XP Deus II vs Minelab Equinox 800. Both are top of the line professional metal detectors. They have been tested in the field for years and are still considered the best in their business.

For anyone upgrading from a hobbyist to a professional metal detector, the question, “Which one of these two is best for me?” is part of the transition.

To help you answer this question, we present a one on one comparison of XP Deus II and Minelab Equinox 800. We will compare several factors that directly influence their working, performance, and ease of handling. So, let’s get started.

1.0 Technology Used by Professional Metal Detectors

The first point of our interest is the technology and technical features each of these metal detectors uses. This will enable us to understand how well each one will perform in different terrains and conditions.

1.1 Technical Advancement

The XP Deus II is a wireless metal detector with a digital meter and buttons to display readings and control different features. The Equinox 800 by Minelab also has a similar looking digital meter, but it’s not a wireless metal detector; all its connections are wire based.

The Deus II is a true wireless detector, with its controls, coil, meters, headphones, and points all connected via radio frequency technology. XP owns the patent for this radio frequency connecting technology.

This wireless connection increases reliability, as a loose wire connection will surely compromise the metal detector’s reliability. So, it seems that XP offers a more advanced and unique solution in the metal detecting field.

1.2 Operating Frequencies

The Equinox 800 offers six different operating frequencies (4, 5, 10, 20, 40 kHz, and multi frequency). Its low frequencies are great for scanning deep precious metals, whereas the high ones are designed for shallow treasures.

The XP Deus II offers much more than six operating frequencies. It provides 49 different frequencies between 4 and 45 kHz. This means you can set any frequency you want based on your research about the site and the potential treasure buried underground.

Deus II also offers multiple frequency options, meaning it can process a set of frequencies simultaneously to detect various metallic treasures at the same time.

In terms of operating frequencies, Deus II is ahead of its competitors. Its higher frequency range and ability to offer 49 different single frequencies make XP Deus II a step ahead here.

1.3 Multi Frequency Metal Detecting Technology

Multi frequency enables metal detectors to scan the ground for different metals using different frequencies simultaneously. The XP Deus II was introduced with Fast Multi Frequency (FMF) technology, while the Minelab Equinox 800 features its unique Multi IQ Technology.

Deus II technology was designed with speed in mind, giving it an advantage in signal processing. Combined with its wide range of individual frequencies, this makes the detector exceptional at scanning trashy sites.

The Equinox 800’s Multi IQ is designed for depth and stability. When combined with its six different frequencies, it can detect the smallest treasures buried deep underground.

The multi frequency features of both detectors are closely matched, making it difficult to determine the better option at this point.

2.0 Metal Detecting Features

Advanced technology provides a great advantage, but metal detecting is not an easy hobby. The best professional metal detectors need to have a variety of supporting features to make scanning and finding treasures easier.

2.1 ID Number

If a simple ID number comparison of XP Deus II vs Minelab Equinox 800 is done, it will favor XP Deus II as it offers 99 different ID numbers compared to the 50 offered by Minelab Equinox 800. However, the ID number feature is not that simple.

An ID number is assigned to a buried metallic piece based on its conductivity. This means, from least to highest conductivity, the Equinox 800 has fifty divisions, whereas the Deus II has 99. Thus, the Equinox 800 has a much wider conductivity range for a given ID, whereas the Deus II has a narrower range for its respective ID numbers.

This appears to be a double edged sword. A wider range means less fluctuation in the ID number when scanning, while more ID numbers allow for a greater ability to filter trash from treasure.

In a direct ID number comparison, Deus II is clearly a better option. However, upon detailed analysis, performance matters more than just having more ID numbers.

Based on several on site reviews of XP Deus II vs Minelab Equinox 800 (abstracted from youtube videos 1, 2, and 3), it was observed that XP Deus II locked onto specific ID numbers with little to no fluctuation. In contrast, the Equinox 800 exhibited slight fluctuations.

2.2 Search Modes

Similar to ID numbers, if we compare the number of search modes, XP Deus II is ahead of Minelab Equinox 800. Deus II offers 12 different modes compared to the 8 offered by Equinox 800.

