The All New Garrett Vortex Metal Detector - What You Need to Know

Garrett Metal Detectors has just released information on their newest metal detector, the Garrett Vortex. Innovation has been a long time coming with this all-terrain, Multi Dimension, Multifrequency metal detector. Their Garrett Apex metal detector was their first venture into the multifrequency detector market and I feel like they missed the mark a little bit.  The new Garrett Vortex appears to be a dead ringer.

3 Different "Versions"

First let's talk about the similarities of all three versions of the Garrett Vortex metal detectors.  When we refer to the "versions or models" it is important to understand that they are all essentially the same metal detector but with different software.  The "bones" of the detector(s) are identical.  The software is different (more on that later).  Thus, we will refer to the physical characteristics as the "detector" versus detectors.

Physical Characteristics

The Garret Vortex has a shaft that can collapse down to as small as 24.75" and extend out to as long as 56.75" making it suitable for all sizes of detectorists.  Weighing in at a feather light 2.9 lbs making it a detector that can be used for long periods of time.  Most of the weight of the machine can be found in the 8.5" X 11" stock coil which comes on all versions.

Other similarities are as follows:

• Submersible to 16 feet
• Pinpoint Mode
• Garrett's Iconic Iron Audio
• Multi-Dimensional, Multifrequency 
• Ground Balance
• Frequency Shift (EMI reduction)
• Volume Control
• LCD Backlight
  
• Updateable/Upgradeable

Differences Between The Vortex Metal Detector Versions 

The Garrett VX5

This entry Vortex VX5 model is loaded with features.

• Original Price: MSRP - $529.99   Sale Price - $449.99
• Upgrade to VX7 Price: $85
• Upgrade to VX9 Price: $150
• Target ID Scale(s): One, 0-99 target ID Scale
• Frequencies: Two: Multi & 13 kHz
• Search Modes: Four: Zero, Standard, US Coins, Custome
• Variable Recovery Speed: No
• Z-Lynk Wireless Enabled: No
• Increased Sensitivity/Depth: No
• Number of ID Tones: 3
• Iron Volume Adjust: No

 The Garrett VX7

More powerful than the VX5. More advanced. Includes more frequency and mode options than VX5, including the powerful Multi-Frequency Salt mode for wet sand and saltwater surf use. Two-tiered MD-MF Target ID display (with separate ferrous and non-ferrous target scales). Additional audio tones plus adjustable Recovery Speed.

• Original Price: MSRP - $629.99   Sale Price - $534.99
  
• Software Upgrade to VX9 Price: $65
• Target ID Scale(s): 2-tier Target ID Scales
• Frequencies: Four: Multi, 5 kHz, 13 kHx, Multi-Salt
• Search Modes: Five: Zero, Standard, US Coins, Beach, Custom
• Variable Recovery Speed: Yes, 2 settings
• Z-Lynk Wireless Enabled: Yes
• Increased Sensitivity/Depth:  Yes
• Number of ID Tones: 5
• Iron Volume Adjust: Yes

Garrett VX9

• Original Price: MSRP - $699.99   Sale Price - $599.99
• Target ID Scale(s): 3-tier Target ID Scales
• Frequencies: Seven: Multi, 5 kHz, 9 kHz, 13 kHz, 25 kHz Multi-Salt
• Search Modes: Seven: Zero, Standard, US Coins, Thin Coins, Beach, Custom, Fast
• Variable Recovery Speed: Yes, 2 settings
• Z-Lynk Wireless Enabled: Yes
• Increased Sensitivity/Depth:  Yes
• Number of ID Tones: 5
• Iron Volume Adjust: Yes

Search Coil Options for Garrett Vortex Metal Detectors

The search coil options for the Garrett Vortex will be very familiar to avid Garrett Detectorists as they are similar in form to those offered with current Garrett Metal Detectors. However, as multifrequency coils, they are not compatible with other Garrett detector models.

What sets The Garrett Vortex apart from other Multifrequency metal detectors?

Target ID Screen
In addition to operating simultaneous multifrequency, the improved target identification screen is the one thing that stands out to me as a tool that can be very useful to help discern targets.

Garrett's MD-MF Technology offers enhanced target analysis and identification by utilizing multiple frequencies simultaneously and assessing various conductivity levels and ferrous content dimensions. This advanced analysis is integrated into all three Vortex models. The VX-9 model prominently displays this capability through its LCD, featuring a multi-axis Target ID system with three separate scales.

This added visual aide reminds me much of what is available on the Minelab Manticore but perhaps simpler, and easier for detectorists to learn and master.  Instead of a single indicator the V7 & V9 have multiple scales for ferrous and non-ferrous models.  The V5 still only has one scale but here is the kicker...these detectors can be upgraded without having to buy a new machine!

Upgradeable Software

Unlike its Minelab counterparts, like the Minelab Equinox series of detectors, where the software for the individual models can be updated to fix bugs, add features, etc., the Garrett Vortex series of detectors can be fully upgradeable without having to buy a completely new machine.  So, if you want to start with the more affordable Garrett VX5 metal detector, you can upgrade all the way up to the V9 without having to purchase the hardware component of the metal detector at a reasonable price.  In fact, to upgrade from one version to the next is only about the difference between the cost of the two detectors.  Unlike other detector models where you would have to buy an entire new machine to get the added features and have to worry about selling your old detector, you can basically pay the difference between the versions and get all of the features. Which, to me, seems very reasonable. 

My Speculation

Although I haven't had a chance to handle and use one of these intriguing metal detectors, I am very excited to do so. I am hoping the new Vortex will rival what Garrett's competitors have done over the last few years. As an avid fan of the Garrett brand, I am excited to get back to swinging a Garrett again.  And, rest assured, once I do get a chance to use the Vortex Metal Detector, I will update this article and provide a video with details.

I am also speculating that there will eventually be even more upgrades and updates available for these machines as Garret continues to innovate the software.  Who knows, maybe one day I may be swinging a VX100 that does everything but dig up my targets for me!