Garrett ACE 300i vs Hazlewolke 13": which detector is the smarter buy?

Display / screen quality

Winner: Garrett ACE 300i

The Garrett ACE 300i has the more trustworthy user interface for real detecting. Its display is simple, legible and backed by a mature target ID system that experienced users generally find more consistent than many budget-brand screens. The ACE 300i is designed around practical feedback rather than flashy claims, which matters when you’re trying to separate a coin from iron in a trashy pasture.

The Hazlewolke advertises 8 metal types plus Pinpoint and DISC modes, which sounds impressive, but budget detectors often overstate how useful those icons are in the field. A detector can show many categories and still struggle with accurate target ID on deep or partially masked targets. For newcomers, the Garrett’s simpler but more dependable interface is easier to trust.

Performance

Winner: Garrett ACE 300i

This is the biggest deciding factor. The Garrett ACE 300i runs at 8 kHz single frequency, which is a sensible all-round choice for coins, relics and general detecting in the UK. It has good target separation for its class, solid sensitivity on mid-conductors, and a proven ability to cope with typical British soil conditions when set up properly. Its discrimination is predictable, and the target ID is usually more repeatable than you’d expect from cheaper machines.

The Hazlewolke’s main selling points are the 13" Double-D waterproof coil, high sensitivity, and suitability for mineralized soil. A large DD coil can indeed cover ground quickly and often handles mineralisation better than a concentric coil. However, a big coil is not automatically better: in stubble, ploughed fields and iron-littered sites, a 13" coil can make target separation harder and can make the machine feel less nimble. Unless the detector’s electronics are genuinely strong, the coil size can become a liability rather than an advantage.

If your priority is reliable finds rather than spec-sheet optimism, the Garrett wins. It has the more proven performance, especially for users who want a detector that behaves consistently rather than one that looks feature-rich on paper.

Build quality and design

Winner: Garrett ACE 300i

Garrett’s ACE series has built its reputation on sturdy, field-friendly construction. The ACE 300i is lightweight at around 1.27 kg, easy to swing for long sessions, and has an ergonomic layout that suits beginners and experienced detectorists alike. Garrett’s control housing, shaft system and coil ecosystem are all well understood, and replacement parts/accessories are easy to source.

The Hazlewolke’s design is more aggressive on paper, especially with the 13" Double-D coil and waterproof search head. That said, lower-cost detectors often trade long-term durability for headline features. The larger coil can also add nose weight, which matters after two or three hours in a field. If you detect regularly, especially in rough ground, the Garrett’s proven balance and lighter feel are worth paying for.

Battery life

Winner: Garrett ACE 300i

The ACE 300i uses 4 x AA batteries, which is practical in the UK because spares are easy to carry and replace. Real-world runtime is typically strong enough for a full day’s detecting depending on volume and settings, and the battery situation is simple: no proprietary pack, no waiting for a special charger, no hassle.

The Hazlewolke battery setup is less clearly established from the product title alone, which is a concern in itself. With budget detectors, battery claims can be vague and runtime can vary widely. For reliability and convenience, the Garrett’s AA system is the safer bet.

Price and value for money

Winner: Hazlewolke 13"

On price alone, the Hazlewolke is the value winner at £169.99 versus £275.99 for the Garrett, saving you £106.00. If you’re on a tight budget and simply want to get started, the Hazlewolke offers a lot of apparent hardware for the money: a large Double-D coil, waterproofing claims, Pinpoint mode, DISC mode and multiple metal categories.

But value is not just about the initial outlay. The Garrett costs more because you’re paying for brand confidence, better resale value, stronger support, and a machine that is far more likely to keep performing well over time. If you detect often, the extra £106 is easier to justify than buying cheap and upgrading later.

Game library / features

Winner: Hazlewolke 13"

Using the requested feature framing, the Hazlewolke wins on feature count. It advertises 8 metal types, Pinpoint, DISC mode, a 13" Double-D waterproof coil and suitability for mineralised soil, which gives it a broader-looking feature list than the Garrett ACE 300i. For a beginner who wants lots of modes and a larger search head straight away, that can be appealing.

However, more features do not always mean better detecting. The Garrett ACE 300i’s feature set is more focused: single-frequency operation at 8 kHz, solid discrimination, reliable target ID and a proven setup that does the basics very well. In practice, the Garrett’s fewer but better-executed features are more useful than a long list of modes that may not translate into better finds.

Overall user experience

Winner: Garrett ACE 300i

The ACE 300i is the better all-round user experience because it inspires confidence. It is easy to learn, light enough for long sessions, and backed by Garrett’s long-standing reputation in the hobby. For UK users detecting fields, pasture, parks and permission sites, that matters more than a bigger coil or a longer feature list.

The Hazlewolke is the more budget-friendly and feature-packed option, and for some users that will be enough. But if you want the safer buy, the detector that is more likely to be accurate, balanced and enjoyable over time, the Garrett is the one I’d trust. Overall summary: Hazlewolke wins on paper features and price; Garrett wins where it counts in the ground.

Final verdict: buy the Garrett ACE 300i if you want the better detector. Buy the Hazlewolke only if your budget is tight and you’re prioritising upfront cost over proven performance.