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When it comes to metal detectors, Minelab is a trusted name. The company has been producing high-quality metal detectors for many years.
The Minelab CTX 3030 is a high-end metal detector that’s absolutely loaded with features. It’s designed for serious treasure hunters, and it comes with a price tag to match.
But is it worth the price?
After using it for over a year and doing some research on it, I’m convinced that it’s a great detector for any type of treasure hunter.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, the CTX 3030 will make your treasure hunting easier.
In this Minelab CTX 3030 review, I’ll help you decide if this is the right detector for you
Page Contents
Design, Appearance, and Ease of usage
The CTX 3030 lives up to its premium status with a very stylish look. It has a matte finish all over with a black and grey color scheme.
The heavyweight nature of this machine gives it an upper edge in terms of balance. By placing the control box high on the staff, the company has made it easier to handle.
Since the control box cannot be removed, it does a great job by acting as a counterbalance for the coil.
You might need some time to become familiar with the device and understand its various functions.
It has a comfortable armrest made with excellent quality materials. You can hold the machine and move it in any direction without worrying about breaking the armrest.
To make it even better, you can adjust the armrest based on your personal preference.
Now let’s discuss one of the essential parts of the CTX 3030 – The screen. This is one of the distinctive features that make this detector special.
The display incorporated in the CTX 3030 is a sizable LCD screen with a full-color display interface.
It is very bright and will show you all the signs and indications even in broad daylight.
You will have to spend some time learning all the signs to help you interpret the machine’s information. The detector’s ability to provide exceptionally detailed info is quite commendable.
The shaft of CTX 3030 is adjustable so you can adjust the length of the detector based on your height. It can be extended to 55.3 inches, while the minimum height of the shaft is 37 inches.
Folding and unfolding the shaft is relatively easy, and there are no creaking or tottering sounds at the points where the poles meet.
You can be sure that the machine won’t fall apart while hunting in the field.
Another notable feature of the CTX 3030 is the lithium-ion battery that powers the detector. It can be charged quickly and keeps the detector running for 11 hours straight.
If you run out of power, you can replace the battery pack with AA batteries. The CTX 3030 is entirely wireless.
This saves you from getting tangled among the wires of the many accessories needed during hunting.
It has wireless headphones, a loudspeaker, and coils that reduce the chances of inconvenience during hunting.
Is The CTX 3030 Metal Detector Waterproof?
For detectorists who prefer prospecting in areas with water, the CTX 3030 has a waterproof body, which makes treasure hunting that much easier.
The headphones included with the package are not waterproof, so you will have to be careful when using the machine near such areas.
You can check out other waterproof accessories if you want to make your search more effective and safe.
The CTX 3030 is an advanced detector designed to make hunting convenient for users. Its various features make it user-friendly and a great detector.
Top Features
FeCo Discrimination
Discrimination is an essential feature in any detector. It enables the detector to differentiate between false metals and treasure.
It makes your search effective and ensures that you spend less time digging up trash items and wasting time.
Minelab has incorporated an upgraded version of discrimination technology that is a lot more sophisticated.
It analyzes metals with both conductive and ferrous properties so that you get better information about your target.
The FeCo discrimination is way better than the normal accept/reject feature found in almost all kinds of detectors.
It is a powerful configuration that can locate the target and determine its nature quickly and efficiently.
If you combine FeCo discrimination with the multi-frequency feature, you can achieve more with the device. It can get you great results when hunting for coins or relics.
Quick Note: If you are a complete beginner it can be a little confusing to operate the Minelab CTX 3030.
Even some seasoned detectorists will have a hard time handling the detector, but they will figure out the settings much faster since they have previous experience.
But if you’re willing to spend some time learning how it works, this is one of the best detectors you will ever buy.
There are a few search modes in the Minelab CTX 3030 that come with pre-set configurations. These modes include.
- Beach
- Silver
- Coin
- Relics
- High trash
It may seem that these modes are more suitable for beginners, but seasoned detectorists can use them too. They can help save a lot of time spent on digging.
Versatility is one of the features that can help you get the most out of the CTX 3030. Apart from the pre-set modes, you get to choose between five custom programs.
These programs are saved automatically when the detector is turned off.
This particular feature can also help beginners when using the detector.
They can save the settings they need as a custom configuration, so they won’t have to go through the entire setup again.
High-end and advanced machines are complicated to use as they have a lot of features.
