Metal Detecting: Garrett Ace APEX - Review and Testing

Hello there! Thanks for checking out my channel, and hopefully subscribing.
If you liked this video - go watch 9 of my other videos for even more rad content. (10% radness rate per video)
If you didn't like this video - go watch 9 of my other videos to make 100% sure. (10% sureness rate per video)
I AM NO LONGER A METAL DETECTOR DEALER - and am no longer participating in the hobby due to health reasons (blood clots suck).
Donations:
www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted...
All Socials = @thehuntergt
🛒 Amazon Shop! - www.amazon.com/shop/thehuntergt
(Disclaimer: As an Amazon affiliate I make a profit from that link)
❓FAQ❓
NAME: John...but you can call me Supreme Commander Overlord...or HunterGT
AGE: 48 and in my prime...ahem...
LOCATION: Fresno, California
HOBBIES: Synthesizers - Computers - Gaming...anything tech related.
FOODS: Kale...ratioed 1:10000 with green chili smothered burritos - bacon cheeseburgers - and Lucky Charms
Favorite Band: The Moody Blues...or Pantera...maybe Pink Floyd...possibly Tool...
Favorite Games: Battlefield Series, Starcraft 2, Red Dead Redemption 2, Cyberpunk 2077, and MANY other PC games.
Favorite Colors: Black...or grey
Favorite Book(s): Coldfire Trilogy
TEAM(s): 🏈SF 49ers - ⚾SF Giants - 🏒LA Kings - 🏀Utah Jazz
Favorite Movies: Casino, Goodfellas, Blade Runner, Blade Runner 2049
🎥CAMS📷
Google Pixel 6 Pro - amzn.to/3GlM0MZ
Logitech BRIO 4k - amzn.to/3AqbNzD
Nexigo N970P - amzn.to/3JfH9NC
🖥️COMPUTER⌨️
CPU: AMD Ryzen 5900X - amzn.to/3gfuvDm
COOLER: Noctua NH-D15S - amzn.to/3Gq7FUb
MOBO: Gigabyte X570S Aorus Elite - amzn.to/3Gqn9HU
GPU: EVGA RTX 3070Ti FTW3 - amzn.to/3Of0Pmg
MEM: 64GB Team T-FORCE DARK Za DDR4 3600 - amzn.to/3UMK84e
CASE: NZXT H510 Flow - amzn.to/3TPKe9Q
FANS: Noctua NF-P14s redux-900 - amzn.to/3gcpZpb
PSU: Corsair RM850x - amzn.to/3GpeAwH
MON #1: LG 27GL850-B - amzn.to/3Oc6n13
MON #2: VIOTEK GNV34DBE - amzn.to/3EGiuAj
🎹Synths🎛️
Novation Circuit Tracks - amzn.to/3OhnHS0
Novation Mininova - amzn.to/3Oerv6y
Behringer TD-3 - amzn.to/3Aomjax
Arturia Keylab 49 Essential - amzn.to/3EDh75c
🎙️AUDIO🎚️
MOTU M4 - amzn.to/3V4ejU5
Audio-Technica AT2005USB/XLR - amzn.to/3AnZEeD
CAD GXL2400USB
Nobody reads this far down...what are you doing down here?

[@whispersfromthedirt8649]

Very thorough review. This helps me understand how to hunt with my Apex a little better. I have been swinging it for a few months now. My go to spot is absolutely loaded with square nails and it is sandy soil. I have often thought about taking a magnet out there and drag it through the sand to get a lot if them out of there! No telling what I would find then! Thanks again.

[@Stack_Silver]

Amazing how fast the evolation of detectors has changed to current day. Garrett was the brand I started with in the 80’s and I ahoping their new Storm series gets them back into the mix of being either at or ahead of the modern-day detector tat take on both the Minelab Xterra Elite and the Nokta Triple Score at the value end of Simulateous Multi-Frequency, and take on the XP Deus II and Minelab Manticore at the higher end offerings.I’ve put my purchase decision off until after the upcoming June 18th reveal from Garrett.

