XP Deus II Metal Detector Review UK

I’ve taken the wireless XP Deus II to challenging UK sites to see if it justifies the premium price. It boasts incredible depth on small silver and a rugged, waterproof build that handles our weather perfectly. Yet, the dense menus and monochrome screen create a steep learning curve.

It’s undeniably powerful, but there is a specific operational nuance that might force you to look elsewhere.

XP Deus II Unboxing & Initial Setup: 8/10

While the packaging feels less like a single product and more like a high-tech component kit, I found the physical assembly brilliant. The S-Telescopic stem snaps together instantly without complex tools, so you aren't fighting with screws. However, the initial electronic configuration proves much trickier.

You must charge three separate components—the coil, remote, and headphones—using a quirky proprietary splitter cable. Forgetting just one item effectively ruins a planned outing.

The digital setup also creates unexpected hurdles. I had to update the firmware straight out of the box to ensure these modular parts communicated correctly. This process can quickly frustrate anyone who isn't particularly tech-savvy.

Additionally, the included documentation is incredibly dense. It reads like a technical textbook rather than a helpful quick-start guide, making the learning process feel steeper than necessary. You’ll certainly need some patience and time set aside before you start your first hunt.

XP Deus II Design, Build Quality & Ergonomics: 10/10

Because the entire setup weighs roughly 800g depending on the configuration, it behaves differently than heavier competitors like the Minelab Manticore. I can swing this machine all day without suffering from dreaded detecting elbow. The physical brilliance lies in how the S-Telescopic stem collapses down almost instantly.

It’s arguably the most travel-friendly professional detector available, fitting effortlessly inside a standard hiking rucksack.

The entirely wireless design is a massive practical advantage. I don't snag cables on low branches, and setting the unit down to dig clean plugs feels liberating without a physical tether connecting the coil to the control box. Despite the shockingly featherlight feel, the build quality remains surprisingly rugged. The molded, rubberized remote withstands accidental drops and mud exceptionally well.

Although it’s waterproof to 20m, full submersion requires a clip-on antenna wire, which disrupts the clean wireless aesthetic. Nevertheless, if physical comfort is your priority, nothing else quite strikes this balance.

XP Deus II Key Features & Technology: 10/10

Even with such a lightweight build, XP didn't sacrifice performance, centering the technology around their Fast Multi Frequency (FMF) engine.

This core capability allows you to target high-conductive silver and tiny gold simultaneously without changing modes. I’m particularly impressed by the audio customization options. You aren't stuck with one output; you can toggle between the sharp, classic 'PWM' tones or the smoother 'Square' waves to suit your specific hearing preference.

Visually, the XY display is a standout feature. It generates an instant oscilloscope-style graph for every signal, providing a distinct shape that helps you distinguish good coins from confusing trash. Furthermore, XP’s proprietary radio link ensures zero latency between the coil, remote, and headphones, marking a drastic improvement over standard Bluetooth lag.

Finally, the adjustable bottle cap rejection technology allows for precise, clean filtering of annoying steel caps. It’s a sophisticated, cohesive suite of technology that feels truly next-generation.

XP Deus II In‑the‑Field Performance Review: 9/10

Consistently, this unit proves itself as arguably the best machine in the world for "unmasking" non-ferrous targets hiding next to iron nails at ancient Roman or Civil War sites. I’ve found the detection depth consistently top-tier, rivaling the market's deepest detectors, hitting hard on small, low-conductive items like hammered silver coins. Unlike its predecessor, the Deus II remains whisper-quiet on wet salt sand, finally closing the long-standing performance gap between XP and Minelab. However, it isn't perfect. While the frequency scan works, I've noticed it gets chatty near high-voltage power lines compared to lower-sensitivity units. You'll also find that at extreme depths, the visual Target ID numbers often drop out completely. This forces you to rely purely on the audio nuances to decide whether to dig. Despite these minor quirks, the raw performance proves you're swinging a powerhouse that handles almost any difficult terrain you throw at it.

XP Deus II User Experience & Learning Curve: 7/10

Although the audio feedback conveys immense information, beginners often describe the "Deus language" as a cacophony of noise until their brain truly learns to filter it. You won't master this machine immediately. Unlike simpler detectors with intuitive interfaces, the Deus II demands frustrating menu diving.

Changing settings requires multiple button presses through dense sub-menus. With 12 factory programs and deep expert tweaks like Reactivity or Audio Response, it’s dangerously easy to "mess up" your configuration if you don't understand the tech.

Furthermore, the visual experience lags behind the audio. The remote screen is small and monochrome, which I find harder to read than the large color LCDs on modern competitors. However, the versatility remains unmatched. Once you conquer the steep learning curve, you can switch from a deep relic sniffer to a sensitive gold nugget hunter in seconds. It is a professional tool that simply requires your patience.

XP Deus II Value For Money: 8/10

Since the XP Deus II commands one of the highest entry prices on the hobbyist market, you’re paying nearly double what a typical mid-range machine costs. However, I consider this a solid investment because you’re effectively purchasing three specialist high-performance detectors in one.

It handles gold prospecting, saltwater beaches, and inland relics perfectly, saving you from buying separate specialized units. That versatility softens the initial financial blow significantly. Be aware that expanding this ecosystem hurts your wallet; proprietary extra coils and wireless headphones are undeniably pricey compared to universal alternatives.

Yet, XP’s history of providing years of software updates adds tremendous longevity, ensuring your tech doesn't become obsolete quickly. Furthermore, if you ever decide to sell, the resale value is exceptional. A used unit is liquid currency in our community. While the upfront expense is steep, the long-term utility completely justifies the premium price for any dedicated detectorist.