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Manticore- 5khz Deus II - 4khz CTX - 1.5khz

XP DEUS II – Free Software Update V4 is now available. Version 4.0 currently applies only to users who own a wireless stereo headset: WSA-ST, WSA XL ST, or WS6 ST. Do not update to version 4 if you do not own a wireless stereo headset, otherwise your headset will not turn on, in this case return your remote to v3.1. A major evolution in how you hear and interpret targets. Full changelog. With Stereo Multi-Processing and Audio Morphing, V4 introduces a new audio-driven detection architecture that changes the way information is delivered in the field. Two detection channels working simultaneously Multi-Reactivity: depth and separation together Dynamic stereo audio that evolves as you approach the target V4.0 is currently available only for users with an XP wireless stereo headset (WSA-ST, WSA-XL ST, WS6 ST). Do not update to V4.0 if you do not own a stereo headset. Version 4.1, coming soon, will support non-stereo headsets. V4.0 – XP Metal Detectors

Field searches bring less and less interesting items. I have come to the conclusion that quite interesting finds are found in the foundations of old houses and other terribly littered places. My 900 with a 6-inch coil almost does not cope with such tasks, so I ask for clear recommendations from D2 and Manticore users, which is better to use on garbage dumps with small coils, D2 or Manticore? Thank you for your understanding, with respect.

I made it up to a high altitude site 2.5 hours drive from my home to do some testing. Worst dirt in my area. This location has mostly really small gold from 0.15 gram to microscopic. It also has tons of magnetite and mantle type hot rocks that are metamorphosed granite. So, finding any gold with a detector is a miracle. I tested the Algoforce 1500 plus with an older Nugget Finder Advantage 10X5" coil, Deus 2 and HF2 coil using Goldfield in Pitch 2 and Pitch 1, and the new Goldmonster 2000 with the 5" coil in A2, Difficult soil with Echo Wave audio ON. The dirt at the test sight has been mined and is unsorted small pebble to house sized boulder metamorphosed granite with no structure. Disturbing the top few inches of the ground is no big deal since it has been totally disturbed already. Targets are 0.04 gram gold nugget at 1" depth, 0.1 gram gold nugget at 2" depth, and a 0.15 gram gold nugget at 3" depth. This is not a comparison video. I don't say much and I don't want to influence anyone unless they ask my opinion. Sorry for my disjointed speech. I have a speech impediment and stuttered really bad until I got some help early in life. Before the test, I hunted with the Goldmonster 2000 for about 2 hours. After the first 30 minutes of getting used to it and digging many hot rocks and a few iron/magnetite targets to get the feel for them, due to limited time, I got much more selective and just dug anything with a target ID below 10. Most of the hot rock target IDs and the larger magnetite and nails had target IDs above 10 with iron audio responses and iron probability graph responses. I hit my first small non ferrous target and it had the typical high-low-high-low audio response and an 02 target ID. It was a small shotgun pellet. I recovered several more lead targets and one small 0.04 gram gold mini nugget. I didn't have much time for this hunt with 5 hours of driving round trip but I have to say, the time spent with the Goldmonster 2000 was the most enjoyable that I have ever had running a VLF at this site. The Goldmonster 2000 audio is just the way I like it. It is almost like Whites Mixed Mode audio with the addition of that really high pitched extra non ferrous tone and with a very pulse induction type flavor to the audio instead of just the typical VCO gold prospecting specific VLF detector type audio that can get old fast. The threshold tone was super nice and only got a little chatty when aircraft flew over the site. The test area was about 30 yards from some big power lines. No way I could run an Equinox, SDC 2300 or a GPX using a mono coil that close to those power lines without lots of EMI issues. Also, the smaller magnetite bits and the numerous hot rocks were simply not an issue. I could hear them often but their audio and displayed responses were easy to interpret. The GM2K's automatic ground tracking worked great. I am VERY impressed with the GM2K. Thanks to everyone from OZ, especially JP and USA based Steve H. and Andrew for all of their fair and honest information about this new detector. I haven't been this happy with a detector since the original Equinox release.

