Beyond the Hype: Real-World Performance of the XP ORX and X35 Coil Long-Term Field Test

As I sit here, cleaning my latest finds from a productive day in the fields, I can’t help but reflect on the past 2 years with my trusty go to metal detector, the XP ORX. It’s been quite a journey, and I’m pleased to say that this remarkable piece of kit has more than lived up to my initial expectations.

When I first got my hands on the ORX, I was immediately impressed by its lightweight design. Now, after countless hours in the field, I can confidently say that this feature has been a game-changer. At just 870 grams, it’s allowed me to extend my detecting sessions without the usual fatigue setting in. The ultra-light telescopic stem has held up beautifully, showing very few signs of wear despite the tough conditions I’ve put it through. It is even lighter if you mount the control unit on your hip or wrist.

While I initially started with the 24/13cm elliptical HF coil, I soon found myself gravitating towards the X35 11″ coil. This upgrade has proven to be an excellent choice for my detecting style and the varied terrain I frequently search. The X35 coil’s compatibility with the ORX is a testament to XP’s commitment to versatility and future-proofing their equipment.

One of the standout features that has consistently impressed me is the X35 coil’s multi-frequency technology. The range of five frequencies – 4kHz, 8kHz, 12kHz, 17kHz, and 25kHz – has allowed me to adapt to various soil conditions and target types with remarkable ease. I’ve found the higher frequencies, particularly the 17kHz and 25kHz options, to be incredibly effective for sniffing out small, low-conductivity targets that might have been missed by less sophisticated detectors. The lower frequencies have proven their worth when searching for larger, deeper targets. This versatility has made the X35 11″ coil an excellent all-rounder, capable of handling everything from tiny hammered silver coins to larger, deeper artifacts with impressive efficiency.

The four factory programs – Gold, Fine Gold and Coin Fast, Coin Deep – have served as excellent starting points and you have then two custom programs to create your own. After watching a few videos online I started with Coin Fast, whenever I switched to Coin Deep it felt to noisy and chatty, but now Coin Deep is my go to setting and I rarely go back to Coin Deep.

You can set the sensitivity right up to 99 but the factory default is 90, but I am usually running it at 98.

The wireless connectivity between the coil, remote control, and WS Audio compact wireless headphones continues to impress. The absence of wires has not only made swinging the detector more comfortable but has also eliminated the risk of tangles and snags when navigating through brush or over uneven terrain.

Battery life has been consistently excellent. The lithium batteries, rated for up to 20 hours of use, have never let me down, even on my longest detecting marathons. The ability to charge via any certified USB charger or computer has proven incredibly convenient, especially when traveling to distant detecting sites.

The ORX’s ground balance capabilities have been put to the test across a wide range of soil conditions, from highly mineralized areas to salt-water beaches. The manual adjustment from 60 to 90 and the automatic ‘fast grab’ option have both proven their worth in different scenarios.

One aspect that I’ve come to appreciate more over time is the detector’s reactivity settings. The four levels available have allowed me to fine-tune the ORX’s performance in trashy areas. By adjusting the reactivity, I’ve been able to pick out good targets in spots that other detectorists have written off as too contaminated with iron.

The pinpoint function with target zoom has become an integral part of my detecting routine. It’s not only helped me to locate targets more precisely but has also aided in minimizing ground disturbance – an important consideration when detecting on sensitive sites or farmland.

The MI-6 pinpointer integration has proven to be more than just a gimmick. The ability to adjust its settings directly from the ORX’s remote control has streamlined my detecting process. The ‘recover a lost MI-6’ feature has also saved me from potential heartache on more than one occasion!

In terms of finds, the ORX has helped me unearth an impressive array of artifacts. From tiny cut silver coins that I might have missed with less sensitive equipment to a beautiful gold signet ring that had me dancing in the field, this detector has consistently delivered. Its ability to pick up on the faintest of signals has led to some of my most memorable finds.

After a couple of years of use, I can confidently say that the XP ORX metal detector, especially when paired with the X35 11″ coil, is a formidable piece of equipment. Its combination of advanced technology, user-friendly interface, and outstanding performance has not only met but exceeded my expectations. Whether I’m searching for ancient coins in a Roman settlement, sweeping a beach for modern losses, or exploring old farm fields, the ORX has proven itself time and again and right now I have no plans to change it for anything else.

If you browse through my other articles on here you can read about some of my finds with the ORX including hammered silver coins, a bronze age axe head, a roman fibula brooch, a medieval horse harness pendant and much more.

For both novice detectorists looking for a metal detector they can grow with, and experienced hunters seeking cutting-edge performance, the XP ORX is a choice that I can wholeheartedly recommend. It’s not just a metal detector; it’s a passport to adventure, a key to unlocking history, and a reliable partner in the endlessly fascinating pursuit of buried treasure. As I look forward to many more years with my ORX, I can’t help but feel excited about the discoveries that lie ahead.