XP DEUS II Review and Testing – 2023 December

Most of what I’m reviewing here is based on our current use on the beach locations only.  We’ve used the DEUS II 3 times on the beach. First time out not a lot of fantastic finds, but beginner learning. And there’s a LOT to learn. 

But the 3rd time out, I had found 2 rings down in the surf while using the Diving program (14kHz max). That impressed me most since we haven’t found any rings for a long time. One Silver and the other Gold Plated.  

Was it because of the DEUS II?  Could be. Could be it was just the luck of that day. Too many factors and variable to really say. But, the DEUS II is proving to find more targets per swing than we do with either of the Minelab detectors.  Again, this is all subjective but a decent observation.

The DEUS II is a both a simple and complete machine. Yes, you can turn it on, choose a preset program and go. 

But like me, you’re going to want to learn the machine, dig in, tweak the sound, tweak the Salt Sensitivity, change programs based upon location. With each trip out I am testing different settings to see what works best. 

I’m using the stock programs, but modified based upon what some of the “experts” recommend for beach hunting as well as learning my own best settings. 

In the surf or really wet areas, I’m finding that the Diving program working wonderful. No false singles and rock solid.  My second more recent choice is the Beach P Program has treated me really well – with some alternate changes to the Salt Sensitivity to 8 and the Reactivity set to 1 to 1.5. 

With each trip out we are finding more as I learn the programs and tweaks.  We have been impressed with finding many more targets (or so it appears) than what we would normally find with both the Vanquish 540 and the Equinox 600.  I only mention those because we have those as our tried and true reference detectors.  My opinions will change as I test and learn more, and try other detectors in this class. Ideally, I think I need to test a Manticore and maybe a Nokta Legend.  

The biggest thing one must learn with the DEUS II, or any detector for that matter, is to listen to the target. Understand that a soft tone may indicate a deep target, or small target, or both!  There’s a lot of information being pumped into your ears. 

The TID, X/Y screen, Ferrous and non-Ferrous visuals on the Remote screen simply back up what you are hearing. 

Seeing only a small glimmer indication on the non-Ferrous side, or smaller graphic on the X/Y screen can mean the object is small or deep as well. 

The Target ID will give one a clue as well as to the type of object it is. Once you learn the numbers being presented, then you can say “that’s a Nickel” or “that’s a Quarter” — for the U.S. beach hunts. And then surprised when it’s something different. The sound may help better define the object shape. 

The DEUS II uses a scale from 0 to 99.  A higher conductor will mean a higher Target ID.  A higher pitch may also indicate a higher conductor as well. 

With the Vanquish and Equinox we know and rely most of the time the Target ID values and the visual depth gauge presented on screen. Each bar indicates about 2 inch of depth. 

On the DEUS II, the size of the image on the X/Y or amount filled in on the Ferrous or non-Ferrous bars can indicate the depth.  But also the sound, being softer or louder. 

So my final conclusion is, based upon what we currently use, this DEUS II is miles/kilometers ahead.  It both pleases and challenges us on the beach.  It appears to be finding more, giving more clues, and helping us to quickly get a target object out of the ground. 

I hope to make this my main metal detector.