Independently researched Detector Comparison
Fisher F22 vs Garrett ACE 300
F22 is the lighter, more weather-tolerant beginner detector; ACE 300 offers a familiar 0–99 display and dedicated pinpoint. Both are preset-ground-balance, single-frequency land machines with waterproof coils—not submersible beach detectors.
Bottom line
F22 for comfort and rain resistance; ACE 300 for the Garrett interface
F22 is the better walking detector at roughly 2.3 lb and needs only two AA batteries. Its weather-resistant housing, four modes and custom discrimination suit parks and yards. ACE 300 is the better choice for buyers who prefer Garrett’s five search modes, 0–99 scale and accessory ecosystem. Buy neither for wet-salt wading or difficult mineralized ground at near-modern waterproof pricing.
Decision table
The differences that change the decision
| Factor | Fisher F22 | Garrett ACE 300 |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency system | 7.69 kHz single-frequency VLF | 8 kHz single-frequency VLF |
| Waterproofing | weatherproof control housing; coil waterproof | waterproof coil only |
| Best fit | casual beginner coin hunters | beginners hunting parks and yards |
| Main advantage | lightweight interface and category ID | simple 0–99 target ID and electronic pinpoint |
| Primary limitation | not fully submersible and limited advanced control | control box is not submersible |
Specific recommendations
Choose by terrain and operating style
Fisher F22
lightweight interface and category ID; best suited to casual beginner coin hunters.
- 7.69 kHz single-frequency VLF
- weatherproof control housing; coil waterproof
- Limitation: not fully submersible and limited advanced control
Garrett ACE 300
simple 0–99 target ID and electronic pinpoint; best suited to beginners hunting parks and yards.
- 8 kHz single-frequency VLF
- waterproof coil only
- Limitation: control box is not submersible
Decision analysis
What actually changes the purchase
F22 operates near 7.69 kHz; ACE 300 at 8 kHz. That small difference is not a meaningful buying separator. Both target general coins, jewelry and relics, and both use preset ground balance rather than user manual adjustment.
Housing claims differ. Fisher calls the F22 weather resistant and gives it a waterproof coil. Garrett’s ACE 300 coil is waterproof, but the control housing must remain dry. Neither assembled detector is approved for submersion.
F22 uses Jewelry, Coin, Artifact and Custom modes with four tones. ACE 300 uses Zero-Disc, Jewelry, Custom, Relics and Coins, five tones, 0–99 Digital Target ID and electronic pinpoint. Choose the interface you can interpret, not an imagined depth edge.
FAQ
Targeted questions answered
What frequencies do F22 and ACE 300 use?
F22 operates at about 7.69 kHz and ACE 300 at 8 kHz; the difference is too small to decide the purchase.
Is Fisher F22 waterproof?
Its coil is waterproof and housing weather resistant, but the complete detector is not submersible.
Is Garrett ACE 300 waterproof?
The search coil is waterproof; the control box is not. Keep it out of water and protect it from heavy rain.
Can either detector adjust ground balance manually?
No. Both use preset ground balance, which simplifies setup but limits difficult-soil control.
Which detector is lighter?
Fisher lists F22 at roughly 2.3 lb, making low swing weight one of its clearest advantages.
Which has more search modes?
ACE 300 has five named modes; F22 has four, including a Custom mode. More modes do not automatically improve depth.
Should I buy one for a saltwater beach?
Only for dry sand with realistic expectations. For wet conductive sand, choose a simultaneous multi-frequency beach detector.
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Buy for the sites you actually hunt
For Fisher F22 vs Garrett ACE 300, the correct choice is the one whose ground handling and controls solve the conditions you face repeatedly.
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