This is for people who have used both. Not really interested in opinionating from those who are just speculating. I have been hanging tough with my Equinox 800 package, in large part due to the coil selection. Both the D2 and Manticore have left me wanting in that department so far. XP holding out on the 5x10 coil, and Minelab holding out on, well, just about everything up to now. But at least the M8 and M15 coils are reaching user hands, and I am hopeful we might see a Coiltek 5x10 someday. But to keep it on the straight and narrow lets consider two coils only. The Deus 2 with 9" round as it's smallest option at this time, versus Manticore with 5x8 M8 coil. In general if coil sizes were identical I think most people would give the D2 the edge on picking non-ferrous out of a nail bed. But coils rule in the end, and I suspect the smaller M8 coil might tip the equation in favor of the Manticore for hunting dense trash. I'm also a small gold nugget guy as most people know. While some have knocked the Deus 2 for small gold capability my buddy Condor has one and does quite well on small gold with it in my opinion. As in I have been impressed. Yet another person (abenson) has the M8 on the Manticore and has killed it on some impressively tiny gold, but did note coil knock as an issue, something not seen on the Deus 2. That is however very dependent on sensitivity and even more so ground balance settings, so jury out on that for sure. Long story short I am strongly considering on replacing my Equinox 800 by next year with either the Deus 2 or Manticore. I tend to lean into small coils with VLF so the 9" or M8 are a real focal point for me. Frankly, if XP released the 5x10 for the Deus 2 it would probably be game over for me, but they really don't want me having that detector so are refusing so far to release that coil for the Deus 2. Yeah, I have heard the reasons why not - falling on deaf ears here. You out there XP? Give us the 5x10 for the Deus 2 and we can end this debate now. Until then however the Manticore M8 combo rates high with me, not least because I am simply more used to the Minelab way of doing things with menus. XP is a more radical shift for me. And in the long run I do think the Manticore will have the better coil selection, as we can at least hope for limited aftermarket coil support. Something we will never see with XP. Blah blah blah I do go on. So what do you people who have used both think about the D2 9" combo vs Manticore M8 setup?

I've been wanting to know the answer to which is more sensitive to micro jewelry using similar programs setup with similar settings. I have not had a chance to do this in the field. I used Deus 2 HF2 coil, Sensitive program, Pitch 2 High Square Audio, Disc 10, Sensitivity 93, Max Frequency 53 kHz, Reactivity 2, Silencer 0, Bottle Caps 0, No Notch, Audio Response 4, Iron Volume 7. I used Manticore M8 coil, All Terrain Low Conductors, Depth Tones, Preset Disc pattern which leaves target IDs 0 to 10 wide open and I used the horseshoe button engaged, Sensitivity 22, Recovery Speed 5. I put a couple of inches of dirt that fills up all of the Deus 2 magnetite mineralization meter that is from my backyard in the bottom of a 13" gold pan and put 3" of wood chips on top of it. This mimics the bark tot lots that I hunt with the HF2 coil. I put all targets under the wood chips and on top of the dirt, so roughly 3" depth. Here is a photo of the wood chips and dirt with a gold chain in the gold pan. Here is a chart of the results showing the targets, their size/weight, depth of detection and target IDs The chart does not show it but no doubt about it, Deus 2 with HF2 coil using Pitch 2 tones and the Sensitive program was more effective than Manticore with M8 coil using Depth tones in All Terrain Low Conductors. The HF2 absolutely nailed the gold chains and the M8 coil struggled on those targets and a few others. XP's Pitch 2 is really strong for this type of detecting. I tried other Manticore settings and All Terrain modes. The Manticore results were worse using those other modes. I did not try the gold prospecting mode on either detector. Both audio themes, Pitch 2 and Depth tones have VCO 2 tone audio. The 3" depth is not necessarily the max depth on some of these targets. Another inch or two is possible with both detectors. I just used an arbitrary 3" floor for this test. The smaller chain, titanium ball point pen tip, 10K earring post and 10K earring back were already iffy or not detectable at 3". At least for these type of targets and hunting, the 53 to 88 kHz max frequencies that are available for Deus 2's FMF programs along with the new Pitch 2 are just better. So, for micro jewelry hunting on land or fresh water, I am sticking with Deus 2 and the HF2 coil and Pitch 2.

New Update Available – DEUS II V3.1! We’ve just released version 3.1 of the XP DEUS II software — continuing to enhance your detecting experience with improved performance and new features: GOLDFIELD Program Optimized (for gold prospecting): • Increased sensitivity to small gold (down to 0.01g!) • More dynamic audio feedback • Improved ground handling and more accurate GRAB Tips for use New “PITCH 2” Audio Tone Added: This new tone improves signal clarity on deep or small targets and helps reduce ground noise — now available in all programs! Bug Fixes: - Corrects FE T.ID bug in the MONO program - Faster T.ID display in Multi-frequency programs - Various additional fixes Reminder: If you haven’t already installed version 3.0, you’re missing out on some powerful features: Compatibility with the new HF2 coil Negative Silencer values to better detect targets near iron More reactive T.ID and improved target separation Ground/IRON Break setting for enhanced iron audio control + “PULSE” audio mode for the Xtrem Hunter As always, the update is free and available via the XP Update Tool

