The XP Deus has been a well-known detector in the field, and if you can remember its older V2 and V3 software versions, you’ll know why it was loved and bought by all.
XP continues to release updated software versions upgradable for free on their website. But, most distributors are carrying the latest versions anyway.
This Deus package is the most expensive of the three packages available. It includes an LCD remote control, WS5 headphones, and an 11” X35 coil with a pole.
The differences between the packages is the type of headphone included and your choice of searchcoil (9” or 11”). With the specific package outlined here, let’s get into the meat of the Deus!
At a Glance…
✔️ Best Feature: Selectable-Frequency
❌ Worst Feature: Requires Steep Learning Curve
👌 Ideal For: Shallow Water, Submersion, All Terrains, Gold, Prospecting, Coins, Jewelry, Relics, Intermediates, Experts
- Selectable Frequency
- Unique 3-Element Design
- Wireless Headphones
- 10 Factory Programs
- Multiple Adjustable Settings
Our Verdict: The XP Deus is a detector that you’ll either love or hate. It’s feature-loaded to the max, so this is no rookie detector. This is an expert-level machine designed for multi-purpose use around the globe. Prospect and detect like a pro with a fine-tooth comb with the Deus.
Who is the XP Deus Best Suited to?
The XP Deus is undoubtedly for the intermediate and expert detectorist. XP claims that beginners can use the factory search modes and head out the door, but we all know that fine-tuning will be required for the challenging terrains the Deus was made for. With its many adjustable settings, it will require some skill to make adjustments and set one’s own profile to create the best parameters for detecting. Having been jammed to the max with multiple features, there is a lot to learn. The good news is software upgrades are free for life. So, once you learn it, you won’t have to relearn a whole new detector system, just the updates that have been made.
How Does the XP Deus Perform?
The Deus is an extremely high-performing detector that is best used in the hands of experienced detectorists. Learning its features is the only way to get maximum performance and find more treasure. It’s a selectable-frequency detector that has frequencies from 4-80 kHz depending on the coil. This model is actually unique in the fact that the searchcoil is the Deus. It has an independent ultra-miniature electronic circuit and its own compact, built-in, high-capacity LiPo battery that can operate for approximately 15 hours depending on frequency and other settings used.
Features & Benefits
Selectable Frequency
The Deus is a selectable-frequency detector with the searchcoil as the source of the processing link. It has been designed in this way to improve data quality. There are five, single frequencies that can be used: 4, 8, 12, 18, and 25 kHz + frequency shifts on the 11” DD X35 searchcoil.
It’s important to understand that the Deus isnot a true multi-frequency detector. It can boast of having multiple frequencies, but essentially, it is a single frequency VLF detector. The selectable frequencies can only be in operation one at a time not simultaneously like true multi-frequency detectors.
What would the individual frequencies be good for? 4 kHz would be good for large objects of both ferrous and non-ferrous makeup with maximum depth detection in relatively quiet soil conditions. 8kHz is a general-purpose frequency good for coins and treasures of small to medium size in low-mineralized conditions. 12kHz is good for coins of all sizes in medium-mineralized conditions. 18kHz and above is exceptionally good for finding small and fine objects with both high and low conductivity like gold nuggets, fine jewelry, fine coins, lead, silver, copper, and more.
Unique 3-Element Design
The 3-element design of the Deus allows the searchcoil to function as the detector as it has its own digital signal processor and battery source. The other two elements which are the headphones and the remote control also have independent battery sources and act as a receiver of sorts of data sent from the searchcoil via a digital radio link. So, all three elements can communicate via wireless technology. This setup allows for an extremely adaptable platform for detecting. You can detect with all three elements or you can ditch the remote control and head out with just the searchcoil and headphones.
Alternatively, if you don’t like to use headphones, the control has a speaker built-in, but it also has a 3.5 mm audio out jack, too. The remote control is the user interface or the control box. It allows you to adjust and set the many parameters you need to detect, and of course, to view data within a graphical interface. All three elements can be charged simultaneously with the included USB/3 mini-B cable.
