Garry's decades of metal detecting experience with XP Deus detectors has taught him which settings work in real-world conditions and which don't. His practical approach cuts through the technical jargon to give you actionable advice that actually improves your find rate.
Whether you're running the original XP Deus or considering the newer metal detector, these field-tested techniques will help you get better performance from your equipment.
Essential XP Deus Settings for Different Hunting Conditions
The XP Deus excels when you match your settings to the specific ground conditions you're hunting. Garry emphasizes that factory presets are starting points, not final solutions.
For trashy areas with lots of iron, he recommends starting with the Deep program but adjusting the silencer and discrimination settings based on what you're hearing. The key is learning to trust the audio signatures rather than relying solely on the visual target ID.
Ground Balance Techniques That Actually Work
Manual ground balancing often outperforms automatic settings, especially in mineralized soil. Garry's technique involves pumping the coil in a clean area while adjusting the ground balance until the threshold becomes stable.
If you're hunting beaches or wet sand, the ground conditions change constantly. Check your ground balance every 15-20 minutes rather than setting it once and forgetting about it.
Advanced Coil Sweeping and Target Recovery
Speed kills depth and target separation. Garry's most consistent finds come from methodical, overlapping sweeps at a steady pace. Most detectorists swing too fast and miss targets hiding between iron or in dense trash.
When you get a promising signal, resist the urge to immediately start digging. Mark the spot and approach from multiple angles. The XP Deus will give you different audio information as you change your sweep direction.
Pinpointing Without the Pinpointer Mode
The Deus pinpointing mode works well, but learning to pinpoint in discrimination mode gives you more information about target depth and size. Use short, slow sweeps to define the target's edges before switching to pinpoint mode for final location.
Comparing XP Deus Performance to Modern Detectors
While newer models like the XP Deus II offer updated features, the original Deus remains highly capable in experienced hands. The wireless design and customizable programs still outperform many beginner and intermediate metal detectors on the market today.
Common XP Deus Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest error new Deus users make is changing too many settings at once. When you modify frequency, discrimination, and sensitivity simultaneously, you can't identify which change affected your results.
Another frequent mistake is ignoring weak signals. The Deus excels at detecting deep targets that produce faint audio responses. These whisper signals often lead to the best finds if you take time to investigate them properly.
Battery Management and Field Maintenance
Cold weather significantly reduces battery life. Carry spare batteries and keep them warm in an inside pocket. The remote control typically drains faster than the coil unit, so monitor both charge levels during long hunting sessions.
Regular firmware updates improve performance and add features. Check XP's website quarterly for updates rather than assuming your detector is running the latest version.
Choosing the Right Accessories for Your Deus
Aftermarket coils can extend your Deus capabilities significantly. Larger coils increase depth but sacrifice target separation in trashy areas. Smaller coils excel in iron-heavy sites where larger coils become unusable.
Quality metal detector accessories like carbon fiber shafts and upgraded headphones can improve comfort during long hunting sessions. The stock equipment works well, but comfort upgrades pay dividends on all-day hunts.
Building Skills Beyond Equipment Settings
The XP Deus rewards hunters who develop strong audio discrimination skills. Spend time in your test garden learning how different targets sound at various depths and angles. This ear training translates directly to better finds in the field.
Research your hunting locations thoroughly. The most perfectly tuned detector won't find targets in empty ground. Historical maps, old photographs, and local knowledge matter more than any specific setting or technique.
Consider exploring treasure and relic metal detectors if you're ready to expand beyond the Deus platform, but remember that switching equipment means rebuilding your experience with different audio signatures and target responses.
