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New buyer
- Thread starter jerseyjim
- Start date
DukeOBass
Active member
Have you owned other MineLab detectors? If not, the E-trac would be your best choice. The E-trac will give you more definitive target readouts than the CTX, will find most of the same targets, be a lot less expensive and complicated. Personally, I think the CTX is heavier and not as well balanced as the E-trac. MineLab should have kept advancing the E-trac package instead of exchanging a proven package design for, what I feel, is a flawed package. Just my opinion. I did find a lot more silver last year with my E-trac than I did with the CTX even hunting for more hours with it this year.
Also, MineLab doesn't seem too interested in putting out the frequent firmware upgrades that everyone expected. We paid a ton of money expecting a lot more of this machine.
Also, MineLab doesn't seem too interested in putting out the frequent firmware upgrades that everyone expected. We paid a ton of money expecting a lot more of this machine.
The CTX is an excellent machine. It does have some features that many will never make use of, like the GPS, the 'findpoints', etc.. But, if you hunt trash infested demolitions, then there is no better machine made!! I hunted with the E-trac and still own it. I found a lot of good stuff with it but in just over a year I have found over 250 silver coins with the CTX, hunting the same locations I hunted with the E-trac. It is an awesome machine, but the CTX is much better suited for trashy areas. But, the major drawback to me with the CTX is the absolute requirement to SLOW down. I don't mean slow down, I mean really slow down, like 5 to 10 seconds from left to right, investigating every tone! Lots of little wiggles, 2 inches back and forth. It pays off!!
GateKeeper
Well-known member
Yes it's a great machine. If I were you, I woyld find out where Duke o bass lives and hunt where he hunts. You should be able to clean up. 
Mason Jarr
New member
GateKeeper said:Yes it's a great machine. If I were you, I woyld find out where Duke o bass lives and hunt where he hunts. You should be able to clean up.
I recall that the Duke put up some pretty nice finds this year. I personally value his honest opinion. One only has to look at the sticky at the top of the page to see that MANY people think the CTX could be improved. The OP asked for opinions about the CTX. Just because the Duke has a different one than most everyone else, does he need to be singled out and laughed at? If other folks feel they've cleaned out their hunting grounds by running a CTX over it, post the GPS numbers to those sites and lets see who'll have the last laugh.
The CTX, to me, feels lighter and better balanced than the E-trac (I have both machines). I can't say I found more silver with one over the other because I didn't run the E-trac an entire season before I got my CTX. In a season of running both MineLab machines, I did find 101 silver coins though and that's nothing to sneeze at. I definitely think MineLab machines are terror on silver and a person could be happy with any of their lineup. I'm not convinced that the higher price tag equates to higher recoveries. I look at both this forum and the E-trac one (since I own both machines) and both have some pretty impressive finds. I do see more people on the CTX forum posting that their machine is in for repairs.
I bought one about two months ago and love it. It's my first FBS machine (I've owned several BBS units) and have hit lots of silver at sites that have been hunted literally to death by myself and others with many different machines. As far as the weight, it really does feel much lighter than my buddies E-trac. I'm still very green with the CTX at this point but try different settings each time out. I'm not sure I will ever utilize the GPS or some of the other features, but so far so good.
GateKeeper
Well-known member
GKMan said:
LOL. Yea GK, just some playful chop busting.
DukeOBass
Active member
Thanks Mason. I had to put extra money out to get the MineLab Vest because the CTX was/is wrecking my wrist and forearm. I'd like a stiff cuff like the E-trac has with a quick release strap that is attached to the E-trac cuff. The strap on the CTX is another major hassle and arm cuff is way too flimsy.
To answer the first question. I own a Safari and happen to be very happy with it. The reason I want to upgrade to the 3030 is It will allow me to do some water hunting. I am a certified diver and would love to see what I can do in low salt water rips and some old swimming holes. I think I would like the challenge of learning how to build some costume programs to fit my needs.I am just hoping it is not one of those over priced machines that has more bells then balls. I am looking for a work horse with a brain. So far I heard a lot of good reports. I went on that trip to Montpelier VA , there were three mine lab guys and a lady with the 3030. I was impressed with the machine Will I have to send it out to get programed every time something new comes up/ Will it coast additionally more money?
jas415 said:
I agree with jas415 but would recommend a Excalibur or CZ21 for anything more than wading....I love my CTX and feel confident using it in rain but I would have to think pretty hard before actually diving with it.... If you do decide to dive with it read all the info available about the O ring and latches and follow the recommendations closely.... wildherre
Duke------You might want to look in on/purchase a Jeff Herke arm cuff for the CTX.---It may well fit your needs better than the stock CTX cuff.---I have/use them on my Etrac & CTX, they are great.-----Findmall Forum dealer/sponsor Indian Nations Detectors (Chuck Marcum) sells those cuffs.----------Del
DukeOBass said:
Is the CTX3030 the best machine? Well, only you can answer that. The best machine is the one you have that you are comfortable and happy with, no exceptions. I have a Fisher F75 that is a great machine, however, I may feel that the CTX is a much better machine after I get used to it and understand all the features.........it does have a steeper learning curve due to a lot more features. Don't get me wrong, I am happy with the CTX, but, I know I am not using it to its' full potential.....still in the learning mode.
If you get the CTX you can know that you are getting a quality machine and if you buy from Bart, you can expect great service.....before AND after the sale!
Stay safe,
If you get the CTX you can know that you are getting a quality machine and if you buy from Bart, you can expect great service.....before AND after the sale!
Stay safe,
You are all great, you gave me a few laughs and helped me decide. I am on my way to get the CTX with the pro swing. In case I have a weight problem, I have arthritis in my elbo. I have been using the Minelab Safari . I have been hunting this one room school house with the safari all summer. I haven't found any silver in the last three months. It is a very small area, about 150X 100. I will put the CTX 3030 to the test. I am the only one that has permission to hunt this area, as far as I know, I am the only one to hunt it. I feel that the Safari is a really good silver machine, if I find silver with the CTX on this spot, it will be worth the money. I will let you guys know by Monday, The weather in NJ will be in the 50s by Friday. Thank you all again.