EMBRACE THE STORM
Vortex with 8.5" x 11" DD Raider searchcoil with coil cover, USB-C charging cable, and quick start guide. Comes ready for serious treasure hunting, whether on land or during underwater search sessions. |

World’s first fully transformable metal detector series!
As your skills increase, transform your VX5 to a VX7 or VX9 with paid software upgrades.
This upgradeable metal detector platform supports a growing range of advanced features to match your experience level and terrain. The Vortex series is an innovative and highly-performing underwater metal detector designed for all-terrain use, including scuba diving and shallow water detection. Its advanced technology ensures reliable performance in various conditions, such as saltwater beaches and underwater terrains. Enhance your metal-detecting experience with the ultimate waterproof metal detector for detecting precious metals, hidden coins, and other metal treasures.
As your skills increase, transform your VX5 to a VX7 or VX9 with paid software upgrades.
This upgradeable metal detector platform supports a growing range of advanced features to match your experience level and terrain. The Vortex series is an innovative and highly-performing underwater metal detector designed for all-terrain use, including scuba diving and shallow water detection. Its advanced technology ensures reliable performance in various conditions, such as saltwater beaches and underwater terrains. Enhance your metal-detecting experience with the ultimate waterproof metal detector for detecting precious metals, hidden coins, and other metal treasures.
VX7
MORE POWER THAN VX5
An advanced waterproof metal detector with more frequency and search modes than VX5, including the powerful Multi-Frequency Salt mode for wet sand and saltwater beach detection.
Two-tiered MD-MF Target ID display has separate ferrous and non-ferrous target scales for more precise identification of metal objects. Additional audio tones, adjustable Recovery Speed, and an ergonomic design make this high-performance unit ideal for finding hidden treasures in diverse environments.
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VX9
MORE POWER THAN VX7
The Professional's model includes full three-tiered MD-MF Target ID display with two ferrous scales to identify unwanted iron trash. Includes Multi-Salt mode, additional frequency choices, and additional Recovery Speed controls for optimal performance.
Features FAST Mode for competition hunts and THIN COINS Mode for fine, lower conductive coins (hammered silver and thin gold coins).
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MD-MF Technology


Garrett's Multi-Dimensional Multi-Frequency (MD-MF) Technology provides deeper and more accurate target analysis and identification. This advanced technology detects and analyzes targets using simultaneous multiple frequencies, as well as multiple dimensions of conductivity and ferrous (iron) content.
The MD-MF Technology is integrated into all three Vortex models, with the most advanced analysis on the VX9's multi-axis Target ID display. Ideal for metal detecting in various environments, this technology offers precise identification and improved detection depth.
The MD-MF Technology is integrated into all three Vortex models, with the most advanced analysis on the VX9's multi-axis Target ID display. Ideal for metal detecting in various environments, this technology offers precise identification and improved detection depth.
Thin Coins Mode (VX9)
Perfect setting made specifically for going after small, thin coins -- hammered silvers, tiny ancient gold coins, etc. -- ensuring precise identification of metal targets.

Vortex VX9 shown with full three-tiered MD-MF Target ID display
- Faster recovery speed on adjacent targets.
- Enhanced response on select Target ID range.
- Reduced target response for common ferrous items and high-tone targets.
- Ideal for use in underwater search patterns or shallow water detecting

