Etrac /CTX 3030. pros and cons please

[electricmetal21]

I've owned both an Etrac and a CTX.

Basically a CTX is a water proof Etrac with a colored display screen and a faster processor. A CTX will find more goodies than an Etrac but, I don't think the higher cost of a CTX justifies an upgrade from an Etrac.

I don't use my CTX in the water. And, I wouldn't advise using a CTX in the water since a lot of people have complained of water leakage. Keep in mind, that if you do go in the water with the CTX, the CTXs screen will be submerged most of the time. Since you can't see a submerged screen, the only target information you'll get while you're in the water will be the sounds coming from your headphones.

If you do buy a CTX, buying one used in the smartest bet. You can find slightly used CTXs on line for about $1800.00

 

[Sonny1965]

Thanks for your helpful knowledge !!!

 

[Drjohn71a]

If you primarily detect in the desert, water resistance isn't important. If you detect near or in shallow water, in a more temperate climate, then having a waterproof unit insures you against droppage, allows you to set the unit down to dig, and allows you to detect in rain, fog, snow, sleet, etc..

In Winter, when the days are short, weekends are the only opportunity I have to get out, and it's rained here the last three weekends... I was out having fun!

 

[Kieth-Tx]

Concerning the water hunting. I use mine in the water completely submerged. I can easily see the screen in a couple places I hunt and in the ones with cloudy water....a simple lift of the detector shows me the screen although for the most part I hunt by sound.
Was hunting with a guy with a Safari one time. He got a good signal...but he analyzed the stupid signal for a few minutes trying to decide wether or not to dig. He asked me, which at the time I was using a Tejon. Sounded good to me and before he could say anything I dug it....small piece of aluminum screen frame. In 10 seconds he had his answer. I use the screen but do not 100% rely on the screen.
IMHO....You WILL have more finds if you use and dig tones versus watching a screen. HH'ing Kieth

 

[Sonny1965]

Thanks for your helpful insight...

 

[hershey1]

I still have and use my E-Trac but the CTX is just a different machine. TID at depth is much more accurate on the CTX. You can select your tones for the targets you most desire to find. If you hunt civil war relics the CTX far exceeds the E-Trac. I use my CTX under water and have not had any problems. I prefer the E-Trac for hunting silver not because of the depth but the difference between silver and pennies is easier for me with the E-Trac. The Sun-Ray probe and coil selection is better with the E-Trac. I feel blessed to have both machines and each has their place. Good advice about checking around for the best price. The warranty is transferable. You can't make a bad choice in my opinion between the two machines. It is just a matter of the type of hunting you do. But the CTX is much more than a waterproof E-Trac. Good luck on your decision. HH

 

[Sonny1965]

Do you hunt only with stock ctx coils or do you use different ones

 

[Drjohn71a]

I use the MineLab 17" to scan large open areas, or to go over heavily hunted areas with, maybe, some more depth. I don't have the little MineLab 6", but I love the CoilTek 10x5 DD coil in trash or for very quick spot and dig trips. I spent about 4 hours today working a small park with the little CoilTek 10x5" and it's very fast and deep. When I hear the beep, I just stop and quickly dig the spot, without much deliberation. With a long handled tiler spade, and the tight pinpointing, I can dig it out and look at it quickly without even getting on my knees most of the time. This is mainly due to the high visibility of cans and tabs... If I don't see those and the signal is out of the ground, I kneel and use the hand Pinpointer.

You can test for cans by lifting the coil. I like rings and artifacts so dig most pull tab and other iffy signals.

The little coil is so much faster in spotting and pinpointing than the larger coils. They all have their place. Many like the MineLab 6", but I doubt I'll buy one soon since the 10x5 kind of fits that need for now. The 10x5 does have a significant problem under water, however - it's strong buoyancy makes you fight it constantly. If I get a 6" it'll be due to that problem with the CoilTek 10x5. Otherwise it's a wonderfully quick and accurate coil that's fun to use.

 

[AIRFORCEMIKE]

Great little review I am in the search for a used one so been trying to research this coil..thanks.

 

[Digger62864]

n/t

 

[Sonny1965]

I get my CTX 3030 on 3/3/ 15 Thanks for all your advise !!!

 

[jerseyjim]

You have a lot of good advice.If you are like me , in the back of your head you will hear a voice saying,I should have gotten the CTX.