Metal detecting is a delicate task that requires specialized equipment for you to be able to enjoy the fruit of the hard work that you put in. It is essential that you go through each and every aspect of your treasure hunt in detail and plan your journey accordingly.
The most crucial element in your treasure hunt is the device that you are going to use to find the treasure hidden underneath the earth. You can easily use a simple detector to find the treasure on the upper surface. However, the treasure underneath the ground will require more robust indicators that have the capability to detect the gold hidden in more durable layers of the earth.
Many treasure hunters often make the mistake of starting their journey without having the proper information about their metal detectors. It is essential that you spend time knowing your machine so that you can take full advantage of it when it comes to on-ground experience.
Minelab CTX 3030 is a highly-functioning metal detector that is capable of performing even in the most challenging conditions. Most of its functions are unique, and you are unlikely to find such features on any other device.
The article below will provide you all the information you need about Minelab CTX 3030. The metal detector is a unique blend of design and technology and has the capability of satisfying its users to the maximum.
So, without further ado, let us take a deeper dive and see what the product has to offer.
First glance at the CTX 3030 Metal Detector:
When you put your eyes on the indicator, the product colors will fill you with amazement. It comes in a classy mixture of black and grey and has a matte fish stem, which really makes this metal detector stand out.
The metal detector is a multi-frequency device that comes with a standard 11-inch DD coil and KOSS UR30 headphones. The manufacturer offers a 3-year coil and control box warranty for customer satisfaction.
There are a lot of adjustability options available with the metal detector. For example, you can extend the stem to 55.3” or adjust it according to your needs.
The detector comes with a quickly rechargeable battery, which lets you save on the additional cost of purchasing batteries over and over. However, because of the advanced features, the gadget utilizes the batter faster in comparison to other detectors. One of the main reasons is the GPS functioning, screen brightness, Wi-stream, and processor speed.
One of the most important factors to keep in mind is the weight of the machine. There is no doubt that the detector is massive. However, the design of the detector evenly distributes the weight, which makes it easier for you to carry the machine and swing it around. Though a lot of people seek lighter devices, the offerings of the Minelab CTX 3030 still makes it a fantastic pick for your hunt.
Unlike most detectors, this one comes with a wireless audio feature. It means that you can quickly put down your detector without any attachments that may make your hunting experience an unpleasant one.
Although you can use the detector to go hunt under a 10 feet depth of water, you cannot go swimming or take a dive as the machine does not support complete water contact. This goes for the headphone as well. Do not consider them water-resistant.
The product manufacturers have taken comfort levels a step higher by allowing user personalization in the settings and options. You can easily adjust the machine according to your needs, and take full advantage of having a state-of-the-art detector at your disposal.
For example, you can customize the audio alerts that the device will send when it discovers a specific kind of object. There are up to 50 different tones that you can choose from, and be sure about what lays beneath the ground before you waste your time digging for something that you do not seek.
- Minelab CTX 3030 Metal Detector, 17" Smart Coil, 11" DD Smart Coil
- Coil Cover, UR-30 Headphones, WM-10 Charging Cable & Auto Charger
- Battery Holder, WM-10 Wireless Module & Belt Clip, Removable Headphone Module
- Universal AC Wall Adapter, Li-ion Rechargeable Battery
- Armrest Strap
CTX 3030 Screen – Does it measure up?
The detector has a built-in full color LCD screen that displays all the information about the detector. It is user friendly, but it may take you some time to get the hang of it.
The control panel has 11 different buttons, along with different screens that you can switch between. Each screen display depends on the mode you are using.
Another thing that lets the detector stand out is the full color display that allows you to quickly interpret the message you see on the screen. A lot of detectors do not have a full color screen, which makes it harder to understand the information at times.
How good is it?
How good is it?It is safe to say that there are very few models available that can match the caliber of the Minelab CTX 3030. When it comes to hunting coins and relics, the machine works at a completely different level.