[@jlj209]

This is a much more thorough test of the Apex than others I’ve seen. I have been using my Apex for about a month now and I like it a lot. May bump up to a less entry level machine at some point but for now, I am finding something in every hole I dig so it’s serving this beginner well.

[@thehuntergt]

Thank you. I appreciate the kind words. Good detector in my eyes. Best of luck with it!

[@bibliophile2707]

Glad to see you reviewing the Apex. I have been undecided but you should clear that up.

[@thehuntergt]

Thanks for watching....hopefully the video helps!

[@PatrioticUSAmerican]

It's 3 years later but thanks for your review and testing. I've finally got around to getting this machine and it's working fine. The only issue I have is with its Micro USB port. It should have been outfitted with a better connection interface like with the Minelab detectors.

[@Twisttop]

Best review in all of you tube. Finally a unbiased test how a Garrett user would run it in.

[@thehuntergt]

Thanks Tim! Appreciate that!

[@the1471frog]

Brilliant pal I’m new to this and your tutorial is on this is fantastic very helpful thanks again Dave

[@thehuntergt]

Thanks! Glad it helped. Best of luck out there with it.

[@nickhaas2407]

Great Review TheHunterGT! Steve Moore and crew were sporting a new Apex 8.5x11 DD coil at BONE in their latest video (Code Name:"The Raider").

[@thehuntergt]

Thanks Nick! I saw that in the video you linked me. I'm looking forward to smaller coils much more so than a larger coil, but then again I don't hunt large farm fields.

[@danielp4507]

Waiting for my Apex to arrive then off to the mountains

[@Mark-TBH]

I agree John. It is and entry level machine. I just don't get it why people feel they need to put an entry level machine up against and expert level machine. Plus I have noticed that the more experienced detectorist forgets what it was designed for... the beginner not the seasoned pro.

[@thehuntergt]

I honestly enjoy using it - and I have better detectors obviously. Why anybody would compare a Camry to a Ferrari is beyond me, but to each their own. I sure would not use it as a gold claim or a bed of nails relic site, but for 90% of the detecting out there it will have no issues. Thanks for watching!

[@WeirdGuyInPark]

Great review as always Hunter GT..

[@thehuntergt]

Thanks ya weirdo!

[@bassingwithawesomejohnson3202]

All I have to say is Great review as always my friend!!!!👍😎👍

[@thehuntergt]

Thanks man!

[@slowtaknow]

I like it, if I saw one on sale used at a good price I would pick it up to go along with my vaquero and simplex

[@charlesmambourg4447]

Thanks for the review. Prospectors needs .... well, they could make an extension of this model to include quite a bit more features, hopefully soon.

[@theberkshiresmatreasurehun5337]

Nice to see Garret is finally trying to get up in the world with the design but still like my simplex better just because it's waterproof I prefer my Nokta machines love my anfibio and grab my simplex when I am playing around in a park

[@thehuntergt]

I think the design is great. Feels nice and light - easy to read display - housing is not so bulky anymore. I will assume the AT series will be waterproof, and also fix some of the iron issues.

[@djgomaz1]

Thinking of buying this model for my first machine 😊 out of the other detectors on the market Garrett looks great and user friendly and looks fantastic value for the money 💰 Will be interesting to see what my first coin is 😆 thank you so much for your review and wish me luck with the UK 🇬🇧 treasure hunt 😂

[@thehuntergt]

Best of luck out there with it! It will find the good stuff for sure - no doubt about that.

[@DIG_5050]

Good Review, THGT. The Apex is what it is. The Apex is not for everyone, but it's another tool in the toolbox of detecting. The Apex IS light weight, and easy to swing for extended periods of time. I've found it easy to use at the park and just as easy in the woods where the coil has to be moved in and around brush. The build quality is superb, the price is decent, and having the ability to update the firmware thru the charger port provides a pathway to address some of the annoyances. Its a good first step into the SMF machines for Garrett.

[@thehuntergt]

Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it. Hard to disagree with any of that. I am hopeful there will be an update to shorten the iron audio length. That would be ideal if it does turn out helping pull coins from iron. All in all I think it is a 8 of 10 if I had to grade it within it's price range.

