The two flagships: XP's wireless dive machine against Minelab's Multi-IQ+ powerhouse.
Different answers to 'flagship.' The Deus II is the underwater king (20 m, fully wireless) and the lightest-feeling machine here. The Manticore brings Multi-IQ+ with up to 50% more power than Equinox and 2D ID mapping for land hunters who want maximum information per target. Divers: Deus II, no contest. Land hunters: Manticore's target ID is unmatched.
| Spec | XP Deus II | Minelab Manticore |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Multi-Freq | Multi-Freq |
| Frequencies | 45 kHz + MF | Multi-IQ+ |
| Weight | From 750 g | 1.3 kg |
| Waterproof | IP68 · 20 m | IP68 · 5 m |
| Coil | 9" DD | Not published |
| Best for | Underwater | Coins |
| Price tier | Flagship | Flagship |
All specs verified on manufacturer pages, October 2026.
Choose it for: Simultaneous Multi-Frequency strengths at the flagship tier.
Check PriceBoth machines use simultaneous multi-frequency — transmitting several frequencies at once and combining the returns. Near-VLF discrimination with near-PI ground handling: the processor subtracts the salt/ground response while keeping target signal. Costs more and drains batteries faster, but it's the best all-round answer for mixed ground. So this comparison comes down to implementation: waterproofing depth, frequency options, weight, and ecosystem (coils, community, resale). Specs above show where each implementation pulls ahead.
New to the terminology? Read VLF vs pulse induction vs multi-frequency, explained.
Different answers to 'flagship.' The Deus II is the underwater king (20 m, fully wireless) and the lightest-feeling machine here. The Manticore brings Multi-IQ+ with up to 50% more power than Equinox and 2D ID mapping for land hunters who want maximum information per target. Divers: Deus II, no contest. Land hunters: Manticore's target ID is unmatched.
Technology: Simultaneous Multi-Frequency vs Simultaneous Multi-Frequency. Weights: From 750 g (manufacturer states 'ultralight: from 750g'; per-component weight breakdown not published on the official page) vs 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs). Price tiers: Flagship vs Flagship.
Specs are checkable; field anecdotes aren't. We compare documented specifications and disclosed features, and we say plainly where real-world conditions (soil, EMI, target size) matter more than the spec sheet.
Spec sheets don't detect — people do. Ground mineralization, EMI, coil control, and target size swamp small spec differences. Use this comparison to shortlist, then handle both machines if you can before buying.