Rutus VERSA Multi Frequency Detector - Competition For Minelab and Nokta?

Rutus metal detectors are probably not as well known as some of the big brands. But they have been around for years and over that time have built a large, loyal following of dedicated detectorists throughout the world.

Machines such as the Alter-71 and Atrex have been innovative, powerful and interesting but not without a few issues. The Atrex for example sported a colour screen but this was all but unreadable in strong sunlight. It also required a battery pack with 6 AA cell batteries which, let’s face it, is a little outdated in 2023.

However, Rutus has continued to move forward and has just added a new machine to the lineup in the form of the ‘VERSA’. A multi-frequency, waterproof machine with a built-in rechargeable battery and telescopic stem.

We don’t yet have full details but below is what we know so far.

The Spec

Dual Mode: Motion and Non-Motion modes.
ID Graph: Differentiates between valuable targets and junk.
Single or Multi-Frequency Mode.
Multi-Frequency or one frequency tunable from 4 to 40 kHz, in the range up to 14.2 KHz – 0.2 kHz step, above 14.8 kHz – 0.6 kHz step.
Adjustable recovery speed – 8 levels.
Discrimination – 120 points.
7 Factory Programs. Beach, Beach Dual, Field, Field Dual, Park, Park Dual, Non-motion with discrimination or with tone ID.
Programmable Audio. 3 User profiles; 1, 2, 3, 6 tones plus pitch.
Iron Volume.
Advanced Discrimination.
WiFi Updateable.
Compact Flat Foldin Telescopic Stem.
Waterproof to 2.5 meters.
Lightweight. 1.3kg.
Long Battery Life. Built-in rechargeable. 15-20 hours on a single charge.
Compatible with current SR1 headphones and OS2 wireless module.
Not compatible with Atrex coils.
2-Year Warranty.

Features

It is good to see Rutus move to a telescopic stem for the Versa. All their other machines to date have used a tubular metal stem with spring clips. And whilst that is still acceptable these days on low-price entry-level machines, the trend is towards portability and ease of use. Talking of which, the Versa uses a straight stem design and it appears that the handle and control box are adjustable for distance from the arm cup.

The control box appears to be quite rugged and is submersible to 2.5 meters which along with multi-frequency should make for a very good beach machine. The screen is also readable in strong sunlight.

Another useful feature is the screen ID graph which gives a visual indication of whether a target is junk or valuable. Combined with the numbers and audio this should all give the user a good idea of what is under the coil before digging that hole. Let’s hope it is more accurate than Minelab’s 2D screen on the Manticore.

It is very good to see that the Versa retains compatibility with the SR1 headphones and OS2 wireless module. For those not familiar with the Rutus SR1 headphones they are far more versatile than offerings from the competition. They can operate in three modes. Wireless Direct, which is very low-latency wireless audio, APTX Low Latency Bluetooth mode and wired, yes you can plug a cable into the headphones and connect to the Versa that way if you prefer. The OS-2 wireless module allows you to use your own wired headphones wirelessly with the Versa.

It is not yet clear if either or both of these will be included with the Versa or perhaps offered as a special pack. Both are available separately.

Whether the Rutus Versa is real competition for Nokta and Minelab remains to be seen but going on current information, the Versa could be a real contender.

Price & Availability

At the time of writing, we do not yet have pricing or details of when the Versa will be available to purchase. But looking at what we know now I would guess that the price will be somewhere around the £799 mark.