OWNER CENTER
Get more from your Vortex.
Find software updates, performance upgrades, compatible search coils, audio options, manuals, and owner support in one place.
- Official Garrett resources
- Model-specific recommendations
- Updates, upgrades, and support
Select your model
We will highlight the resources that apply to your detector.
KEEP IT CURRENT
Updates and performance upgrades
CHECK YOUR VERSION
Is your Vortex running the latest firmware?
Your detector displays its installed firmware version each time it starts. Checking it takes only a few seconds.
- Power on your Vortex detector.
- Watch the startup screen. Your model, VX5, VX7, or VX9, will appear prominently, and the installed firmware version will appear in the lower-left corner.
- Make a note of the version number.
- Compare that number with the latest firmware version shown for your model in the cards below.
- If the version on your detector is lower, a free firmware update is available.
Software updates
Check the firmware version currently shown on your detector. If it does not match version 5.06, use the link below to download and install the latest release.
Garrett firmware updates are free and may add new functionality, refine detector performance, improve stability, and resolve issues identified in earlier releases.
- Verify the version installed on your detector
- Download the current Windows or Mac installer
- Follow the official step-by-step instructions
Upgrade VX5 to VX7
Move your VX5 up the Vortex line with additional detection and target-analysis capabilities.
- Digital upgrade path
- No detector trade-in
- Official Garrett activation
Upgrade VX5 to VX9
Unlock the professional-level Vortex feature set without replacing the detector you already own.
- Full VX9 feature path
- Official firmware activation
- Keep your existing hardware
Software updates
Check the firmware version currently shown on your detector. If it does not match version 7.06, use the link below to download and install the latest release.
Garrett firmware updates are free and may add new functionality, refine detector performance, improve stability, and resolve issues identified in earlier releases.
- Verify the version installed on your detector
- Download the current Windows or Mac installer
- Follow the official step-by-step instructions
Upgrade VX7 to VX9
Unlock the full VX9 feature set on the VX7 you already own, including deeper detection, additional recovery-speed controls, Thin Coins Mode, Fast Mode, Beach Mode, and expanded target analysis.
- Digital VX9 feature upgrade
- No detector trade-in required
- Official Garrett activation
Software updates
Check the firmware version currently shown on your detector. If it does not match version 9.13, use the link below to download and install the latest release.
Garrett firmware updates are free and may add new functionality, refine detector performance, improve stability, and resolve issues identified in earlier releases.
- Verify the version installed on your detector
- Download the current Windows or Mac installer
- Follow the official step-by-step instructions
COMPLETE YOUR SETUP
Vortex accessories
Add the audio, recovery tools, pinpointers, field gear, and storage that turn your Vortex into a complete detecting system.
HEAR EVERY TARGET
Choose the way you want to listen.
Go wireless for freedom in the field or choose submersible audio for underwater detecting.
Full-ear comfort
Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones
Premium sound quality with wireless freedom and comfortable full-ear cushions.
Built for submerged hunts
Garrett Vortex Submersible Headphones – ⅛-inch jack
Robust underwater headphones designed specifically for Vortex detectors with a ⅛-inch jack.
Long battery life
Garrett CS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones
Lightweight wireless freedom, high-fidelity audio, and long battery life.
RECOVER IT CLEANLY
The right tool finishes the hunt.
Build a recovery setup for parks, fields, beaches, forests, and everyday detecting.
Essential recovery gear
Garrett Diggers Kit
A practical collection of essential Garrett recovery accessories for the hunt.
From target to safe storage
Garrett Deluxe Utility Kit
Pinpoint, recover, clean, and safely store targets while you are in the field.
Built for demanding ground
Garrett Razor Relic Shovel
A heavy-duty relic shovel built for fields, forests, farms, and demanding ground.
Compact and durable
Garrett Edge Digger
A durable, compact digging tool for precise everyday target recovery.
Fast sand separation
Garrett Metal Sand Scoop
Recover targets quickly from sandy beaches and shallow water.
ZERO IN ON THE TARGET
Spend less time digging and more time finding.
Pinpoint the exact target location after your Vortex gets you into the recovery zone.
Fast, precise recovery
Garrett PRO-Pointer AT
The world’s best-selling pinpointer, submersible to 20 feet with fast retune, LED light, three sensitivity levels, and belt holster.
Audio routed to headphones
Garrett PRO-Pointer AT Z-Lynk Wireless
Hear detector and pinpointer alerts through your Z-Lynk headphones. Submersible to 20 feet.
GEAR UP
Comfort and protection for the next hunt.
Add practical Garrett gear that makes long days outside cleaner, safer, and more comfortable.
Protect your hands
Garrett Detecting Gloves – Medium
Protect your hands from rough soil, roots, rocks, and sharp debris while recovering targets.
Protect your hands
Garrett Detecting Gloves – Large
Protect your hands from rough soil, roots, rocks, and sharp debris while recovering targets.
