Sent mine back already. It's an iron eating monster. Iron up against a coin, will mask the coin completely on baseline setting. If you notch it right for unmasking, you can only hit it from 2 sides. That is 50% chance of not getting a "dig me" tone. FWIW, my 30yr old White's Eagle II sl hit from all four sides in the same test, on baseline search mode. If it was possible 30yrs ago, by now that separation capability should be baseline for all machines @ the $400-$500 mark, and up. Today, that is just like my coaches always said...fundamentals! fundamentals! fundamentals! That's how you win games! Garrett didn't practice fundamentals. Had they, EVERYONE would have been hooked on this machine, because otherwise, it was super nice/fun. I Ordered a Nox 800...
I hear what you are saying but don't expect the NOX to hit all 4 sides for a separation test cos it won't either. Great comment thanks for sharing. Good luck with the Nox 800 its a great machine I enjoy mine.
@@MentalMetal Got the Nox...get the solid it from 2 a sides and get a scratchy jumpy hit from the other. NOT a solid iron grunt like the Apex...so with the Nox, there is at least an indication to investigate further. Plus, it is WAY deeper.... Also it's not a $500 machine. Apex is a damn good ACE machine...it is not next level though.
Thank you for making this review. We are a mil family stationed in Germany and I have been very lucky to be invited into a German searching club. I’ve been detecting off and on for a long time and currently have an Ace 350...thing is, my two youngest sons have really shown an interest in searching now that they are teens. So I need to make a detector purchase...one that allows the 350 to be handed down, one that is an upgrade for me...and is also something that the boys can pick up and go with. I’m thinking that the Apex may be the one. Quality-wise, there seems to be a big jump between the Apex and the next level. Quite honestly the 350 has been very successful for me here in Europe...so I’m not seeing a solid reason to make a huge jump in detector class. Anyways, I’m making this post because I see that you have a really engaged comment section (you and your fans are active). What are your thoughts on my rationale?
Thanks for the comment. If I was going to upgrade from a 350 to something new, I would seriously consider the Minelab Equinox 600 or 800. I like the Apex for what it is and you will have no issues with its transition. But for a little more money you can get the Equinox 600 that is waterproof and has a proven track record on the way it uses its Multi-IQ technology. Its hands down a much better machine than the Apex. You might think you don't need to upgrade but you will significantly find more and better targets if you do. This is coming from a guy who swore the XP Deus was the best machine on the market. But after using the Nox that has all changed for me. You can't go wrong with the Apex but you can do much better. Hope that helped. From a fellow veteran thank you for your service.
@@MentalMetal checking it out today, thank you for the recommendation and for giving me an idea to look at. I'm a little worried jumping from a machine that I feel I can understand so well to a completely different brand! That's where the experience from others helps SO much!
I really like the simplicity of operation. A good neoprene control box cover for showers is a must, I think, and be bloody careful your kids don't drown it in the creek or at the seaside. Great review man; really top-drawer video. Stay safe, and thank you.
I thought about one until you said you can't replace the battery yourself you have to send to garrett. You have any idea what a battery cost? But then you have to take in consideration the labor cost. Thanks. Enjoyed the video.
Great point But I think you will a few years on that machine before you need a battery. I've had my XP Deus now for over 5 years and no issues with the battery yet.
Thanks Jerry yeah, I would to own 1 of everything but realistically I don't think there is a better machine out there right now the Nox 800 is really that good. Thats so hard for me to admit too LOL.
I just bought one at Bass Pro Shop and got it home and low and behold, there wasn't any headphone in the box, so a 60 mile trip there and there to exchange it and hope for a discount
Oh man what a bummer I hope you were able to exchange it or get your money back. Garrett support may also be able to help you can just call them and let them know what happened and they would probably send it to you pretty fast. They have some of the best customer service around.
Thanks so basically if you don't want to hear the iron coming through you can opt to turn off the iron audio. Most of us like to hear the iron so we know when we run into it but some prefer to only listen for those high and mid tones and they don't want to hear the iron.
