Considering a Used CTX 3030 or should I keep what I've got...

[Coinbikerun]

Hello,

I'm fairly inactive on here but I thought I would reach out for a few suggestions.

I am considering trading my Excal II (plus some cash) for a used ctx 3030 that's about 8 months old.

I like the Excal but my family has grown (and is growing) and I do not have the time to put on a wetsuit for multi-hour surf hunts. If I have time to detect - its normally for a much shorter window. It has also been very frustrating in SE NC that many of the good areas are almost constantly sanded in except after storms. I've used the Excal on land some and it does fine, but it is a little cumbersome and that is not its intended purpose.

I live close to the beach - I want to have the option to detect in the surf zone from time to time when the conditions are right. I am thinking that a ctx 3030 would allow me to do this, and also be more practical for some of the other detecting I do when time allows.

Am I on the right track with this - or should I just hang on to the Excal II? Or sell and start fresh down the road when I have enough time to justify having an high end detector?

Thanks!

 

[GKMan]

Getting a CTX would nicely meet your needs for the types of detecting you plan on doing in the future. For me it would come down to the money. You can get a nice new CTX for well below the MSRP from many dealers. I haven't checked recently but probably closer to 2K. I am not sure what used Excalibur's are going for perhaps $800 or so and a used CTX should probably be around $1500 maybe? I doubt I wouldn't be paying more than that for a used one. I would also consider in your trade if it was the older version of the CTX which at the least didn't have some improvements for sealing the battery compartment from water which as you mentioned is a place you plan on detecting.

 

[raylesnau]

Unless you get it almost free. Save your money.
Ray

 

[IDXMonster]

Getting a CTX would nicely meet your needs for the types of detecting you plan on doing in the future. For me it would come down to the money. You can get a nice new CTX for well below the MSRP from many dealers. I haven't checked recently but probably closer to 2K. I am not sure what used Excalibur's are going for perhaps $800 or so and a used CTX should probably be around $1500 maybe? I doubt I wouldn't be paying more than that for a used one. I would also consider in your trade if it was the older version of the CTX which at the least didn't have some improvements for sealing the battery compartment from water which as you mentioned is a place you plan on detecting.

Agreed!

 

[Nauti]

Just do it bud......life is for living so if you can afford it treat yourself.You won't get a better all round machine than the ctx.

 

[Coinbikerun]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the feedback. I' m going to move forward - for me the deciding factor will be how much extra money the seller wants. I do think this is a newer 3030 with some of the updated features but I will confirm that.

 

[pasttom]

For me its more a matter of how you hunt and how much non-beach hunting you expect to do. The ctx will pay for itself if you are not limited to the beach (though maybe there too?). I few good finds will cover the expense. The Excal is fine for the beach, but having recently shifted to a ctx I am pleased to hear iron and have some features the Excal is sadly lacking (don't get me started on the mods end users are expected to do). If you are at all interested in tuning or inland hunting the ctx is totally worth it IMHO.
PS Along with my ctx I have 4 Excals, a 705 and a sweet Explorer 2 and I am not selling any of them! Well, maybe I could cut back a bit...

 

[casabisch]

Find out what the serial number is on the detector he wants to sell you and I can find out what the warranty is that is truly left on it. You need to be careful with that as I had one of the people in a training class buy used and was told it was only a few months old. He was having a problem with it and when I called in to have it repaired for him we found out that it had gone out of warranty 5 months prior. So he would have to get it repaired out of pocket.

It is a good solid machine and will handle the salt water beaches and give you good depth as well.

If you have the serial number or have any other questions shoot me an email and I will be happy to help you with any information you need to make the right decision for you.

Charlene Sabich

Charlene Sabisch
Treasure Hunting Outfitters
www.TreasureHuntingOutfitters.com
“Experience the Thrill of Uncovering Lost Treasure"
Where we offer full customer support!

 

[mrsspk]

Find out what the serial number is on the detector he wants to sell you and I can find out what the warranty is that is truly left on it. You need to be careful with that as I had one of the people in a training class buy used and was told it was only a few months old. He was having a problem with it and when I called in to have it repaired for him we found out that it had gone out of warranty 5 months prior. So he would have to get it repaired out of pocket.

It is a good solid machine and will handle the salt water beaches and give you good depth as well.

If you have the serial number or have any other questions shoot me an email and I will be happy to help you with any information you need to make the right decision for you.

Charlene Sabich

Charlene Sabisch
Treasure Hunting Outfitters
www.TreasureHuntingOutfitters.com
“Experience the Thrill of Uncovering Lost Treasure"
Where we offer full customer support!

Very nice gesture!

 

[casabisch]

The hobby is about helping others involved out. That should apply whether no matter what.

Charlene Sabisch
Treasure Hunting Outfitters
www.TreasureHuntingOutfitters.com
“Experience the Thrill of Uncovering Lost Treasure"

 

[jas415]

If I were you, I would trade in the Excal on a new CTX, with small and 17" coils. Get 2 Anderson shafts for the extra coils. A 3 year warranty, and new seals is worth the extra money.

 

[DnD]

The hobby is about helping others involved out. That should apply whether no matter what.

Charlene Sabisch
Treasure Hunting Outfitters
www.TreasureHuntingOutfitters.com
“Experience the Thrill of Uncovering Lost Treasure"

Well said!


OP...Loved my Excal but the CTX is a wonderful detector that my family (kids and grandparents) find easy to use MD play with at the beach. In all honesty, I never went beyond chest deep so CTX really meets all my hunting needs.

Hope it works out well for you!