CTX 3030 Comparisons - WTH

[Johnnyanglo]

It just amazed me how these comparisons made the E-Trac look as if it was completely incapable compared to the 3030.

Honestly the CTX-3030 is mostly the E-Trac with added bells. It should have been named the E-Trac2. The CTX-3030 has some slight performance edges and has some slight performance deficit areas where it doesn't measure up to the E-Trac. Anyone trashing the E-Trac is indirectly trashing the CTX - as they are kissing cousins.

I have both and use the 3030 but mostly because of the combined mode and I like that it's waterproof (for rain - I don't trust it to be submerged).

Overall the FBS machines have some nice characteristics, such as the Fe-Co display, great TID at depth, and weak affinity for iron/oxides/nails - but then again, they suffer in areas like failing to sense thin/small low conductors such as rings and jewelry, having a washed-out display, and a heavy machine weight (and cost).

For those trying to decide what to buy you may want to consider if a T2SE, F75SE, Omega, AT Gold/Pro, or one of the Tesoros isn't really what you are looking for (especially if you're beach hunting or primarily coin hunting).

 

[jerseyjim]

I don't have the E-trac or the 30-30. All I know is that once you start on the upgrading your confidence goes on the down grading, as moonshine mentioned.Where does it stop? There is always going to be a more pricier machine. I went through this up grading with fishing reels, I have one of the best a Van Stall. I also have a closet full of very reliable reels. The point is that I am trying to make is The Penn will catch the same amount of fish as the Van Stall, when there is fish biting. What I am trying to do is stop myself from doing what I have done with fishing LOL.

 

[Southwind]

Let's use your fishing reel analogy. Does the Van Stall reel in smoother? Does it cast better? Sure they can all catch the same fish, if they are biting, but they don't all have the same features in most cases. If they do then you're just paying for a name. If you're going to dig pretty much everything then you don't even need a display. Buy a cheap beeper and have a great time. For those of us who don't care to spend time digging everything, or want certain features to make the experience more enjoyable, then it is worth the upgrade. I personally felt the CTX was indeed a E-Trac 2 but I also felt it was worth the added price to give a little more stability and accuracy.

 

[khouse]

I used one about 10 minutes and didn't like the feel in my hand. I didn't care about what the brain of the machine was. I will keep my etrac until ML makes the etrac lite version. Also I hunt with a great detectorist that went from the 3030 back to the etrac and is loving every minute. We all have different needs.....The etrac is a MONSTER! - TAME IT>>>>>