There is a good beach video link in my article that covers, surf, dry, and wet sand. There are others out there too but I liked the one I linked in the article: mentalmetaldetecting.com/what-you-should-know-about-the-garrett-ace-apex/
The reason the detector doesn't get the dime between 2 nails, sweeping parallel to the nails is because of the DD coil, not the speed of separation. If Garrett would make a 5-6" concentric coil, I'd be it could pass that test.
Great Video! A little tip.. Silver is coming in with a 50-60. And I had my first Gold- find with the Apex. I love, what Garrett gave to us. Greetings from Germany
@@moritzbotzleiner-reber1807 So detecting in heavy rain is no issue at all ? The display isn’t waterproof, so you say it survives and stays full operable ?
@@munchiesoriginal i mean You shouldnt Go for a swim with the Detektor. But in it Rains, your good. Ive Dome it a lot of times. Yeterday for example. It was Raining but the dedector works perfectly Fine
So I ordered this and just opened it up. To my surprise it had a 8.5x11 Raider Coil. The ad on Amazon showed a 6x11 Viper coil. Not sure if I got screwed or a better deal with the Raider coil. ..?..
Sorry for the late response. I think you got the better option and from what I've been told you will get way better depth and the VDI is stabilized better with the Raider. My issue when I tested the Viper coil was that it jumped around on the VDI 2 numbers a lot. I didn't really care for the coil. Hopefully the Raider came with a coil cover, I'm hearing some folks who purchased the coil are saying it didn't come with the coil cover which is shameful if it doesn't. Good luck with it. You def got a better deal and now you have a WAY better machine.
I like your shirt (the Apollo/Kennedy Space Center)! And thanks for the review. I'll purchase an APEX for the beach, and for a back up machine for my AT Pro if ever something should happen to it.
I can't believe you didn't make any comment about my dog in the background..but my shirts??? You have too much time on your hands. Won't be up until sometime in OCT.
I wanted to stick with Garrett so bad (American co.,heritage etc.) but after the nightmare of owning the ACE400 and seeing the Apex basically get annihilated by Vanquish, Simplex and more, I went with the Equinox 600. It was like Garrett stuck a fancy head unit on the oldschool S shaft of the ACE and AT lines rather than an all new product and added sub-par performance.
From all the videos ive seen on it it seems like a really good first machine. Perfect for a dry sand hunter on the beach with the multi freq. It does look like it struggles some in iron. But the real on that is many machines do. Less than half the folks that buy waterproof detectors never get in the water with them. Over all not a detector im looking to add but thx for the look! Im NOT a fan of internal built in batteries. Good review.. Merry Christmas..hh..RD
I would probably consider a Vanquish over this machine to be honest. The Vanquish is using the same Multi-IQ technology that the Equinox has which has been proven. I think Garrett had good intentions with the APEX but fell short on their delivery. It will be interesting to see what they do with the AT series of machines. Thanks for the comment.
I would probably consider a Vanquish over this machine to be honest. The Vanquish is using the same Multi-IQ technology that the Equinox has which has been proven. I think Garrett had good intentions with the APEX but fell short on their delivery. It will be interesting to see what they do with the AT series of machines. Thanks for the comment.
@@MentalMetal how good would you say is the at max int. or at pro for the beach? Is it worth getting/using over the equinox just because you like garret machines more? :D
No removable battery that’s not good. Not waterproof. Why would they even come out with this model. Hopefully they will come out with a new atx unit. Thanks
personally, I think Garrett dropped the ball with this detector. I had high hopes but they let us down... it has a masking problem.. it needs a higher frequency range And it should be waterproof it's a very chatty machine also... Honestly, if I was going to buy a new detector in this price range I'd have to go with the Minelab Vanquish 540.
I would agree going with a Vanquish but the APEX will be fine for beginners. Lets see what Garrett does with their AT series. I hope they doing something better the next time around.
I would agree going with a Vanquish but the APEX will be fine for beginners. Lets see what Garrett does with their AT series. I hope they doing something better the next time around.
Well thats the beauty my friend you have choices. If you feel that strongly about being waterproof then I guess the Simplex is calling you. Its a great machine as well.
I took my Vanquish to a old resort by my house and it hit on nails left and right totally incapable on that site ! I used the Apex there and didn't dig one nail and found 5 silvers baby stepping it and swinging slow with a small coil ! It performed way better for me in the Iron ...