These features and modes combined make them a worthy long-term investment and highly useful out in the field.
Integrated GPS and PC mapping
The Minelab CTX 3030 has many more amazing things to offer, such as Integrated GPS and PC Mapping.
You can record all your treasure hunting with details like the place you have hunted and the exact location. This data can be uploaded to your PC and viewed later using Google Maps.
A GPS enabled detector comes with a lot of benefits. You can see the areas that you have missed, along with potential hotspots.
While prospecting, this feature shows you the different places available, so you don’t miss an area accidentally.
You can interact with other treasure hunters using the Xchange 2 application. It is a cloud-based app that comes with an integrated GPS.
The application can be of great help to all kinds of detectors. The GPS and map hunting are not necessary features to be included in a detector, but they make the hunt convenient and exciting.
Full Band Spectrum 2
The Full Band Spectrum technology analyzes the full band of multiple frequencies transmitted or received by the detector.
This helps you get detailed information about a target and its surrounding environment.
It is not possible to achieve such details with single frequency or BBS technology. This feature has numerous advantages, such as:
- You can cover the ground all at once as the high sensitivity lets you scan various targets and materials.
- The automatic sensitivity and ground compensation allow you to achieve maximum depth even in mineralized areas such as saltwater beaches.
- Its ability to convert multi-channel signals enables the machine to separate the target signals from ground signals precisely, giving it increased depth detection and high-resolution target identification.
- The Smartfind two-dimensional discrimination provides you with a detailed target description. This allows the machine to discriminate targets between ferrous and conductive properties.
The FBS 2 technology incorporated in the CTX 3030 combines the multiple frequency rectangular-wave transmission with advanced digital communication between the coil and the detector.
Coils and the detector are calibrated to the highest accuracy allowing advanced signal analysis. This will enable you to detect items buried underground accurately.
Additional Features
Multiple Frequency
This is one of the main reasons to invest in this expensive detector. You get multiple frequencies that range from 1.5kHZ to 100kHz, scanning the hunting region simultaneously.
The CTX 3030 combs the ground with its 28 different frequencies that work together.
This saves you from missing any target. It is the only detector in its range that has such an ability.
Control Box
The panel has an innovative design, and it comes with 11 buttons. Based on the operation, the screen changes what’s being displayed.
It has a status bar that indicates the functions activated and in use.
You can control the CTX 3030 quite easily with quick menus and custom modes that can be configured according to your preference.
The machine has different settings and configurations that allow the device to run smoothly. However, the basic settings of the detector are more intuitive.
As you learn more about the detector’s functions, you will be able to tune it according to the conditions around you.
The control panel of the CTX 3030 is not portable but tuning the machine is very easy.
Waterproof body
The Minelab CTX 3030’s construction makes it suitable for all kinds of hunting tasks.
It has a waterproof body that can be submerged in 9 feet of water. You can keep it underwater for a long time without causing any damage to the machine.
It is not suitable for deep diving, but you can use it on different kinds of terrains and weather conditions.
Smartfind 2D Discrimination
This is one of the leading technologies for discrimination. The Smartfind 2D Discrimination enables the CTX 3030 to juggle between operations like analyzing the target’s conductivity and the percent of iron content in them.
It also helps in identifying the size, depth and differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous objects.
Additionally, the device features Target Tracing and Target Separation to identify valuable goods among the trash items.
This metal detector detects the valuables with ease irrespective of their size difference.
Ground Balance
When handling a detector with abilities like these, ground balance plays a vital role. The CTX 3030 is very flexible and versatile with its search modes and configuration.
It gives you the option to tune ground balance in automatic and manual modes. Manual mode helps hunt metal in areas with homogeneous soils.
Meanwhile, the automatic setting works best for regions that have mineralized soil and mixed terrains. It allows the detector to analyze the noise and filter it for a smooth search.
The search modes, five custom modes, and pre-set with discrimination index work in a combination to add to the ground balance performance.
Noise cancellation mode
Metal detectors often face issues when they are used in areas with powerful electromagnetic influence.
The CTX 3030 has been designed to handle such disturbances and operate with no obstruction due to the Noise Cancel Mode.
This function eliminates all the noise and keeps it from affecting the signal received from the targets.
Power Supply
The CTX 3030 uses lithium batteries for power, or you can use 8 AA batteries. With a fully charged lithium battery, you get uninterrupted power for 11 hours.
