I'm not brand loyal and have both the CTX and the E-Trac. In my testing, the CTX is a tad bit deeper than the E-Trac, has better target resolution, less susceptible to nulling around iron, less high tone falsing on iron, and provides more information via screen and audio tone settings. It is also better balanced - heavy - but less fatiguing. The E-Trac screen contrast was better; the CTX is washed out and difficult to discern the DISC areas and cursor position in sunlight. Also, don't care for the abrasive arm strap on the CTX. Kind of liked the menu structure on the E-Trac better too, as the CTX settings aren't as accessible via the new menu hierarchy. Toggle switch on the CTX for pinpointing is oddly placed - not ergonomic. Also, find the plastic grip on the CTX tiring to hold - would recommend some tennis racket tape wrappings to enlarge the grip and soften it. I like that the CTX is waterproof - even though I don't intend to put it underwater - it can withstand a rainstorm. Don't use the GPS much - no real need. Once I have the programs loaded in the CTX the XChange2 software doesn't get used much. The color screen is flashy but not that important - it shows color but so what. Overall though, the CTX is a better machine than the E-Trac.
I'd suggest finding one for sale in the online classifieds and give 'er a go. If after you've put 200 hours on it you find you don't like it - sell and move on. If it works for you - great. The thing is just a tool - like a cellphone or very expensive hammer. From the high praise some detectors receive some might get the impression the CTX is 'all that' and more - but I'd say it is really just an ETrac2, a bit of an upgrade. In the end, like any other detector - it has its strengths and weaknesses, things it does well and areas it doesn't. I wouldn't get wrapped around the axle searching for the 'best' detector - there isn't one. Just buy it, try it, then keep or sell depending upon how it suits you - you're not married to it. As a general all-rounder, the CTX does well, especially on coins, as do a half-dozen other detectors. If you need a niche machine for gold, relics, or beaches - there are others that excel in these areas better.
Despite the hype, the only way you'll ever be sure what's in the ground is by digging it. The CTX gives more intelligent information than most other detectors in this regard (with better target ID at depth) through its tones and display (and dual cursors) - but like all detectors there's no sure bet. There's nothing magic or earth shattering about its capabilities. I can imagine some people get 'buyer's remorse' when they take to the field with high hopes and find they've purchased a detector that is only marginally better than the one they sold. The Deus, GMP, AT-Pro/Gold, T2/F75SE, G2, Omega, Vista line, Blisstool, MXT, CZs, Tesoros, and a few others are also quite capable in different ways than the Minelabs and also have shortcoming too (differently than the CTX).
The point being - just buy something in the top tier and go have fun! And if it isn't fun then get something else. I wouldn't be tossed to and fro by the various reviews and user comments - especially those dripping with hyperbole that exaggerate performance as best ever and lavish praise on how superior it is with its 'breakthrough technology' - it just ain't so. If you buy into the hype you will be disappointed. My advice: Thoughtfully consider what you really need a detector to do (in a level-headed non-emotional way) then buy the one that fulfills your needs the best.