When it comes to target identification, target separation, or sensitivity, the machine works at unmatchable accuracy levels. It is an all-rounder machine that works equally on different types of terrain.
While many other detectors may struggle in identifying underground targets with accuracy, the Minelab CTX 3030 is known to do it with precision. It can offer identification of targets hidden up to 9” underground. However, the same does not apply when it comes to identifying shallow objects.
The machine faces some disturbance in identifying shallow objects, but the audio and video identification methods act as your savior in such instances. With enough experience, you can quickly identify an object without having to rely on target identification.
- Minelab CTX 3030 Metal Detector, 17" Smart Coil, 11" DD Smart Coil
- Coil Cover, UR-30 Headphones, WM-10 Charging Cable & Auto Charger
- Battery Holder, WM-10 Wireless Module & Belt Clip, Removable Headphone Module
- Universal AC Wall Adapter, Li-ion Rechargeable Battery
- Armrest Strap
What makes the CTX 3030 stand out?
Users often compare Minelab CTX 3030 with its predecessors or other models available in the market. There are a lot of cheaper options available but they do not offer the same functionalities that CTX 3030 does.
When you search for a detector, it is important to have an in-depth insight of the functionalities that the detector offers. Having inadequate knowledge leads to wrong decision making, and keeps you away from enjoying the benefits that the product has to offer.
The metal detector is built using the most recent FBS technology, which combines different frequencies and allows the indicator to be more efficient while carrying the search at deeper levels. It also makes the machine capable of ignoring signals from unwanted objects. This feature allows CTX 3030 to distinguish from its competitors.
Unlike the previous versions, the Minelab CTX 3030 is a lot faster in target identification. In fact, it is one of the fastest devices available in the market at this time.
Since the device has a lot of features, it can become a bit confusing for users to understand it at first. If you are new to the options, it is best for you to read through the instruction manual a couple of times for you to have a better understanding of the product. However, once you get the hang of it, it will become difficult for you to settle with a different detector.
The portions below contain all the information about how you can take full advantage of your detector.
Searching modes:
In order to start off with your escapade, it is essential to make your mind about what you are willing to search for. The machine is capable of self-identification and hence offers different search modes to help you refine your search on the ground.
It comes with five different pre-sets such as Beach, Silver, High trash, Relics, or Coins. These presets are great for beginners as via these, you can simply start detecting without wasting a lot of time. You can either work with these or save custom modes for your convenience.
FeCo Determination:
Having the ability to differentiate between useful material and useless trash is what makes a detector stand out. It helps in keeping a user away from wasting their time after unnecessary trash hidden in the soil.
The Minelab CTX 3030 has the capability of analyzing the ferrous and conductive properties of the material and displaying them separately on the LCD screen.
Though the FeCo features make it easy to differentiate between targets, it is a bit complex in comparison to a simple accept/reject formula. You might require some extra practice to perfect the trade.
The system displays a conductivity scale on its horizontal axis. Though it is a simple display, remembering that materials with low conductivity will display at the lower end of the axis might take some extra attempts to remember.
The ferrous scale, on the other hand, is displayed on a vertical axis. Non-ferrous materials will show at the top, whereas highly ferrous metals will present at the bottom of the screen.
When the machine detects a target, it displays the characteristics using the ferrous and conductivity scales, which allows you to determine what the object might be. You can take control of the audio signals by adjusting the area of the graph.
GPS and Mapping integration:
The machine comes with a built-in GPS system, which makes it stand out against its competitors. It allows you to keep track of locations from your previous hunt so that you do not end up searching at the same spots over and over.
At the end of the hunt, you can simply transfer this data to your computer and view it over google maps. This is helpful in deciding a pathway for your next hunt so that you do not miss out on any potentially beneficial areas. You can also upload this information on your detector to help you avoid any fields from the previous hunt.
Though the feature is not a must-have, it is an example of the convenience that the manufacturers offer to the users.