You can use all the features in the detector when powered with a lithium battery. The battery life increases slightly when the GPS is turned on.
You also get a powerbox included in the kit that you can use with the eight AA batteries. CTX 3030 offers options even in terms of power supply methods.
It is recommended you use the fully charged lithium battery and access all the features in the initial phase of the hunt.
You can use the replacement AA batteries once the lithium battery runs out.
Who is the Minelab CTX 3030 Best Suited For?
The Minelab CTX 3030 can cater to both beginners and seasoned detectors.
The numerous features and customizable options can be a treat for serious detectorists looking for a perfect upgrade.
If you are new to prospecting, you will need a little practice before using the CTX 3030.
It is relatively easy to get confused among the many buttons and functions placed on the control box.
However, if you have used other detectors, even ones with basic limited functions, you will have no problem using the Minelab CTX 3030.
Seasoned detectorists can make the most out of the CTX 3030 and its countless abilities. If you are a seasoned detectorist, this detector will make prospecting more straightforward and quicker.
You can use its various functions to find what you’re looking for, even if it is buried deep underground.
How Well Does the Minelab CTX 3030 Perform?
The CTX 3030 is equipped with features that can outperform any detector when hunting for coins and relics.
It offers commendable target ID, separation, and sensitivity. These qualities combined can help you locate items with more accuracy.
It performs well on different terrains such as beaches, shallow water, cultivated land, and even lush pastures.
Many things make it a worthy investment. Its FBS technology offers extraordinary detection abilities.
With its multiple frequencies running simultaneously, you get more depth and an accurate detection of smaller targets.
You can use the CTX 3030 in locations that others have prospected before. Its enhanced scanning abilities work efficiently to detect the target missed by other detectors.
The depth and target separation enable you to locate targets that are covered by iron nails. Most metal detectors have a hard time finding targets buried deep underground.
The CTX 3030 provides accurate target information of objects located 9 inches or more.
If you go treasure hunting frequently and spend a lot of time finding objects, the CTX 3030 will save your time by making accurate judgments.
Apart from its high performance, it offers you a near-instant target ID, unlimited customization without any lag or delay.
There is only one problem with the CTX 3030; it is not always 100% accurate when reading shallow objects.
The machine compensates for it by providing visual and audio ID to get an estimation of the object.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the CTX 3030 Worth It For The Money?
The Minelab CTX 3030 is definitely worth the investment even though it has a high price.
It is easy to use and performs well in all kinds of environments and terrains. The detector is loaded with features and technologies that can make prospecting easier.
Moreover, it is very comfortable and easy to handle, so you don’t have to worry about a sore arm. Its ability to reduce noise in high electromagnetic areas unlocks a different world of possibilities.
You can also make the best use of its ground balance feature and waterproof body to find valuables in places like beaches, lakes, creeks, swamps, etc.
Is the CTX 3030 Good for Gold?
Unlike other detectors, the CTX 3030 does not have a dedicated feature for gold hunting. On the other hand, it can find gold nuggets and jewelry with just the basic settings.
To find gold, you have to switch the settings to relic mode. It will reconfigure its settings such as discrimination to make it suitable enough to detect gold located underground.
With the CTX 3030, you can hunt for gold at beaches, barren land, and even common places like parks.
Which Minelab detector is the best?
The best Minelab detector is the Excalibur II. It can work up to 200 feet underwater.
It also performs well on land and can detect metals from deep under the surface. It has 17 different frequencies that can identify coins, relics, and rings.
It has a different tone for every frequency.
Is the CTX 3030 waterproof?
The CTX 3030 is entirely waterproof and can be submerged 8-feet into the water.
All the components of the CTX 3030 have been designed to be immune to water damage. You can use it in all kinds of water and weather conditions.
However, it is not suitable for deep diving.
How do you use the Minelab CTX 3030?
The Minelab CTX 3030 is easy to turn on and off. If you are well-versed with detectors, you won’t find it hard to operate the device.
There is a dedicated power button to turn on the detector, and there are other buttons for detecting; identifying, map, store, menu select button, and much more.
It may take some time to assemble the CTX 3030. For further assistance, you can watch this video below.
Final Verdict
The Minelab CTX 3030 is a quality detector that can help detectorists make prospecting convenient and quicker.
The elaborate menu and layout are among the machine’s major drawbacks, but its various features more than compensate for this.
If you wish to step into the pros’ world with a robust and functional detector, you must try the Minelab CTX 3030.