[@DIG_5050]

I agree on the iron audio length. I'd like to see them shorten or at least maintain the current response in the coins mode, and lengthen the response in the relic mode. I believe this change would benefit both modes. The custom mode would remain unchanged. Happy Hunting!

[@abo-abdrhman.41]

Hello my friend, what is the depth of this device garrett apex and thank you

[@PAPAROUSwhatsinthedirt]

Its a good machine I would like to try one up here to see how it does in this crappy ground where we grow gold, iron, rocks and tons of iron pyrite

[@thehuntergt]

Thanks for watching Papa. It is for sure a good one in my opinion. I actually enjoy using it for parks/schools/yards. Not being a hardcore relic "bed of nails" guy...it does fine for me.

[@jacobms5401]

I have been watching your reviews all day and enjoy them a lot. I am looking to pick up a detector and the Ace Apex was on my list as my budget is no more then $500. If I am hunting in spots that have a ton of nails (early 1800s foundations) would this or the Vanquish work better? Couldnt tell for sure from your reviews of both

[@thehuntergt]

If hunting a bed of nails scenario...I would get the Vanquish. It is superior to the APEX in that scenario. I am a dealer for both if you want to talk more - [e-mail]

[@badbadbob1]

Thanks for explaining for us beginners. I just bought the APEX and I think with your technics, I will not have to bring a pocket of cheap rings to impress my brother. lol

[@thehuntergt]

My pleasure...I appreciate the kind words. Best of luck with it!

[@laurentinoespino1158]

Awesome video good detector 👍🏻👌🏻like it👍🏻👌🏻

[@thehuntergt]

Thanks 👍

[@BRO-dyga]

Nice detector👍 Like!

[@chuckvt5196]

Now that Garret has purchased White's, who knows what they have planned? They just added a lot more option to their repertoire! I am very curious to see what comes out in a few years from Garrett!

[@thehuntergt]

That was a head scratcher for me personally. Whites failed for a reason in my eyes, and I am not sure how Garrett plans on making that work. Time will tell for sure. Maybe they wanted the V3i tech to see if it was better then their MF tech...and perhaps some of the gold prospecting machine tech....but that is a wild conspiracy and I have no clue lol.

[@chuckvt5196]

@@thehuntergt Yes, my thought is that the V3i would be the main plum, and maybe their TDI Pulse machine. I love my V3i. It takes forever to master, but looking at those graphs and plots, you can really do a lot better job of knowing the odds of something being trash or treasure, and it does even have a way to tell relative size like the Garrett's do. I think that the complexity of it and how long it takes to learn it, along with the price, really limited its sales. If Garrett can simplify it and make it cheaper, they may have something there.

[@rayannocos3246]

Nice. I hope i can afford any kind of metal detector some day. I am amazed finding valuable things,. When i got metal detector i will immediately try to search in japanese tunnels from world war2 in my province here in the Philippines.

[@thehuntergt]

Good luck...that sounds awesome!

[@BensStuff]

I like the screen on this model I'm a beginner looking for a detector. I've had the garrett 250 before used it a few times didn't really know what I was doing. This one seems super easy to use. I understand the nox models are better but for someone like me just walking in the door I feel this is best for me to learn. I have no knowledge of beep tones or number definitions but ill learn that as I go and maybe one day upgrade to whatever is better on that day. I really enjoyed your video it helped me learn things I've never knew before. I wish there was a pin pointer combo kit for everything in one. Also I've seen a larger coil for this. Is that something I should look into or do you think this viper coil is good enough. Thanks for your time.

[@thehuntergt]

The larger coil will be deeper...Garretts are known for really opening up with larger coils on them. I probably would not buy the smaller coil as I don't think it will help much due to the overly long iron audio signal. Separation increase would need a software update. That being said...I still like the APEX quite a bit. It handles bad soils very well - especially salt beaches. As long as the user realizes there are "better" machines out there for "bed of nails" types scenarios...they will enjoy it as it is a very capable detector. Thanks for watching the videos - glad you enjoy them. I am a Garrett dealer if you have not ordered yet. Email = [e-mail]

[@diggersdentysonu.k.m.d8813]

Iam useing the apex and its a smaching metal detecter hope your well buddy

[@thehuntergt]

Doing well....thanks for watching!

