Minelab Manticore vs XP Deus 2 depth test

[@norseman1137]

Great video... I find when I own a particular detector there is always that itch thinking another will be better. So as a Deus 2 owner I often contemplate the Manticore. Price has put me off thus far. But watching this you realise both are equally capable and lean towards different conditions and targets. All in all though I think the Deus 2 is amazing and a great price in the light version... So I will just be sticking with that... Your unbiased video helped

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

Thanks@@norseman1137 if you’ve ever used a deus 1 and equinox it’s much the same with the D2 and manticore. The minelab machines are very good at stopping you to dig and my old nox 800 used to amaze me with what it could sniff out especially on pasture, whereas the xp machines have better descriptive audio and just a nice machine to use. These tests are a bit of fun but weird how the manticore seems to struggle with freshly buried targets as it’s uncovered some crazy deep stuff for me. Good luck with the D2👍

[@EricCampbell-kf2ui]

I have both Nox 800 and 900, and I'm thrilled with the Deus 2

[@rossjenkins1357]

Great video I've had Deus 2 for 2 years it's an amazing machine on all ground I'm finding some seriously deep targets with reactivity 3 in sensitive full tones but my finds rate is definitely higher since I put the remote in my pocket and dig by audio. 👍🍀

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@rossjenkins1357 thanks👍 it’s nice when the remote dies and your ears only, I had a gold quarter with the D1 couldn’t believe it, good luck

[@addwithadz]

Enjoyed that mate, still learning the D2 so it's helpful to see what signals I shouldn't be ignoring 👌

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@addwithadz keep digging them all mate then you’ll get a better picture of what’s what, some of my best finds have been the worst signals👍

[@addwithadz]

@@DIRTBROSDETECTING I'm still in my first year of the hobby so it's all a big learning curve for me, it's interesting that good deep targets can have an iron grunt with them, I guess if it's got a good sound with it in 2 directions I should dig it regardless of the numbers?

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@addwithadz if you’ve got a good field that’s turning up nice finds I’d just dig the lot, the deeper you go you will get a bit of iron coming in so be careful leaving them, the big iron could be weapons amour etc, I had a lovely cannonball in one field, good luck

[@addwithadz]

@@DIRTBROSDETECTING thank you for the advice 🙂

[@anthonywestwood8489]

That was a really good entertaining video without bias towards either detector. Wherein, I’ve been on the fence for ages contemplating getting a Manticore, but after watching today’s video it has made me really appreciate my Deus II more than ever. Plus, the anticipation of the forthcoming new elliptical coil from XP adds the hope of further possibilities from an already great machine. I already have an Equinox 800, which I bought for my son, but who has now decided detecting is too anorak from him! And I’ve heard you mention a few times in your videos, that you located a hammered coin at 14 inches using the Equinox which is very inspiring information to other Nox owners! Also, I don’t know whether this makes sense, but the audio from the Deus II in my opinion somehow forms a 3D image in the mind’s eye of what exactually is underneath the ground. Whereas the Minelab fluty tones which are excellent at locking on to targets don’t really create such 3D mapping in the mind’s eye. Though one thing is for sure and that is Minelab make really good detectors, which somehow do something other manufacturers machines can’t. If anything, it’s the cost of acquiring additional coils for the Manticore which makes me hesitant to purchase one. Especially since the Equinox I bought my son came with the whole kit and Kaboodle offering exceptional value for money. I really enjoy watching your channel, as you make entertaining and informative videos. And I hope by the end of 2024, that your channel has acquired lots and lots of new subscribers!

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@anthonywestwood8489 as always thanks for the kind words on the channel, much appreciated😊👍 I hear you on the deus 2 tones, full tones definitely paints a better picture of what’s in the ground, I can usually guess the lead and most still whereas the manticore is harder to listen for, I actually found the equinox slightly better on the tones somehow as you knew you were onto something good with that, manticore has lots more to come for me but like you said they both have thier strengths and weaknesses, it’s seems one machine can’t do everything.. the minelabs are very good at alerting you to stop and dig, I need to explore high square more on the D2 as I think I may have missed a few deep whispers using full tones. I always try to create the best all round program for depth and speed and the audio option I like with the d2, it’s interesting comparing them so glad you enjoyed it, thanks!😎👍

[@anthonywestwood8489]