What other features does the Minelab CTX 3030 have?
There are a lot of features that the Minelab CTX 3030 consists of. Below given are some of the essential features that the machine has:
- The device offers a target identification and depth detection. You can see them on the LCD screen.
- The device offers both automatic and manual sensitivity modes. You can simply adjust between them using the quick menu.
- The device offers noise-canceling and ground balance adjustment features to help you conduct your search with ease.
- The device offers different recovery options for you to choose from. You can opt for fast recovery, which helps you determine the target faster, or you can opt for deep healing, which is slower at determining the destination but more accurate in identifying it.
- The device has a target tracking feature, which helps you identify the number of targets that the device is detecting per second, and in separating them.
- The device has numerous target separation options.
- The device has a pinpoint feature that increases the accuracy rate of the search.
How much does it cost?
Since the machine has a lot of features, it demands its customers spend more in order to obtain the features.
It is a professional detector and not something that you should choose if you are new to metal detecting. However, once you develop the habit, it is definitely one of the most exquisite models available in the market.
- Minelab CTX 3030 Metal Detector, 17" Smart Coil, 11" DD Smart Coil
- Coil Cover, UR-30 Headphones, WM-10 Charging Cable & Auto Charger
- Battery Holder, WM-10 Wireless Module & Belt Clip, Removable Headphone Module
- Universal AC Wall Adapter, Li-ion Rechargeable Battery
- Armrest Strap
What are the drawbacks of this machine?
Like every other machine, the Minelab CTX 3030 has a list of its drawbacks as well. Some of these drawbacks are given below:
- The device can be a bit difficult to understand. Since there are a lot of options available, it can become a bit confusing for the user. However, you can simply use the pre-defined options, and learn your way towards alternatives that are more complex.
- The machine is an excellent pick for professionals but not so likely for beginners. If you are someone who is at the learning stage, Minelab CTX 3030 is not for you. It will take you some time to have a better understanding of hunting, and the machine is not your companion during this time.
- The machine has a high price tag. It is one of the most expensive devices available in the market, and making adjustments might end up increasing the cost even more.
- The machine is comparatively heavier to swing around. Though the design shows an even distribution of weight, some people might still find it challenging to carry a CTX 3030 around.
Our Conclusion
The Minelab CTX 3030 is a highly-functioning metal detector that has a handful of features to offer to its users. It is a useful machine for professionals, but not so likely for beginners. It is really designed for advanced users, however, with its controls being fairly easy to understand, there is no reason you shouldn’t get this if you’re new budget allowing.
It is one of the few machines that follow a FeCo identification system, which allows the device to differentiate between objects with ease. If you’re someone who is new to the technology, it might take you a couple of extra rounds to understand how it actually works.
In addition to the above, the detector has a highly efficient target identification system that allows the machine to identify targets hidden underground. It also offers ground balance adjustments, and almost every feature of the detector is adjustable, which makes it one of the most user-friendly machines available in the market.
Unfortunately, in comparison to the other models by the same manufacturer, CTX 3030 comes with a higher price tag. It is not the first choice of every metal detector, but once a user gets the hang of it, it is difficult for them to switch back to a simpler model.
Along with the price tag, the machine isn’t 100% water-resistant. This means that you need to be careful when you take your device in water. You may be able to conduct a search at some levels, but you must avoid swimming or diving to ensure the safety of the device.
In the end, the Minelab CTX 3030 is one of the top-notch models available in the market at this time. if you are someone who is looking for a professional metal detecting companion, Minelabs CTX 3030 is your go-to.
- Minelab CTX 3030 Metal Detector, 17" Smart Coil, 11" DD Smart Coil
- Coil Cover, UR-30 Headphones, WM-10 Charging Cable & Auto Charger
- Battery Holder, WM-10 Wireless Module & Belt Clip, Removable Headphone Module
- Universal AC Wall Adapter, Li-ion Rechargeable Battery
- Armrest Strap