Sent mine back already. It's an iron eating monster. Iron up against a coin, will mask the coin completely on baseline setting. If you notch it right for unmasking, you can only hit it from 2 sides. That is 50% chance of not getting a "dig me" tone. FWIW, my 30yr old White's Eagle II sl hit from all four sides in the same test, on baseline search mode.
If it was possible 30yrs ago, by now that separation capability should be baseline for all machines @ the $400-$500 mark, and up. Today, that is just like my coaches always said...fundamentals! fundamentals! fundamentals! That's how you win games! Garrett didn't practice fundamentals. Had they, EVERYONE would have been hooked on this machine, because otherwise, it was super nice/fun.
I Ordered a Nox 800...
I hear what you are saying but don't expect the NOX to hit all 4 sides for a separation test cos it won't either. Great comment thanks for sharing. Good luck with the Nox 800 its a great machine I enjoy mine.
@@MentalMetal I imagine it will do it more often than never...which seems to be the Apex result unfortunately.
I agree, way to chatery. Numbers way to jumpy. Very few times do I know if I should dig or not.
@@MentalMetal Got the Nox...get the solid it from 2 a sides and get a scratchy jumpy hit from the other. NOT a solid iron grunt like the Apex...so with the Nox, there is at least an indication to investigate further. Plus, it is WAY deeper.... Also it's not a $500 machine. Apex is a damn good ACE machine...it is not next level though.
WAS
Keeping it simple is the key to running the Nox 600 and 800.You help keep it simple.Thank you.
Thanks I appreciate that!
Thank you for making this review. We are a mil family stationed in Germany and I have been very lucky to be invited into a German searching club. I’ve been detecting off and on for a long time and currently have an Ace 350...thing is, my two youngest sons have really shown an interest in searching now that they are teens. So I need to make a detector purchase...one that allows the 350 to be handed down, one that is an upgrade for me...and is also something that the boys can pick up and go with. I’m thinking that the Apex may be the one. Quality-wise, there seems to be a big jump between the Apex and the next level. Quite honestly the 350 has been very successful for me here in Europe...so I’m not seeing a solid reason to make a huge jump in detector class. Anyways, I’m making this post because I see that you have a really engaged comment section (you and your fans are active). What are your thoughts on my rationale?
Thanks for the comment. If I was going to upgrade from a 350 to something new, I would seriously consider the Minelab Equinox 600 or 800. I like the Apex for what it is and you will have no issues with its transition. But for a little more money you can get the Equinox 600 that is waterproof and has a proven track record on the way it uses its Multi-IQ technology. Its hands down a much better machine than the Apex. You might think you don't need to upgrade but you will significantly find more and better targets if you do. This is coming from a guy who swore the XP Deus was the best machine on the market. But after using the Nox that has all changed for me. You can't go wrong with the Apex but you can do much better. Hope that helped. From a fellow veteran thank you for your service.
@@MentalMetal checking it out today, thank you for the recommendation and for giving me an idea to look at. I'm a little worried jumping from a machine that I feel I can understand so well to a completely different brand! That's where the experience from others helps SO much!
I'm trying to convince my parents to get this new detector, I can't wait to use this when the ground unfreezes!
I hope you get it. Good luck!
Update: im getting it today on my birthday
I really like the simplicity of operation. A good neoprene control box cover for showers is a must, I think, and be bloody careful your kids don't drown it in the creek or at the seaside. Great review man; really top-drawer video. Stay safe, and thank you.
Yes a good waterproof cover would be a great add on. Thanks for sharing.
Great review. I like the way you did it with - HERE ARE THE FACTS. Thanks
Glad you liked William. You will see more of this format for my reviews. Thanks again!
I thought about one until you said you can't replace the battery yourself you have to send to garrett. You have any idea what a battery cost? But then you have to take in consideration the labor cost. Thanks. Enjoyed the video.
Great point But I think you will a few years on that machine before you need a battery. I've had my XP Deus now for over 5 years and no issues with the battery yet.
