Which is better for saltwater and wet sand: Minelab Manticore or XP Deus II?
Both are great in saltwater and wet sand. The XP Deus II is waterproof to 66 ft, while the Minelab Manticore offers rock-solid stability and depth with no wired antenna needed in water.Which detector is better in heavy iron and trash?
The XP Deus II can have a small edge here, especially with the 9 inch coil, which is excellent at separating good targets from trash.Which one has better depth and target ID?"
From my experience, the Minelab Manticore often goes a little deeper and has very steady target ID, thanks to its large screen and clear 2D mapping.Do I need a wired antenna for underwater use?
You don’t with the Minelab Manticore. The XP Deus II benefits from a wired antenna when fully submerged.How can I extend battery life for long hunts?
I recommend the RNB Power-X external battery. It adds 25+ hours and works with Minelab Manticore, all Minelab Equinox models, and the Minelab X-Terra series including Elite, Pro, and Expedition Pack." Both are high-end. For lightness and wireless, go XP Deus II. For a bigger screen, easy menus, and sturdier build, go Manticore."I’m Bart Davis, owner of Big Boys Hobbies. We’ve been helping detectorists for years.
Check out our 5-star Google Reviews.
Minelab Manticore vs XP Deus II – My Hands-On Review
As the owner of Big Boys Hobbies, I get to spend a lot of time testing the latest detectors. I’ve personally used both the Minelab Manticore and the XP Deus II in real hunting conditions — beaches, parks, old home sites, and relic spots.
Both are fantastic machines for beach hunting, digging silver coins, finding gold jewelry, and chasing relics. But they have their own strengths. Here’s my take from years in the field.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Minelab Manticore | XP Deus II |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Multi-IQ+ | Fast Multi-Frequency (FMF) |
| Waterproof Rating | 16 ft | 66 ft (IP68) |
| Weight | ~2.9 lbs | ~1.9 lbs |
| Wireless Audio | Yes | Fully wireless |
| Display | Large 2D Target Mapping | Graphical Target ID |
| Best Use | Beaches, coins, jewelry, relics | Diving, iron-heavy sites, coins, relics |
| Price | ~$1,299 | ~$1,299 |
Why I Recommend the Minelab Manticore
- Rock-solid stability in most ground conditions
- Sturdy, rugged build
- Big, bright screen that’s easy to read
- Menus are simple and fast to navigate
- Often a bit deeper than most machines
- Target ID stays accurate even at depth
- No wired antenna needed in the water
Pros & Cons – Manticore
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Why I Recommend the XP Deus II
- Super lightweight and fully wireless
- Excellent in heavy iron/trash with 9” coil
- Waterproof to 66 ft
- Fast recovery speed
Pros & Cons – XP Deus II
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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FAQ
Which is better for saltwater and wet sand?
Both are excellent. Deus II goes deeper underwater, Manticore shines with stability and no extra antenna needed.
Which is better in heavy iron?
Deus II, especially with the 9” coil.
Which has better depth?
Manticore often has the edge for depth and target ID stability.
Contact Me
Have questions? I’m always happy to help you pick the right detector for your style and sites.
- Phone: (405) 206-9010
- Email: Bart@BigBoysHobbies.net
- Website: bigboyshobbies.net
- Google Reviews: See what customers say
— Bart Davis, Owner, Big Boys Hobbies