@@DIRTBROSDETECTING I agree about the Manticore having lots more to offer you. As you undoubtedly have the diligence and perseverance necessary to thoroughly master the Manticore more than most others, as your knowledge of the Deus II speaks volumes for your level of understanding. Plus, when I get some better land, I probably will invest in a Manticore, as it’s definitely an incredibly powerful machine with lots of latent power to pull upon when needed, which also takes perseverance to understand fully. At least I know whose channel to check out for tips when I eventually do acquire a Manticore! Happy Hunting

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

Thanks@@anthonywestwood8489 you can never have too many machines😎😂 I’d recommend watching iffy signals latest video which is a bit of an eye opener with how fast the new lower price machines are coming on! Thanks for the comments😊👍

[@anthonywestwood8489]

@@DIRTBROSDETECTING I have already watched Iffy’s latest video and commented too. Myself personally, I never play bingo when I’m out detecting, much preferring to count on the audio to trump the TID numbers instead. Wherein, I’d rather dig some iron than risk losing the find of a lifetime just because the numbers don’t add up! Regarding never having too many machines. I’ve been a detectorist now for over 25 years, with the odd hiatus on and off bringing up my son as a single parent. When I was married, I always had to justify my hobby purchases with a million excuses. My ex always used to ask whether the latest and greatest detector was a new purchase. Obviously, I used to lie and say no. Even when my son’s eyes were wide-open hearing me tell his mum it wasn’t a different detector, as he was never fooled for a moment that it wasn’t new! Personally, I think the tests you carry out in the soil have much more validation than surface tests. Plus, if anything a test bed with same plane iron nails next to a non-ferrous target, elevated iron nails above a non-ferrous target would be a much fairer indication of which detector is better at identify non-ferrous targets amongst iron. When the XP Goldmaxx Power was first released, it was a game changer for hunting in heavily iron infested sites. The same goes for the Deus and now the Deus II. It’s the testing in the ground that counts nothing else. Those tests above ground are mere parlour tricks, unless the result is also duplicated in different soil types too. I think its good that the detector manufacturers are in serious competition with each other and having to sell their detecting tech at a much lower price, as everyone loves a bargain!

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@anthonywestwood8489 lol I can relate to dumbing down detector purchases, luckily my wife enjoys the hobby but hardly gets out.. but I have to be careful where the pennies go! And I agree, if it sounds good dig it, the 7 and 8’s on the D2 are the same.. I would dig a sweet tone. It’s all part of learning the machine and racking up the hours to understand what it’s telling you as most of the time I can always guess iron which I don’t mind digging a lot of the ti as I’ve had some cracking iron finds like cannon balls etc, the minelabs were always good for letting in interesting iron or too big they can’t deal with it. I did mess up slightly in this videos test as I left the manticores iron volume on 25 where on 3 it doesn’t dominate the non ferrous tone so much, it’s a strange one how it reacts to freshly buried targets for sure so I need to get my head round why it loves to iron buzz everything? Thanks😊

[@jonsessions2121]

Great vid, thanks. Quick question (as a new D2 user), can you explain how and why you use a Pitch program to test targets once you've found them? And is it a custom pitch program you've made?

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

Hi@@jonsessions2121 as a full tones user, low conductive targets such as a cut quarter at 8” may give a scratchy tone which you might miss, so I use sensitive prog 2 reactivity 2 with pitch to cross check any targets I’m unsure of. I use full tones exclusively as I find it easier to id iron. If you would like the full pitch program just let me know and good luck with your D2😊

[@jonsessions2121]

@@DIRTBROSDETECTING I'd love to see your pitch custom prog settings please

[@leonardjackman354]

Great video I love my deus 2 and like my manticore. Len

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@leonardjackman354 thanks Len😊

[@nickrw28]

Do you have a link to your spade ?

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@nickrw28 it’s an evolution pro, I’ve snapped it twice now so hopefully get a discount from the manufacturer on a new one! regton.com/evolution-pro-cut-se-spade.html

[@lawrencedeans1433]

If your ignoring the constant iron grunts with the Manticore do you not dig more iron on a proper dig. How would you know if any targets that sounded like these was iron or not.