Breathable mesh back
Garrett EST ’64 Cap
A lightweight Garrett cap with a breathable mesh back for warm days in the field.
CARRY THE HUNT
Keep your detector, tools, and finds organized.
From tiny essentials to a complete detector, give every piece of gear a proper place.
Keep essentials together
Garrett Logo Case with Zipper
A compact Garrett-branded case for test targets, charging cables, small tools, and detecting essentials.
Protect fragile finds
Garrett “Keepers” Finds Box
Protect your best finds from scratches and damage while you are still in the field.
Carry tools and recovered targets
Garrett All Terrain Dig Pouch
A versatile treasure pouch for both land and water hunting.
Fits any Garrett detector
Garrett All-Purpose Carry Bag
A budget-friendly carry bag sized to transport any Garrett detector.
BUILD THE RIGHT SETUP
Choose your Vortex searchcoil
Compare the three add-on Vortex searchcoils, choose the one that matches your hunting conditions, and add it to your cart without leaving the Owner Center. Every Vortex already includes the 8.5″ x 11″ Raider™ as its all-purpose stock coil.
BEST FOR: TIGHT SPACES, TRASH, AND IRON
5″ x 8″ DD Vortex Ripper™
The most maneuverable Vortex coil. Its concentrated detection field excels around roots, rocks, iron, playground equipment, and other crowded targets.
- Strong choice for fine jewelry and small targets
- Easy to work close to larger metal objects
- Light, compact feel for long hunts
Why choose the Ripper?
Choose this coil when control and separation matter more than covering a large field quickly. It is the precision tool of the Vortex lineup.
BEST FOR: TARGET SEPARATION WITH MORE REACH
6″ x 11″ DD Vortex Viper
A narrow DD format that keeps excellent maneuverability and target separation while adding useful ground coverage and detection depth.
- Strong choice for parks, camps, and mixed terrain
- Narrow profile works between obstacles
- Lightweight design with added sweep coverage
Why choose the Viper?
Choose the Viper when the Ripper feels too small but you still want excellent separation and easier handling than a broad open-field coil.
BEST FOR: DEEP TARGETS AND LARGE OPEN AREAS
14″ x 11″ DD Vortex Reaper
The largest Vortex searchcoil is built to reach deeper and cover more terrain with every sweep in fields, beaches, and other open hunting areas.
- Approximately 25% more coverage than the stock coil
- Designed for improved depth on larger targets
- Excellent for covering fields and beaches efficiently
Why choose the Reaper?
Choose the Reaper when depth and acres covered matter more than working between tight obstacles or dense trash.
QUICK COMPARISON
Your Vortex. Three ways to specialize.
Your stock Raider remains the all-purpose option. Add one of these three coils when a specific type of site deserves a more specialized tool.
| Searchcoil | Best use | Separation | Coverage | Depth focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5″ x 8″ Ripper | Iron, trash, and tight sites | Excellent | Focused | Small and precise targets |
| 6″ x 11″ Viper | Mixed terrain and obstacles | Excellent | Medium | Separation with extra reach |
| 14″ x 11″ Reaper | Fields, beaches, and open ground | Good | Maximum | Deep and larger targets |
KNOW YOUR MACHINE
Guides, manuals, and owner support
Start quickly, keep the complete reference manual nearby, and reach the right Garrett support resource when a question comes up.
START HERE
QUICK START GUIDE
Get your Vortex ready for the first hunt
A fast setup reference for assembly, controls, initial settings, and the essential steps needed to begin detecting.
FULL REFERENCE
OWNER’S MANUAL
Explore every Vortex setting and feature
The complete operating reference for menus, search modes, adjustments, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting.
VORTEX OWNERS
Love your Vortex? Put it on the record.
A quick, honest review helps another detectorist choose the right Vortex and gives Garrett useful feedback from real hunts.
- Your review is attached to the correct Vortex model
- Share your experience, favorite finds, photos, or video
- Help the next hunter make a more confident choice
Which Vortex do you own?
Select your detector to open the correct review form.Garrett Vortex
Tell the community what you like, how you use your detector, and what you have found with it.
QUICK ANSWERS
Vortex owner FAQs
A compact launch set. These can be expanded as support identifies the questions owners ask most often.
View all Garrett FAQsOpen Garrett’s Updates and Upgrades Support page, select the appropriate Vortex resource, and follow the installer and on-screen instructions.
Yes. Garrett offers digital upgrade paths from VX5 to VX7 and from VX5 to VX9. Use the official upgrade pages for current details and activation instructions.
Use the VX5, VX7, and VX9 selector near the top of the page. Resources that do not apply to the selected model will be hidden.
The Manuals, Videos, and Owner Support section links directly to Garrett’s user manuals, how-to library, troubleshooting, and complete Sport Support Center.
EXPLORE THE VORTEX LINE
Need another detector or comparing models?
Return to the Vortex Series page or jump directly to a model.