Published on: November 11, 2025 | Updated on: October 21, 2026
Comparing the Minelab Go Find 60 and Garrett Ace 250 reveals key differences in features, performance, and ease of use, helping you pick the best metal detector for your treasure hunting needs.
Choosing the right metal detector can feel like a treasure hunt itself. Many detectorists face the tough decision between popular models like the Minelab Go Find 60 and the Garrett Ace 250. Both are well-regarded, but they offer different experiences for the field. This guide will break down exactly what each detector brings to the table. We’ll help you understand which one fits your detecting style best.
Why This Comparison Matters for Your Finds
Deciding between the Minelab Go Find 60 and the Garrett Ace 250 is a common puzzle for many treasure hunters. Both machines have loyal fans for good reasons. Understanding their unique strengths and weaknesses is crucial. This will help you avoid buying a detector that doesn’t match your goals. Let’s explore what makes each of these detectors stand out.
Meet the Contenders: Minelab Go Find 60 and Garrett Ace 250
The Minelab Go Find 60 is known for its simplicity and modern features. It’s designed to get beginners detecting quickly. The Garrett Ace 250 is a long-standing favorite, celebrated for its reliability and performance across various targets. It has been a go-to for many years.
Minelab Go Find 60: Simplicity Meets Modern Tech
The Go Find 60 focuses on user-friendliness. It’s a detector that you can pick up and start using almost immediately. Its design is sleek and it’s quite lightweight, making it comfortable for long days of searching. This detector aims to remove the complexity often found in metal detecting.
Key features include multiple preset search modes. These modes help you target specific types of metal objects. It also has adjustable sensitivity and volume controls. The waterproof coil is a big plus for searching near water. Its collapsible design makes it easy to transport and store.
Garrett Ace 250: The Reliable Workhorse
The Garrett Ace 250 has earned its reputation over time. It’s a robust machine that offers a good balance of features for its price. Many detectorists started their journey with the Ace 250 and continue to use it. It’s known for its solid performance in finding coins and relics.
This detector features several search modes, including “Jewelry,” “Coins,” and “Relics.” It also has a graphic target ID system that helps you identify what might be underground. The Ace 250 is built tough, ready for various outdoor conditions. Its simple interface is easy to learn.
Core Features Compared: What’s Under the Hood?
When we look at the core features, the Minelab Go Find 60 and Garrett Ace 250 show their differences. These features directly impact how you find targets and what you can expect from your detecting sessions. Let’s break down what each offers in terms of technology and usability.
Search Modes and Discrimination
The Minelab Go Find 60 offers three preset search modes: “All Metal,” “Coins,” and “Jewelry.” This makes it easy to select a mode for your target type. Discrimination settings help you ignore junk targets like iron nails. The Go Find 60’s modes are straightforward to select.
The Garrett Ace 250 provides five search modes: “All Metal,” “Jewelry,” “Custom,” “Relics,” and “Coins.” It also has a notch discrimination feature. This allows for more precise control over what the detector signals on. The Ace 250 gives you more control for fine-tuning.
Target Identification (ID)
Both detectors offer target identification to help you decide whether to dig. The Minelab Go Find 60 displays target icons and depth indicators. This gives you a visual cue about the detected object. It aims to simplify the decision-making process.
The Garrett Ace 250 uses a Digital Target ID system. This shows a number scale (0-99) for different metals. It also has a Target ID legend to help interpret these numbers. This system provides more detailed information about the metal type. Many users find this numeric system very helpful for identifying targets.
Coil and Depth Performance
The Minelab Go Find 60 comes with an 8-inch waterproof coil. This means you can confidently search in shallow water or wet grass. Its depth performance is decent for its class, suitable for finding common targets like coins and jewelry. The waterproof coil adds versatility to your search locations.
The Garrett Ace 250 typically comes with a 6.5 x 9-inch concentric coil. This coil is not waterproof, but it offers good all-around performance. The Ace 250 is known for its ability to detect targets at respectable depths. It’s effective for finding coins and relics buried a bit deeper.
Ease of Use for Beginners
The Minelab Go Find 60 is designed with absolute beginners in mind. Its simple interface and preset modes mean you can start digging without a steep learning curve. It’s very intuitive. The detector is lightweight and easy to handle for extended periods.
The Garrett Ace 250 is also considered user-friendly. While it offers more customization, its basic operation is straightforward. Many find the graphic display easy to understand. It strikes a good balance between ease of use and advanced features. Learning the Ace 250 is a rewarding process.
Performance in the Field: What to Expect
How these metal detectors perform in real-world conditions is what truly matters. We’ll look at their effectiveness in different environments and for various types of finds. This section focuses on practical experience.
Coin Hunting Capabilities
The Minelab Go Find 60 performs well for coin hunting in open areas. Its “Coins” mode is effective at picking up modern currency. Depth is adequate for typical coin burial depths. It’s a good choice for park and backyard detecting.
The Garrett Ace 250 excels at coin hunting. Its numeric Target ID system helps distinguish between different coin types. It’s particularly good at finding older, shallower coins and modern ones. Many experienced detectorists rely on the Ace 250 for its consistent coin recovery.
Relic Hunting and Jewelry Finds
For relic hunting, the Go Find 60’s “All Metal” mode can be useful. However, its discrimination might not be as refined for complex relic sites. It can find jewelry with its dedicated mode. It’s best suited for less challenging environments.
The Garrett Ace 250 is a strong performer for relic hunting. Its “Relics” mode and adjustable discrimination help filter out trash. The numeric ID provides clues about iron artifacts versus non-ferrous relics. It’s also very capable of finding lost jewelry items.
Performance on Different Terrains
The Go Find 60’s waterproof coil is a significant advantage. It allows you to detect in wet grass, by streams, or even in shallow water. Its light weight makes it great for easier terrains like parks and fields. It’s less suited for highly mineralized ground.
