetector.com/pages/learnfield-tests-and-reviews-by-brandgarrettgarrett-ace-metal-detectors-series-comparison
- https://detectorwarehouse.com/products/garrett-ace-300-metal-detector-with-50-travel-bag
- https://www.basspro.com/p/garrett-ace-300-metal-detector
- https://metaldetectingforum.com/index.php
- https://garrett.com/garrett-ace-300-metal-detector-w-clearsound-easy-stow-headphones/
- https://seriousdetecting.com/products/garrett-ace-300-metal-detector-with-waterproof-search-coil-pro-pointer-at
- https://garrett.com/sport/ace/