Vortex VX9 shown with full three-tiered MD-MF Target ID display

Vortex Series Comparison
Vortex VX5 | Vortex VX7 | Vortex VX9 | |
---|---|---|---|
MD-MF Target ID Scale |
One Target ID Scale (0-99) |
2-tier Target ID Scales | 3-tier Target ID Scales |
Frequencies | 13 khz, Multi-Freq. | 5, 13 kHz, Multi-Freq., Multi Salt |
5, 9, 13, 18, 25 kHz, Multi-Freq., Multi-Salt |
Search Modes | Zero, Standard, USA Coins, Custom |
Zero, Standard, USA Coins, Beach, Custom |
Zero, Standard, USA Coins, Thin Coins, Beach, Custom, Fast |
Bottlecap Reject (MF function) | Fixed | Yes | Yes |
Iron Boundary (MF function) | Fixed | Fixed | Yes |
Notch Discrimination | Yes | Yes | Yes |
High-Resolution Iron Discrimination | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Sensitivity settings | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Variable Recovery Speed | Fixed | Yes: 2 settings | Yes: 3 settings |
Z-Lynk Wireless | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Channel (EMI Reduction) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Increased sensitivity/depth | N/A | Yes | Yes |
Auto Ground Balance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Number of Tones | 3 | 3, 5 | 3, 5 |
Volume Control | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Iron Audio™ | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Iron Volume | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Button Lock (Dive Mode) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Pinpoint | Yes | Yes | Yes |
LCD Backlight | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Battery Condition Indicator | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Length (Adjustable) | 24.75" to 56.75" (62.86 cm - 144.14 cm) |
24.75" to 56.75" (62.86 cm - 144.14 cm) |
24.75" to 56.75" (62.86 cm - 144.14 cm) |
Total Weight (with 8.5" x 11" coil) | 3 lbs (1.38 kgs) | 3 lbs (1.38 kgs) | 3 lbs (1.38 kgs) |
Fully Waterproof to | 16 ft (5m) | 16 ft (5m) | 16 ft (5m) |
Warranty | 3 Years, Limited Parts/Labor |
3 Years, Limited Parts/Labor |
3 Years, Limited Parts/Labor |
Updateable / Upgradeable | Yes | Yes | Yes |

Vortex Searchcoils
Vortex waterproof search coils have a unique connector that is not compatible with other Garrett detectors.

5" x 8" DD Vortex Ripper™ Searchcoil
PN: 2238500
COMING SOON
PN: 2238500
COMING SOON

8.5" x 11" DD Vortex Raider™ Searchcoil
PN: 2238400
Included with Vortex Metal Detector
PN: 2238400
Included with Vortex Metal Detector
Vortex Headphone Options

Garrett Vortex Submersible Headphones with 1/8" (3mm) jack
PN: 2202150
GARRETT DIRECT
PN: 2202150
GARRETT DIRECT

Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones with 1/8" (3mm) jack and in-line volume control
PN: 1612750
GARRETT DIRECT
PN: 1612750
GARRETT DIRECT
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the depth rating of the Garrett Vortex metal detectors?
All Vortex models, including the VX5, VX7, and VX9, are fully waterproof with a depth rating of up to 16 feet (5 meters), making them ideal for shallow water detecting and underwater use, including scuba diving.
Can I use the Vortex underwater metal detector in saltwater? Yes. The Vortex series is designed for all terrains, including saltwater beaches. The VX7 and VX9 models include Multi-Frequency Salt modes to minimize interference and maximize target accuracy during underwater search sessions in saltwater environments.
What’s the difference between a waterproof detector and an underwater metal detector? A waterproof detector can handle splashes or rain, but an underwater metal detector like the Vortex is engineered for full submersion. With its rugged waterproof design and sealed searchcoil, Vortex is built for consistent underwater performance.
Do I need waterproof headphones for underwater detecting? Yes. For underwater metal detecting, waterproof headphones are highly recommended to maintain audio clarity and prevent damage. Garrett offers waterproof headphone options compatible with the Vortex series.
Can I use the Vortex underwater metal detector in saltwater? Yes. The Vortex series is designed for all terrains, including saltwater beaches. The VX7 and VX9 models include Multi-Frequency Salt modes to minimize interference and maximize target accuracy during underwater search sessions in saltwater environments.
What’s the difference between a waterproof detector and an underwater metal detector? A waterproof detector can handle splashes or rain, but an underwater metal detector like the Vortex is engineered for full submersion. With its rugged waterproof design and sealed searchcoil, Vortex is built for consistent underwater performance.
Do I need waterproof headphones for underwater detecting? Yes. For underwater metal detecting, waterproof headphones are highly recommended to maintain audio clarity and prevent damage. Garrett offers waterproof headphone options compatible with the Vortex series.
Accessories
Standard and optional searchcoils for Garrett’s Vortex detector series, and protective searchcoil covers.