Nice to hear such a nuanced review with a lot of hours of experience. So many reviews are just a quick air depth test or garden plot test and then harsh words - or blowing it off without looking beyond the Ace name. Several videos show the Apex working fine in salt - but you still get die-hards from other brands going as far as saying no Garrett should be near salt. I've been trying to decide between an Equinox and an Apex ... specifically because I want to add the ability to detect the wet at salt beaches - where my AT Max isn't happy. Most of the time I won't be on salt beaches and my Max will be my main choice - it's found me tiny 0.1g pickers in BC's Cariboo gold fields as well as doing great in trashy parks and playgrounds and submerged in lakes. So I think I am that individual you were speaking to in your conclusions... The Apex: "95% of the Equinox at the beach" ... at 65% of the cost, looks like it will make the most sense for what I'm doing. At least until an AT version comes out and maybe replaces the Max :)
Bought one of these on impulse. The coil is submersible the controls are only weatherproof. Ive taken it in fresh water a few times up to 2" at the beach with no problems. Finds copper with ease. Works better in sand. Found gold multiple times with it but it is finicky in really dry or wet soil. Other problems is it charging connection(usb) will wear out over time. I found the pinpointing not very good. Even after looking up guides saying the exact point on the coil it is difficult to pinpoint with.
Thank you for the information. There are several situations to consider when evaluating the capabilities of metal detectors. It would be nice if you could prepare a series of tests (e.g., depth in different types of soil/sand, iron discrimination, separation of goodies among rusty iron, EMI interference, target ID consistency, low vs. high conductors, etc.).
A thought just popped in my head when you spoke of the EMI... I would take the Apex to everywhere I could think of where EMI was a problem in the past and hunt the place again if the Apex can block it out. If you had trouble with EMI, it's likely that all the other detectorists that have been there has issues as well!
You’ve put a lot of time in on a lot of different detectors. In the end a detector is only as good as the person holding it if they’re willing to put the time in as you have. I agree with a lot of what you say however the simplex I’m not a huge fan of and that may be an unpopular opinion. I thought for sure the simplex was a no brainer purchase but I’m glad I watched a lot of videos like yours and chose and equinox. I always noticed a consistent chatter on the simplex that every channel I watched had and the fact they made a mute option in addition because the Garrett pinpointers didn’t mesh with their stuff really swayed my decision. Anyway I do appreciate your honest opinions and information and everyone’s situation is different as far as what they want or can afford. Bottom line metal detecting is fun club.
Great assessment...THANK YOU for your in-depth testing and review. You're making a valuable contribution to this hobby-pastime-lifestyle...proudly subscribed. (You've helped make 2020 just a bit less stressful for a few thousand people...what's that worth?)
Hi my friend love all ur videos 👍 just wonted to say that the apex is rain proof I’ve had my apex out in the pissing rain 🌧 and had on problem with it at all u just can’t submerge it under water and try going in to single frequency in parks and up in dry on beach I think it’s got better separation.
Yes Merrill... my Simplex is a beach! Tell you what, my Simplex has to be beach capable ... I basically got it for the beach - waterproof and all! Yep, it's great at getting confused by the hot rocks but now that I know the numbers for them, we are doing better! (Playing with GB offers options...) Anyway, as always, thanks for the inspiration... I'd love to know how many people have got their first detector because of your influence!?
Very good multi comparison! Since you've done this video, you've recently obtained the new Minelab Xterra pro, and I'd like to see a direct comparison of the Garrett Apex vs. Xterra Pro. Thanks Merrill. 👍
I run the Garrett ATMax (waterproof 3m), Sniper, Stock & NEL Storm coils. Apex is good has Max's ground balance range & Iron audio volume is a nice touch, but I still think the Max is Garrett's top dog & only machine that can compete with the Nox. Just my 2 cents, obviously a little bias. Merrill I would love to hit Ferrous Pt with Max sniper, I reckon I cld give ya a run for your money penny!😜😂 👍😊✌ P.s. oh & don't like internal battery idea, prefer old school & being able to carry & put in fresh recharged batteries if out on beach or in the bush, can keep hunting :)
Simplex+? I can't get much more than 3" or so out of it around here.The resolution of the ground balance seems crude. It does bring up debased degraded old coins into the modern coin range on the meter though, at least the high conductors.A closer examination of detected ground with a DFX exposed the flaws. Hope the new Simplex models are improved and more powerful. I certainly wish Nokta greatest success along with Minelab and Garrett and XP. Thanks for your reviews.