That was a really good review Scott. I'm like you, I have no intention of buying one. I have 10 detectors and always go for my Nox 800!
Thanks Jerry yeah, I would to own 1 of everything but realistically I don't think there is a better machine out there right now the Nox 800 is really that good. Thats so hard for me to admit too LOL.
I just bought one at Bass Pro Shop and got it home and low and behold, there wasn't any headphone in the box, so a 60 mile trip there and there to exchange it and hope for a discount
Oh man what a bummer I hope you were able to exchange it or get your money back. Garrett support may also be able to help you can just call them and let them know what happened and they would probably send it to you pretty fast. They have some of the best customer service around.
@@MentalMetal Yup got my money back and bought a bundle package on line.
Did you order through Fort Bedford? Just curious. He hooks us up so you would have gotten a good deal. Congrats either way.
Can you use regular Grey Ghost headphones or do they have to be wireless headphones?
Thats a great question. I want to say no but you would have to check with the makers of the Grey Ghosts.
Great review, I do have a question, what is the lower left button Iron audio ? when do you use it?
Thank you
Thanks so basically if you don't want to hear the iron coming through you can opt to turn off the iron audio. Most of us like to hear the iron so we know when we run into it but some prefer to only listen for those high and mid tones and they don't want to hear the iron.
Good review. It has pretty good depth. If it had come out about six months earlier I probably would have gotten one, it's not a bad machine. Thanks!
Thanks Andy, I think you made the right choice overall.
Great review. I would like to see some beach review with it. Take care and stay safe.
There is a good beach video link in my article that covers, surf, dry, and wet sand. There are others out there too but I liked the one I linked in the article: mentalmetaldetecting.com/what-you-should-know-about-the-garrett-ace-apex/
N.y. detetector reviews it on beach
@@thomasknapp6403 Yes sir i watched it. Thank you
The reason the detector doesn't get the dime between 2 nails, sweeping parallel to the nails is because of the DD coil, not the speed of separation. If Garrett would make a 5-6" concentric coil, I'd be it could pass that test.
You are probably right, thanks for the comment.
Great Video! A little tip.. Silver is coming in with a 50-60. And I had my first Gold- find with the Apex. I love, what Garrett gave to us. Greetings from Germany
Thanks for the tips!
Hi, is it safe to use the apex under rainy conditions?
@@munchiesoriginal yes, the Inputs for the headphone and charging cable Input are Seald with a silicon Cover 👍🏼
@@moritzbotzleiner-reber1807 So detecting in heavy rain is no issue at all ? The display isn’t waterproof, so you say it survives and stays full operable ?
@@munchiesoriginal i mean You shouldnt Go for a swim with the Detektor. But in it Rains, your good. Ive Dome it a lot of times. Yeterday for example. It was Raining but the dedector works perfectly Fine
So I ordered this and just opened it up. To my surprise it had a 8.5x11 Raider Coil. The ad on Amazon showed a 6x11 Viper coil. Not sure if I got screwed or a better deal with the Raider coil. ..?..
Sorry for the late response. I think you got the better option and from what I've been told you will get way better depth and the VDI is stabilized better with the Raider. My issue when I tested the Viper coil was that it jumped around on the VDI 2 numbers a lot. I didn't really care for the coil. Hopefully the Raider came with a coil cover, I'm hearing some folks who purchased the coil are saying it didn't come with the coil cover which is shameful if it doesn't. Good luck with it. You def got a better deal and now you have a WAY better machine.
@@MentalMetal great ! Thanks and yes it had a coil cover too!
You got lucky then nice!
Do you use Minelab Equinox 800??
Yes I do.
Sir, I want to buy a multi frequency metal detector, Can you recommended. Which will b best for relic and nuggets hunting??
I like your shirt (the Apollo/Kennedy Space Center)! And thanks for the review. I'll purchase an APEX for the beach, and for a back up machine for my AT Pro if ever something should happen to it.
Awesome hopefully you'll give Fort Bedford a look. If you do mention this channel 😇
The thing i found most interesting is that you displayed 3 different shirts in this video.....I'm heading to camp on the 9th
I can't believe you didn't make any comment about my dog in the background..but my shirts??? You have too much time on your hands. Won't be up until sometime in OCT.
