Garrett Vortex Metal Detector – VX5, VX7 & VX9
Garrett Vortex Metal Detector – VX5, VX7 & VX9
VX5 for parks and freshwater, VX7 for wet salt sand, and VX9 for the most control in iron and trash. All three include the 8.5 × 11-inch Raider DD coil and are waterproof to 16 feet.
Free shipping in the lower 48 · No sales tax outside Oklahoma · Free lifetime support. Call or text Bart at 405-206-9010 for help choosing a model.
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Which Garrett Vortex Should You Buy?
Choose the VX5 for everyday coin and jewelry hunting, the VX7 if you regularly hunt wet salt sand, or the VX9 if you want finer control at iron-heavy relic sites and trashy parks. All three Garrett Vortex models offer simultaneous multi-frequency detection, a collapsible shaft and a waterproof design rated to 16 feet.
Every Vortex from Big Boys Hobbies ships free, with no sales tax outside Oklahoma and lifetime support directly from Bart.
| Feature | VX5 | VX7 | VX9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Parks, yards and freshwater | Wet salt sand and mixed terrain | Iron-heavy sites, trashy parks and beaches |
| Part number | 1142860 | 1142960 | 1143060 |
| Frequency options | 13 kHz, Multi | 5 and 13 kHz, Multi, Multi-Salt | 5, 9, 13, 18 and 25 kHz, Multi, Multi-Salt |
| Target ID display | Single 0–99 scale | Two scales | Three scales |
| Recovery speed | Fixed | Two settings | Three settings |
| Search modes | 4 | 5, including Beach | 7, including Beach, Fast and Thin Coins |
| Built-in Z-Lynk | Yes | Yes | Yes |
VX5 for Parks, Yards and Freshwater
Start here if you mostly hunt coins and jewelry on land or along freshwater shorelines. The VX5 gives you a straightforward Target ID display and four search modes, including U.S. Coins and Custom. Its fixed recovery speed keeps setup simple.
VX7 for Wet Sand and Saltwater
Beach Mode and Multi-Salt make the VX7 the first Vortex model with dedicated settings for wet ocean sand and shallow saltwater. On land, its two recovery-speed settings give you more flexibility when good targets are close to trash. In Multi-Frequency, the display shows separate ferrous and nonferrous scales.
VX9 for Relic Sites and Trashy Ground
Choose the VX9 if you want three recovery-speed settings and more detail on mixed targets. In Multi-Frequency, its display adds a second ferrous scale. Fast Mode is useful around closely spaced targets, and Thin Coins Mode is designed for small, low-conductive coins. The VX9 also includes the VX7’s Beach Mode and Multi-Salt operation.
What Comes with the Garrett Vortex?
- Garrett Vortex detector in your selected model
- 8.5 × 11-inch Raider DD search coil and coil cover
- USB charging cable, arm cuff strap and quick-start guide
The detector weighs about 3 pounds with the stock coil. All three models have a built-in rechargeable battery and carry Garrett’s three-year limited parts and labor warranty. Compatible Z-Lynk headphones and Vortex submersible wired headphones are sold separately.
Garrett Vortex Specifications (All Models)
| Technology | Simultaneous multi-frequency plus selectable single frequencies (varies by model) |
|---|---|
| Search coil | 8.5 × 11-inch Raider DD with coil cover |
| Waterproof | Submersible to 16 ft (5 m), control box included |
| Wireless audio | Built-in Z-Lynk; Z-Lynk headphones sold separately |
| Underwater audio | Wired headphones via 1/8-inch jack |
| Battery | Built-in lithium-ion, about 15 hours typical; USB-C charging |
| Weight | About 3 lb (1.38 kg) with stock coil |
| Length | Collapsible, about 24.75–56.75 in (63–144 cm) |
| Warranty | 3-year limited Garrett parts and labor |
Vortex Setup, Firmware and Upgrades
Garrett’s Vortex Owner Center has the quick-start guide, full manual, setup videos and free firmware updates. Garrett also offers paid feature upgrades from VX5 to VX7 or VX9, and from VX7 to VX9.
Comparing Multi-Frequency Detectors?
If you’re shopping waterproof multi-frequency detectors in this price range, compare the Vortex with these:
- Minelab Equinox 900: Multi-IQ multi-frequency, waterproof, and a favorite for beaches, parks and relic sites.
- Minelab X-TERRA ELITE: Multi-IQ simultaneous multi-frequency, waterproof to 16 feet, in a lightweight package.
- Nokta Legend 2: simultaneous multi-frequency with a dedicated Relic mode, two coils and Bluetooth headphones included.
- Nokta Triple Score Pro Pack: multi-frequency with Relic mode, two coils and wireless headphones in the box.
- XP Deus II: lightweight, fully wireless multi-frequency detector for serious coin, relic and beach hunters.
Not sure which fits your hunting? Tell Bart where you hunt and he’ll point you to the right machine.
Garrett Vortex Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Garrett Vortex good for saltwater beaches?
The VX7 and VX9 are. Both add Beach Mode and Multi-Salt for wet ocean sand and shallow saltwater. The VX5 is better suited to land and freshwater.
Can I upgrade a VX5 or VX7 later?
Yes. Garrett offers paid feature upgrades from VX5 to VX7 or VX9, and from VX7 to VX9, through the Vortex Owner Center.
What headphones work with the Vortex?
On land, the built-in Z-Lynk works with Garrett Z-Lynk wireless headphones such as the MS-3. Wireless audio doesn’t carry through water, so use wired submersible headphones on the 1/8-inch jack when the detector goes underwater.
How long does the battery last?
About 15 hours on a typical charge, depending on settings. The built-in lithium-ion battery charges by USB-C.
Do you offer a military discount on Garrett detectors?
Yes. See our Garrett military discount page for eligibility and how to order.
Can I make payments on the Vortex?
Yes. Shop Pay Installments is available at checkout, so you can split any Vortex model into payments.
What is your return policy?
Unused items can be returned within 30 days of delivery, including items bought on sale. Contact Bart first to start a return. See our full return policy.
From the Big Boys Hobbies Field Notes
See Bart Davis’s cannonball find on an Oklahoma relic hunt with Garrett’s Steve Moore. Bart made the find with a Garrett AT Pro.
Need help choosing a model? Call or text Bart at 405-206-9010 or email bart@bigboyshobbies.net.
✅ Free Shipping | ✅ No Sales Tax Outside Oklahoma | ✅ 30-Day Returns | ✅ Shop Pay Installments | ✅ Free Lifetime Support