Hi , I am doubting between the Apex Garrett and the XP ORX from Deus . I live in the inland of France , where there are lots of beaches of sweet water , lake beaches from campings etc . Also lots of parcs and old castles and buildings . What would for me be the better one ? Greetings from France !! Rudy
Rudy since I made this video, the Nokta legend came out. It is 635 dollars. The Apex is a beast on the beach. Terrible on land. The ORX is awesome on land but you need the multi frequency on the beach. The legend accomplishes both. My full readings of each detector is on my website iratemetaldetectors.com
@@MetalDetectingNYC I detected in the late 80s for a short period of time and then took on the hobby again 2 years ago.. Been going hot and heavy since... In that time I came to love the F75. But I now realize that we are in the beginning of a great shift to more capable technology. The latest wave of detectors are all incredible machines in their own right.. But Minelab has been the first company to really change the game with multi IQ.. I think the American Companies better get going or they’re all gonna end up like Whites Detectors and fold....
@@depthspader8820 maybe that comment didn't age well ... because Garrett is now picking at White's corpse, having bought them out, and so far only linking White's user manuals on their website.
Hey merrill I just wanted to ask if you have figured out on the apex that if you change the program to anything else besides zero mode , you actually start to discriminate stuff out ? Try changing it to another program and look up and see what it discriminates out. You actually will miss so much being out of zero mode it stinks, I really hope that Garret takes a step back slows down and really looks to try and find a way to fix this problem, this is the only detector I've seen that discriminates different things each mode you pick . It's a good detector in zero mode and if they fix this problem it will be a great detector all around .
Everybody always says the 600 and 800 are essentially the same, minus the gold setting, wireless (which I’ve heard isn’t that great anyway and they both have Bluetooth which I’ve read performs similar), and some extra tuning options that are available on the 800 (that I have yet to see anyone explain at least on the general comparisons). Mine lab makes a nice machine and I’ve been impressed. By chance you have an 800 and 600 and noticed a difference outside of what the 600 is missing to the 800?
@@spiceymchaggiss I still use my old trusty AT PRO, but I do plan on getting an equinox soon. I always wondered why Merrill used a 600 and your reply answered many questions that I had. Thank you!
@@dannybell926 lol I was hoping you had the 800. I have the 600 and enjoy it very much. The extra fine tuning I’ve read about would be great for someone other than me who be more serious about the hobby than I. The gold mode in the 800, I’ve not seen any TH-camr yet use it and most gold nugget prospectors use a specialized machine like the gold monster. So long story short I got the 600 and used the difference to buy some digging tools. Good luck out there!
Love my v3i but its tough in high trash areas unless I run a smaller 5.3 coil. Then I try hunting with a atpro its like a toy but its rugged and water proof.
Get a sniper coil made by mars those coils work better with the v3i i don't use white coils they never made any that work good with the v3i its my number 1
EVERYONE says low and slow...I power swing and it gives me more and deeper signals with all... Well my 3 detectors... Ace 350/400 & simplex... Power swinging is IMO the Best way to get more and deeper. Anyone ELSE? WWG1WGA
My ace 400 has helped me locate a 14k 1.3g not much worth in value but anyways. After I located it in COIN MODE. OUT OF THE GROUND IT DOESN'T REGISTER. THIS HAS HAPPEN W/A 14K 10K 18K rings in that order ok. They don't read out of the ground. ACE 400... EXPLAIN THIS PLS!?
@@KenLord it's a statement... The ace 400 in COIN MODE detected a 14k ring... Outside of it's numbers... It's something to be KNOWN... It's a light 14k wedding band...1.4 grams... Rings to in the lower 40s.... But the ace by size IMO in COIN MODE gave me a FALSE POSITIVE target... Didn't register in COIN MODE after found... This is a POSITIVE
@@ufopirate1746 Ya you're a little confused about how detectors work. But here's a hint... I bet you've been told that to find gold you have to dig all the nickel signals. Gold rings often come up very similar to a nickel signal... as well as to dig all the pull tabs. It doesn't "know" what a coin is, it's just been programmed to detect patterns that are similar to how coins test. Gold rings can make a similar signal.
