Minelab CTX 3030 Review

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With the new Minelab CTX 3030, Minelab has, yet again, set a new standard for deep coin and relic ID machines.

The speed of the CTX3030 is a clear improvement over its predecessor, the E-Trac. We found the detector comfortable when swinging and sleek in appearance.

Waiting for a visual ID seems like a thing of the past seeing as there is almost no lag time compared to previous models. Great additional features also include GPS, waterproof functionality, wireless capabilities, full color LCD and advanced target discrimination which will obviously increase your chances of finding treasure!

CTX 3030 Specifications

The Good

The Not So Good

Minelab CTX 3030 Appearance

The Minelab CTX 3030 is a sleek dark grey color with a little black thrown in for good measure. The Minelab metal detector logo – colored red in this model – is brandished in different parts on the machine. The shaft/stem if the machine is made of matte black carbon fiber finish.

It has a full color LCD screen, as mentioned before, and a button keypad with a trigger mounted on the handle. The aesthetic of the product has a feel of precision and sleek contemporary style.

With the bundle is a standard 11” DD Waterproof Smart Coil, with its waterproof limit reaching to depths up to 3 meters. This feature makes the product all the more versatile and heavy-duty. This is the default bundle coil, however, and you are free to customize, change, and order larger variations form Minelab.

The CTX 3030 has a minimum retracted size 37 inches, and a maximum extend length of up to 55.3 inches. It weighs approximately 2.3 kg with the battery pack.

The weight of the Minelab CTX 3030 is a common issue to some – its sleek design is deceptively light-looking and might surprise those who do not expect such a weight. However, all things considered, it is not at all a burden to carry.

In fact, its weight is a byproduct of the sturdiness that this particular model boasts. Minelab has also done an excellent job at making sure that the CTX 3030 is of the highest quality. The product is stable and incredibly well-balanced; most of its weight is concentrated behind its arm rest –the set location of the machine’s battery pack – and so that type of design makes it easy to hold.

Initial assembly is simple, straight-forward, and easy to do.

Interface & Operation Review

The Minelab CTX 3030 is an excellent machine but has a bit of a learning curve to its operation. Users will find themselves hard-pressed trying to operate it without thoroughly understanding the instruction manual first. Its professional-level design is aimed at seasoned enthusiasts who take the craft seriously and have patience to learn how to operate the machine. Once you learn however, you won’t be disappointed at the CTX 3030’s full power and capabilities.

The interface of the CTX 3030 showcases functional buttons. There are a total of 11 buttons. These are: Power Button, User Button, Detect, Identify, Store, Noise Cancel, Audio, Ground Balance, Sensitivity Button, Menu, Map.

Additionally, the machine has 10 Modes. Modes 1 through 5 are as follows – Coins, Beach, Relic, Silver, and High Trash. All of the mentioned modes are readily customized to suit any specific ground conditions. Modes 6 through 10 are empty slots for your own personalization. You can add your specifications, discrimination’s, and preferred settings. If you’re curious about alternative modes and settings, many of these are available on internet forums and other websites, most of which were made by enthusiastic users all around the globe. The user can also adjust the different settings – Pinpoint, Pattern 1, Pattern 2, Response, Recovery Fast, Recovery Deep, Seawater, Target Separation, Tone ID Profile– in each view.

CTX 3030 Video Reviews

 

Minelab 3030 FAQ’s

Does The Minelab Come With Headphones Included?

Yes it does. The impressive headphones are wireless providing users the ability to hear deeply buried treasure with a clear sound.

Does It Come With A Warranty.

For peace of mind the detector comes with a standard 3 year. Minelab are a cutting edge innovative manufacturer of great metal detectors, they have full confidence their machines are built to last if used correctly.

Do You Have To Buy The Battery Separately?

In many bundles, particularly on Amazon the lithuim battery comes included.

Is This Detector Suitable For Beginners?

It is and it isn’t. For a start the price tag of $2,500 may be eye watering to some. Secondly as mentioned previously the detector can be a steep learning curve. On the flip side if you have money to invest and are willing to learn this machine will find deeply buried treasure with ease!

How Does The GPS Work?

Using the exchange 2 app you can upload treasure locations and settings with Google Maps to provide you with a visual overview of the areas you have been. Please note this feature is currently unavailable on MAC OS.

What Is The FBS Technology And Why Do I Need It?

FBS helps to find more targets in variable ground conditions. It works by means of multiple frequency transmission, also utilizing coil to data communications.

Wrapping Things Up

As you can see in this Minelab CTX 3030 review the detector is generally a great machine, which we would recommend. As we pointed out in our not so good section, it does take time to master, and could become frustrating for a newbie. We would strongly advise to swap out the standard 11″ coil in preference of a 17″ to increase your chances of locating targets buried deeper.

For the price, the CTX 3030 could possible described as the best dry/wet detector on the market, so if you intend to hunt across both terrains it’s seriously worth a punt.

I would love to hear your own views on this, maybe you already own the machine and have something to add? Please leave your comments below.

As Always
GL & HH

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