Minelab Go Find 40 Vs Garrett Ace 250: Ultimate Comparison

This comparison explores the Minelab Go Find 40 and Garrett Ace 250 metal detectors, helping beginners and hobbyists choose the best entry-level option for finding coins, relics, and treasures.

Choosing your first metal detector can feel overwhelming. Many options exist, and each promises amazing finds. Two popular choices for beginners are the Minelab Go Find 40 and the Garrett Ace 250. Both are great for starting out, but they have differences. I’ve spent many hours with both, digging up everything from old coins to interesting relics. This guide will break down exactly what makes each detector tick. We’ll look at their features, how they perform in the field, and which one might be the best fit for your treasure hunting adventures.

Why Compare the Minelab Go Find 40 and Garrett Ace 250?

Many new detectorists face the same question: which entry-level metal detector should I buy? The Minelab Go Find 40 and Garrett Ace 250 are often at the top of beginner wish lists. They represent different approaches to user-friendliness and performance for those just starting their detecting journey. Understanding their specific strengths and weaknesses is key to making a smart purchase. This comparison aims to simplify that decision.

Minelab Go Find 40: Simplicity and Ease of Use

The Minelab Go Find 40 is designed with beginners in mind. Its main goal is to be super easy to use right out of the box. You just turn it on and start searching. This detector focuses on making the metal detecting experience fun and accessible for everyone.

Key Features of the Go Find 40

This detector has a simple control panel with clear buttons. It features adjustable sensitivity and discrimination settings. This helps you ignore junk metal and focus on targets. The Go Find 40 also has a waterproof coil. This means you can search in shallow water or wet grass without worry. It is lightweight and collapsible, making it easy to carry and store.

Performance in the Field

In the field, the Go Find 40 performs well for its price point. It’s good at finding common targets like coins and jewelry. Its easy-to-understand target tones help you identify what you might have found. While it might not detect super deep or small gold nuggets, it’s reliable for everyday treasure hunting. I found it to be a very forgiving machine for new users.

Garrett Ace 250: A Proven Performer

The Garrett Ace 250 has been a favorite for years. It offers a good balance of features and performance that appeals to both beginners and more experienced hobbyists. It’s known for being a solid, reliable detector that can find a variety of targets. Many detectorists started their journey with this machine.

Core Features of the Ace 250

This detector boasts a digital target ID system. This shows a number on the screen that helps you guess what the target is. It also has preset search modes for different types of targets. These modes include ‘Coin’, ‘Jewelry’, and ‘Relics’. The Ace 250 has adjustable sensitivity and discrimination. It also features a larger coil than some other entry-level detectors.

Field Performance of the Ace 250

The Ace 250 is known for its good depth and target separation. This means it can often detect targets that are deeper in the ground. It can also tell the difference between two close-by targets more easily. Its preset modes are helpful for quick setup. I found it to be very versatile for different types of searching.

Comparing Key Features: Go Find 40 vs. Ace 250

Let’s put the Minelab Go Find 40 and Garrett Ace 250 side-by-side. We will look at how their features stack up for a typical detectorist. This will help clarify which detector might suit your needs better.

Target Identification

The Ace 250 uses a numerical Target ID system, offering more specific information about potential finds. The Go Find 40 uses simpler audio tones, which are easier for absolute beginners to learn. Both systems help you decide whether to dig. The Ace 250’s ID system can provide a slight edge in target analysis once you learn its numbers.

Search Modes

The Garrett Ace 250 comes with pre-set search modes like ‘Coin’, ‘Jewelry’, and ‘Relics’. These modes are helpful for beginners. They optimize the detector for specific types of targets. The Minelab Go Find 40 has a ‘All-Metal’ mode and a ‘Discrimination’ mode. It relies more on user adjustment and tone interpretation.

Coil Design and Functionality

The Minelab Go Find 40 features a waterproof coil. This is a significant advantage for detecting in wet conditions or shallow water. The standard coil on the Garrett Ace 250 is not waterproof. However, aftermarket waterproof coils are available for the Ace 250.

Weight and Portability

Both detectors are designed to be relatively lightweight and portable. The Minelab Go Find 40 is particularly noted for its collapsible shaft. This makes it extremely easy to transport and store. The Ace 250 is also light but does not fold down as compactly.

User Interface and Controls

The Go Find 40 has a very straightforward button layout. This makes it incredibly user-friendly for those new to metal detecting. The Ace 250’s interface is also simple, but it has a few more options due to its modes and digital ID. Both are easy to learn, but the Go Find 40 might be slightly simpler for a complete novice.

Depth and Sensitivity: What Can They Find?

Depth and sensitivity are crucial for any metal detector. They determine how deep the detector can “see” and how small of an object it can pick up. This is often a deciding factor for many treasure hunters.

Minelab Go Find 40 Depth Capability

The Go Find 40 offers decent depth for its class. It can typically detect coins down to about 6-8 inches. Deeper targets might be missed, especially if they are small or in highly mineralized soil. Its sensitivity is good for general searching and finding common items.

Garrett Ace 250 Depth Capability

The Garrett Ace 250 generally offers slightly better depth than the Go Find 40. It can often reach targets up to 8-10 inches deep. This extra depth can be the difference between finding a coin or missing it. Its sensitivity is also well-regarded for an entry-level machine.

Discrimination and Target Separation

Discrimination is the ability of a detector to ignore unwanted metal trash, like iron nails. Target separation is how well it can detect two different targets that are close together. These features are important for efficient detecting.