[@michaelbariso3192]

Garrett Iron Audio works great when you can see where the nails are, but in the ground you'll wind up diggin a 6 foot hole :-)

[@ohdannyboyjustadiggin]

Tone stays consistent through out the depth that is crazy .. Iron Audio is not a big thing for me As I am a coin shooter and not a relic hunter.. Great Review Video on the Apex I have seen so far..

[@thehuntergt]

Thanks Dan. I hear it is pretty decent in the salt too. Being a park/school hunter first...not terribly sad about the iron audio either. I have better machines for iron work if needed. This does what it is intended for well - general hunting in general locations. Hardcore elites can look elsewhere, it will not be interesting them at all. One thing I was surprised with is that is hits that small sub-tenth gram picker better than the Vanquish and Simplex both with their smaller coils on. It's sensitivity to small objects is very good.

[@ohdannyboyjustadiggin]

@@thehuntergt Nice I am Garrett will sell this detector more so for people who want to advance in the ace series. I stopped at the 250 and moved on to other Name brand detectors

[@jdhenry6300]

Ok , so , I watched the video Hunter. I liked it. Lol. I like the air depth test. I’m not a biggy on the iron audio. Now , what I was wondering , I’m thinking about getting another machine. I’ve got a few. But my Fisher 1266x is my buddy , and best machine I’ve ever used. As u probably already know , it goes very deep. No bells and whistles , just performance. If I was to buy an apex , would it go as deep , or close to as deep as my 1266? As I have some sites to hunt that are from early 1800s. So , would the apex work as good , or close to as my Fisher for relics and deep coins. Just curious bud.

[@thehuntergt]

I don't think anybody is big on the APEX iron audio. Especially with that long report. Not sure why it exists in that format. Not so sure it will hit deep coins as good as a 1266. That runs 4.8khz so can hit some pretty deep coin sized objects. I think where this APEX would win would be the small stuff. I think it is for sure more sensitive having the 20khz mode. It hits the small gold picker better than the Simplex and Vanquish with their smaller coils.

[@jakedonnely4094]

Like all aces "depth wise" it probably transforms with a coil upgrade, only a update will help it's separation capabilities though,

[@thehuntergt]

Hopefully they provide an update to shorten that overly long iron audio signal. I think it would be very good then.

[@jakedonnely4094]

@@thehuntergt hopefully, I'd definitely consider buying one then

[@petercostello3196]

how does the garret 400 compare with the apex please fantastic video.

[@thehuntergt]

Apex wins across the board in most scenarios. The 400 is still a good detector though.

[@nathahajasisodiya1076]

Garrett ace apex which best simplex +???

[@BlastedKat]

As a 30 plus year digger with many machines in my past and hanging on the wall I'm going to jump in here. Received the Apex Wednesday, took it for a full day of digging Thursday. After 3 hours of hunting I was really frustrated. While in route to the next location I called Garrett, talked to a tech. I got a better grip on the machine and how to handle it. At the second location it was a whole different world. The machine was awesome. Exceeded my expectations. The wife loved it, I will be ordering myself one next week. It does have a steep learning curve and is very sensitive. Just got to learn to use this in your favor. And no I'm not at anyway involved with Garrett. Just my opinion

[@Tommo1593]

Is there any point buying this as a total beginner then?

[@BlastedKat]

@@Tommo1593 my thoughts on this. Yes, with help of KZbin as an instruction guide "something I didn't take advantage of." Talking to other users, the Garrett forum and Garrett Tech's always A phone call away, it can be mastered. The so called chatter could very frustrating and discouraging to a beginner without an understanding of what's going on and how to handle it, use the machines sensitivity to your advantage. As with any new detector patience and learning its language is the key. If you have patience I would say go for it. Its a machine that you can grow into. Don't over think what I said about it not being a beginners machine. I was simply implying it's not a put the batteries in turn on the machine to start swinging setup. Go for it, you will not be disappointed.

