Garrett Treasure Ace 100 back at it - got questions

[JMC]

I picked up a Treasure Ace 100 about 15 years ago. Used it for a few years and got busy with other pursuits. Now I'm back using it but wondered if a newer machine would help. This one still nails coins with no problem signaling loudly every time. I've got the disc setting all the way over and it hits pennies, dimes and quarters. I did stop into a Central Florida dealer but was overwhelmed with the choices. Picked up a Garrett Pro Pointer however and that tool has been wonderful. So many new machines have LCD screens on them so another question I have is are they worth having, do they really help? Finally how fast does a machine become out of date? I know cell phones are great for a couple of years then you move on. Are we there yet for metal detectors?

 

[John-Edmonton]

The ACE 100 goes back a few years. It is probably the simplest metal detector to use. A rental company in Edmonton still uses the Treasure Ace 100 as a rental unit, because it is so simple to explain how to use it. One knob does it all! Although a fun machine to use, compared to the technology, Garrett has advanced in it's new models. If you upgrade, expect better depth, better audio to help ID a target, a faster processor, screens with more information and of course a heftier price then what you paid for it.

 

[Roscue2]

If you were to upgrade perhaps the Garrett Ace 250 or 350 would suit you.

 

[John-Edmonton]

n/t

 

[JMC]

I made these two finds this afternoon. Over the last few weeks I've slowly worked the area of the backyard relearning how the simple Garrett works. My targets have gotten better over time. In the research I've done so far including speaking to a number of detector users and dealers the general consensus is that a new machine is not really necessary. This one works, finds targets at decent depth, and is paid for. About the best gain I could make would be to get a unit that is weather proof to withstand shallow water detecting and handle saltwater sand areas better. At this point I'm not even using headphones. What has proven invaluable is that Garrett Pro Pointer I picked up. Man does it save time and effort finding stuff. So far as digging the hole the Lesche digger I picked up is a vast improvement over my old Gator Digger. I can see why so many folks enjoy this pastime. This had been lots of fun and I'll continue to pursue it. The community of folks here appear to be quite helpful and it certainly makes for a great place to learn more about getting it right using a metal detector.

 

[Dancer]

Keep track of your findings. Hunt for productive areas to hunt. When you get some Treasure built up, than you will know if you need another machine.
Oh, when out in the public try to wear your earphones. The beeping isn't what people go to the park to hear. Sounds like your going to have a lot of fun ahead of you. Good luck.

 

[JMC]

Good suggestion on keeping the beeping silent from others. That Ace 100 is pretty darn loud. Brings up another question. Do any detectors work simply off a visual display with no sound at all?

 

[Bugar In. USA]

Just get a set a headphones, can hear targets better, and visual display only, not dependable,much junk, and much good stuff all ID the same, but by knowing your detector very well, you can tell pretty darn close whether to dig or not, by the hardness it will hit a target, just learn your detector well, and save the money, maybe you will want to spend it on more expensive shiny detector with nice decals,( scuse=upgrade) or maybe some other goodie, bout everbody finds bout the same stuff anyway, depends on skill, and what's in the ground, just look at what everbody finds, with whatever they are using, does the real expensive detector find the real expensive goodies???, or the old guy with experience??, just think it over and keep a beepin

 

[salmonriverhotrock]

I agree with your research and findings with the Dealers. My old Garrett Freedom II with a set of headphones is still as operable today as it was back when I bought it new in the 1980's. In some part with it's dual discrimination, it was maybe one of or the first machines to NOTCH targets but manually and we did not call it that back then.

Of all my machines, the Freedom II has found the most of my coins that date from the 1950's back. Now that could be it is due to areas being hunted out more today then back when but I have not found any detecting experience that would suggest it is outdated and or has an ability lacking anything more than the newer bells and whistle types except coil options that have improved hunting soils with higher iron or mineral content with longer sweeps. Because of the newer coil options available today, if you have money to buy a new unit with coil options, I would keep the coil thing at the front of your considerations more than LED displays and pre-set tones that are only general, not 100% specific indicators that can be fooled. My favorite is really to hunt by sound and after a rain here in Idaho, that Garrett Freedom II is really happy.