Go Find 40 Discrimination Features

The Go Find 40 has a basic discrimination feature. You can set it to ignore iron or to a level that filters out common trash. It’s effective for general trash reduction. However, it might not be as refined as higher-end detectors.

Ace 250 Discrimination and Separation

The Ace 250 offers more control over discrimination. Its preset modes and adjustable levels allow for finer tuning. It is also known for better target separation. This means if you have a coin next to a pull tab, the Ace 250 has a better chance of identifying the coin.

Ease of Assembly and Portability

Getting your detector ready to go and carrying it around is part of the experience. A detector that is easy to set up and transport makes for a more enjoyable outing.

Minelab Go Find 40 Assembly and Portability

Assembly is a breeze with the Go Find 40. It snaps together in seconds. The collapsible shaft is its standout feature for portability. It folds down to a very compact size, fitting easily into a backpack or car trunk.

Garrett Ace 250 Assembly and Portability

The Ace 250 also assembles quickly. It typically involves attaching the coil and extending the shaft. While not as compact as the Go Find 40 when collapsed, it is still lightweight and easy to carry. Many users find its ergonomics comfortable for long detecting sessions.

Who Should Choose the Minelab Go Find 40?

The Minelab Go Find 40 is ideal for absolute beginners. If you want a detector that is incredibly simple to operate, this is a great choice. It’s perfect for beach detecting, park searching, or backyard hunts. Anyone who prioritizes ease of use and quick setup will love this machine. It’s also a good option for younger treasure hunters.

Who Should Choose the Garrett Ace 250?

The Garrett Ace 250 is a fantastic choice for beginners who want a bit more capability. It’s also good for those who might want to grow into their detector. If you want better target ID and slightly more depth, the Ace 250 is a strong contender. It’s a proven workhorse for coin and relic hunting in various environments.

Price and Value Comparison

When comparing the Minelab Go Find 40 vs. Garrett Ace 250, price is a key factor. Both are considered budget-friendly entry-level detectors. The Go Find 40 often comes in at a slightly lower price point than the Ace 250. However, the Ace 250 has been around longer and can sometimes be found at competitive prices or in starter kits.

The value of each detector depends on your priorities. If simplicity is paramount, the Go Find 40 offers excellent value. If you seek more features and slightly better performance for a bit more investment, the Ace 250 provides strong value. It’s worth checking current deals from reputable dealers.

Accessories and Upgrades

Both metal detectors can be enhanced with accessories. For the Minelab Go Find 40, accessories often focus on convenience. This includes things like carrying bags or headphones. The Garrett Ace 250 has a wider range of aftermarket accessories available. This includes different coil sizes for specialized searching and improved headphones.

Minelab Go Find 40 vs. Garrett Ace 250: Feature Table

Here is a quick look at the main differences:

| Feature | Minelab Go Find 40 | Garrett Ace 250 |
| :——————— | :——————————— | :———————————- |
| Ease of Use | Very High (Simple) | High (Beginner-friendly) |
| Target ID | Audio Tones | Digital Target ID (Numbers) |
| Search Modes | All-Metal, Discrimination | 5 Preset Modes (Coin, Relic, etc.) |
| Coil | Waterproof, 10-inch | Not Waterproof, 6.5×9-inch (std.) |
| Depth | Good for entry-level | Slightly better than Go Find 40 |
| Discrimination | Basic | More advanced, adjustable |
| Portability | Excellent (collapsible shaft) | Good (lightweight) |
| Price Point | Generally lower | Slightly higher (but varies) |
| Target Audience | Absolute beginners, young hunters | Beginners, hobbyists |

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best metal detector for a complete beginner?
For absolute beginners who want the easiest experience, the Minelab Go Find 40 is a top choice. Its simple design lets you start detecting right away. The Garrett Ace 250 is also excellent for beginners who want a bit more information.

Can I find gold with these detectors?
These detectors are primarily designed for coins and relics. While they might detect small gold jewelry, they are not specialized for gold prospecting. For serious gold hunting, you would need a different type of detector.

Which detector is better for wet conditions?
The Minelab Go Find 40 has a waterproof coil, making it better suited for searching in wet grass or shallow water. The standard coil on the Garrett Ace 250 is not waterproof.

How deep can these detectors find targets?
The Garrett Ace 250 generally offers slightly better depth, often reaching up to 8-10 inches for larger targets. The Minelab Go Find 40 typically detects coins down to 6-8 inches.

Is the Garrett Ace 250 easy to learn?
Yes, the Garrett Ace 250 is very easy to learn. Its preset modes and clear display help beginners get started quickly. Many people find it a great machine to learn the basics of metal detecting with.

Can I upgrade the coil on the Garrett Ace 250?
Yes, you can upgrade the coil on the Garrett Ace 250 with various aftermarket options. This can improve its performance in different types of ground or for specific targets.

Which detector is better for finding old coins?
Both detectors can find old coins effectively. The Garrett Ace 250’s digital Target ID might give you a slight edge in identifying coin targets more accurately.

Conclusion: Making Your Choice

Deciding between the Minelab Go Find 40 and the Garrett Ace 250 comes down to your personal needs and preferences. If your top priority is simplicity and ease of use right out of the box, the Minelab Go Find 40 is an excellent choice. Its collapsible design and waterproof coil add to its user-friendly appeal. It’s perfect for casual hunts in parks, yards, or on the beach.

However, if you are willing to invest a little more time in learning and want slightly better performance in terms of depth and target identification, the Garrett Ace 250 is a fantastic option. Its digital Target ID and preset modes provide more information and versatility. It has a proven track record as a reliable detector for coin and relic hunters. Both are great entry points into the exciting world of metal detecting.