20 Questions Every Detectorist Is Asking
A buyer's guide from Destination Gold Detectors
The XP ICON has quickly become one of the most talked-about releases in the detecting world — a lighter, simpler, more affordable way to get XP's wireless multi-frequency technology into more hands. Whether you're comparing it to the DEUS II, weighing ICON vs. ICON-X, or just trying to figure out if this is your first "real" detector, here are the answers.
1. What is the XP ICON?
The XP ICON is a fully wireless, multi-frequency metal detector built by XP, the French company behind the DEUS and DEUS II. It's positioned as the lighter, more affordable, easier-to-use sibling of the DEUS II, built on the same FMF (Fast Multi-Frequency) coil technology but simplified down to the controls most detectorists actually use day to day. Browse the full XP ICON and ICON-X lineup to see current packages.
2. How is the ICON different from the ICON-X?
Both share the same core FMF platform and wireless design, but the ICON-X is the step-up model. The standard ICON runs 3 factory and 3 user programs, a multi-frequency mode plus 2 single frequencies (4 and 14 kHz), 5 reactivity levels, a 1-point discrimination resolution in the ferrous zone, and a standard S-Telescopic Lite stem at roughly 845g fully assembled (about 735g without the remote). The ICON-X adds 6 factory and 6 user program slots, a third single-frequency option, 7 reactivity levels, finer half-point discrimination steps, and a carbon-fiber version of the stem that shaves off a bit more weight, coming in around 830g fully assembled (about 710g without the remote). See the full breakdown in our ICON, ICON-X and DEUS II comparison.
3. What does "FMF" multi-frequency actually mean?
FMF stands for Fast Multi-Frequency — XP's simultaneous multi-frequency detection technology. Instead of forcing you to pick one frequency and hope it suits the ground and target you're hunting, the ICON reads multiple frequencies at once (with the option to shift automatically or manually), which generally means better depth, cleaner target separation, and more adaptability across different soil and mineralization conditions.
4. Is the XP ICON fully wireless?
Yes. The coil, remote control, and headphones all talk to each other wirelessly using XP's ultra-low-latency digital protocol (~4ms), with 36 automatic channels available to avoid interference from other nearby detectors. There are no cables running down the shaft — one of the signature traits carried over from the DEUS line.
5. How much does the XP ICON weigh?
The complete ICON setup weighs approximately 845 grams (about 1.86 lbs) fully assembled with the remote attached, and around 735 grams without the remote. That puts it among the lightest full-featured detectors on the market, which matters a lot on long hunting days.
6. Is the XP ICON waterproof?
The ICON is rated IP68 and waterproof up to 5m (17 feet) for 30 minutes, with the coil built to handle wet sand, rain, and shallow water detecting. For true underwater use, the dedicated bone-conduction headphones and waveguide are required, since the standard wireless headphones aren't designed for full submersion. Browse compatible headphone options in our XP DEUS II headphones collection (ICON-compatible).
7. Can I use the ICON at the beach, in saltwater?
Yes — beach and shallow saltwater detecting is one of its designed use cases. The multi-frequency detection helps it stay stable across the transition from dry sand to wet, mineralized saltwater, which is historically one of the harder environments for single-frequency machines to handle cleanly.
8. How many program and frequency options does the ICON offer?
The standard ICON comes with 3 factory-loaded programs and 3 user-programmable slots, plus a multi-frequency mode and two single frequencies (4 and 14 kHz) to choose from. It's designed so a new user can power on, pick a preloaded program, and start swinging within seconds — no deep menu-diving required.
9. Will my old DEUS II coils and accessories work with the ICON?
Yes. The ICON is built on the DEUS II FMF ecosystem, compatible with DEUS II FMF coils (D22FMF, D28FMF, D3428FMF) and the HF2 elliptical coil, plus the XP MI-6 pinpointer and the DEUS II wireless headphones lineup. Check our XP parts and accessories page for the full compatibility list.