Wireless Headphones
The WS5 and WS4 headphones have the same functions, so the difference is with size. The WS5 are large-sized. Like the remote control, it’s also a control box itself, though, on a miniature scale. The headphones take over control when the remote is not incorporated for use during detection. They have the same control functions over detection settings, preset modes, frequency, etc., everything the remote control can do. There is a small LCD display on the earmuff with buttons to interact with the electrical components within its circuitry. The headphones can pair with new coils, can automatically register when a remote control is in use, and you can pair it to the wireless module and MI 6 Pinpointer. The built-in LiPo battery can provide up to 22 hours of use, and it takes approximately 2.5 hours to charge.
Limitations
Requires Steep Learning Curve
This is not a metal detector for beginners. Let’s just get that out of the way. Intermediates and experts will discover the Deus with the V5 software to be difficult to learn as it’s feature bloated. Sometimes having too many features can inhibit the learning curve and effective detecting in the field. The Deus is not very forgiving to user error during search program setting adjustments. Hence, this is a detector for the detectorist who is willing to spend more than a couple seasons with it to become intimately familiar with its settings and how it will improve performance in multiple soil conditions for every type of target.
Price
The Deus is an expensive detector. While it’s still considered within the mid-range of the high-end class, the brand must compete with Nokta Makro, Minelab, and First Texas Products. Although the Deus has many features for its platform, you must consider if its features are overkill for your needs or if you’re willing to learn the intricacies over a period time to the point where it pays for itself.
Popular Questions
Is the XP Deus Waterproof?
The searchcoil is waterproof up to 20 feet and can be submerged under water. The problem is, neither the control box (remote control) or the headphones are waterproof, so they must not be submerged. The three components talk wirelessly, so the connection will be lost when the coil is submerged. You can purchase a Deus underwater kit to provide full submersion up to 16 feet.
What are the 10 Factory Programs?
The factory programs are the preloaded search and detection modes. They are Basic, GM Power, and Deus Fast; Pitch, G-Maxx, and Deep; Wet Beach, Dry Beach, Hot, and Gold Field. Although there is a Wet Beach mode, it’s vital to remember that this is still a single frequency VLF detector. While it can have some advantages in highly-mineralized conditions like this, it may still register interference and false signals.
You can use manual adjustments such as Wet Beach Ground Balance, Pumping Ground Balance, Reactivity, Sensitivity, Discrimination, Threshold, and of course, a different frequency. Obviously, this may take some expert-level experience to find the right searching parameters for hunting in saltwater and wet black sand.
What are Some of the Multiple Adjustable Settings?
Apart from creating multiple, custom search profiles, there are many settings that can be fine-tuned either automatically or manually. They include Ground Balance where you can take advantage of four methods: Tracking, Pumping, Manual, and Wet Beach; Sensitivity, Threshold, Reactivity, Discrimination, Audio Tone, Volume, Selectable Frequency, Frequency Shift, and Iron Levels.
How Much does the XP Deus Weigh?
The Deus is a very lightweight system, and with use of the remote control, you have a total setup of 2.15 lbs. Without the remote control, total weight is 1.93 lbs.
What is the Warranty on the Deus Metal Detector?
The XP Deus is covered by a manufacturer 5-year warranty. However, batteries, chargers, and connectors are only covered for a period of 2 years.
Conclusion
The XP metal detector offered technology that no other metal detector had when it was released to the market. It has features that many had anticipated for quite some time. Over the last decade, the Deus has seen software updates, but at its core, it’s still a single frequency VLF detector.
It may be one of the best of its kind available. Feature-packed, independently functioning components, and selectable frequency proves to be qualifying features that detectorists want.
The XP Deus has a lot of potential, but it’s up to you to unlock it.
Further Reading:
- Fisher CZ-21 Metal Detector Review (10.5 inch Coil)
- Aquascan Aquapulse AQ1B Metal Detector Review
- Minelab GPZ 7000 Metal Detector Review
- Minelab SDC 2300 Metal Detector Review
- Minelab Excalibur II Metal Detector Review
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