This is a short, 3 minute video of Deus 2 with HF2 coil and beta 3.04 software loaded on my WS6. So, no external speaker. I am using XP wired headphones with the volume on both the headphones and the WS6 maxed out. The audio is still no where near optimal. I apologize for that. Manticore is using its external speaker so don't compare the volume levels. Instead turn up your viewing device volume as much as you can and listen especially to me trying to ground balance the HF2 coil. It never really happened. Off camera I tried repeatedly and failed. Manticore running its multi frequency prospecting mode ground balanced within 5 seconds and was able to run much more quietly while having outstanding sensitivity to these two lead targets: 0.09 grams at 1.5" depth and 0.15 grams at 3" depth. Sensitivity was set on 20, recovery speed 5 and all targets accepted. As stated in the video, I could raise the coil 2 to 3" above the targets before the audio response got too weak to hear. This Beta 3.04 ground balance issue on highly iron mineralized dirt using FMF Goldfield is troubling. The HF2 coil performed as best it could in my opinion but it is just handcuffed by the software. I only tried the HF2 coil running Goldfield with 88 kHz max frequency, sensitivity 95, reactivity 2.5. Reactivity 2 was impossible to use due to ground noise. Reactivity 3 made sensitivity to these targets much worse. I was able to raise the coil about 1 inch above the targets before the audio really dropped off in volume. Compared to V2.00 software using the FMF 9" coil, the HF2 coil with beta 3.04 is a big improvement but the lack of getting a quiet ground balance and all of the falsing from the ground itself just tosses a hand grenade into using it for a location like this. Yes, I have found sub gram gold and specimen gold at this location using the XP Deus and XP ORX running the original HF coils.

Just a quick post about some weights for recently released detectors for those that want or need to pay attention to swing weight. I weighed all of these on the same scale. Your scale may give different results but the difference between different detectors should be close. All weights include coil covers. Deus 2 with 9" FMF coil, WS6 mounted on the shaft with the XP Neoprene shaft mount = 33.2 ounces Deus 2 with 9" FMF coil and full remote mounted on the shaft = 35 ounces Nox 900 with stock 6" coil and stock lower shaft = 37 ounces Nox 800 with stock 6" coil and Detector Innovations Tele-Knox shaft system 37.7 ounces Nox 900 with Coiltek 10X5" coil on the Detector Innovations 18mm Tele-Knox lower shaft which fits the Nox 900 shaft = 41.6 ounces Nox 900 with stock 11" coil and stock lower shaft = 44.1 ounces Legend with stock 6" coil = 45.5 ounces Legend with 10X5" LG24 coil is 46.1 ounces Nox 800 with stock 11" coil and Steve Goss one piece carbon fiber upper shaft (no counter weight) = 46.5 ounces Legend with stock 11" coil = 52.6 ounces

I decided to get more familiar w/ the new 2 me Deus2, and I planned to work a park that has been used for soccer in the past and continues to have an active little league diamond. I generally run my programs wide open with no notching and a minimal disc threshold to knock out nails. Today I decided to employ notches to focus on gold signals, while allowing dimes and quarters. Didn't want to bother with the zinc pennies and was ok w/ possibly missing a silver ring or a huge gold ring (which I might not do on a high school field for where a big class ring might hide). In 3 shorts hours, I dug about $4 in clad (and a surprising 14 nickels at 5-6 inches which out paced all other denominations). This let me know I was dialed in for gold, and I it was likely previous detectors and notched out lower signals. First out of the ground was a nice 925 pandora bracelet that was ready to wear. Daughter decided that was hers. Next was a stainless men's wedding band...then a pair of junk rings (one a stainless spoon ring), soon after another junk ring.....and finally a 1g 10k little ring with a tiny diamond. Not often I find that many rings in a days hunt, and to get both gold and silver was a nice bonus. Definitely was impressed w/ the 9" coil and ability to go deep on low conductors. I like the high square tones, and the full tones option really helps me separate junk from rings. I had also been unimpressed w/ the volume level when pinpointing. I've seen several threads where people were complaining about this. It may have been posted elsewhere already, but I realized today that as you turn up the audio modulation, the pinpoint audio is inversely impacted. I verified this by tuning the audio response to a 1, and getting a much louder pinpoint audio. Not sure if this was an intended design behavior by XP, but not very helpful when you have deep targets, you are running a 5,6 or 7 audio modulation, and you can't hear the pinpoint. Curious if anyone else has insight on this. Anywhooo, good day overall. Said I'd try to post more....so here it is!

I want to search for gold in the mountains, in the rocks, in the rivers, in the forest, and on the ground. But I want to search for more share of gold. Which detector is better, which of these 2 detectors would you recommend? Or which detector would you recommend?

Yet another question about the Manticore versus Deus 2 (only put in a different way).------If you own both of these detectors---is there any "real" reason to keep the D2?---Talking about for relic/coin hunting in mineralized grounds.----Assuming a person has all the available coils for each detector.-----I have my thoughts concerning this---but---would like to hear the opinions of others.

I've posted this data to TreasureNet also. I've been performing some detector depth tests in my back yard using some PVC tubes angled into the ground. My goal was to compare and attempt to understand the differences between different detector types, coils, settings, target responses, etc. The results are entirely subjective and relative to my test range, test approach and operating ability. I've attempted to conduct the tests in the same way each time with each detector, coil or program change. The data is showing some trends that more-or-less make sense. Some of the data is suspect and may need a retest. The test description, target descriptions, detector settings etc are shown at the bottom of the data. The test data is a work-in-progress. I plan to soon add XP Deus 2 13"x11" coil data. Any comments, suggestions or ideas will be most welcome. Ed near Tucson.