@@ufopirate1746 actually one of my favourite gold ring finds was at a school yard where someone had obviously been detecting and skipping all the nickels. I didn't find many coins, but all over the property I found nickels. 22 of them. And a 14k gold ring with a big blue stone that rang up just like a nickel.
I would never MD in a place like that, with any metal detector. I've got my Apex and it's doing a great job in the forests and plowed fields. Highly recommend it!
I don’t know what to say except that i am extremely disappointed in the performance of the apex. Out of all my detectors, the apex performed the worst in my test garden. Even my bounty hunter land ranger was able to pick out more targets in my test bed. I can see no use for this detector in my arsenal.
Hey Merrill, did you know there was and update to the Apex? Just wondering if ever installed it and if so did it make a difference in its performance? William
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Nice to hear such a nuanced review with a lot of hours of experience. So many reviews are just a quick air depth test or garden plot test and then harsh words - or blowing it off without looking beyond the Ace name. Several videos show the Apex working fine in salt - but you still get die-hards from other brands going as far as saying no Garrett should be near salt.
I've been trying to decide between an Equinox and an Apex ... specifically because I want to add the ability to detect the wet at salt beaches - where my AT Max isn't happy. Most of the time I won't be on salt beaches and my Max will be my main choice - it's found me tiny 0.1g pickers in BC's Cariboo gold fields as well as doing great in trashy parks and playgrounds and submerged in lakes. So I think I am that individual you were speaking to in your conclusions... The Apex: "95% of the Equinox at the beach" ... at 65% of the cost, looks like it will make the most sense for what I'm doing. At least until an AT version comes out and maybe replaces the Max :)
Bought one of these on impulse. The coil is submersible the controls are only weatherproof. Ive taken it in fresh water a few times up to 2" at the beach with no problems. Finds copper with ease. Works better in sand. Found gold multiple times with it but it is finicky in really dry or wet soil. Other problems is it charging connection(usb) will wear out over time. I found the pinpointing not very good. Even after looking up guides saying the exact point on the coil it is difficult to pinpoint with.
Non submersible = non purchase.
Honest review Merrill WTG!
Same
Thank you for the information. There are several situations to consider when evaluating the capabilities of metal detectors. It would be nice if you could prepare a series of tests (e.g., depth in different types of soil/sand, iron discrimination, separation of goodies among rusty iron, EMI interference, target ID consistency, low vs. high conductors, etc.).
A thought just popped in my head when you spoke of the EMI... I would take the Apex to everywhere I could think of where EMI was a problem in the past and hunt the place again if the Apex can block it out. If you had trouble with EMI, it's likely that all the other detectorists that have been there has issues as well!
You’ve put a lot of time in on a lot of different detectors. In the end a detector is only as good as the person holding it if they’re willing to put the time in as you have. I agree with a lot of what you say however the simplex I’m not a huge fan of and that may be an unpopular opinion. I thought for sure the simplex was a no brainer purchase but I’m glad I watched a lot of videos like yours and chose and equinox. I always noticed a consistent chatter on the simplex that every channel I watched had and the fact they made a mute option in addition because the Garrett pinpointers didn’t mesh with their stuff really swayed my decision. Anyway I do appreciate your honest opinions and information and everyone’s situation is different as far as what they want or can afford. Bottom line metal detecting is fun club.
Great assessment...THANK YOU for your in-depth testing and review. You're making a valuable contribution to this hobby-pastime-lifestyle...proudly subscribed. (You've helped make 2020 just a bit less stressful for a few thousand people...what's that worth?)
Hi my friend love all ur videos 👍 just wonted to say that the apex is rain proof I’ve had my apex out in the pissing rain 🌧 and had on problem with it at all u just can’t submerge it under water and try going in to single frequency in parks and up in dry on beach I think it’s got better separation.
Yes Merrill... my Simplex is a beach!
Tell you what, my Simplex has to be beach capable ... I basically got it for the beach - waterproof and all! Yep, it's great at getting confused by the hot rocks but now that I know the numbers for them, we are doing better! (Playing with GB offers options...)
Anyway, as always, thanks for the inspiration... I'd love to know how many people have got their first detector because of your influence!?
I agree I think the Apex is more a beach detector. I also agree on the trashy park so frustrating.
