# Minelab MANTICORE vs Garrett ACE Apex: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Minelab MANTICORE (Minelab) and Garrett ACE Apex (Garrett) among metal detectors. Garrett ACE Apex is the cheaper of the two at $580.

## Side by side

| Spec | Minelab MANTICORE | Garrett ACE Apex |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $1499 | $580 |
| Brand | Minelab | Garrett |
| Released | 2023 | 2020 |
| Operating frequency | 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 40 kHz + Multi-IQ+ | 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 kHz + Multi-Frequency + Multi-Salt (Multi-Flex) |
| Max depth inches | — | — |
| Weight (lb) | 2.9 | 2.5 |
| Waterproof rating | IP68, 5 m (16 ft) | Coil and lower shaft submersible; control box rain-proof only |
| Battery life hours | — | — |
| Battery type | Internal Li-Ion 3.7 V / 6800 mAh | Internal Li-Ion rechargeable, mini-USB charging |
| Ground balance | Auto / Continuous Auto / Manual | Auto / Manual |
| Display type | Full Color LCD | Large edge-to-edge LCD with backlight |
| Coil size inches | 11 | 11 |
| Num search modes | 11 | — |
| Audio output | Built-in speaker, 3.5 mm wired, low-latency wireless | Built-in speaker, 1/8" headphone jack, Z-Lynk wireless compatible; 5-tone system |
| Shaft adjustable | Yes | Yes |

## Key differences

- Operating frequency: Minelab MANTICORE 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 40 kHz + Multi-IQ+ vs Garrett ACE Apex 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 kHz + Multi-Frequency + Multi-Salt (Multi-Flex)
- Weight (lb): Minelab MANTICORE 2.9 vs Garrett ACE Apex 2.5
- Waterproof rating: Minelab MANTICORE IP68, 5 m (16 ft) vs Garrett ACE Apex Coil and lower shaft submersible; control box rain-proof only
- Battery type: Minelab MANTICORE Internal Li-Ion 3.7 V / 6800 mAh vs Garrett ACE Apex Internal Li-Ion rechargeable, mini-USB charging
- Ground balance: Minelab MANTICORE Auto / Continuous Auto / Manual vs Garrett ACE Apex Auto / Manual
- Display type: Minelab MANTICORE Full Color LCD vs Garrett ACE Apex Large edge-to-edge LCD with backlight
- Audio output: Minelab MANTICORE Built-in speaker, 3.5 mm wired, low-latency wireless vs Garrett ACE Apex Built-in speaker, 1/8" headphone jack, Z-Lynk wireless compatible; 5-tone system

## Sources

- Minelab MANTICORE: https://usa.minelab.com/tech-specs/manticore/ (usa.minelab.com, verified 2026-06-27)
- Garrett ACE Apex: https://www.metaldetectingworld.com/garrett-ace-apex.shtml (metaldetectingworld.com, verified 2026-06-27)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/metal-detectors/minelab-manticore-vs-garrett-ace-apex/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Minelab MANTICORE ($1499) vs Garrett ACE Apex ($580) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/metal-detectors/minelab-manticore-vs-garrett-ace-apex/
License: CC BY 4.0.