Will a PI get better depth than a VLF in low mineral ground? Garrett Axiom, GPX 4500, Minelab Manticore, XP Deus 2. Forum member abenson via his Relics & Rings YouTube channel.... And another, PI vs VLF Buried Gold Nugget from .011 to 2.7 grams featuring Garrett Axiom, XP Deus 2, Minelab Manticore, GPX 6000….

Just for people that are new to my posts, I can get long winded quick. I did this testing for me and me alone to help determine which of these two detectors will be saying bye, bye. I am posting it here for anyone that wants to read it. This testing is not definitive, absolute or even remotely relatable to what you may see in other testing videos, may experience or have experienced if you actually read this post. This testing was semi controlled. I used a 18" by 12" by 12" black plastic container filled to within 2" of the top with dirt from my backyard that has had all detectable targets of any kind including hot rocks removed. I did not remove any of the tiny magnetite particles with a magnet. It has been allowed to become very dry and crumbly over the 4 years that it has been in this container. It shows 10 of 12 filled up bars on the XP Deus 2 magnetite mineralization meter. This dirt is as bad as it gets around here and mimics the unwatered dirt in the ground in this area up until yesterday when we got some well needed rain.....it is still raining today which is awesome for our water shortage here in the Colorado Front Range area. EMI was also an issue......... This testing includes foil and beaver tail aluminum targets vs a US clad quarter in separation testing and a depth test that includes a .25 gram piece of lead from a fishing sinker that was cut in half and flattened (mimics a small gold nugget or piece of micro jewelry), a modern US nickel, a modern US clad dime and a modern US clad quarter. The target separation test had three parts and no targets were elevated so all were at the same level laying on top of this nasty dirt: test 1. foil or beaver tail laying directly on top of the clad quarter, test 2. foil or beaver tail laying roughly one quarter's diameter above the quarter, so on the Y-axis or parallel to the center spine of the detector's coils and test 3. the foil or beaver tail laying roughly one quarter's diameter left of the quarter on the X-axis so perpendicular to the center spine of the detector's coils. Normal speed coil sweeps for both detectors were as flat as possible and roughly 2" above the test targets. See photos below. The depth test was done in the same container using two slightly different sized 8" long PVC pipes sunk vertically into the dirt 4 years ago. Inside the smaller PVC pipe is a foam insert with notches cut into it at one inch intervals that are big enough to insert coin sized targets. See photo below. The results from the depth test may be startling to some. These results are however fairly consistent with what happens in some areas of western Denver when the soil is bone dry. Add in some moisture and the results will improve by 1" to 2 " on coin sized targets. The improvement on micro jewelry and small nugget type targets is minimal since they already are so close to the ferrous/non-ferrous borderline. Just for your information, these separation tests, depth tests and field results are very similar to the Equinox 800 results on coin sized targets. On micro jewelry and small gold nuggets, the Equinox and Legend are roughly equal from my experience. Both detectors were properly noise cancelled and ground balanced. Deus 2 target IDs for the test targets on the test dirt's surface are: .25 gram lead =30, US clad nickel =63, US clad dime =91, US clad quarter =96, square of candy wrapper foil =26, beaver tail from a ring pull =61. Legend target IDs for the test targets on the test dirt's surface are: .25 gram lead =14, US clad nickel =26, US clad dime =46, US clad quarter =51, square of candy wrapper foil =11, beaver tail from a ring pull =23. The settings I used are the ones that I have settled on to hunt most of the time for coins and jewelry from trial and error. You can question them if you want, but I already have. They work as well as some others I have tried and much better than others that are recommended back east or in the UK. Deus 2 9" coil (I don't have the 11" and won't buy one since I don't need it and it is not as comfortable to swing for me): Sensitive 5 tones, discrimination =10, sensitivity =95, frequency shift (today) =3, volume =3, iron volume =3, reactivity =2.5, audio response =4, silencer =1, bottle cap reject =1, notch =OFF, 5 tones with tone breaks set at 10/59/65/88/. Legend 11" coil (can't wait for the 10X5"!!!) Park M1, discrimination on the G-ground setting, sensitivity =25, frequency shift today =4, volume =4, iron volume =6, recovery speed =5, iron filter =3, iron stability =3, 6 tones with similar tone setting to Deus 2 above that help me audibly distinguish possible target conductivity and type of US coin. ________________________ Deus 2 foil directly on top of quarter test: solid IDs from 87 to 96 indicating a high conductor. ID stability lessened near the edges of the coil Legend foil directly on top of quarter test: solid ID of 48, indicating a high conductor, very stable. Deus 2 foil roughly 1" away from quarter and directly above it on the Y-axis: IDs from 76 to 82. Sounded like one target. It was easy to cherry pick and identify each target by conductivity of tone and ID by moving the coil along the Y-axis until the front or rear edge of the coil was only over one target. Legend foil roughly 1" away from quarter and directly above it on the Y-axis: IDs from 20 to 22. Sounded like one target. It was easy to cherry pick and identify each target by conductivity of tone and ID by moving the coil along the Y-axis until the front or rear edge of the coil was only over one target. Deus 2 foil roughly 1" away from the quarter and directly to the left on the X-axis: three distinct target IDs and corresponding tones in the 50s, 70s and 99 which clearly showed multiple targets swinging from right to left. Swinging from left to right there was blanking/nulling of the background noise and then 99 as the coil's left edge left the foil and was only over the quarter. Legend foil roughly 1" away from the quarter and directly to the left on the X-axis: three distinct target IDs and corresponding tones in the 20s, 40s and 50s which clearly showed multiple targets swinging from right to left. Swing from left to right there was blanking/nulling of the background noise and 48 to 55 IDs as the coil's left edge left the foil and was only over the quarter. _________________________ Deus 2 beaver tail directly on top of the quarter test: solid IDs 88 to 96. Legend beaver tail directly on top of the quarter test: solid IDs 49 to 52. Deus 2 beaver tail roughly 1" above quarter on the Y-axis (like above): one target sound only. IDs 72 to 82, targets easy to separate like above with good IDs using front and rear edges of coil. Legend beaver tail roughly 1" above quarter on the Y-axis (like above): one target sound only, IDs 33 to 36, targets easy to separate like above with good IDs using front and rear edges of coil. Deus 2 beaver tail roughly 1" directly left of the quarter on the X-axis (like above): sounded like one target swinging in either direction, ID 99, not easy to separate, target IDs for beaver tail 44 to 50, quarter 99. Legend beaver tail roughly 1" directly left of the quarter on the X-axis (like above): sounded like three distinct targets from right to left with IDs of 38-46-54, swinging left to right there was blanking/nulling of the background noise and then target ID of 46 or 54 when the left edge of the coil moved past the beaver tail. Easy to cherry pick with beaver tail reading 23 to 30 and quarter reading 46 to 55. _______________________________ Depth test Coils were swung as close as possible to the top of the PVC target holder. Deus 2 on .25 gram lead at 1" depth: =faint response with target IDs jumping from 30 to 99. 2"= no response. Tried default Goldfield.....no response at 1". Legend on .25 gram lead at 1" depth: =iffy response with target IDs jumping from 11 to 20. 2" =faint response (definitely something there) IDs alternating 11 and 60. 3"= no response. Default Gold Field using the A discrimination setting (all metal) hit this target down to 3". At 3" it was a faint response (definitely something there) with no ID, only tone. Deus 2 US nickel at 3" depth: =61 to 64 ID, good audio, 4" =64 to 74 good audio but crossed over tone break, at 5" =64 to 99 iffy audio and multiple tone breaks crossed, 6"=faint response 99 ID or no ID. 7" = no response. Legend US nickel at 3" =ID 26 strong audio, 4" =25 to 29 good audio but crossed over tone break, 5" =25 to 60 iffy audio and multiple tone breaks crossed, 6" =25 to 60, faint audio, etc. 7" =no response. Deus 2 US clad dime at 3" =ID 91 to 93 good audio response, 4" =91 to 96 iffy response, 5"=99 or no ID faint response, 6"=no response. Legend US clad dime at 3" =ID 45 to 48 good audio response, 4" =44 to 52 iffy response, 5" =44 to 58 iffy response, 6" =48 to 60 faint response, 7" =60 to no ID but know something is there, 8"=no response. Deus 2 US clad quarter at 3" =ID 96 to 97 strong audio response, 4" =96 to 99 good response, 5" =97 to 99 iffy to faint response, 6"=99 to no ID very faint but know something is there, 7" =no response. Legend US clad quarter at 3" =51 to 52 strong audio response, 4" =50 to 54 good response, 5" =53 to 58 iffy response, 6" =56 to 60 very iffy response, 7"=58 to 60 faint response, 8"=no response. __________________________________ the photos show the targets and testing scenarios. The top foil/quarter and beavertail/quarter were the actual test targets. Thanks for reading if you actually did.