Very good multi comparison! Since you've done this video, you've recently obtained the new Minelab Xterra pro, and I'd like to see a direct comparison of the Garrett Apex vs. Xterra Pro. Thanks Merrill. 👍
Very soon Jim. I lent the apex to a friend but I will be getting it back.
I run the Garrett ATMax (waterproof 3m), Sniper, Stock & NEL Storm coils. Apex is good has Max's ground balance range & Iron audio volume is a nice touch, but I still think the Max is Garrett's top dog & only machine that can compete with the Nox.
Just my 2 cents, obviously a little bias.
Merrill I would love to hit Ferrous Pt with Max sniper, I reckon I cld give ya a run for your money penny!😜😂
👍😊✌
P.s. oh & don't like internal battery idea, prefer old school & being able to carry & put in fresh recharged batteries if out on beach or in the bush, can keep hunting :)
Thank you Merrill for your opinion and analysis. Keep up the excellent videos. Best wishes
Simplex+? I can't get much more than 3" or so out of it around here.The resolution of the ground balance seems crude. It does bring up debased degraded old coins into the modern coin range on the meter though, at least the high conductors.A closer examination of detected ground with a DFX exposed the flaws. Hope the new Simplex models are improved and more powerful. I certainly wish Nokta greatest success
along with Minelab and Garrett
and XP. Thanks for your reviews.
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Wow, you disliked the Apex at first! I value your honesty and testing of these machines.
Merrill Thank you!
I’m in the interior, specifically the California foothills. Looks like the Simplex would be the machine for me..
Hi , I am doubting between the Apex Garrett and the XP ORX from Deus . I live in the inland of France , where there are lots of beaches of sweet water , lake beaches from campings etc . Also lots of parcs and old castles and buildings . What would for me be the better one ? Greetings from France !! Rudy
Rudy since I made this video, the Nokta legend came out. It is 635 dollars. The Apex is a beast on the beach. Terrible on land. The ORX is awesome on land but you need the multi frequency on the beach. The legend accomplishes both. My full readings of each detector is on my website iratemetaldetectors.com
Hi Merrill and good evening everyone! :)
Add a couple hondos to the nox for wireless headphones.
I do love the Vanquish though.. But I may be slanted because I found a bucketlister with Vanquish...
Its so hard not to be biased when that happens!
@@MetalDetectingNYC I detected in the late 80s for a short period of time and then took on the hobby again 2 years ago.. Been going hot and heavy since... In that time I came to love the F75. But I now realize that we are in the beginning of a great shift to more capable technology. The latest wave of detectors are all incredible machines in their own right.. But Minelab has been the first company to really change the game with multi IQ.. I think the American Companies better get going or they’re all gonna end up like Whites Detectors and fold....
@@markholbrook3949 they are gonna fold or become department store brands like bounty hunter.
@@depthspader8820 maybe that comment didn't age well ... because Garrett is now picking at White's corpse, having bought them out, and so far only linking White's user manuals on their website.
Interesting! Liking this type of content
Good job Merrill...
When you say parks on the interior of US...does that encompass like woods? I'm in Minnesota trying to make a decision on what to get.
It’s fine in the woods. It’s mediocre when there are multiple targets on top of each other like in NY
Hey merrill I just wanted to ask if you have figured out on the apex that if you change the program to anything else besides zero mode , you actually start to discriminate stuff out ? Try changing it to another program and look up and see what it discriminates out. You actually will miss so much being out of zero mode it stinks, I really hope that Garret takes a step back slows down and really looks to try and find a way to fix this problem, this is the only detector I've seen that discriminates different things each mode you pick . It's a good detector in zero mode and if they fix this problem it will be a great detector all around .
I’m looking at the equinox 600. Would the vanquish or apex be better? Been researching for a month
Than the Nox? In my opinion absolutely not! Nox is the way to go.
When the heck are you gonna give in and buy an Equinox 800? You know you want one. YOU KNOW YA DO!😆
Everybody always says the 600 and 800 are essentially the same, minus the gold setting, wireless (which I’ve heard isn’t that great anyway and they both have Bluetooth which I’ve read performs similar), and some extra tuning options that are available on the 800 (that I have yet to see anyone explain at least on the general comparisons). Mine lab makes a nice machine and I’ve been impressed. By chance you have an 800 and 600 and noticed a difference outside of what the 600 is missing to the 800?