[@Tommo1593]

@@BlastedKat Thanks for the reply! Sounds promising. If I were to say my budget was £450 for a metal detector, would this be the one you'd recommend? Never detected before but wanted a half decent one to start off with.

[@BlastedKat]

@@Tommo1593 yes I would go for it.

[@williamkennedy8768]

Nokta simplex is a deep machine too Garett has always been deep machine

[@EonTide1111]

You recommend for jewelry and rings in the 400-1000$ range?

[@adamlmedia]

Besides its not being waterproof.......... how do you compare it to the ATP's performance..... Im a long time AT Pro user and want to give the Apex a shot

[@thehuntergt]

I think it is a step sideways for general hunting and coin shooting. If on the beach and in heavy bottle caps...it is a step up.

[@googleuser1456]

But what's the Doug score?

[@2007abrudandanioan]

Can the recovery speed be changed on Ace Apex and how? And as indicated

[@thehuntergt]

Recovery speed if fixed - it cannot be changed.

[@lancemcilwainoutcastmetald5398]

I am so disappointed with the apex performance in my test garden. It only hit half of the targets in my 10 year old test garden. The AT pro hits 38 of the 56 targets in my test bed. The apex only hit 23 of the 56 targets. I can see no use for this detector in my arsenal !

[@kjellarnesen2893]

Good

[@thehuntergt]

Thanks!

[@williamkennedy8768]

I will keep my mine lab products think the at pro still a better machine

[@thehuntergt]

I agree with that.

[@ElectricianTS]

10:35 Being able to notch out single ferrous targets is awesome. Many coins in Europe give out a VDI of 4, so this is very useful.

[@stick9758]

Can the battery be changed when it goes bad and how much is it?

[@thehuntergt]

You will have to send it back to Garrett to replace battery. No clue on cost.

[@nicolebaker295]

Huntergt what detected would you recommend for 450

[@thehuntergt]

Simplex - Vanquish - Apex - Patriot - Omega 8500 - G2+ - F19....all very good and around $450 (or less). Email me at [e-mail] if you want to talk more.

[@JTee05]

Was this review done before or after the download update Garrett released for it?

[@thehuntergt]

This video was a year before the update...13 months to be exact.

[@JTee05]

@@thehuntergt have you done an updated one since the update? If not, possible it could be better now? Waiting for mine in the mail.

[@thehuntergt]

@@JTee05 I don't detect anymore, and am no longer a dealer...no clue on the update performance.

[@calonyoutuber3885]

Detech relic striker..?

[@thehuntergt]

Not yet...ask them to send me one lol

[@calonyoutuber3885]

@@thehuntergt how to buy this item

[@toddclarke2348]

Another top review For the same price I'd rather take a nokta makro simplex any day of the week. Garrett tried I guess. Cheers.

[@thehuntergt]

A great detector the Simplex. Thanks for watching!

[@ronalddvorak1967]

The Mokta Makro Simplex+ for $254.00 will outperform the Garrett Apex

[@thehuntergt]

You will need to clarify that broad of a statement. Simplex wins on recovery speed and separation yes, and I much prefer the tone and iron audio. However, the Apex is much less chatty at the beach, and also deeper in heavy minerals due to MF capabilities. My soil here ground balances at 90-94 with max mineralization bars on all detectors. The Apex can hit a dime the Simplex cannot in both the 5khz and MF modes. Apex is also more sensitive to the small sub-tenth gran gold picker. Thanks for watching.

[@chuxxk79]

What is multi salt?? What is bars and knotches. Im a beginner and dont kmow all the detector talk

[@thehuntergt]

Multi-salt is for hunting salt water beaches. I explain notches and such in my detecting 101 playlist. Give it a watch.

[@josecanedo007]

Still waiting for the new Garrett 😓

[@thehuntergt]

Here is to hoping it is great. 🤞

[@rage6133]

Is it waterproof ?