I'm at a point where I can treat myself with a new detector with my gold finds. Deus 2 was on my radar even before the Manticore comes out.. One of the main reason I'm not getting one before was because of the shipping and warranty process. Now I have extra money to burn I figured why the heck not.. The main points for me as maybe to buy a D2 because of these features that Manticore doesn't have... a) Mineralization Meter: I mean I need to know what kind of soil that I'm dealing with as for now it is all just an assumption for soil mineralizations. Sure I just can set up my Manticore for the best and deep target responses for any soil but mineralizations is like a ghost in between me and my targets.. Its the question mark I need to know the answer for sure and I think the meter will help me satisfy my curiosity.. b) Pinpoint Ratchet On and Off c) Audio profiles for deep target: As for Manticore I am using the enhanced theme and for me it is the best tonal theme for the manticore.. but unfortunately the 3 audio profile ( Simple, Medium and Rich) setting is not enough for me. I would love to use Rich but its too faint for deepest target, Medium is just OK for me. On D2 Audio response can be set between 0 to 7 d) Iron tones: I'm not sure about this.. does D2 gives richer iron tone than the Manticore? My questions for those who have been using both particularly on item C and D a) does the depth perceptions setting in d2 is much better than the Manticore between Medium and Rich profiles b) Does D2 have similar or better theme like enhanced mode on Manticore c) Is it fair to say that after tweaking the setting here and there on D2 (if set it up right), it gets.. I don't know.. maybe the same performance like Manticore except the Manticore is much easier to set up? Any insight is much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

