Rank 9: XP Deus I
Overall Rating
Overall Rating: 83/100
Capability Rating: 51.3/60
XP Deus Resources
1.) XP Deus Price
2.) Target ID Bible Video (Soon)
3.) Target ID PDF (Soon)
4.) Best Settings (Soon)
5.) Merrill's Deus Playlist
Merrill's Thoughts
Depending upon how you quantify FBS (Full Band Spectrum) on the Minelab E-trac, this is the highest rated one frequency at a time detector on my list. The Deus was before its time and it is legendary. It has a very passionate fan base and many did not deviate from the Deus 1 until the Deus 2 came out. This detector has more variables than other detectors to master and a user learns a lot about metal detecting by taking everything in. I failed on that quest. I bought the Minelab Equinox first and that machine was too formidable for me to commit more time to the Deus. Interestingly, despite vast capabilities, XP decided to create a SMF simultaneous multi frequency metal detector (really FMF Fast Multi Frequency) in the Deus 2. The reason that happened was because the margin for error is smaller for a user with a SMF paired with a great algorithm.
Depth: The video above will show a coin pulled at 14 inches, but that was with the 13 by 11 inch coil. The max that I have observed and tested was 9 inches on a dime with the stock coil. That is right in line with the current fleet of SMF metal detectors.
Separation: The Deus has a different feel from an Equinox but it can hold its own in a park as long as it isn't overly trashy. People have sworn to me that they can hear a bottle cap with the Deus, and I believe them but in New York, you are going to hear 1000 per minute. Extremely trashy sites give the Deus problems and I only know one detectorist in New York who uses the Deus I as a primary weapon.
Sound Inference: Deus users DO NOT EVEN NEED TO LOOK AT THE REMOTE BOX. Many use headphones only. They are able to do this because the audio signatures of the objects enable users to go by ear. There is no detector better than the Deus for audio.
Target ID Inference: The Deus has an XY screen that enhances the "signature" of a signal. Expert users are usually pretty accurate with inferring before they dig. When you combine this with the sound inference you have a formidable skill set to infer before you dig.
Ergonomics: Vastly superior to everything. Light as a feather. Telescopic shaft ability. Can fold and fit anywhere. Can swing and carry without fatigue.
Build Durability: One of a kind remote system. No wires are necessary for operation above the water. There have been rumors that the coil burns out if you overcharge it. XP seems to have fixed this issue.
Battery Life: 12 hours of battery life. Rechargable.
Swag (Add On's): Deus has an incredible collection of coils and pinpointers which remotely connect to the headphones or the remote.
Pinpoint: The Deus pinpoint allows the user to minimize the pinpoint multiple times until it is reduced to the simplest point. This helps the user center the target.
Navigation: I really struggle to navigate the Deus. It is a great thing to have so many options but it is equally overwhelming.
Handles EMI: I ran in to trouble spots with EMI while using the XP Deus. I tried switching settings to minimal success.
Utility In Water: Not a beach detector. I tried to match signals with the Equinox at the beach and it was not close to the same. Simultaneous multi frequency is the way to go. Also, if you submerge your coil, it will lose connection with the remote. The kit to make it submersible is cumbersome and the function of a single frequency detector lacks.
Saltwater Beach: Whether it was in the wet or the dry, I felt that the performance of this detector was subpar compared to SMF (simultaneous multi frequency) metal detectors.
Trashy Park: The Deus has a different feel from an Equinox but it can hold its own in a park as long as it isn't overly trashy. People have sworn to me that they can hear a bottle cap with the Deus, and I believe them but in New York, you are going to hear 1000 per minute. Extremely trashy sites give the Deus problems and I only know one detectorist in New York who uses the Deus I as a primary weapon.
Handles Iron: God Level at handling Iron. The sonar program is absurdly good at muting iron and highlighting other signals.
Relative Value:No it is not worth it in 2022. If it was 2012, this detector was worth every penny. Any detector that you buy has a learning curve. All companies seem to be focusing on Equinox like SMF detectors. Less tinkering and more all at once function. If you see one used for 500 dollars, grab it. I would not suggest buying one new like I did.