[@thehuntergt]

Nope

[@JonR35]

Don't forget about the cheaper but still slight more eq600 and cheaper simplex. Sorry I hate garret with a passion except their pinpointers. Good review also watch calabash diggers video

[@thehuntergt]

Honestly, I regret even mentioning another brand during it. It's an Apex review...not comparison. But for arguments sake, it is $157 more for a Nox 600...they should not be compared. Apex is more sensitive than the Simplex and Vanquish on the small sub-tenth gram gold picker, even when they have smaller coils. Apex is more stable on salt beach than Simplex, and deeper in "gold claim" type soils with high levels of magnetite and mineralization. No detector is perfect - not everybody hunts in nails. As far as Calabash...William R already mentioned him in the comments. No thanks on rehashing that.

[@JonR35]

@@thehuntergt Totally understand keep up the great work! Best!

[@TP-zz6ud]

29:20 they should not call it apex then...

[@thehuntergt]

ACE Apex is the name...and it is the best of the ACE series...

[@williamkennedy8768]

Wow my vanquish goes higher in freq

[@thehuntergt]

Not singular it doesn't. Minelab has never said what freq the Vanquish runs. Seeing as how this APEX is more sensitive to small gold, I am skeptical the Vanquish has a 40khz range running. Until Minelab says what is what - it is all hearsay. The Nox has already been shown to transmit all 5 at once - but only weigh the processing on 2X freqs at a time - depending on mode.

[@williamkennedy8768]

TheHunterGT ya not sure but some I heard that vanquish goes above 20 but sure minelab may tell you or not

[@williamkennedy8768]

Well their more then one freq may be like mine lab 600 cause that is multi frequency like the vanquish

[@johnnybush8764]

@@thehuntergt I seen and heard what you are saying, John. Apex is better at detecting smaller gold and it's salt beach capabilities, at minimum, equals the vanquishes performance? Vanquish is fudging on the higher frequencies, as experienced by comparing Apex's more sensitive small gold detecting performance?

[@thehuntergt]

@@johnnybush8764 Correct. Small gold sens for sure goes to the Apex - as well as west coast salt beach depth - with same sized coils attached.

[@WilliamR-nt5ek]

Garrett just keep producing disappointments . ATMax... nothing special... now the APEX. looks cool but I've seen comparisons ... Calabash Digger channel... shows the truth.

[@thehuntergt]

The same Calabash who placed it up against a Nox 800 at almost 2X the price? The same Calabash who accuses people of Garrett schilling and then makes agenda videos against Garrett? The same Calabash who announces each video how he gets NOTHING for free...but used to complain how Minelab would not even send him a coil or hat for all the good stuff he says about them? That guy? 😎 I actually like the guy and am just busting balls here....but saying Calabash is "the truth" is about as rich of a joke I have heard all year. I will never say this Ace is the best. Vanquish and Simplex will beat it iron. However the Apex will trounce the Simplex on the beach....and will handle EMI better than Vanquish. Depth and nails are not the only measurement out there, as not everybody has cotton candy soil like he does, and not everybody hunts bed of nails. Thanks for watching.

[@chuckvt5196]

@@thehuntergt The same Calabash who turns off comments on all his videos, yet complains Forums do not let you have honest opinions. A man who does not let others express their opinions on his videos, but complains others censor him? The man who got banned from Friendlys and Find's Forums for constantly bashing other brands? Look, if people like using Garretts, why does he have to bash them. We all have our favorites. I have an Equinox, a Vanquish, a Simplex +, and a White's V3i amongst 7 other units, and I also have an Apex and I enjoy using it on the salt beaches. I have old eyes and the face is easy to read. I don't take well to people who like to bash others for their choices and go out of their way to make vendetta videos to shame other brands. The truth for me, is what I get out of the machines I use. I like HunterGT videos because they are clear and concise and do not try to put down any brand. Thanks for always being a straight shooter!

[@thehuntergt]

@@chuckvt5196 Well said Chuck. Thanks for the kind words sir.

[@whatthefunction9140]

Can this detect corona virus?

[@thehuntergt]

Only with the coil over on.

[@whispersfromthedirt8649]

No, just Corona caps!