Looking for advice on a new detector
- Thread starter Adamjen15
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hoser
Forum Supporter
First off welcome to the forum. You just mentioned two great machines. So that being said what does your heart tell you. I'll bet you already know that answer.
SirDigsALOT!
Full Member
Well I used the Ace 350 for over 5 years and just upgraded to the Legend.
AirmetTango
Forum Supporter
Between only those two, I would probably recommend the Apex.
I purchased an Ace 400 as my first metal detector in early 2017, and I loved the machine - for me, it was a wonderful machine for getting me started in the hobby, and I made several of my most memorable finds using it. That said, I also “outgrew” the 400 fairly quickly. By the end of my first year of detecting, I had progressed in skill and knowledge enough that I was already looking for an upgrade - I wanted a machine with adjustable ground balance, greater depth, and other advanced features. This would be my concern in your case, too. I just don’t see the Ace 400 offering enough of an upgrade advantage from the 350.
Compared to the 400, the Apex is much more likely to have the performance and features to keep you satisfied as your experience and skill advances in the hobby. If nothing else, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Apex is adjustable enough that you can basically set it up to behave just like a 400! The Apex can be set to run in 10kHz single-freq, which is the 400’s operating frequency. So the Apex (and almost every other multi-frequency machine on the market) is like having more than one machine in one package! I’ve never used the Apex, so I can’t speak directly about its performance or how it compares head to head with other multi-frequency metal detector options. But I will say that based strictly on performance reviews from detectorists that I trust, I believe there are better multi-frequency metal detector options available in the same rough price range,
I purchased an Ace 400 as my first metal detector in early 2017, and I loved the machine - for me, it was a wonderful machine for getting me started in the hobby, and I made several of my most memorable finds using it. That said, I also “outgrew” the 400 fairly quickly. By the end of my first year of detecting, I had progressed in skill and knowledge enough that I was already looking for an upgrade - I wanted a machine with adjustable ground balance, greater depth, and other advanced features. This would be my concern in your case, too. I just don’t see the Ace 400 offering enough of an upgrade advantage from the 350.
Compared to the 400, the Apex is much more likely to have the performance and features to keep you satisfied as your experience and skill advances in the hobby. If nothing else, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Apex is adjustable enough that you can basically set it up to behave just like a 400! The Apex can be set to run in 10kHz single-freq, which is the 400’s operating frequency. So the Apex (and almost every other multi-frequency machine on the market) is like having more than one machine in one package! I’ve never used the Apex, so I can’t speak directly about its performance or how it compares head to head with other multi-frequency metal detector options. But I will say that based strictly on performance reviews from detectorists that I trust, I believe there are better multi-frequency metal detector options available in the same rough price range,
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I’m really torn between the two to be honest. I keep going back and forth, one day I want the apex and the next day I want the ace 400.First off welcome to the forum. You just mentioned two great machines. So that being said what does your heart tell you. I'll bet you already know that answer.
I would really like to hear the pros and cons of both from somebody has used them.
Beachhunter
Elite Member
Welcome aboard!
John Madill
Elite Member
If you are really sold on one of the two the Apex offers more features and technology.
Check out iratemetaldetectors.com.
The machines are not irate, they really have no feelings. But they are rated and i think both those units are covered. It will you some ideas.
Check out iratemetaldetectors.com.
The machines are not irate, they really have no feelings. But they are rated and i think both those units are covered. It will you some ideas.
markinswpa
Forum Supporter
IMO the 400 would not be much of an upgrade from the 350. The Apex or AT Pro would be a much better choice. Or wait and see what Garrett has coming out this year. I used an AT Pro for a couple years after upgrading from a 350 and can say it is as solid as a metal detector can get. The Apex, while I've never used one I have read some pretty lukewarm reviews. Good luck. MarkI’m really torn between the two to be honest. I keep going back and forth, one day I want the apex and the next day I want the ace 400.
markinmichigan
Forum Supporter
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2022
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Why not look at the Nokta Legend? Not a homer for Nokta but for the money and support they offer, I think it's a good value.
Mark in Michigan
Mark in Michigan
I’ve used the Apex for 3 years and have enjoyed using it, still do. It makes a great backup machine to my Deus II.
With the Apex you’ll gain wireless headphone option if you desire, a backlit screen, rechargeable battery, sleeker control box, 5 tones, finer disc granularity, a little less weight to swing, and rain resistance. I use Z-lynk wireless headphones and the Z-lynk pinpointer, and there is no going back to wired for me.
There are lots of other good machines out there for sale at similar prices, but between the two you mentioned, the Apex is likely to keep you satisfied longer.
The pros and cons?
Pros: Less adjustments to make so the machine is turn on and go for the most part. Ergonomic S-shaft, lots of coils available, light weight, reasonable recovery speed(could be faster or at least adjustable), salt mode for the beach. You also get Garrett build quality.
Cons: More pricey than other newer model detectors, more turn on and go so not as many adjustments to help eliminate undesirable trash targets, recovery speed(see above), not waterproof.
With the Apex you’ll gain wireless headphone option if you desire, a backlit screen, rechargeable battery, sleeker control box, 5 tones, finer disc granularity, a little less weight to swing, and rain resistance. I use Z-lynk wireless headphones and the Z-lynk pinpointer, and there is no going back to wired for me.
There are lots of other good machines out there for sale at similar prices, but between the two you mentioned, the Apex is likely to keep you satisfied longer.
The pros and cons?
Pros: Less adjustments to make so the machine is turn on and go for the most part. Ergonomic S-shaft, lots of coils available, light weight, reasonable recovery speed(could be faster or at least adjustable), salt mode for the beach. You also get Garrett build quality.
Cons: More pricey than other newer model detectors, more turn on and go so not as many adjustments to help eliminate undesirable trash targets, recovery speed(see above), not waterproof.
Princess
Elite Member
- Joined
- Apr 9, 2017
- Messages
- 2,784
Thanks for joining us! Between the Ace 400 and the Apex, I would certainly go with the latter of the two. Compared to its predecessors, the Apex offers improved & advanced features; so I would think that it is likely to provide a better user experience. I haven't operated one personally, so I cannot speak from experience regarding its pros & cons, but I can say that the Apex is one model that I would personally consider if I were in the market for a new detector.
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