25 of 45 people found this review helpful:

Review by: Donald Sheppard

User Experience: 6 months to 2 years

Submitted on: Apr 8, 2008

User Rating:

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After at least two years of studying and researching different metal detectors, I finally decided on a Garrett ACE 250 for my first detector. I was hesitant to purchase it as I didn't know what to really get for a beginner. This particular detector has capabilities even for the intermediate and expert as well as the novice.

The smallest thing I have found to date is a BB approximately four inches deep. I have found in the same area, a Girl Scout pendant approximately two inches down, as well as several coins. Currently, I am searching on an old homestead with a partner, and we have found, approximately twelve inches deep, an old wood stove top in relic mode. We have also found bits of plow shares and wagon wheel hubs. The most interesting piece I have found is the bullet and shell casing I had shot the year before while deer hunting with a .375 H&H rifle that is used for hunting dangerous big game in Africa.

I like the notch system of being able to discriminate certain metals out as well as the way of adjusting the sensitivity up or down. This helps a lot as I like to search mostly in the relic and coin modes. Being able to customize the settings, makes it easier to detect what I'm looking for in my search area.

I just recently learned about how iron metal can give off a "halo" cast from the rust on it and will go off in the coin area of the detector.

I would recommend this detector for any one from beginning novice to expert.

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25 of 45 people found this review helpful:

Review by: Johnny Mensi

User Experience: Newbie

Submitted on: Apr 4, 2008

User Rating:

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When I first started this hobby my first detector was one of those models from radio shack. I found a few coins and whole lot of junk with it. I wasn't very impressed. Then a few months later a friend of mine let me borrow one he had. It was a Garrett model. And this thing was a big hit. I found coins and relics. I have used it for years. I thought he had forgotten about it until about two months ago. Well, there I was stuck with no metal detector.

So I went online and looked at a lot of models. My friend called me one day and told me about www.kellycodetectors.com. I went and checked them out. Wow!!! They have so many different models to choose from. Then I seen the Garrett models and looked at the ace 250 and was very impressed. And for the money it wouldn't break the bank account.

I went on line and looked at a lot of reviews. There were a lot of good positive reviews about the ace 250. I went to Kellyco and ordered the ace 250. Plus, it came with a lot of accessories. I couldn't wait till it came. It took only two days. Wow! That was fast!

I took it out of the box and thought very nice. It came with directions but, I didn't need it because it was very easy to put together. I played the DVD that it came with and it was very helpful. I took it out in the yard and turned it on. Beep! Beep! Beep! It's on and now for the moment of truth. I scan over the yard and got a nice signal. I looked at the screen and it said penny at four inches. I dug a round plug and put it to the side. I ran the ace 250 over the plug and got a signal. I looked though the plug and found the penny. It was a 1922 Indian head. I went over the whole yard and found a lot of coins. And let me tell you the pin point on the ace 250 is so sweet. It puts the target right in the middle of the coil. And I love the five settings on the Ace 250. If you want to hunt just coins, then just set it on coins only.

The controls are so easy to use. And the target id is right on the money. I have found a lot of relics with the Ace 250. I found lots of old farm tools from the 1800's. The battery life is very long it too.

Guys all I can say if you want a good metal detector that want break your bank account then the Ace 250 is the one to get. I am very pleased with it and maybe one day I will get one of those pin pointers to go with it. Have fun and happy hunting.

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25 of 45 people found this review helpful:

Review by: Charles Solley

User Experience: Newbie

Submitted on: Mar 18, 2008

User Rating:

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I purchased the Garrett ACE 250 metal detector to search my family's original homestead near Glen Burnie, MD. Over the years the property has moved out of family ownership and is now being developed. There is an acre of land surrounding the graveyard that is fenced in. This is where I plan to hunt. The graveyard is located close to where the Family Farmhouse was located and the large barn.

Before choosing this detector I read a couple forums and looked at a few manufacturers websites. It was actually a little bit more then I wanted to pay being a newbie. But, after reading post by users both new and experienced it appeared this would be a good choice. I am convinced I made a good choice.

This detector was easy to setup and learn the controls. My daughter and I had it out and testing/playing with it fifteen minutes after it arrived on our porch. We found some old foil gum wrappers and nails in the backyard. I found my first coin on my third hunt. It was a new coin just under a couple leaves, but was exciting.

I have also used the detector to help find two property markers for my brother-in-law. One of the markers was in the middle of an asphalt road. I played with sensitivity and discrimination settings to successfully locate the iron marker.

Although this is the only coin I have found to date, just getting a tone and finding the target is fun. I am sure that in no time I will be digging up Blackbeard's Treasure!

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25 of 45 people found this review helpful:

Review by: Raymond M. Ussery

User Experience: 2-4 years

Submitted on: Mar 17, 2008

User Rating:

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The ACE 250 is a remarkable detector, especially for the beginner.

Small, light, well balanced and easy to use. Not only well suited for the beginner, but the extreme accuracy and depth capabilities will well suit even the "Pro" who needs a "Back-up" or spare detector and doesn't wish to spend a LOT of money on a quality machine.

I have owned this detector for over 3 years, and from what I've seen, they only get better with the newer models. The full function computer scale/meter is easy to understand and straight forward. A good detector for a variety of uses in a variety of soil conditions. I have found numerous coins and other "Like" objects in fairly difficult circumstances - including one nice GOLD ring and shell casings and projectiles. One interesting feature that REALLY paid off for me is the ability to "Notch" discriminate.

My wife lost a highly prized and valuable gold and 1 ct diamond earring in a gravel driveway. The next morning, I took the OTHER ear ring and "Set" the notch discrimination feature to "Accept" ONLY this earring.

It took me almost an hour to recover this keepsake, but when I returned it to my wife un-damaged the look on her face was worth the price of the detector alone. Garrett has been in the business for many years and has built many good detectors over the years. I would not hesitate to buy another if the need should present it's self!

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24 of 43 people found this review helpful:

Review by: Robert Howell

User Experience: 6 months to 2 years

Submitted on: Apr 18, 2008

User Rating:

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The Garret ACE 250 has been an excellent machine for me. I've only had it for 2 weeks and I have found silver rings, knives, coins, and various other items.

The depth is pretty good for a machine in this price range, $200. The discrimination control is great. In addition, the machine has 4 preset modes and a custom mode, all of which make cranking it up and getting started a breeze. This machine is perfect as a back-up for those who have to have a big expensive model.

However, if you’re like me, it works just fine as a lightweight alternative to a diving unit. Furthermore, beginners and kids can use this machine by just turning it on and getting started. The battery indicator and battery life are both a big plus on this machine as well. This is certainly the best bang for the buck.

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