Should I Sell My Excalibur 1000?

[Neil in West Jersey]

I should be getting my new CTX-3030 next week. Now the question is, with the new upgraded software, how is the CTX in wet sand and in the surf? The Excalibur is nice in the surf and I don't need to worry about getting hit with a wave, but I rarely go more than waist deep. Your opinions please!

 

[Dr.Deus]

Although the CTX can be used for dry sand, wet sand and underwater. I'm not yet convinced that its the better machine of choice for those styles of hunting. I could be wrong. I think that since the CTX is still "new" less than a year old. Not that many people have had the opportunity to really get out there and really get to know the CTX on the beach. I haven't been reading many reviews about it or seeing much gold finds here on the forums.Like i said before it could just be because the machine is still young and not that many people have them yet. I do know that a forum member who goes by the name "Buried crap in NJ" has had some troubles off at first with the salt water hunting,but when Minelab released the seawater mode hes been having better luck and posting some really nice finds. I used to own and want another Excalibur II. It just seems like i wouldn't have to worry about the machine struggling much at all because the Excalibur was specifically built and designed for the water. I do know for a fact that the CTX is an absolute dirt beast and i wont be parting ways with it anytime soon. HH

 

[Silverstore]

Definitely not.
Once you see the CTX and have it in hands, you'll agree with me that you will not risk to use it for diving.
In the water the excalibur is the better choice.

A machine designed for divers is just a different thing then a machine designed for Land-usage.

Keep the excalibur IF you want to use it for diving. Of course on the land you will not need it anymore.

 

[Ronin]

niel;
I have had a chance to use the ctx in the Gulf both in wet sand surf line and chest deep
in the gulf

with the saltwater beach program it was very stable did not require any re-balancing for the transition
found rings in the sand and in the water on a beach that had VERY few targets
the rings were stainless and silver no gold yet

I had an explorer and excal that i traded on the ctx

I have not had a chance to try on the heavily mineralized sands in New Jersey


rick

 

[Larry (IL)]

Welcome to the CTX world Neil. I'm far from salt water, but I use it occasionally for fresh water hunting with no problems. As long as you keep the battery seal clean, you shouldn't have any water problems. As far as a replacement for the Excal you will have to keep us posted on what you think.

 

[goodmore]

Different opinions have posted about salt water hunting. I hunted with a guy using one on the beach and he was very satisfied. Since the Minelab update I have heard the CTX is a much better beach machine. Hang on to the Excal until you use the CTX on the beach. Make your own choice. We would love an honest comparison.

 

[hershey1]

Neil : Good advice from Goodmore about waiting awhile. I still have my Excall and E-Trac but it is not because the CTX has not performed well. In the Seawater mode the machine runs smoother at a higher sensitivity and goes deep. I use manual up to 26 before the machine starts getting slightly unstable. The main reason I have kept my other machines is (1) they are very good machines and I don't need to sell them and (2) one of my sons likes to use dad's rather than spend his money. You will be impressed with the CTX in the sand wet or dry on land or in the water (fresh or salt) and if you dive keep the Excall for sure. Good luck on whatever you decide because you win either way. HH

 

[OldBeechnut]

Neil,........ if you hunt the Ocean in Jersey something to consider....Water pressure from the waves in Jersey far exceeds the 10 foot limit of the CTX. I don't think the CTX can take the beating, I know the excalibur struggles with it as far as the headphone cables...not the seals. If you hunt the wetsand only and calm water I would say you should be fine, Me I would keep both. The Market is hot on the excaliburs and I don't think that will change until gold declines.LOL

 

[Howard Snell]

I have the same semi concearn about wave action? But has anybody reported an issue with the seals failing?

 

[Silverstore]

From my standpoint the CTX looks just too good to put it into the dirty water.. Especially if you already have a dedicated machine for that,
I am not talking from the beach, but from diving.
Hunting in the beach the CTX with the new program is possibly the winner.
I think that it may get sand and scratches inside anyway.
Thats why i would consider to not use it for diving but prefer the excalibut that is optimized for this environment.
I believe that he's also smaller and better balanved for diving in any way.

 

[Dr.Deus]

From my standpoint the CTX looks just too good to put it into the dirty water.. Especially if you already have a dedicated machine for that,
I am not talking from the beach, but from diving.
Hunting in the beach the CTX with the new program is possibly the winner.
I think that it may get sand and scratches inside anyway.
Thats why i would consider to not use it for diving but prefer the excalibut that is optimized for this environment.
I believe that he's also smaller and better balanved for diving in any way.

 

[Neil in West Jersey]

n/t