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

Hi @@lawrencedeans1433 I’ve dug a fair few iron sounding targets to hopefully know what to dig and leave, usually the deeper the target I’ll get an iron grunt somewhere within the signal but also a good non ferrous tone mixed in there, it’s a case of training the ear.. I’ve been suprised a few times where I’ve gone back on a target and it’s non ferrous. There’s also lots of tell tale ferrous signs which I’m sure you know which are ones you always leave, what is nice like the nox it can let big iron in like mini cannonballs and nice iron bits I don’t mind digging, thanks👍

[@lawrencedeans1433]

Most machines will grunt a bit at the extremes of their reach but the Manticore seems to do it a lot more. Of course you have other things to look at on the control box. Thanks for replying I struggled with the Nox 800 and iron but every other Minelab machine I was fine with iron and including other manufacturers machines such as the D1 and D2 ​@DIRTBROSDETECTING

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@lawrencedeans1433 no worries, and I find the manticore roughly the same as the nox for grunting away but like the nox it had a knack of telling you something was down there, I think the deepest hammered coin I had with the nox was at 14” it was iron one way and a good tone turning on it. The deus 2 doesn’t have that problem but I find the manticore a bit stronger on stopping you on the deep stuff👍

[@Chelseaf.c-b2t]

Hi mate it’s used you same setting an I was only just getting a hammered at 9 inch what up date are you using

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

Hi @@Chelseaf.c-b2t the manticore or D2? The big factor will be the ground you are searching, if it’s not clear of minerals etc you will struggle with depth, I’m sure if you ran your machine over my test garden you will get the same results? But then all coils are not equal but that’s another story😂 I am on 1.10 on the D2 and latest update on the manticore, hope that helps

[@MorteXDigs]

Both detector's have latest updates?

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@MorteXDigs yes, except deus 2 is on 1.1 not 2.0

[@Urge38]

I find my Manticore likes giving iron grunts when it's not iron Minelab has is head buried in the sand Shame but hopefully more updates might cure it

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@Urge38 I agree, I’ve dug loads of targets that have had an iron grunt, something which the deus 2 doesn’t do as much. I run stabiliser on three which calms things down for me, funny the first manticore I had on the original software seemed better all round?

[@Valakras]

@@DIRTBROSDETECTINGhey, what do you mean " on the original software"?

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@ I mean the first software without the stabiliser and iron filter settings that the manticore was released with

[@wedodetecting]

Totally agree, the Manticore is a great detector but there is definitely an issue with non ferrous targets giving iron grunts. The problem is some good targets are ending up in the ferrous limit areas and so are seen as iron. Let's hope an update can sort this out because I am sure good targets are being lost with the Manticore where D2 and even the Equinox don't have this issue. We tested the Manticore with a hammered half groat at 10inches and it placed it right in the top ferrous area as so was seen as iron and would be ignored.

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@ I agree, my equinox used to do the same and I’ve dug many deep target with that with an iron grunt one way and good tone the other. One thing I don’t get with my manticore is good targets in the upper ferrous limits only the lower, looks like it’s struggling to id the target at depth so sends it downward. One trait the Deus 2 does not suffer with is iron falsing on deep targets however and also seems to be better at hearing the target when the plug is out where many times the manticore will lose the target once plug is removed, thanks

[@lukebowers536]

Ive been contemplating a Deus 2 for a while now, the 2 things that have stopped me pulling the trigger are small things but very anoying things, the deus sounds like one of those build it yourself buz-beepsticks you got from maplins whe you where a kid. The clippy coil charger thing is not a win either, i can see that going rong fast especially on my filthy farm. But the Deus does seem to hit those targets, i noticed when i had a test swing of the manticore last week that i had to turn of the ferrouse filtering becuese it would not hit my gold test lumps otherwise, but i like the sound feedback on the manticore, sound is important to me as ime a sound engineer & much of my world is defined by my audio perception.

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

Hi@@lukebowers536 if you gave the Deus 2 some time you will realise the audio is its strong point, there is so much information in full tones you really can start to call what you are digging. The manticore has it to some extent but I think the nox was better. Also you have the high square option on the D2. The manticore has a no nonsense stop and dig which doesn’t miss much but can be tiring on some fields if you like to run it hot. I have no bother with the charging clip and confused over the fuss people make of it to be honest. What machine are you using currently? Cheers

[@lukebowers536]

@@DIRTBROSDETECTING ive got an xterra elite & an awful seban xtreme, the seban can find a pair of pliers 3 feet down but will pass right over silver & gold even on the surface, i like the xterra tho, ive had a lot of fun with that & found my first gold coin with it, ive got a friend bringing over a deus 2 next week for me to try, we are going to do a field on my folks farm that has a lot of hisory, used to be a train station in the field in the 1800's