In detail, however, the performance of each mode matters more than the sheer number of modes. The Equinox 800 offers two modes for four scenarios: Park, Field, Beach, and Gold. The XP Deus II has 12 unique modes: General, Park, Beach, Gold Field, Fast, Relic, Diving, Sensitive, Beach Sens, Sensi FT, Deep HC, and DEUS Mono.

Field tests of both professional metal detectors (abstracted from youtube videos 1, 2, and 3) show that Deus II’s modes perform significantly better. For example, nickel coins were detected on beaches using both Equinox 800’s Beach 1 and 2 modes and several of Deus II’s related modes. Each mode of Deus II detected coins up to 14 inches deep, whereas the Equinox 800 was unable to detect coins beyond 12 inches.

2.3 Customized Search Profiles

This is where we see a significant difference in the approach of these professional metal detectors. When comparing XP Deus II vs Minelab Equinox 800 on custom search profile options, the Equinox 800 offers only 1 custom search profile, whereas Deus II offers 12 additional slots.

This is a huge advantage for professional metal detecting. You can save 12 different custom settings, allowing you to scan an area multiple times, each with different configurations. This helps in uncovering treasures of varying materials, sizes, soil types, and depths.

2.4 Depth and Sensitivity

A common misconception is that larger coils scan deeper. In reality, the build quality of the metal detector matters more. Smaller coils provide better concentrated scanning, and their depth can be greater depending on build quality.

Field testing revealed that the Deus II, thanks to its superior technology, scanning features, and build quality, scans deeper than the Equinox 800.

In Australia, when the same spot was scanned using both detectors, the Deus II, with its 9 inch coil, detected a small penny buried deeper than the generally accepted 9 inch depth for such coils. Deus II locked onto the target with a solid ID number, and the sound was strong enough to begin digging. On the other hand, the Equinox 800 failed to register the same spot due to its limited depth.

3.0 General Features and Qualities

After discussing technology and metal detecting features, comparing XP Deus II vs Minelab Equinox 800 on some general features and qualities provides a comprehensive result.

3.1 Weight

Weight is a crucial factor, as you must carry the detector throughout the day. The lighter, the better, at 2.20 lbs, the XP Deus II is lighter than the Minelab Equinox 800, which weighs 2.9 lbs.

3.2 Handling

Lightweight design, combined with user friendly features and easy gripping, provides excellent handling and user experience. Both detectors have ergonomic designs, but Deus II is ahead in terms of user experience.

Its wireless design and the ability to turn all attached items, like headphones, on or off with a single button make it easier to use. Assembling and dismantling the detector without tangling wires enhances the convenience, which the Equinox 800 lacks.

3.3 Waterproof Rating

Both metal detectors are fully waterproof. However, XP Deus II is rated for water resistance up to 66 feet, while Minelab Equinox 800 is rated for 10 feet. With an IP68 certification, Deus II’s water resistance is 6.6 times higher than that of Equinox.

3.4 Battery Charge Time

Both detectors offer decent battery life. The Equinox 800 provides a 12 hour battery life, which is sufficient for most users.

The XP Deus II offers separate battery lives for its controller (30 hours), coil (20 hours), and headphones (17 hours). Considering the minimum battery life, XP Deus II slightly outperforms the Minelab Equinox 800.

3.5 Warranty

XP Deus II is again ahead, offering a 5 year warranty compared to Minelab Equinox 800’s 3 year warranty. A 5 year warranty ensures a good return on investment, as it exceeds the typical useful life of such products.

3.6 Price

The advanced features and performance of XP Deus II come at a higher initial cost than Equinox. Depending on the local market, conditions, and attachments offered, Deus II can range from $549 to $1,300.

Conclusion

Based on the XP Deus II vs Minelab Equinox 800 comparison above, it is clear that XP Deus II is a better professional metal detector than Minelab Equinox 800. This conclusion is based on XP’s patented wireless technology, rock solid performance, and a wider range of features for both basic and advanced metal detecting.