Thank you for your Explorer/CTX 3030 evaluation Bryce----much appreciated.

[D&P-OR]

n/t

 

[MNCoinhunter]

n/t

 

[Andy Sabisch]

Bryce,

As usual, your post hits the mark on a subject that has been the talk of hunters standing in the wings since the CTX 3030 was first released.

The old burger ad used to say "Where's the Beef?" and that is what it comes down to when looking at spending a sizable chunk of cash on a detector. There have been some impressive coins, relics and other finds posted on the CTX 3030 forum but one piece of information that has not made the forum is exactly what your assessment brought out which is how does the CTX 3030 compare to actual in-ground signals of other models such as the E-Trac or the Explorer? People have posted that they have hunted sites they have searched with other Minelab's and found keepers (although many have been at depths of 6" or less) but people have NOT posted comparisions of detectors on targets that have not been unearthed before the comparison was done which is a piece of information that would be useful in making a purchase decision.

I have also been out with other detectorists in SC and GA where we compared actual in-ground signals BEFORE recovering them and varying settings to maximize detection depth and target seperation. I have a tad over 50 hours of field use with the CTX 3030 and feel pretty comforatable that I am pushing the performance envelope on the detector with the time I have on it. While the CTX 3030 has some innovatiove features, the question is do they help you find more in an area that is being hunted with an Explorer, E-Trac or other detector? If the CTX 3030 can detect every target that an Explorer / E-Trac can and then the Explorer / E-Trac can detect any target that thge CTX 3030 did, are you getting an edge? Is this performance sufficient to justify replacing an Explorer / E-Trac? That is a personal decision but if performance is the driver in selecting a detector, a side-by-side performance of your current detector with a CTX 3030 in your area for the type of targets you search for is justifiable.

If any forum members have done side-by-side comparisons using a CTX 3030, your results would be welcomed . . . . . . but as Bryce said, never sell an Explorer or E-Trac short as they are still powerful detectors that have a range of relatively inexpensive coils that make them one if the most versatile detectors out there . . . . . all one has to do is check out a few of Bryce's posts to see what a 10 year old detector is still uncovering.

Andy Sabisch

 

[Elton]

n/t

 

[ToddWisconsin]

Wow Bryce , Thank you for the promised comparison of the detectors.. If I was loaded , I might get a ctx , but finding wheaties and silver dimes , just doesn't cut the 2500 dollar price tag for me either.. I loves your review as I can tell it is an honest assessment and not beefed up for the pure sake of selling a new detector.. I get my pro this week , and I have got the ultimate deep coin testing ground for it , but I don't think the se will do much more than my xs..Guess I will find out ..Thanks for the review Bryce !

 

[Erik in NJ]

I think a side by side comparison is the only unbiased way to compare these detectors. Anyone can make amazing finds with a machine, but this tells us little to nothing about a machine's capabilities. The CTX has many great features for sure and I like it, but for raw performance (depth) my SE Pro is hard to beat. The CTX is not the quantum leap in depth and unmasking that the spin doctors lead one to believe; however it's worth the money to me for all of the other great features it incorporates--it's a finely designed and engineered machine plus the ability to do software updates opens the door to many possibilities. Of course a potential show-stopper for me is the lack of an X-1 or wireless X-1 type device which no doubt Minelab should have provided.

 

[dewcon4414]

Features or not im not certain its worth that kind of money especially since there arent after market coils (yet) or an inline probe. Lot of bugs being worked out..... which is normal. However, for some on a budget.... you wont beat an Explorer. Great to see real life testing and comparison now being done. More features that allow users to tweak isnt always the best way to go if the machine is being used based on the designers concept. Nice to see Andy weighing in as well. The explorers do what they do.... ive hunted with people using the XS that kill deep silver. Useing the right detector is like using the right tool for the job.

Dew

 

[88junior]

Bryce awesome job on your comparison!! I use a Etrac and absolutely love it's capabilities and cheaper coil selection. With a the help of Andys Explorer and Etrac handbook I feel very capable at finding stuff others and even myself have left behind previously! I also use the 6" Excelarator coil and love it in trash and iron filled areas! Thanks Again for the comparison and keep up the good work!! It's stuff like this that makes this forum special!!

