VortexMulti-frequency
Vortex VX5
13 kHzFrequency
16 ftDetector
3 lbWeight
View on Amazon Vortex VX5 (opens in a new tab)Affiliate link
Garrett · Multi-frequency detector
Garrett Vortex VX9
The Vortex VX9 runs multi-frequency or one of 5, 9, 13, 18 and 25 kHz, on what Garrett calls its MD-MF platform. The whole detector is waterproof to 16 ft (5 m).
5-25 kHz5 frequencies
16 ftWaterproof
2.9-3 lbTwo published weights
| Technology | Simultaneous multi-frequencyGarrett calls it MD-MF |
|---|---|
| Frequencies | 5, 9, 13, 18 and 25 kHz5, 9, 13, 18, 25 kHz, Multi-Freq., Multi-Salt |
| Waterproofing | detector submersible to 16 ft (5 m) |
| Weight | 3 lb (1.38 kg) in the comparison table2.9 lb in the page textGarrett publishes both. |
| Coil | 11-inch DD |
| Battery | Not published |
| Battery life | Not published |
| Search modes | Zero, Standard, USA Coins, Thin Coins, Beach, Custom, Fast |
| Sensitivity | 8 levels |
| Target ID | 3-tier MD-MF Target ID |
| Display | Backlit LCD |
| Headphones | Z-Lynk wireless built in; no headphones in the box |
| Warranty | 3 years, limited parts and labor |
| Status | In the current range |
Source: Garrett, Vortex VX9 product page (opens in a new tab), read Oct. 16, 2026.
- Not publishedBattery: Not stated (USB cable in the box).
- Not publishedBattery life: Not on the product page.
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How it differs from its neighbors
The Vortex VX5 shares the 16 ft rating and the 11-inch DD coil, with fewer settings. Its frequencies read 13 kHz, Multi-Freq. Its modes are Zero, Standard, USA Coins and Custom, with one target ID scale, 0 to 99.
Both have Z-Lynk wireless built in, with no headphones in the box, and 8 levels of sensitivity. Neither product page states a battery type nor a battery life; each lists a USB cable in the box.
Minelab's Equinox 900 has the same 16 ft (5 m) rating. It offers Multi-IQ plus six single frequencies from 4 to 40 kHz and weighs 2.8 lb.
| Spec | DetectorVortex VX9 | DetectorVortex VX5 |
|---|---|---|
| Frequencies | 5-25 kHz5, 9, 13, 18, 25 kHz | 13 kHzMulti, or this single frequency |
| Waterproofing | 16 ftDetector, 5 m | 16 ftDetector, 5 m |
| Weight | 3 lb (1.38 kg) in the comparison table2.9 lb in the page textGarrett publishes both. | 3 lb1.38 kg |
| Battery | Not published | Not published |
| Target ID | 3-tier MD-MF Target ID | One target ID scale, 0 to 99 |
| Display | Backlit LCD | Backlit LCD |
View on Amazon Vortex VX9 (opens in a new tab)Affiliate link | View on Amazon Vortex VX5 (opens in a new tab)Affiliate link |
Facts from Garrett's page for each model, read Oct. 16, 2026.
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Models to compare
Three facts per model on one scale; open a card for its full spec sheet.
EquinoxMulti-frequency
Equinox 900
4-40 kHzFrequency
16 ftDetector, IP68
2.8 lbWeight
View on Amazon Equinox 900 (opens in a new tab)Affiliate link
ACEMulti-frequency
ACE Apex
5-20 kHzFrequency
CoilWaterproof part
Not publishedWeight
View on Amazon ACE Apex (opens in a new tab)Affiliate link
04
Questions about the Vortex VX9
Answered from Garrett's product page, read Oct. 16, 2026.
Yes. Garrett rates the detector waterproof to 16 ft (5 m).
Frequencies, modes and ID. The VX9 adds 5, 9, 18 and 25 kHz and a Multi-Salt option to the 13 kHz of the VX5. It also adds Thin Coins, Beach and Fast modes and a 3-tier MD-MF Target ID.
Garrett gives 3 lb (1.38 kg) in its comparison table, measured with the 8.5 x 11-inch coil, and 2.9 lb in the page text.
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