They plugged the CTX3030 MD tonight on Oak Island. Is that detector one of the best out there? Will is see a significant difference using it as opposed to a $300-$500 detector? What are benefits specifically of such an expensive MD. I ask this because I'm still deciding on what to buy.
davinci, to answer your question, this is why I decided to get a CTX after seriously researching it.
It is a very versatile machine. Can detect in water (up to 10ft) and land.
The Smartfind and Target trace technologies allow you to see multiple targets on the screen, both good and bad. Even if you discriminate out certain items, they will not give a tone if you choose, but, can still be seen.
For the sound is best crowd, you can assign a tone/pitch of your choosing to specific ferrous/conductive parameters. If you seek specific areas of conductive metals you can customize the audio ID to suit you.
Wireless headphones. No need to explain that one, GREAT FEATURE!!
Rechargeable lithium ion battery, best (most expensive) rechargeable batteries currently available.
GPS tracking. ( I used it to track and mark my finds while looking for an old homestead with no trace above ground. I recorded my finds on the gps and the pattern of found objects made a clear outline of the location of the buildings) It was the item I thought I may never use, but, it was very handy! You can download your hunt onto your computer and interface it with google earth, very cool!
The coils have microchips in them to digitally communicate with the control box (similar to the Deus). This is how I believe it is much different than most machines as with the deus. It does unfortunately make the coils more expensive because they communicate with only with the CTX.
Retractable coil rod with coil wire inside. Handy for transport, coil wire doesn't snag on things.
People seem to mention depth a lot lately. In my opinion depth of detection has pretty much hit a wall as far as advances. Most modern machines get reasonable depths. Coils seem to be the area of advance in terms of depth. Air tests are pretty much worthless IMO. I believe the advances are being made in terms of ID both visual and audio. Also in terms of ground balancing ability and emi resistance. Eliminate bad ground/emi and get the best feedback from the coil. The CTX is the smoothest machine I have operated or seen in operation without question.
There are a bunch more great features, I could go on and on. I suggest you go to a dealer and try one out, or at very least read the manual online, and see what it can do. Most people who post negative comments about it, do so out of ignorance, in that they know nothing about it except it's cost.
The bottom line, it is NOT for everyone. If you don't want the versatility or any of the features it provides, it may not be for you. Only the purchaser knows what they are willing to spend. You need to consider it for the totality of what it does.
I have had mine a bit over a year. In that year I have found more quality finds than I had thought possible in my limited time available. No regrets in my purchase! It's fun to use too!