@@spiceymchaggiss I still use my old trusty AT PRO, but I do plan on getting an equinox soon. I always wondered why Merrill used a 600 and your reply answered many questions that I had. Thank you!
@@dannybell926 lol I was hoping you had the 800. I have the 600 and enjoy it very much. The extra fine tuning I’ve read about would be great for someone other than me who be more serious about the hobby than I. The gold mode in the 800, I’ve not seen any TH-camr yet use it and most gold nugget prospectors use a specialized machine like the gold monster. So long story short I got the 600 and used the difference to buy some digging tools. Good luck out there!
600 is the same.
@@spiceymchaggiss thanks buddy. My decision is made! 600 it is
Love my v3i but its tough in high trash areas unless I run a smaller 5.3 coil. Then I try hunting with a atpro its like a toy but its rugged and water proof.
Get a sniper coil made by mars those coils work better with the v3i i don't use white coils they never made any that work good with the v3i its my number 1
@@robbiestephens49 thank you ill look into it, I've never had any issues with the eclipse 5.3 coil.
@@rustydigger5291 great coils
Remove EVERYTHING to find things below... It's our ONLY option!
Great info! Have you done a comparison of the Apex to the AT Pro?
No mode with a threshold?
I lost power this morning and still have no power. But I’m watching this video on my phone plugged into a power bank.
EVERYONE says low and slow...I power swing and it gives me more and deeper signals with all... Well my 3 detectors... Ace 350/400 & simplex... Power swinging is IMO the Best way to get more and deeper. Anyone ELSE?
WWG1WGA
Swing fast then investigate any noise slower.
Garrett just purchased whites detectors
I have found multiple gold in COIN MODE on my ace 350,/400....js
Great info.
My ace 400 has helped me locate a 14k 1.3g not much worth in value but anyways. After I located it in COIN MODE. OUT OF THE GROUND IT DOESN'T REGISTER. THIS HAS HAPPEN W/A 14K 10K 18K rings in that order ok. They don't read out of the ground. ACE 400... EXPLAIN THIS PLS!?
The circumference is the ANSWER IMO along with my aggressive swing.
Maybe find an Ace 400 video to ask your question? The Apex is a very different machine.
@@KenLord it's a statement... The ace 400 in COIN MODE detected a 14k ring... Outside of it's numbers... It's something to be KNOWN... It's a light 14k wedding band...1.4 grams... Rings to in the lower 40s.... But the ace by size IMO in COIN MODE gave me a FALSE POSITIVE target... Didn't register in COIN MODE after found... This is a POSITIVE
@@ufopirate1746 Ya you're a little confused about how detectors work.
But here's a hint... I bet you've been told that to find gold you have to dig all the nickel signals. Gold rings often come up very similar to a nickel signal... as well as to dig all the pull tabs.
It doesn't "know" what a coin is, it's just been programmed to detect patterns that are similar to how coins test. Gold rings can make a similar signal.
@@ufopirate1746 actually one of my favourite gold ring finds was at a school yard where someone had obviously been detecting and skipping all the nickels. I didn't find many coins, but all over the property I found nickels. 22 of them.
And a 14k gold ring with a big blue stone that rang up just like a nickel.
Got the equinox 800. Submersible, and I got no beach... (the other b word, yes, but no beach...)
I would never MD in a place like that, with any metal detector. I've got my Apex and it's doing a great job in the forests and plowed fields. Highly recommend it!
I don’t know what to say except that i am extremely disappointed in the performance of the apex. Out of all my detectors, the apex performed the worst in my test garden. Even my bounty hunter land ranger was able to pick out more targets in my test bed. I can see no use for this detector in my arsenal.
Hey Merrill, did you know there was and update to the Apex? Just wondering if ever installed it and if so did it make a difference in its performance?
William
Very confused it clearly does not stand up to the Symplex yet it is still worth every penny
You obviously AREN'T digging it all and when a target has a friend... Your passing up POSSIBLY GOOD TARGETS... DIG... IT... ALL
Lol I wouldn’t detect there
Out of hole... No tone
WWG1WGA Q+
The "plan" better hurry up
@@chrisjohnson3319 lol... Oh ye of little faith.... Im so comfy it's rediculous... 🍿