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The XP ORX is unlike other detectors in the market, and it has XP Deus DNA, so you could see it as an affordable alternative to the high-end and expensive Deus.
There are three model configurations up for sale and this package includes the ORX 9.5” Elliptical searchcoil, WS headphones, and an LCD remote display. Packages vary by headphones and searchcoil selections.
With that out of the way, let’s get into the nitty gritty of the ORX.
At a Glance…
✔️ Best Feature: Selectable Frequency
❌ Worst Feature: No Expert Mode
👌 Ideal For: Shallow Water, Submersion, Gold, Coins, Beginners, Intermediates
- Selectable Frequency
- Gold & Coin Programs
- Ground Balance
- Adjustable Threshold
- Submersion
Our Verdict: The XP ORX metal detector is under $1000 and has a plethora of features suitable for the experienced hobbyist. It’s specifically calibrated for detecting gold and coins, and with selectable frequency on your side, the chances are high that you’ll find what you’re after.
Who is the XP ORX Best Suited to?
The ORX can be an intimidating detector to the beginner hobbyist, but a learning curve is mandatory regardless of what metal detector is purchased. Fortunately, it’s not as overwhelming as the Deus and the lack of multiple expert features actually simplifies the interface. Beginners will appreciate the premium features it does have without feeling like they’re out of their league. On the same note, intermediate detectorists will find it more than adequate for their needs. It has many adjustable settings that includes threshold, ground balance, reactivity, and sensitivity that will keep an intermediate and maybe even a laid-back pro fiddling and satisfied while they dig up gold.
How Does the XP ORX Perform?
The XP detector is a high-precision machine. Its high-performance is based on its selectable frequency technology that allows for very high frequencies to be used to home in on gold and coins, even small and fine types, found in both shallow and deep locations. Of course, frequency isn’t the only important factor to consider. The ORX has multiple, adjustable settings that allow the changing of searching parameters for the type of soil conditions you’re hunting in. With some practice and experience under your belt, you’ll be able to hunt, dig, and pull up treasure. You must remember that the ORX is a single frequency VLF detector. While there are benefits to this commonly-used detector technology, it also has its limitations.
Features & Benefits
Selectable Frequency
First things first. The ORX is a not a multi-frequency detector even though it has multiple frequencies at its disposal. True multi-frequency detectors can not only offer single frequency operation but the ability to use all available frequencies simultaneously. The ORX and Deus are not capable of true multi-frequency as you can only use one frequency at a time. This in fact defines the ORX as a single frequency VLF. Since it does have multiple frequencies that can be accessed, the industry terms operating principle as “selectable frequency.”
The searchcoil houses a miniature electronic circuit that is independent and is powered by an integral LiPo battery. The included 9.5 elliptical searchcoil can allow for three frequencies: 15, 30, and 80 kHz. These are very high frequencies that are excellent for finding small nuggets in both shallow and deep soil conditions.
Gold & Coin Programs
The XP detector has four factory preset programs and two customizable programs. The four preset modes are divided into two categories: Gold and Coin. The first two modes are Gold and Fine Gold. The first mode would be used in low-mineralization with medium sensitivity for larger-sized nuggets. The latter mode is for detecting in high-mineralization for the smallest nuggets.
The second set of modes are Coin Fast and Coin Deep. The Coin modes are essentially multi-purpose as in this mode, you can detect coins, jewelry, and relics. Coin Fast is used for both mineralized and trashy areas. Coin Deep is effective in low-mineralization in less trashy areas when trying to improve depth detection on deep targets.
The two customizable programs can be used in either Gold or Coin modes.
Ground Balance
You have both Automatic and Manual Ground Balance but no Tracking. There is also the option to kick the detector into Salt Mode within the Ground Balance setting for highly-conductive soil conditions like a salt lake and wet sand at the beach. If you activate Salt Mode, you can ground balance between the ranges of 0-30.
Adjustable Threshold
Having an adjustable threshold feature is a wise move on part of the manufacturer. Many expert level detectorists use this as a point of reference for the type of ground conditions they’re hunting in. Adjusting the threshold allows a user to change the amount of “hum” they hear when detecting.