 

[Larry (IL)]

Thanks for your time comparing and the sharing of your findings Bryce. I think you have confirmed what many of us has suspected for quite a few years, that today's technology has pretty much hit the proverbial brick wall for depth with accurate target ID. Marketing has shifted to packaging and the bundling of features that appeal to a limited market, yet enough to sustain profitability to the manufacturer, a practice that will continue until the next generation of target detection and ID comes along. Radar maybe?

We are all faced with the same old decision that we have always had, what do I want in a detector and what am I willing to pay for it?

 

[wildherre]

If any forum members have done side-by-side comparisons using a CTX 3030, your results would be welcomed .quote]

Andy, Ive made plenty of side by side comparisons, but us common folk are not allowed to make comparisons.... wildherre

 

[Guvner]

n/t

 

[wildherre]

http://www.findmall.com/read.php?18,1766937,1767052#msg-1767052

 

[Coilfisher]

I think what wildhere is trying to say is that PERHAPS some of the posts/posters here are on the manufacturer's payroll.
Not that hard to figure out really.
No better way to advertise your product (except a magazine of course).
After all, propaganda is everywhere and someone has to sponsor the forum web site....correct?

 

[88junior]

I think if Bryce was on Minelabs payroll he would probably got fired for this comparison to me he seemed to be favoring the cheaper machine. I think the Guvernor was talking about post Like Minelab vs Fisher or what not which is allowed on the metal detecting forum. Bryces comparison was on the correct forum and it was between the same manufacturer I have seen plenty of post on the Fseries forum like F75 vs F70 and no moderator had a problem with it.

 

[Guvner]

Anyone wanting to see Bryce's model comparison will have to go to the Metal Detecting Forum to see it. I've had no less then 20 emails today wanting to know why I was allowing it.

G..

 

[Guvner]

n/t

 

[lloyd0161]

Thanks Bryce, Now I feel at ease. My problem is that I always want the latest gadget even though I can't afford it right now. I told my wife I was going to start saving for a CTX and she just about blew a gasket. You have made her very happy.

 

[detectordepot.com]

Moved or not moved, that was a very informative comparison between two Minelab detectors. What I gleaned? The CTX is indeed a good machine, but perhaps doesn't seek (with the stock coil) as deep as the tried-and-true Explorer/Etrac and isn't in Bryce's experienced opinion the ideal detector for coint shooters. From feedback we're getting I second what Andy said: most finds with the CTX have been within 6" or less. I personally don't take offense to the idea there are less expensive alternatives to the CTX, it's the simple truth. Kudo's Bryce for taking the time to compare detectors and then write a review allowing the rest of us to know your conclusions.

 

[earthmansurfer]

Moved or not moved, that was a very informative comparison between two Minelab detectors. What I gleaned? The CTX is indeed a good machine, but perhaps doesn't seek (with the stock coil) as deep as the tried-and-true Explorer/Etrac and isn't in Bryce's experienced opinion the ideal detector for coint shooters. From feedback we're getting I second what Andy said: most finds with the CTX have been within 6" or less. I personally don't take offense to the idea there are less expensive alternatives to the CTX, it's the simple truth. Kudo's Bryce for taking the time to compare detectors and then write a review allowing the rest of us to know your conclusions.

Andy didn't say that. He was talking about finding coins the E-Trac/Explorer had missed - many of those were at less than 6" - probably due to the faster recovery. Without a doubt the depth is there on the CTX. I have pulled more deeper coins with the CTX than with my E-trac. It isn't overall deeper for me, but I find more coins at 9" with the CTX than with my E-Trac (probably due to better separation/unmasking).

Also, Bryce was using the 10X12 on the Explorer and putting that up against the stock CTX coil. So, though I agree with his findings, his findings were using stock coil vs. 10X12. Apparently, the CTX with the stock coil is deeper than an E-Trac/Explorer with the stock coil - though I don't see where he did that. I didn't see where Bryce said the CTX isn't a coinshooter?

I was happy to see the review. I enjoy reading from Bryce. Basically, if weight is an issue or if you need a water proof unit, then the CTX will work, but for the money you can pretty much match the results with an Explorer Se. I "upgraded" due to back issues, the balance of the CTX is great, albeit an expensive fix.

Albert

 

[Critterhunter]

I'll third that. It was the kind of read I've been waiting for to help me decide one way or another. Really good article, and not a hit piece either, which I know Bryce would never do. Just his honest opinion, and I thank him for that.

Thanks again Bryce...