This is a semi in the ground test on a 0.1 gram gold nugget for anyone that would like to use one of the "do it all" simultaneous multi frequency VLFs for gold prospecting. For the "fairness" police, please don't complain about coil sizes. The smallest coil available for Deus 2 is the 9" coil. So blame XP not me. XP include a simultaneous multi frequency "Gold Prospecting" mode on Deus 2. I would like to use it. This video shows why currently I will not use it. Video starts with checking the test area ground for targets, ground balancing, showing the target and how it is placed in the ground and then the test begins. Deus 2 uses customized FMF Goldfield and customized single frequency Mono program both with sensitivity on 95. I wanted to use the Hi Square audio, Pitch tones and the absolute zero discrimination for both programs along with a slight threshold. That is why I did not use stock default programs. All settings are as identical as I can make them except for the new Audio Filter feature which is on setting 1 for FMF Goldfield custom program 16 and it is on 0 for 40 kHz Mono custom program 15 which was an oversight failure on my part. I did retry it after making the video with FMF Goldfield custom program having Audio filter on 0. It made zero difference. Legend starts at 3:25 of the video. It uses its 6" coil with sensitivity on 23 in Gold Multi and Gold 40 kHz. Equinox 900 starts at 6:00 of the video. It uses its 6" coil with sensitivity on 23 in Gold 1 Multi and Gold 1 40 kHz. All settings are clearly shown in the video for each program being used on each detector. The ruler sticking up out of the ground behind the target is 5 cm high and the target itself is 2" deep or roughly another 5 cm deep. Legend and Equinox in the Gold Multi modes can hit this target 5 cm above the ground. They can hit it at 4 cm above the ground using single frequency 40 kHz. Deus 2 using its 40 kHz Mono program also hit this target at 4 cm above the ground. We could debate about whether Deus 2 in FMF Goldfield is actually hitting the target even with the coil bumping into the target holder. Deus 2's mineralization meter is between half and 3/4th full so moderate to high mineralization which all three detectors struggle with when ground balancing in selectable single frequency 40 kHz. This video is being sent to XP. I sent XP an email and they replied within 24 hours which I really appreciate. Thank You XP!!!!! This is the email exchange between me and XP: HI Jeff Thanks for this feedback. Yes you have right the 40khz of the DEUS II would perform very well if available also in the gold Field Program, as the mono frequencies from the DEUS II are more powerfull than DEUS 1. We will think to make this availabe in the next version. Regards XP TEAM Message : XP, thank you very much for the Deus ll software update version 1.0 and for making it Mac compatible. I am a gold prospector. I use VLF and Pulse Induction detectors. I use a VLF detector for detecting the smallest bits of gold in the 0.5 gram and much smaller size range. I have used Deus 1 and ORX for this. They work very well in their Gold modes. I would like to use Deus 2 for gold prospecting. However, even after updating to version 1.0, Deus 2 FMF Goldfield sensitivity to very small gold nuggets 0.5 gram and smaller down to 0.01 grams is extremely poor. Deus 2 Mono or Fast 40 outperform Deus 2 FMF Goldfield on these types of targets by up to 5cm. One of my test nuggets is 0.08 grams. It can only be detected using FMF Goldfield at 3cm. Fast 40 and Deus 2 Mono will easily detect this same small nugget at 8cm. Being able to use FMF technology in highly mineralized gold prospecting areas would be really beneficial. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, FMF Goldfield's insensitivity on small to very small bits of easily detectable gold using Deus 2 Mono is still very disappointing.

The manticore "deal" currently running that includes 3 coils got my juices flowing once again. I have owned a EQ800 and 900 and Deus I in the past, I was not able to dedicate time to adequately learning the machines and ended up selling them all and migrating back to my MXT PRO for a turn on and go machine. Realizing now that any of the others could fill that role as well if I kept my fingers from gerfloppen around has gotten me thinking "time to upgrade". One noted idea that began to move me is that there was a time when Steve had the MXT as almost legnedary, but sometime recently kinda downgraded it as past its prime due to its single frequency. So I am looking for a multi frequency machine for the broad range of detecting types of which gold and relics are more limited endeavors but nugget shooting is in my future as a western US guy with retirement coming into view. I have looked high and low and can't really find any definitive discussions on who has the best ground tracking/elimination system which is on top of my list as well as the multi-freq. capability. Being west coast based, my general range includes mostly difficult soils, and I am not close enough to salt water beaches where people are all that willing to jump in or lay in the sun (when it infrequenctly does shine)although I do get some chances to hunt inland lakefront beaches from time to time. I prefer old parks and campgrounds and am planning a backcountry trip into the Bitteroots and Rockies to do a bit of prospecting in the not so distant future. I have diligently read comments from Steve, Jeff, phrunt and others so have a pretty broad understanding of what's out there, but most of the comments about comparisons etc. are a year or so old and am hoping to hear some thoughts on how things have been progressing with better coil selections, user experience, factory updates etc. I realize that gains to "depth" transferring from my old MXT to more recent detectors will come from great ground handling, faster recovery speeds and other refined tools so am not looking for a holy grail, just an entry point that will keep me going for the next 5 years or until sombody really moves the bar up. I am intrigued by the manticore 2d display as it seems reminiscent of my etrac and V3i visual feedback. I just can't seem to settle in on a choice, but the current ML Manticore deal seems pretty attractivfe... anybody want to shine some light??