It allows for detection of faint and weak signals from very small or deep targets that would otherwise be missed because they couldn’t “jump” the threshold. It also helps to differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous targets by producing a “nulling” effect over ferrous objects which is essentially a silent or dip in tone.
Hand in hand with threshold comes reactivity. The time it takes for the detector to recover when passing over a ferrous object is called recovery speed. High speed is usually recommended to provide faster recovery of signal analysis and improved target separation when ferrous objects could mask good objects, but you may compromise depth detection.
Lower reactivity encourages a slower swing rate and you’ll increase depth detection, but you may miss out on good targets that can be adjacent to ferrous objects. You’ll have to determine what the right reactivity setting is for the type of ground you’re hunting and adjust your sweep speed to improve detection.
Submersion
The searchcoil is waterproof, but the remote control and headphones are not. To take the ORX underwater, you will need to purchase an aerial antenna that comes with the XP Underwater Kit. It’s marketed for the Deus, but it’s also compatible with the ORX. With the underwater gear, you can submerge the detector up to 5 meters.
Limitations
No Expert Mode
The XP Deus has an Expert Level Mode that allows seasoned detectorists to get in there and make very fine adjustments necessary to enhance performance and success. The ORX lacks an Expert Level Mode, so essentially you can’t really “grow” with the detector. When you get to the point where you’re a professional, it may be time for a new detector.
Popular Questions
Is the XP ORX Searchcoil Wireless?
Yes. All ORX searchcoils are wireless and provide multiple frequencies. Each searchcoil has a built-in digital signal processor where data is collected at the source and sent to the LCD remote control via a digital radio link.
Does the WS Audio Headphones have a Display?
The WS model is audio only. It does not have an LCD display, nor does it have the capability of functioning as a control box like the WS4 and WS5 headphones.
Does the ORX Metal Detector Come with the MI 6 Pinpointer?
The ORX package does not include the MI 6 Pinpointer. It must be purchased separately. The ORX is capable of pairing to the pinpointer, and it can also detect it if the pinpointer if it’s lost and you’re within a 25 m radius. There is a mode that allows you to find it and the pinpointer will start sounding with a flashing LED even if it has been switched off.
Why is the ORX Advertised with 21 Frequencies?
As noted, there are three, main operating frequencies: 15, 30, and 80 kHz. It’s borderline false advertising to say the ORX has 21 frequencies as the all the additional frequencies from the main three are actually frequency shifts. Frequency shift is used for slightly changing the operating frequency to minimize EMI or interference from nearby detectors operating at the same frequency. This is hardly incorporated by most users, but the feature is there for convenience regardless. With frequency shift, you can slightly adjust each main frequency from 13.3-15.6 kHz, 26.6-31.3 kHz, and 68.3-80.8 kHz.
What is the Difference Between the ORX VS Deus?
This could be an entire page of its own, but primary differences lie with user-friendliness. The ORX is much easier to use out of the box, has 4 preset search modes for Gold and Coins, and with the HP searchcoils, it offers three frequencies.
The Deus allows for much more user control over all settings, has 10 preset search modes and multiple customizable profiles, and Expert Menu, with the X35 searchcoil, it offers five frequencies. With the WS4 and WS5 headphones, you can also use the headphones as its own control box negating the use of the remote control for an ultra-lightweight and hassle-free platform.
Of course, there’s so much more that could be said, but these are the main points that sets them apart.
Conclusion
The XP ORX has a lengthy list of features. It’s a high-end detector placed at the entry-level price point for gold-specific detectors. While the Deus is a very popular model, the ORX is easier to use while offering the same level performance that allows you to go coin shooting and gold prospecting.
The ORX is unique, wireless, lightweight, and it provides great results. It stands on its own merits and not under the shadow of the Deus.
- Extreme performance for locating natural Gold and coins with High Frequency Elliptical Coil (9.5"x5") with 21 frequencies from 13kHz to 81kHz (reference DELLHF).
Further Reading:
- XP ORX Metal Detector Review
- XP DEUS Metal Detector Review
- Winbest Pro Edition Metal Detector Review
- Whites TDI BeachHunter Metal Detector Review
- Whites Spectra V3i Metal Detector Review
Back to Best Metal Detectors by Brand
Back to Best Metal Detectors for Coins
Last update on 2025-02-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API