XP Orx Metal Detector Review UK

I've spent years testing gear across the UK’s diverse landscapes, and the XP Orx recently caught my attention for its specialized gold-prospecting DNA. It promises top-tier performance in a surprisingly featherweight package, but I found that its professional-grade features come with specific trade-offs. While it excels at sniffing out tiny hammered coins, there's a particular challenge you'll face before you can truly master this machine’s hidden potential.

XP ORX Unboxing & Initial Setup: 8/10

Opening the box reveals a streamlined kit: the remote control, your choice of a 9" HF or 11" X35 coil, a telescopic S-stem, FX-02 wired headphones, and the necessary USB cables. I noticed the assembly happens quickly because the one-piece stem snaps together without the usual struggle. I simply attached the coil, slid the remote onto the mount, and felt ready to hunt.

Charging is straightforward; I plugged the USB into my PC, and the system reached a full twenty-hour battery life in no time. While the factory programs for gold and coins load instantly, I spent a few minutes with the manual to grasp manual ground balance and frequency shifting. It’s not quite plug-and-play if you want peak performance, but the interface is logical. I’m slightly disappointed that wireless headphones aren’t standard, yet the wired FX-02 set gets you started immediately without any extra investment.

XP ORX Design, Build Quality & Ergonomics: 9/10

Featherweight portability is the standout feature here, as the ORX tips the scales at an incredible 1.7 to 1.9 pounds. I'm genuinely impressed by the patented telescopic S-stem, which collapses in seconds. This design makes it a breeze to transport in a backpack or hunt in cramped woodland. Since the coil and remote communicate wirelessly, I don't have to worry about snagging external cables on low-hanging branches.

The build quality feels rugged enough for harsh environments. XP manufactures these in France, and they've backed the construction with a confidence-boosting five-year warranty. The remote is detachable, letting me hip-mount it to reduce arm fatigue even further during marathon sessions. While the plastic components feel premium rather than indestructible, they handle real-world abuse without rattles or flexing. Ultimately, the ergonomics are world-class, allowing me to swing all day without the typical shoulder strain associated with heavier rigs.

XP ORX Key Features & Technology: 9/10

While the ORX's physical build is impressive, the internal tech is what truly separates it from the pack. I'm struck by its versatility, offering 21 high-frequency options up to 81 kHz with HF coils, or 35 frequencies via X35 coils. This range ensures I can sniff out tiny gold nuggets or hunt deep relics with ease. The brain of the machine features four factory programs—two for gold and two for coins—plus two customizable slots for my personal tweaks.

I particularly value the lightning-fast target response and four reactivity settings, which help me cherry-pick keepers from iron-heavy trash. The technology includes advanced ground tracking, an iron probability meter, and seamless wireless integration with the MI-6 pinpointer. While I've noticed the gold modes operate in a wide-open, single-tone audio that lacks advanced iron volume control, the sheer depth and sensitivity provided by these patented high-frequency circuits are undeniable.

XP ORX In-the-Field Performance Review: 8/10

One standout trait of the XP ORX is how it handles the chaos of mineralized, trashy ground without breaking a sweat. When I'm out in the field, its high-frequency capabilities and lightning-fast reactivity let me pluck non-ferrous targets from iron-heavy sites with surgical precision. I’ve found that the X35 coil provides impressive depth on buried coins, while the HF coils are unbeatable for sniffing out tiny gold particles that other machines miss.

The gold programs are exceptionally sensitive, though they're chatty since they hit everything audible. I rely on the Iron Amplitude Rejection to manage hot rocks, which keeps the noise manageable. While the coin modes offer helpful three-tone audio, the gold modes remain all-metal, requiring a sharp ear. Ground balancing is generally reliable, but I occasionally tweak it manually in extreme soil. It’s a powerhouse for relics, delivering solid hits that make the 8/10 performance rating well-deserved.

XP ORX User Experience & Learning Curve: 7/10

Although the XP ORX is incredibly light and easy to swing, mastering its interface requires more than just a passing glance at the manual. I've found that while the basics are intuitive, the steep learning curve stems from the machine’s reliance on audio feedback. You won't find a constant visual Target ID on the detection screen, so you'll need to train your ears to distinguish subtle signals. Navigating the four reactivity levels and Iron Amplitude Rejection (IAR) settings takes real-world practice to prevent junk chatter from overwhelming your hunt.

I dislike that I can’t name my two custom programs; remembering whether "User 1" is my deep silver or trashy park setting is a needless mental chore. Beginners might struggle with the single-tone gold modes that hit everything in the ground. However, once I embraced the expert-level adjustments, the wireless ecosystem felt seamless and powerful.

XP ORX Value For Money: 8/10

The XP ORX justifies its premium price tag by packing high-end wireless technology and specialized gold-hunting frequencies into a frame that's lighter than almost anything else on the market. I've found that you're not just paying for a brand name; you're investing in a sophisticated ecosystem. With its 5-year warranty and rechargeable 20-hour battery life, it offers longevity that budget models can’t match. While it lacks standard wireless headphones—forcing you to rely on the included wired FX-02 set or spend more for the WSAudio—the core performance remains elite. The ability to swap between X35 and HF coils gives me two detectors in one. If you’re a serious relic hunter or searching for tiny gold nuggets in mineralized soil, the ROI is clear. It’s an expandable, professional-grade tool that holds its resale value well, making it a smart purchase for committed hobbyists seeking extreme performance.