The Garrett Ace 250 is generally a good all-around performer on various terrains. It handles moderate ground mineralization well. While its coil isn’t waterproof, it’s very effective in dry fields, woodlands, and beaches (dry sand). It’s a robust detector for diverse locations.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
Comfort and durability are key for long detecting sessions. How the detectors feel in hand and how well they hold up to use are important considerations.
Minelab Go Find 60: Design and Comfort
The Go Find 60 features a modern, collapsible design. This makes it incredibly portable and easy to store. It’s lightweight, reducing fatigue during extended use. The ergonomics are simple and functional, prioritizing ease of handling. Its adjustable shaft fits different user heights easily.
Garrett Ace 250: Durability and Feel
The Ace 250 is built with durability in mind. It feels solid and can withstand the rigors of regular detecting. Its design is more traditional but very practical. The handle and armrest provide good comfort for most users. It’s a reliable detector that’s built to last.
What Comes in the Box? Accessories and Extras
The accessories included with your detector can add value and enhance your experience. Let’s see what each package offers.
Minelab Go Find 60 Package
The Minelab Go Find 60 typically includes the detector itself, an 8-inch waterproof coil, and batteries. Some packages might offer headphones or a digging tool. It’s generally ready to go right out of the box with minimal setup.
Garrett Ace 250 Package
The Garrett Ace 250 usually comes with the detector, a 6.5 x 9-inch coil, batteries, and an owner’s manual. Optional accessory packages might include headphones, a digging trowel, or a carry bag. It’s a well-rounded kit for starting out.
Price and Value Proposition
The cost of a metal detector is a major factor for many buyers. Understanding the price point and what you get for your money is essential.
Minelab Go Find 60: Budget-Friendly Simplicity
The Minelab Go Find 60 is positioned as an affordable option. It offers modern features and extreme ease of use at a competitive price. It’s a great value for someone who wants to start detecting without a large investment. This makes it accessible for many new hobbyists.
Garrett Ace 250: Proven Performance for the Price
The Garrett Ace 250 has historically been in a similar price bracket, often slightly higher depending on the package. It represents excellent value due to its proven performance and durability. It’s a detector that can grow with you as your skills develop. Many consider it a solid investment.
Minelab Go Find 60 vs Garrett Ace 250: Head-to-Head Table
Here’s a quick summary of how the two detectors stack up against each other on key features.
| Feature | Minelab Go Find 60 | Garrett Ace 250 |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of Use | Very High (Beginner Focused) | High (Beginner to Intermediate) |
| Search Modes | 3 Preset (All Metal, Coins, Jewelry) | 5 Preset + Custom (All Metal, Jewelry, Custom, Relics, Coins) |
| Target ID | Icons & Depth Indicator | Digital Target ID (0-99) & Legend |
| Coil | 8-inch Waterproof | 6.5 x 9-inch (Not Waterproof) |
| Ground Balance | Automatic | Automatic |
| Audio Tones | Multiple Tones | 3 Tones |
| Portability | Collapsible, Lightweight | Standard Shaft, Moderate Weight |
| Power | AA Batteries | AA Batteries |
Who Should Choose the Minelab Go Find 60?
You should consider the Minelab Go Find 60 if you are brand new to metal detecting. If you want a detector that is incredibly easy to use right away, this is a great choice. It’s perfect for casual detecting in parks, yards, or beaches. If simplicity and quick setup are your top priorities, the Go Find 60 is for you.
Who Should Choose the Garrett Ace 250?
The Garrett Ace 250 is an excellent option if you want a detector that offers more control and a proven track record. It’s ideal for those who want to learn more about target identification. This detector is suitable for finding coins, relics, and jewelry. If you are looking for a reliable, long-term detector that can grow with your skills, the Ace 250 is a strong contender.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best metal detector for a beginner?
For absolute beginners, detectors like the Minelab Go Find 60 are excellent due to their simplicity. The Garrett Ace 250 is also a great beginner choice, offering a bit more depth for learning.
Can the Minelab Go Find 60 detect gold?
The Go Find 60 can detect gold jewelry, but it is not optimized for prospecting small gold nuggets. Its “Jewelry” mode might pick them up, but specialized detectors are better for gold prospecting.
Is the Garrett Ace 250 waterproof?
The control box of the Garrett Ace 250 is not waterproof. However, the coil is typically water-resistant, allowing you to detect in shallow water or wet grass if you keep the control box dry.
Which detector has better depth?
Both detectors offer decent depth for their class. The Garrett Ace 250, with its more established coil technology, is often cited for slightly better depth on average, especially for coins and relics.
Can I upgrade the coil on the Garrett Ace 250?
Yes, the Garrett Ace 250 allows for coil upgrades. You can purchase larger or specialized coils to improve depth or performance in different environments.
Is the Minelab Go Find 60 easy to assemble?
Yes, the Minelab Go Find 60 is designed for very easy assembly. It typically clicks together quickly, and its collapsible shaft makes it ready to use in minutes.
Conclusion: Making Your Final Choice
Deciding between the Minelab Go Find 60 and the Garrett Ace 250 comes down to your personal needs and experience level. If you prioritize ease of use and a straightforward experience, the Minelab Go Find 60 is an outstanding choice. It lets you get out and find targets quickly without a steep learning curve. For those seeking a detector with a bit more depth in features, a proven history, and the potential to grow with your skills, the Garrett Ace 250 remains a top-tier option.
Both the Minelab Go Find 60 and the Garrett Ace 250 are capable machines that can bring joy and finds to your metal detecting adventures. Carefully consider which detector’s strengths align best with how and where you plan to search. Your perfect treasure hunt awaits with the right tool in hand.