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@ the xterra elite is a cracking machine! And that land sounds interesting, gold sovereigns is the first thing that popped into my mind!😂 we have an old railway that runs through our town and the station is at the back of an old in-laws house, I had a go but didn’t find much. Good luck and I’m sure you will enjoy the deus!🤞🏻

[@digginggopher]

I love the tones on the deus 1, I just got a deus 2 but haven't been able to use it yet due to snow But I must say I hate the charging clip, I can't prove it but I think it fried one of my coils, I had the elliptical HF coil and the battery died in it, I figured I bought it on Amazon maybe it was old stock, so I bought a new battery, less then a week later the new battery was dead, okay so now I have a coil frying batteries, send it in for warranty they send me a new coil I think the charging clip I had was defective because the charging light would never turn off, it would stay on forever, wouldn't go to flashing And not long later that charging clip broke completely which adds to my paranoia over that clip So either my coil was defective, or the charging clip caused it to be defective idk So far I have not had problems with my new coil except I've had the same issue of the charging light not turning off, if my new coil Fry's the battery I'm just going to retire the deus 1 and I'll be through with it, just focus on the deus 2 But I wish the coil had a different mechanism, maybe like the D2 remote with a screw cap

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@digginggopher the tones on the D2 are the same as the D1 and more. I went through around four hf coils and the problem lies with the batteries being housed in the stem shaft and the connector moving around.. it’s a common problem with the hf coils trust me. Also my charge lights also didn’t go out, absolutely nothing wrong with the charge clip my end. Happy hunting👍

[@samoliver6999]

Awesome video I was doing same today comparing both machines just can’t put my Deus 2 down lol

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

Agreed D2 is always consistent and is a work of art, but it’s weird cause I’ve always dug deeper targets with manticore and nox 800, then again I’m always on full tones so maybe I need to explore the D2 tone options more..

[@samoliver6999]

@@DIRTBROSDETECTING I’ve been using your cp9 program works really well on my fields

[@sutamacenel777metaldetekto8]

salam dari Indonesia bang tempat lokasi ya rata bnget itu yng mudah untuk kita berburu harta Karun ❤❤❤❤

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@sutamacenel777metaldetekto8 Terima kasih, sepertinya Anda berada di belahan dunia yang hebat! semoga beruntung..

[@detectingdaft]

Would like either machine to be fair. Happy hunting.

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

Thanks@@detectingdaft I agree, both lovely machines to use😊

[@WallopinSilver]

Great vid!

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@WallopinSilver thanks😊

[@X-Marks_the_spot]

ID on both machines not so good. Lower the ferrous on the upper and lower on the manticore and it will sound amazing on any iffy signal. Even though you are in all metal horseshoe off it will still iron grunt. I run a program at upper 0 lower 0. Try it sometime if ya don't mind digging it all.

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

Thanks @@X-Marks_the_spot Yes i can hit everything in my test garden with the ferrous limts on 0 but you can never hunt like that as you would dig everything, definitely need to look at a more open ferrous limit program which is right on the edge of letting in more iron but unmasking the the good stuff. I have tried to hunt with ferrous limits at 0 and look at the screen but i was constantly pulling ferrous targets up, would work on a hot stop though for sure! Cheers and good luck😊

[@ohiofredl]

Thanks for vid.

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@ohiofredl no problem😊👍

[@williamwade546]

I knew the Deus 2 going to win check out the shirt😂

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@williamwade546 😂😂 got a manticore hoody for chrimbo🙋🏻‍♂️

[@mikemanhuhughes5106]

Good vid thanks

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@mikemanhuhughes5106 thanks👍

[@jasonmileham]

D2 all the way then :)

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

@@jasonmileham looked that way!😬

[@julianamos]

fantastic video

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

Thanks @julianamos😊👍

[@clarkfox7961]

A freshly buried target is no different to a air test ,so this is a pointless test .

[@DIRTBROSDETECTING]

Thanks@@clarkfox7961 I disagree, in an air test I can hit a hammered coin a lot deeper than when buried in the ground, iron and ground minerals will affect detection depth greatly.

[@rickkeifer3472]

I'm sorry buddy but I have to disagree with you the mineralization in the soil makes a difference in the signal at least that's my opinion after 50 years of detecting best of luck to you and good hunting.