The XP Deus II and the Minelab Manticore are the two detectors most serious UK detectorists end up choosing between. Both are multi-frequency and fully waterproof, and both are expensive. But they’re built around very different ideas: the Deus II is light and fully wireless, while the Manticore is all about raw power and target information.
How we compared them: from the manufacturers’ specifications, the Amazon UK listings and reviews, and current UK prices. We haven’t tested them side by side ourselves.
The short answer
- Choose the XP Deus II if you want the lightest detector, a fully wireless setup, and deep customisation of programs and sounds.
- Choose the Minelab Manticore if you want maximum power and depth, and a detailed target ID display.
- Neither is a beginner detector. Both reward experience. If you’re still learning, the Equinox 700 or a Vanquish makes more sense.
Side-by-side comparison
| XP Deus II | Minelab Manticore | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (approx.) | £719 (WS6 Master) to £1,258 (with remote) | £1,417 |
| Technology | Fast Multi-Frequency (FMF), plus single frequencies from 4 to 45kHz | Multi-IQ+, higher power |
| Design | Fully wireless: coil, remote and headphones | Conventional control box on the shaft |
| Waterproof | To 20m with the remote (headphones depend on type) | Fully waterproof |
| Target information | Customisable programs and sounds | Advanced 2D target ID display |
| Amazon UK rating | 4.9 (15) for the full RC kit | 4.6 (206) |
Prices and ratings are from Amazon UK in September 2026.
Where the XP Deus II wins
- Weight and balance. With no cables and the electronics in the coil, it’s one of the lightest high-end detectors available. That’s a real advantage over a long day.
- Wireless everything. The coil talks wirelessly to the remote and headphones. The WS6 Master version uses the headphone module as the control unit, so you can detect without a remote at all.
- Customisation. 12 multi-frequency factory programs plus 49 single frequencies, and a deep sound library.
- Underwater. XP rates the Deus II with its remote as waterproof to 20m.
Where the Minelab Manticore wins
- Power. Minelab describes Multi-IQ+ as its most powerful multi-frequency system, aimed at maximum depth.
- Target ID. The advanced 2D target display gives more information about what’s under the coil before you dig.
- Simplicity. A conventional layout that’s easier to get to grips with than the Deus II’s menu system.
- Reviews. Many more Amazon UK ratings (206 against a handful for each Deus II package).
The detectors
XP Deus II WS6 Master with 11-inch coil (about £719)
The lightest way into the Deus II. The WS6 headphone module acts as the control unit, so there's no remote. It's supplied with the 11-inch FMF coil and headphones. Rated 4.0 stars from 15 reviews. A version with the larger 13x11-inch coil costs the same.
XP Deus II with remote, 11-inch coil and WS6 headphones (about £1,258)
The full Deus II kit, with the waterproof remote control, the 11-inch FMF coil and WS6 wireless headphones. This is the version to buy if you want the screen and full control. Rated 4.9 stars from 15 reviews. See our headphones guide for XP's wireless options.
Minelab Manticore (about £1,417)
Multi-IQ+ multi-frequency, an advanced 2D target ID display, an 11-inch DD coil and full waterproofing. Rated 4.6 stars from 206 reviews. A bundle with a Pro-Find 40 pinpointer and carry bag costs about £1,799. Pair it with Minelab's ML85 wireless headphones (about £128). As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Our verdict
For UK farmland and beaches, both are excellent, and the right one depends on how you like to detect. If comfort over a long day and the freedom of a wireless setup matter most, choose the Deus II. If you want maximum depth and the most information about each target, with a simpler layout, choose the Manticore.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Deus II better than the Manticore? Neither is simply better. The Deus II is lighter and more customisable, and the Manticore is more powerful with more detailed target ID.
Is the XP Deus II good on UK beaches? Yes. Its multi-frequency programs handle wet salt sand well, and it’s waterproof to 20m with the remote.