XP ICON Metal Detector

XP ICON Metal Detector Overview

The XP ICON brings XP's simultaneous FMF multi-frequency technology into a detector built to be simple to run: power on, choose one of 3 factory programs and start detecting, then save your own settings in 3 user slots as you learn. Besides FMF it runs single frequencies of 4 and 14 kHz, with automatic and manual frequency shift. Controls cover 25 sensitivity levels, 5 Reactivity levels (1 to 5), Grab, Manual or Tracking ground balance, a 28-segment multi-notch with 1 point resolution in the ferrous zone, and PWM or SQUARE audio with stereo morphing in Pitch, 2, 3, 5 tone or Full Tones. The target ID scale runs from -6.4 to 99. XP gives the ICON's weight as about 735 g (1.62 lb) without saying whether the remote on the stem is included, about 11 hours per charge for the remote, headphones and coil, and about 3 hours to charge on XP's range page (XP's manual says about 4 hours). The ICON is made in France and carries XP's Longtime label. XP's warranty wording differs by source: XP's store and warranty page give 5 years; XP's ICON manual and start guide give 5 years parts and labor once the detector is registered with XP (batteries and accessories 2 years); and XP's ICON range page says 3 years as standard, 5 with registration. Register the detector with XP after purchase to be covered for the full 5 years.

XP ICON vs ICONX: Which Should You Buy?

Both models share the FMF engine, the wireless link, the 11 inch coil, 25 sensitivity levels, the 11 hour battery and the same waterproof ratings. The ICONX adds a third single frequency at 28 kHz, 6 factory and 6 user programs instead of 3 and 3, 7 Reactivity levels (0 to 6) instead of 5, 0.5 point ferrous resolution instead of 1 point, 6 audio settings with XP's enhanced audio curve instead of 3, and a stem with a carbon middle part.

If you mainly hunt parks, fields and beaches and want a detector you can learn in an afternoon, the ICON already has what you need, and we would not pay for the ICONX just because it has more settings. If you hunt historical sites full of iron, or want separate setups saved for park, field and beach, the ICONX's extra programs and finer controls are worth the step up. XP lists the same FMF engine, 11 inch coil and 25 sensitivity levels on both and makes no depth claim for the ICONX: what it adds is control.

XP ICON, Best For:

• A first serious detector with FMF multi-frequency and a short list of factory programs
• A light, wireless second machine for experienced detectorists
• Park, field and beach hunters who mostly run factory settings

XP ICONX, Best For:

• Relic hunters working iron-heavy historical sites, using 7 Reactivity levels and 0.5 point ferrous steps
• Hunters who want 6 user programs saved for different sites
• Small, low-conductivity targets, using the 28 kHz single frequency

ICON Settings That Matter in the Field

Start with a factory program: for most parks and fields the factory settings are already a good starting point, and FMF is the sensible default before you try a single frequency. In a fairly clean field with larger, higher-conductivity targets, 4 kHz may be worth a try; for smaller, lower-conductivity objects, 14 kHz.

Reactivity is the setting we would learn first. In a clean farm field a lower setting may help preserve stronger responses from some deeper targets; next to an old foundation full of nails a higher setting helps separate closely spaced signals, but it can weaken some deeper responses, so we would not run the highest setting everywhere. Tracking ground balance helps where the soil changes as you move; in fairly consistent ground a stable Grab or Manual setting may work well. The mistake we would warn new owners about is going straight to maximum Reactivity, high sensitivity and heavy discrimination together. Change one setting at a time so you understand what each one does.

Where the XP ICON Works Best and Its Limits

Coin hunting, jewelry hunting, relic hunting and beaches all suit the ICON. On wet salt sand its FMF technology is designed to keep detecting, though saltwater and mineralized black sand can still affect stability. For wading, XP rates the remote to 1.5 m (5 ft) for a maximum of 30 minutes with its original cap. Going deeper takes XP's BH-02 bone conduction headphones with their waterproof connector and XP's waveguide, which keeps the coil-to-remote radio link working underwater; with both, XP rates the system IP68 to 5 m (16 ft). XP's manual recommends avoiding heavy rain and extreme weather.

The ICON has fewer programs and fewer audio and Reactivity options than the ICONX, and for XP's most extensive FMF control system, with specialized programs and advanced settings, the XP DEUS II is the step up. Target ID is a guide, not a guarantee: a gold ring can read like aluminum trash, so we would not notch out the aluminum range on the ICON's 28-segment multi-notch while learning a new site.

Coils and Accessories That Fit the XP ICON

XP lists the DEUS II FMF coils (D22FMF, D28FMF and D3428FMF) and the HF2 coil (DELLFMFHP) as compatible with the ICON. That means the 9 inch FMF coil for dense iron and tight spots, the 13 x 11 inch FMF coil for open ground, and the HF2 9.5 x 5 inch elliptical for small targets. Coils from the original XP DEUS and the ORX use a different coil system and do not fit.

For audio, XP's ICON manual names the WSA ST and WSA-XL ST wireless headphones, and wired headphones connect through the ICON jack adapter. The MI-6 pinpointer links wirelessly with the ICON remote (see XP pinpointers), and XP's Go Terrain app records finds and routes with your phone's GPS. This collection holds the ICON on its own, with WSA ST or WSA-XL ST headphones, with WSA ST headphones and the Backpack 240, and as the Adventure Pack.

XP ICON vs ICONX Comparison

Both ICON models share XP's simultaneous FMF multi-frequency core, the fully wireless design, the 11 inch ICON FMF coil, 25 sensitivity levels and the same waterproof ratings. The differences sit in programs, single frequencies, Reactivity, ferrous resolution, audio settings and the stem.

Note on XP's own sources: XP's store and warranty page give 5 years; XP's ICON manual and start guide give 5 years once the detector is registered with XP; XP's ICON range page says 3 years as standard, 5 with registration. XP's range page gives about 3 hours to charge and XP's manual about 4 hours. Ground balance follows XP's range page (Grab, Manual or Tracking); XP's manual words the modes as Grab, Tracking, Standard and Pro.

Why Buy the XP ICON from Serious Detecting?

• Free Shipping on Orders Over $99: Your XP ICON ships at no extra cost across the continental US.
• Authorized XP Dealer: Showroom in Ypsilanti, Michigan, full 5-year manufacturer warranty and product registration support.
• Help Before and After You Buy: Our staff answer setup, coil and ICON questions by phone or email.