Now we are going to have a look at the Porsche of metal detectors, our Minelab CTX 3030 review. This is a serious bit if kit aimed at the real enthusiast that wants to push their metal detecting to the edge but also offers click and go settings for the beginner with deep pockets. The CTX 3030 can handle pretty much anything that is thrown at it and will carry on where you have to stop! A real beast of a machine for the fanatics out there.
Minelab are probably one of the most famous brands out there in the metal detecting world and produce quality detectors at all levels. This model is the amalgamation of all of the high end technology and brilliant features that they have developed over the years. The experience of all of the years detecting and building detectors has gone into producing this model that has a reputation as being one of the best on the market.
Contents
The Features
This machine is jam packed with features that make it one of the most versatile machines on the market. Read through this impressive list and look at some of the features you hadn’t even thought about! There will be something for everyone here so if you are looking to buy once then this is the one stop shop of metal detectors!
The Frequency
The CTX 3030 runs on multiple frequencies to help give a really accurate signal. The FB2 system is built to send accurate feedback from the coil to the detector meaning you will be able to dig for great finds and ignore the bad ones.
The Coil
The coil that comes with the 303 is an 11 inch DD search coil that is good for most areas. This advanced waterproof coil coupled with the sophisticated software allows brilliant interpretation of the signals for absolute accuracy.
GPS Tracking System
This is a great tool that allows you to keep a record of where you have been and where you would like to go. You can accurately cover a big area over multiple visits and not go over the same ground twice and also plot your route for hunting before you go out. If you explore a lot of new areas then this a great feature and means you won’t get lost out in the remote areas. The information can be uploaded to the Minelab software on your computer to keep records of your hunting.
Wireless Audio
If you get fed up with having the headphone cable hanging around when you are detecting then this is a nice feature. You can put the CTX3030 into some awkward spots at arms length with out getting into a tangle and for the every day searching it will be less hassle and more comfortable.
5 Preset Hunting Modes
The click and go function for different types of soil are fantastic and offer the beginner hours of fun without the hassle of going through all of the complicated set up. Many of the high end machines can be tough to use without a lot of experience but these five modes allow you to use it straight away. I’m not sure how many beginners will purchase the CTX3030 at this price level, but if you are it is a great machine for the beginner.
Waterproof
So your on the trail of some fantastic finds and think there could be some great objects of high value in the area but unfortunately you have come to a river or the sea. This detector is water proof to 3 meters which means you will be able to hop in and keep searching. This gives you a big advantage over a lot of other detectors that have to stop at the waters edge. A feature that is great for the really adventurous amongst us!
Fantastic Discrimination
This machines offers highly adjustable discrimination to cut out the signals you don’t want and focus in on the metals you do want to find. This is great even in the most iron littered areas and makes this machine suitable for almost any areas.
Digital Signal Processing And LCD Display
The LCD display gives really accurate feedback from the machine in colour. All of the setting are really easy to read on this screen and make the 3030 a really easy to use detector. The digital signal processing means you get brilliant colour target information on the screen to help accurately identify what you are looking for.
The Downside
One downside to this model is the weight. Coming in at over 5lbs it is quite heavy and if you are out for hours on end you will start to feel it. It is pretty inevitable that a detector with all of these features will be a bit on the heavy side but it is very well balanced which means it doesn’t feel to heavy.
This detector has so many features that they may not all get used and there is also a lot that could go wrong with this machine although it is built to the highest standard.
Value For Money
There is no two ways about it this is an expensive machine. There are many other metal detectors on the market that claim to do the same job in the typical UK environment. But do they? This machine has cutting edge signal processing and software that can interpret the signals with super accuracy giving good depth. There is every chance with this machine that you will pick up finds that other simply don’t pick up and if you are looking for gold and expensive items it may well give you an advantage!
Really the key thing to this being value for money is if you think you will utilise all of the features over time. If you do then it is great.
Summing Up The Minelab CTX 3030 Review
There is good reason that the CTX 3030 is considered one of the best metal detectors in the world, it is brilliant. This metal detector has it all and comes from a brand that is renowned for producing the best quality metal detectors. This treasure hunting machine is second to none in accuracy and functions and even caters for the beginner. There will be no excuses that you need a better machine and in time you can really push your detecting to the limit.
For all you technology geeks this is the one to buy. It has it all and will stay at the top of its game for a long time. A highly recommended metal detector that is held in high regard by many of the experts.