Currently I have the MXT, AT Pro and CTX 3030. I feel I know the MXT and the AT Pro very well. Both machines are great coin and relic machines. The AT Pro is definitely lighter and you can swing it for hours with no fatigue. Most hunts don't last that many hours, so weight may not be a factor. At the present time the AT Pro is my goto machine. I honestly believe the CTX will become my # 1 machine, but I will never get rid of my AT or my MXT.
The real proof of how good any of these machines really are is how proficient the operator becomes in the language of each one. The depth of the CTX is greater than the MXT or the Pro. Having said that let's remember that most good finds are dug between 2 and 6 inches. Not all, but most. So having a detector that goes 12" is not mandatory. It's an asset once in a while.
I would recommend either of the two detectors to start out with. Both the MXT and the AT Pro are excellent detectors for a variety of metal detecting. Each has a short learning curve and will satisfy the most demanding detectorist for years of fun. Decisions need to be made concerning type of hunting, coins, jewelry, relics, water hunting, prospecting etc.
Once these are made you will make the proper decision.
The CTX is a machine that has a bit of a learning curve, and requires some prior experience in metal detecting by the operator. Owning an MXT or an AT Pro would provide the operator with the required experience to easily learn the CTX 3030 FBS format.