Vortex Series

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.
Transform a VX5 to a VX7 to a VX9
World’s first fully transformable detector series!
As your skills increase, transform your VX5 to a VX7 or VX9 with paid software upgrades.


Vortex VX5 with Single-tier MD-MF Target ID scale

VX5


The entry Vortex model is loaded with features and provides fast, fixed Recovery Speed on adjacent targets. Fully waterproof to 16 feet (5m). Single and Multi-Frequency options. Single-tier MD-MF Target ID scale. Three audio tones.

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Vortex VX7 with Two-tiered MD-MF Target ID display

VX7


MORE POWER THAN 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.


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Vortex VX9 control panel

VX9


MORE POWER THAN VX7

The Professional’s model. Full three-tiered MD-MF Target ID display (including two ferrous scales to help identify unwanted iron trash). Includes Multi-Salt and additional frequency choices. Additional Recovery Speed controls. FAST Mode for competition hunts and high-trash search areas. THIN COINS Mode for detecting fine, lower conductive coins such as hammered silver and thin gold coins.

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Garrett’s Multi-Dimensional Multi-Frequency (MD-MF) Technology provides deeper and more accurate target analysis and identification. Targets are detected and analyzed using simultaneous multiple frequencies as well as utilizing multiple dimensions of conductivity and ferrous (iron) content.

This advanced MD-MF analysis takes places within all three Vortex models. It is most visible on the VX-9 model, whose LCD includes a multi-axis Target ID with three distinct scales.




MD-MF Technology Explained
The world’s first fully upgradeable waterproof detector series! As your skills increase, you can opt to convert your VX-5 to a VX-7 or VX-9 model with software updates. Each Vortex model upgrade includes additional operating frequencies, more advanced features, and more power!


Thin Coins Mode (VX9)
Perfect setting made specifically for going after small thin coins - hammered silvers, tiny ancient gold coins, etc.




Faster recovery speed.

Enhanced Response on select Target ID range.

Target Response reduced for common ferrous items and high-tone targets.

Garrett Vortex Fully Waterproof to 16 feet (5m)
Vortex Basics



Click to Explore the Vortex
Find out more about key features and the technology behind the Vortex by clicking on the buttons below.
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FIRST FIND - Ancient gold coin discovered with the Vortex VX9











Vortex Series Comparison
Vortex VX5 Vortex VX7 Vortex VX9
Target ID Scale(s) One 0-99 Target ID Scale 2-tier Target ID Scales 3-tier Target ID Scales
Frequencies Two: Multi-Frequency (Multi) and 13 kHz Four: Multi, 5 kHz, 13 kHz, Multi Salt Seven: Multi, Multi-Salt, 5 kHz, 9 kHz, 13 kHz, 18 kHz, 25 kHz
Search Modes Included Four: Zero, Standard, US Coins, Custom Five: Zero, Standard, US Coins, Beach, Custom Seven: Zero, Standard, US Coins, Thin Coins, Custom, Beach, Fast
Notch Discrimination Yes Yes Yes
High-Resolution Iron Discrimination Yes Yes Yes
Variable Recovery Speed No Yes: 2 settings Yes: 3 settings
Submersible to 16 feet (5m) 16 feet (5m) 16 feet (5m)
Z-Lynk Wireless enabled No Yes Yes
Increased sensitivity/depth No Yes Yes
Number of ID Tones 3 5 5
Iron Volume No Yes Yes
Pinpoint Mode Yes Yes Yes
Iron Audio Yes Yes Yes
Multi-Dimensional Multi-Freq. Yes Yes Yes
Ground Balance Yes Yes Yes
Frequency Shift (EMI reduction) Yes Yes Yes
Volume control Yes Yes Yes
LCD Backlight Yes Yes Yes
Detector Length 24.75" to 56.75" 24.75" to 56.75" 24.75" to 56.75"
Weight 2.9 lbs. without coil cover; 3.05 lbs. with cover installed 2.9 lbs. without coil cover; 3.05 lbs. with cover installed 2.9 lbs. without coil cover; 3.05 lbs. with cover installed
Standard Coil Included 8.5" x 11" DD Raider 8.5" x 11" DD Raider 8.5" x 11" DD Raider
 
Updateable / Upgradeable Yes Yes Yes
Vortex Searchcoils
Vortex searchcoils have a unique waterproof connector and are not compatible with other Garrett detectors.
Garrett 5 inch by 8 inch DD Vortex Ripper Searchcoil
5" x 8" DD Vortex Ripper™ Searchcoil
PN: 2238500

COMING SOON
Garrett 6 inch by 11 inch DD Vortex VIPER Searchcoil
6" x 11" DD Vortex Viper™ Searchcoil
PN: 2238300

GARRETT DIRECT
Garrett 8.5 inch by 11 inch DD Vortex Raider Searchcoil
8.5" x 11" DD Vortex Raider™ Searchcoil
PN: 2238400

Included with Vortex Metal Detector
14 inch by 11 inch DD Vortex Reaper Searchcoil
14" x 11" DD Vortex Reaper™ Searchcoil
PN: 2238600

GARRETT DIRECT
Vortex Headphone Options
Garrett CS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones
PN: 1635510

GARRETT DIRECT
Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones
Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones
PN: 1627710

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

GARRETT DIRECT
Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones with 1/8 inch (3mm) jack and in-line volume control
Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones with 1/8" (3mm) jack and in-line volume control
PN: 1612750

GARRETT DIRECT
READY TO EMBRACE THE STORM?
Prepare for the ultimate treasure-hunting experience with the Vortex series. Whether you're searching for old coins, relics, or buried treasure, the Vortex offers unmatched versatility and performance.
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.