Although there used to be quite stringent rules for dealers on selling instruments and accessories outside the allocation area, lately it is possible to find several detectors of any brand on Amazon or eBay and buy them from another country. Having just sold a coil of my old Deus2, the new owner does not know what to do in case of service. Since the coil came from France, is it possible to get service from a dealer in another country? Should one send it to the dealer who first made the sale to initiate the service procedure? Thank you to anyone with information on this matter....

I tested 50 gold pieces, rings, pendants and anything gold, with the Equinox 800 and the Deus 2. The Dues 2 numbers were jumpy just by two or three, but it did sound good on most. The Equinox hit strong on everything with a solid number. On odd shaped and small objects of gold even a small gold chain the Equinox sounded much better. Both were in Park. Why?????

have you noticed ,nobodys mentioned em what progs have FMF and what are they ?and how do you choose which ones on a new self proggy? and what can they be ? and how deep can they be ..does full metal no discrim contain which 1s ? curious as i have no d2 yet and yet to be convinced

At times of the year, I really struggle with Black Sand in my location. This year was no different. I have done more comprehensive testing on updated machines. On many days I hunted half days on each machine so I could tell differences in same conditions. [thanks to my wife delivering machines] I want to outline a few general recommendations: 1. Slow Down, 2. Use Tracking GB, 3. Sensitivity set so you hear just slight Black Sand interference. 4. Look at your fringe targets with a couple more points of sensitivity. 5. Don't trust your machine is working well with moving water, wave wash. [do checks]. D2> So much to unpack here. First, the D2 is a tale of two machines. One [the devil] in Black Sand, the other, [the angel] in non-Black Sand. The positives> Light to hunt. Fair separation of iron from non-ferrous. Good separation of targets. Good at noise canceling. The negatives. Noisy. The Menu. Clipped target sounds at depth for non-ferrous. Moving water takes D2 out at any depth. Must look at many targets from Mutiple directions[time consuming] . Equinox 800> Not much to unpack. The Positives> Better Black Sand handling. The Menu. Good separation but under the D2. GOOD sounding targets [not clipped]. MUCH better target sounds at depth. Better and faster deciding iron from non-ferrous. Works with moving water unless target is deep. The Negatives> Lousy noise cancel. Heavier to hunt with. Waterproof issues. Sometimes loss of targets in the hole. Hunting summary> For about a week I hunted the D2 exclusively, I really wanted to get a gold chain hunting in Beach Sensitive [which I think is better than Equinox Beach 2.] [no gold chain] Then had the Equinox out a few times. Then updated the D2, and started hunting both machines daily. Every day I started with the D2 and switched to the Equinox. There was not ONE DAY that I wanted the D2 to remain with me. I find the D2 ear exhausting, both in how it handles Black Sand and in deciphering targets. The clipped and bite-y sounding nonferrous targets at depth are a real PIA. The range of pull-tab numbers are ridiculous. Tough to make headway with the interrogation needed on some targets. Not much difference in hunting with a max frequency of 24 or 40. Maybe 1-point sensitivity lower with 40. ANY moving water would completely wipeout the detection field of the D2 in both Beach and Beach sensitive. At best I could only pull a 91-sensitivity setting, but most detecting was done at 87-89. The Equinox> So MUCH better on handling Black Sand. Most hunting was done at 21 even with water contact. Detection field works in moving water but not on targets of depth. With the Horseshoe mode on telling the difference between Ferrous and nonferrous is MUCH easier and quicker. The unmistakable double ring of iron is clear and smooth. Target investigation time is cut down. I don't think there is a winner in the small bit category. Both machines seem to find small bits well. While I did not do any head-to-head burying of targets. Both machines seem to have their moments of man that was shallower than I thought and also the holy crap, that was deep moment. NOT trying to make this a one is better than another, your conditions may provide different results. If you have compared other machines to the ones I have PLEASE post! I will answer all questions of settings or conditions or ??? In the picture: ALL of the larger jewelry was found with the Equinox yesterday. Only a few small bits with the D2. This has been a bit of a trend. I give the nod to the Equinox's ability to tell ferrous from non-ferrous at depth. Most of this jewelry was deep with negative numbers but had clean one beep hits. My D2 will be in the closet until the black sand subsides.

