Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Metal Detectors

Minelab Vanquish 560 vs XP Deus II Gold + HF2 and WSA ST

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Minelab Vanquish 560 comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.8 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about casual detectorists who need full waterproofing and wireless audio for beach or wet conditions — read the strengths below before deciding.

Minelab Vanquish 560
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Metal Detectors
Minelab Vanquish 560
5 sources1 derived$399as of Oct 3

The Minelab Vanquish 560 leverages Multi-IQ technology and full five-meter waterproofing to deliver exceptional performance in wet sand and surf, allowing users to submerge the control box without fear of damage. AOL found that this capability opens up new coastal hunting grounds previously inaccessible due to moisture sensitivity, while its rechargeable internal battery eliminates the need for disposable cells. The detector supports interchangeable Equinox and Coiltek coils, a feature highlighted by crawfordsmd and paulcee.co.uk as a way to expand flexibility without upgrading the main unit. However, skill-school noted that the fixed five-tone audio system limits advanced tuning options for experienced users who prefer custom tone breaks or multi-tone configurations. Additionally, the lack of adjustable recovery speed restricts control over target separation in heavily cluttered environments, making this model best suited for casual detectorists and those prioritizing ease of use over granular manual adjustments.

Strengths
  • — Fully waterproof to 5 meters, allowing submersion of the control box and opening up beach or underwater hunting.
  • — Supports interchangeable Equinox and Coiltek search coils for flexibility without upgrading the main unit.
  • — Features a rechargeable internal battery that eliminates the need for disposable AA batteries.
Watch-outs
  • — Limited to a fixed five-tone audio system with no option for custom tone breaks or multi-tone tuning.
  • — Lacks adjustable recovery speed, restricting control over target separation in trashy environments.
XP Deus II Gold + HF2 and WSA ST
Ranked #5 in Best Metal Detectors
XP Deus II Gold + HF2 and WSA ST
2 sourcesall derived$1,548as of Oct 3

The Scottish Detectorist found that the XP Deus II is an incredibly light and highly configurable wireless detector capable of handling heavily contaminated ground. However, THE GRIM BLEEPER noted that while the stereo audio technology aims for clarity, it often results in a 'busy' sound that can cause headaches, leading some users to disable multi-processing features. This deep menu system offers substantial control but may overwhelm those seeking simplicity. The detector is best suited for experienced enthusiasts who want to fine-tune their settings rather than beginners looking for an out-of-the-box solution.

Strengths
  • — Wireless simultaneous multi-frequency (FMF) detection system with selectable single-frequency modes
  • — Highly configurable interface offering 12 factory programmes and 12 user-programme slots
  • — Advanced audio capabilities including PWM/Square output, four-band equaliser, and stereo headphone support
Watch-outs
  • — Extensive menu depth and interacting settings create a steep learning curve for beginners
  • — Requires firmware updates to pair with newer accessories like the HF2 coil

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Minelab Vanquish 560

The Vanquish 560 matches the Equinox 900 in having a fully waterproof control box and high target ID scale (-19 to 99), but it lacks the adjustable recovery speed found in more advanced models like the Nokta The Legend 2. Unlike the Simplex Ultra, which offers Bluetooth audio out of the box, the Vanquish 560 includes this connectivity as a key advantage over older non-Bluetooth units.

XP Deus II Gold + HF2 and WSA ST

The XP Deus II is significantly lighter (1.65 lb) than all other listed detectors, including the Vanquish series and Nokta models which range from 2.6 to 2.8 lbs.

Specs side-by-side

SpecMinelab Vanquish 560XP Deus II Gold + HF2 and WSA ST
Waterproof Rating5 meters (16 feet)—
Weight2.6 lb1.65 lb
Detection SystemMulti-IQ technologyFMF simultaneous multi-frequency
Target ID Scale-19 to 99—
MaterialPlastic Metal—
Search ModesPark, Field, Beach—
Battery Life10 hours—
FrequencyMulti-IQ49 selections (4–45.4 kHz)
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