10. Is the XP ICON good for beginners?
It's arguably the best entry point XP has ever made. The whole design philosophy is "switch on and go" — factory programs are ready to use out of the box, the control layout is simplified compared to the DEUS II's deeper menu system, and the light weight makes it easy for new detectorists to swing comfortably for hours while they learn. Our Starting with XP ICON guide walks through getting set up.
11. Is the ICON also a good backup detector for experienced hunters?
Yes. Because it shares the DEUS II's core FMF technology and wireless architecture, seasoned detectorists often pick it up as a featherweight second machine — something to toss in the truck or take on trips where hauling a full DEUS II setup isn't practical.
12. How does the ICON compare to the DEUS II overall?
The DEUS II remains the more advanced, more customizable flagship — more program slots, additional frequency options, a broader coil lineup, and deeper menu control for experienced users who want to fine-tune every setting. The ICON trades some of that depth for simplicity, lighter weight, and a lower price, while keeping the same underlying wireless FMF performance. See our full XP ICON, ICON-X and DEUS II comparison for a side-by-side spec table.
13. What's the difference in reactivity and discrimination between ICON and ICON-X?
The standard ICON offers 5 reactivity levels and 1-point discrimination resolution in the ferrous zone. The ICON-X steps that up to 7 reactivity levels and finer half-point discrimination increments, giving more advanced users tighter control over target separation in trashy or mineralized ground.
14. Does the XP ICON connect to an app?
Yes — XP's Go Terrain smartphone app pairs with the ICON so you can log sessions, track finds and routes via GPS, and review your detecting activity from your phone, keeping the machine upgradeable as XP rolls out future features. Learn more about XP ICON's smart features, and see our step-by-step firmware update guide for keeping your ICON's software current.
15. What's included with an XP ICON package?
The base XP ICON package includes the 11" FMF coil, the ICON remote control, the S-Telescopic Lite stem, and a charging cable. Step-up bundles add wireless headphones, an XP MI-6 pinpointer, and accessories such as an XP detecting backpack and finds pouch for a complete "ready to hunt" kit. See current ICON and ICON-X packages for exact contents.
16. Is the XP ICON made in France like the DEUS II?
Yes. XP designs and builds the ICON in France, carrying forward the same manufacturing standards and warranty backing that XP detectors are known for.
17. Can I get an extended warranty on the ICON?
Yes, and it's free. Every ICON and ICON-X comes with a standard 5-year parts-and-labor warranty (batteries and accessories are covered for 2 years), and registering your detector after purchase extends that coverage further at no additional cost. This is separate from XP's paid Warranty Extension product, which applies to the DEUS II and its FMF coils ($99 for the full detector, $49 for coil-only) rather than the ICON range. Firmware updates are free either way — see our firmware update guide for keeping your ICON current.
18. How much does the XP ICON cost?
Pricing depends on which package you choose. At Destination Gold Detectors, the base XP ICON detector is priced at $569, with step-up bundles that add headphones, a pinpointer, and accessories running higher. Exact current pricing and sale discounts are listed on the product pages, since promotions rotate.
19. Is the XP ICON good for gold prospecting?
XP lists gold prospecting among the ICON's intended use cases alongside all-terrain, beach, and relic hunting. That said, if gold prospecting is your primary goal, it's worth comparing the ICON-X's additional frequency options or dedicated gold-oriented setups, since higher single frequencies tend to matter more for small, low-conductivity gold targets. Browse our full gold prospecting selection as well.
20. Where can I buy the XP ICON and check current stock?
Destination Gold Detectors carries the full ICON and ICON-X lineup, including the standalone ICON and the ICON-X, along with comparison guides, the user manual, and stock update posts so you can see what's currently available and shipping.
Have a question we didn't cover? Reach out to Destination Gold Detectors — we're happy to help you figure out which XP ICON setup fits how and where you detect.