I want to address this discussion without attacking any person at all, but take this opportunity to technically discuss my experience of research adopting the Deus2 on the seabed. That being said, I have had a rare case of misleading target ID happen to me, and although I read everywhere among you detailed tests of gold pieces falling in the high end up to about 85 points, I want to explain my drawback. The ring you observe in the photo, is an ordinary wedding ring that probably because of its thickness, responds with a solid 80. Forgive my assertion, but this is damning, considering the multitude of coins and leads that fall within those figures. While this is a rare case, which I might estimate on a scale of 1 to 10 as a 2, it means a significant loss of effectiveness in selecting signals worthy of excavation. I am ready to receive any comment from those who dig any repeatable signal, but I want to remember my own difficulty during a dive session, when with zero visibility, freezing water and time running down for the air termination, this is a detriment. My point is a subtle one that the so-called Pros will probably understand better, and by that I am not calling anyone stupid. (Life has brought me to the condition of having to live more and more frequently with only the gold production I derive). That said, the incredibly large scale where gold responds in the ID scale makes for an unproductive session, digging up too many potential high gold IDs. I hope and wish that Xp would consider a future change in the distribution of low conductors on the ID scale and as much as I may be technically wrong, there are tools that prove otherwise although they may operate with different algorithms. Feel free to say your thoughts on it, but that's the harsh truth.

It thawed out enough today to do a much deeper test in a semi frozen freshwater beach erosion cut using the Axiom with 13X11" Mono coil, GPX 4000 with Coiltek Elite 14X9" Camo Mono and Deus 2 9" DD coil. I wanted to see if the pulse induction Axiom and GPX 4000 using similar settings and similar sized coils had similar performance. This is important to me since the Axiom is the new detector on the block and it sure is a joy to operate and swing. No worrying about craning my neck to see the GPX front and back panels, worrying if I have accidentally bumped a toggle switch and in the case of the 4000 with no backlight.....trying to see what the display says and then getting strapped in for the ride. None of that is necessary with the Axiom. All the controls are right in front of me to easily see and manipulate and the ergonomics are off the chart good. But how is its performance on deep coins and is that transferrable to deeper jewelry, relics and deeper gold nuggets? Deus 2 once again, was along for the ride. It did great giving an iron mineralization reading and for checking the test area for any obvious targets and clearing them out. So, I ran it through the test knowing full well that it was way out of its league due to its 9" coil and it being a VLF. The test was on a 0.5 gram Liberian 24K gold coin, a 5 gram US nickel and a 5.75 gram US quarter (a high conductive target) . I dug three notches about 2" into the cut that these targets could easily fit into. I made one notch at 9" from the surface/swing area, a second notch at 13" and the deepest notch at 18". The Fisher F-Pulse pinpointer in the photo is 9" long. iron mineralization again was pretty high using the Deus 2's iron mineralization meter (lower left display bar graph). You can actually see the black sand on the surface of this beach and in some of the photos. I started with the Axiom using its 13X11" mono coil using the Normal timing/Slow speed with sensitivity on 3 as 4 was just a little unstable for the EMI and ground conditions. Ground balanced easily and stayed fixed. Threshold was just audible. I tested the 0.5 gram gold coin at 9" depth. The Axiom with 13X11" coil had no problem giving a text book high/low fairly sharp audio response on all sweeps. It wasn't loud, but it was easily a no doubt Dig Me type signal for me. Raising the coil an inch or so and the target response became very iffy. Next I tested the 5 gram US nickel at 13" depth. The Axiom responded with a solid, sharp, text book high/low response on all sweeps. Again, these responses were not loud, but they were very obvious, no doubt responses. I moved the 5 gram US nickel to the 18" notch. The Axiom responded with a smooth, broad, one way low/high response swinging from right to left. The response swinging from left to right was much shorter and mostly a higher tone. I could have mistaken this response for shallow ground noise, but since it was very repeatable I probably would have dug that target. The US quarter at 18" had a similar but fainter response. Digging that target........maybe. I then did the same tests with the GPX 4000 running in Normal/General/Slow with gain on 10 and with the threshold barely audible. The Coiltek Elite 14X9" Mono coil was very quiet after doing a frequency scan and ground balanced easily and stayed that way throughout the testing. The 9" deep 0.5 gram gold coin sounded sharper on the GPX. The response was high/low as expected but it was a bit more clearly defined and obvious than on the Axiom. Digging that response all day. Raising the coil about 1" resulted in a very iffy response. The 13" deep 5 gram US nickel also sounded a bit sharper and clearer than the Axiom, but the overall high/low response actually seemed to have less volume/signal strength. The nickel at 18" did not have a broad response like the Axiom. It was very short and faint, but clearly something under the coil. Much softer response than the Axiom. The 5.7 gram US quarter had a similar response at 18" with just a quick rising tone above the threshold. Deus 2 using its 9" coil running FMF Goldfield, no Disc IAR, sensitivity 95, reactivity 2, audio response 4 could barely hit the 9" deep 0.5 gram gold coin and I mean barely. Without headphones, I would not have heard that response or even looked at the display for a possible target iD. Understandably, it could not hit any of the deeper targets. No mode could hit them. I expected that so no surprise. Once again, the Axiom really held its own against a fine pulse induction detector like the GPX 4000 setup similarly.