Review — Performance & Use

The XP Deus 2 has been turning heads in the UK detecting scene since it landed, and after spending a fair stretch on pasture, plough, and the odd sandy bit, it’s clear why. From the moment you pick it up, the weight – or rather the lack of it – strikes you. This thing is feather-light, and when you’re used to lugging a heavier machine across a freshly ploughed Somerset field, it’s a joy. Add to that the wireless setup – coil, control unit, and headphones all chatting away without a single trailing cable – and you’ve got freedom of movement that makes you forget the machine is even there.

Performance-wise, inland is where the Deus 2 feels most at home. On pasture, the fast recovery speed is a genuine asset. It’s one of those detectors where you can work a busy patch and clearly pick out those sweet, clean signals between iron grunts without feeling like you’re wrestling with falsing or lag. Several forum users mentioned pulling hammered coins from amongst iron – and that’s not just forum folklore; I had a similar experience with a late medieval silver penny sat right next to a chunky nail. The audio tones and the way they “speak” once you get your ear in make a huge difference here.

Ploughed ground is another strong point. The “Deep HC” and “Sensitive” programs seem to be favourites among UK detectorists for good reason. They get down to serious depth without the constant chatter that makes you second-guess every dig. One afternoon on freshly turned soil, I pulled a Georgian halfpenny from a good 10 inches, with a stable, repeatable ID – not bad considering the soil was still damp from rain. In mineralised ground, like the iron-rich patches we get in some older farmland, the Deus 2 stays composed. The FMF multi-frequency tech seems to handle it better than the original Deus, which could sometimes get chatty in those conditions.

Now, wet sand… The Deus 2 does have an edge over its predecessor here. With the dedicated beach programs, it will run stable in the wet, and you can sniff out the odd coin or ring. That said, this is still an inland-leaning machine. If you spend most of your time on the beaches of Cornwall, there are purpose-built detectors that will give you a bit more confidence in deep, salty water hunting. But as an all-rounder, it’s nice knowing it can be pressed into service on a seaside trip without falling apart in performance.

One thing I noticed, and that’s echoed across YouTube videos from UK creators, is just how little fatigue you get after a long session. Even with the 11-inch coil, it’s easy to swing for five or six hours without feeling like your shoulder’s had enough. That’s partly down to weight, partly down to balance. The machine sits nicely in the hand and pivots naturally, so you’re not forcing your wrist or forearm to fight against it.

Wireless performance is solid – no noticeable lag between coil and headphones, and I’ve never had it drop out mid-signal. The magnetic USB charging is a nice touch, though you’ll want to keep an eye on your charge levels if you’re out for back-to-back hunts. I get about 20 hours from the coil and a bit more from the remote, which is plenty for most weekends, but not something to leave to chance on a rally.

Speaking of rallies, this is where the Deus 2 really shines. Detectorists on UK forums and YouTube often remark on how its fast reactivity helps them cover ground efficiently without missing those in‑between targets that slower machines can gloss over. Several rally‑goers report multiple hammered coins lifted from busy search areas where competition is fierce, crediting the Deus 2’s target separation and speed for those extra signals that stand out when time is short.

If there’s a downside, it’s that it takes a bit of learning. Out of the box, the factory programs will get you going, but to squeeze every ounce of performance from it, you’ll want to tweak and experiment. That’s part of the fun for many detectorists, but it can feel daunting if you’re new to the hobby.

Overall, for UK farmland, pasture, and ploughed ground, the Deus 2 offers a blend of speed, depth, and comfort that’s hard to beat. It’s a serious investment, but one that feels justified every time you unearth something special from the depths of an ancient field.