Not having a ground matrix for either will effect the depth of detection. You might be able to actually find what the X-30 is fixed at, by adjusting the X-50 so they both "air test" the same. If you had the X-50 manually set at a level other than what the fixed setting was on the X-30, I would imagine you will get a difference.
I have both the X-30 and the X-50, and find that IF the mineralization allows the X-30 to operate with no change in response (when lowering and raising the coil toward the ground, but being careful to not actually touch the ground) AND properly adjusting the X-50, the results are similar between the two models. With that said, I find that I must set the X-50 manual GB differently for most every site I have been hunting. Even in my moderately mineralized soil conditions. So, I guess my answer would be that, if you found a site where the X-30's fixed ground balance was "a perfect setting", and you adjusted the manual ground balance of the X-50 at optimum, they would provide similar depths of detection. As to what Minelab describes as enhanced depth, I can't say. I wonder if it is actually a difference in technology, or if it is simply the ability for the X-50 to be manually ground balanced. Maybe someone from Minelab will read this and address it. HH Randy