Why would i comment on the dog.....i like dogs lol
I wanted to stick with Garrett so bad (American co.,heritage etc.) but after the nightmare of owning the ACE400 and seeing the Apex basically get annihilated by Vanquish, Simplex and more, I went with the Equinox 600. It was like Garrett stuck a fancy head unit on the oldschool S shaft of the ACE and AT lines rather than an all new product and added sub-par performance.
I know how you feel, I'm hoping they do something different with the AT Series.
From all the videos ive seen on it it seems like a really good first machine. Perfect for a dry sand hunter on the beach with the multi freq. It does look like it struggles some in iron. But the real on that is many machines do. Less than half the folks that buy waterproof detectors never get in the water with them. Over all not a detector im looking to add but thx for the look! Im NOT a fan of internal built in batteries.
Good review.. Merry Christmas..hh..RD
I would probably consider a Vanquish over this machine to be honest. The Vanquish is using the same Multi-IQ technology that the Equinox has which has been proven. I think Garrett had good intentions with the APEX but fell short on their delivery. It will be interesting to see what they do with the AT series of machines. Thanks for the comment.
I would probably consider a Vanquish over this machine to be honest. The Vanquish is using the same Multi-IQ technology that the Equinox has which has been proven. I think Garrett had good intentions with the APEX but fell short on their delivery. It will be interesting to see what they do with the AT series of machines. Thanks for the comment.
well its great look on large screen but the pick up is low only reaching 20 at the highest minlab safari has 100 but its 550 dollars more
Thanks for the feedback. I'm not so sure its comparable to the Safari to be honest.
Price
My coil won't tighten. It flops when it leaves the ground; like a teeter totter.
If you have a GARRETT machine call them and they will send you a new screw and nut for the coil.
Thanks brother!
You bet!
As alwys a great vlog 👌 educational as alwys.
Thank you!
Dogs detecting treasure too ?
Their detectors are the best XD
Yes they are LOL. Thanks!
man if this thing would be waterproof like the other garret machines i would buy it all day long :X
For a little more money I would go for the Equinox 600 IMO.
@@MentalMetal i acutally have the equinox 800, but my first machine was a garret ace 200i and i just like the garret machines :)
I still like my AT Pro so I get where you are coming from.
@@MentalMetal how good would you say is the at max int. or at pro for the beach? Is it worth getting/using over the equinox just because you like garret machines more? :D
Best stick with my 400i .USA garrett company trying too hard ,bring 400i out most buy now this toy ,give my head too 400i you can tell me different
No removable battery that’s not good. Not waterproof. Why would they even come out with this model. Hopefully they will come out with a new atx unit. Thanks
Yep hopefully they will do better with future machines.
personally, I think Garrett dropped the ball with this detector.
I had high hopes but they let us down...
it has a masking problem..
it needs a higher frequency range
And it should be waterproof
it's a very chatty machine also...
Honestly, if I was going to buy a new detector in this price range I'd have to go with the Minelab Vanquish 540.
I would agree going with a Vanquish but the APEX will be fine for beginners. Lets see what Garrett does with their AT series. I hope they doing something better the next time around.
I would agree going with a Vanquish but the APEX will be fine for beginners. Lets see what Garrett does with their AT series. I hope they doing something better the next time around.
Yeah I’m looking forward to seeing what they do with the AT series myself.
DEUS > all = fact
> the Apex for sure. They aren't even on the same playing field as the Deus.
Looks like a toy to me
I think it's a whites design, don't look like an ace machine
not even waterproof, I would take a Simplex any day over this.
Well thats the beauty my friend you have choices. If you feel that strongly about being waterproof then I guess the Simplex is calling you. Its a great machine as well.
Simplex+& apex which better??
If you buy this machine you Will give up the Hobby very quickly buy a vanquish 540 much better machine not much difference in price
The Vanquish is better all around for sure.
I took my Vanquish to a old resort by my house and it hit on nails left and right totally incapable on that site ! I used the Apex there and didn't dig one nail and found 5 silvers baby stepping it and swinging slow with a small coil ! It performed way better for me in the Iron ...