Ctx3030

DurkaDigger

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Location
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Detector(s) used
Minelab CTX3030 & XP Deus with a Whites TRX and Garrett Pro Pointer
Primary Interest:
All Treasure Hunting
I just ordered my ctx3030 today! I have missed my minelab since I sold my Etrac. I plan to keep my xp deus for the really trashy places but I can wait to get those deep coins.


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I just ordered my ctx3030 today! I have missed my minelab since I sold my Etrac. I plan to keep my xp deus for the really trashy places but I can wait to get those deep coins. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

So you were not able to find deep coins with the Deus? What coil do you have on it?
 

I too had an E-Trac for a while - it was a great machine and I regretted selling it even though

I also have a Deus

2 totally different machines but definitely a compliment to each other

I now have a CTX also - couldn't do without a FBS machine in the arsenal

If you liked the E-Trac -- you're going to love the CTX ;-)

A Deus and a CTX or E-Trac together are a deadly combo --- don't leave much (if anything) for others to find once you're done with a piece of ground!
 

So you were not able to find deep coins with the Deus? What coil do you have on it?

Yes I found some but I dig a lot more trash too. It's a great machine don't get me wrong. I plan to keep it and use it in extreme trash. I have the stock 9 inch coil.




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Why would you love the CTX over the etrac, isn't the dept the same and don't that etracs hit silver harder.Now I here that there's a new etrac in the making, but I thought the CTX was a new etrac.I no the etrac cant go in water , is that enough to switch.So what I mean is if you hunt with the etrac, then go over with the CTX your going to find stuff the etrac missed.I no its faster, just looking for a honest opinion.I'm ordering a new detector next week and on the fence.Oh this is a minelab forum is it not?
 

The CTX3030 is a different machine from the Etrac. It has FBSII, an improved version of FBS technology. It has a faster processor, GPS, wireless headphone adapter, multiple target ID and target trace pinpointing. Along with these features, it's waterproof and runs quiet in wet salt. Etracs don't necessarily hit silver harder, but they do have a silver tone that is different on the CTX3030. With the 6" coil, the CTX is killer in iron.

Wayne

www.metaldetectingstuff.com
 

That was a great reply,thanks.Now I don't mean to sound harsh, but a GPS, I can use a hand held and do the same plus use it for other things.Now you say multiple target,is that three or to.You can do the same with the etrac from sound also trace with pin point.don't do a lot at the ocean. So I would just be using it at parks stuff like that which they probably perform the same.When I call to order these are the questions I'm going to be asking , I am the consumer and I m really thinking about getting one just could save $$ with etrac
 

So you would need to detectors to do what the CTX does if you only have a etrac. It is also nice having a detector than can do a lot of things so you can be prepared for any situation . the CTX does a lot better in iron then the etrac cause you don't have to move it at a snails pace, dept would be the same but would out shine the etrac in iron.The multi target and trace gives you faster recovery and less guess work.I was thinking of getting the etrac plus another one, but if I got the CTX I wouldn't need another one. The only thing that worries me would be weight in the woods,you no up and down motion.
 

It's a little heavier than the E-Trac, but better balanced. I used to have a sore shoulder after 4 hours with the E-Trac, but I can hunt all day with the CTX.

The GPS has three functions - it shows you everywhere you walked in Google maps. It allows you to mark targets- all ID info/ depth shows on the map. It also allows you to plug in coordinates off a map , then it directs you to the exact spot.

The Target Trace analyzes multiple swings and can show iron trace from the target.

Wayne

www.metaldetectingstuff.com
 

I had originally purchased an Etrac but like Wayne pointed out.. The thing is very heavy and the ctx is supposed to be balanced better.

Having the faster processor is also sometjjng that appeals. I like the GPS system and it's a plus but was not a deciding factor for me.

I am keeping my xp dues too... For a while anyway until I decide for sure. I will keep you updated but I think it's going to be a lot better than the Etrac.

Btw I almost killed my Etrac before I sold it. I caught it just about an inch before it it the water. If you are going anywhere near the water without the ctx then you are taking a gamble.



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Etrac and Excalibur II I think are perfect. I still out hunt friends with the ctx. I hear the same things they do and can identify targets just the same because I know what its telling me.
 

Here's my take on the Etrac vs CTX debate.

To start, I'll focus on the advantages of the CTX vs the Etrac.

The CTX with its adjustable ground balance helps get just a bit better depth, which gets more .
The balance is WAY better like Wayne and others pointed out...
The target trace pinpoint is a wonderful feature that visually helps show two or more targets at the same time...
The CTX seems to do a bit better job of showing target IDs at depth...
The CTX's processor is much faster, helping it in iron patches..
And the obvious ones like the waterproof and GPS features


An advantage of the Etrac vs the CTX:
A much larger selection of coils, and at a much cheaper price.

Some of the age old rules still apply... Someone experienced with an Etrac will find more than the inexperienced guy with a CTX...

And finally either one is an excellent companion to the XP Deus, the combination of the two is quite the pair!
 

I recently heard on treasure hunting radio podcast that the CTX has had some leaking issues , I was going to trade in my explorer se pro but that has me worried
 

Shanemon, the CTX3030 is watertight as long as proper maintenance of the O ring is done. If the O ring isn't kept clean, sand can allow water to penetrate.

Of the ones we have sold, none have leaked.

Wayne

www.metaldetectingstuff.com
 

In my opinion, if you have an E-Trac and like it the CTX isn't going to be a game changer. If you just want to have the latest thing, fine - but the E-Trac capability is just about equal to the CTX, and in some instances exceeds it slightly. The only places the CTX has a clear edge is being waterproof (for shallow water hunting and rain) and ergonomics. If you need the CTX try buying used and save the $$s. I wouldn't buy new - the cost differential just isn't there if you already use the E-Trac.
 

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