Minelab CTX 3030..........?
Minelab CTX 3030..........?
Evening Ladies /Gents
OK , so can you tell me….How good is the Minelab 3030 ? Is it worth the money ?
The reason I ask is currently I am a XP Deus, X35 15x 13 coil, full package user. The only machine I can realistically see myself upgrading to is the CTX 3030. But of course it is a big decision and a lot of money.
Prior to the Deus I was a Garrett GTI 2500 user and I liked this machine a lot but it was heavy and I know the 3030 is also heavy……..
My passion is coin shooting, most notably Roman coins. I am looking to also start beach hunting.
Can you recommend any good videos which I could watch regarding the 3030 ?
Thanks in advance
OK , so can you tell me….How good is the Minelab 3030 ? Is it worth the money ?
The reason I ask is currently I am a XP Deus, X35 15x 13 coil, full package user. The only machine I can realistically see myself upgrading to is the CTX 3030. But of course it is a big decision and a lot of money.
Prior to the Deus I was a Garrett GTI 2500 user and I liked this machine a lot but it was heavy and I know the 3030 is also heavy……..
My passion is coin shooting, most notably Roman coins. I am looking to also start beach hunting.
Can you recommend any good videos which I could watch regarding the 3030 ?
Thanks in advance
- Allectus
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Re: Minelab GTX 3030..........?
ARCH wrote: ↑Sun Apr 28, 2019 4:57 pmEvening Ladies /Gents
OK , so can you tell me….How good is the Minelab 3030 ? Is it worth the money ?
The reason I ask is currently I am a XP Deus, X35 15x 13 coil, full package user. The only machine I can realistically see myself upgrading to is the CTX 3030. But of course it is a big decision and a lot of money.
Prior to the Deus I was a Garrett GTI 2500 user and I liked this machine a lot but it was heavy and I know the 3030 is also heavy……..
My passion is coin shooting, most notably Roman coins. I am looking to also start beach hunting.
Can you recommend any good videos which I could watch regarding the 3030 ?
Thanks in advance
Having used a CTX for a long while I suggest you look at the obvious and much cheaper (and lighter) alternative first. It is magic on land and almost as deep as the CTX on beaches and much better on small gold.

Equinox 800 x2
- JBM
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Re: Minelab GTX 3030..........?
You will notice a big difference in the weight.
Mind you are are various Swingy devices to help with that.
Happy Hunting,
Jerry.
Mind you are are various Swingy devices to help with that.
Happy Hunting,
Jerry.
- sweepstick47
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Re: Minelab GTX 3030..........?
A number of posts have been removed from this thread, please keep replies 'on topic'.
A disservice is no service at all.
- Dave8472
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Re: Minelab CTX 3030..........?
As a Deus and CTX user I can tell you it will be a steep learning curve. However it is a great machine, especially suited to pasture and coin shooting. The target ID screen is very useful for detecting deep iron over a good target and the duel target mode works very well for contaminated ground.
The weight issue is a bit of an urban myth, as although it is heavy it is very well balanced.
I have had a CTX since day one and had some great finds over that time. The only thing that can let it down over other detectors are issues with fluffy soil and air gaps.
You do have to swing quiet slow to get the best out of it though. I have used it on the beach a couple of times and also seemed to preform well, but not my usual place to detect.
Dave
The weight issue is a bit of an urban myth, as although it is heavy it is very well balanced.
I have had a CTX since day one and had some great finds over that time. The only thing that can let it down over other detectors are issues with fluffy soil and air gaps.
You do have to swing quiet slow to get the best out of it though. I have used it on the beach a couple of times and also seemed to preform well, but not my usual place to detect.
Dave

Minelab Equinox 800 : 15", 11" Coils
XP Deus V3.2 - WS5 : 9" Coil
Garrett Pro Pointer AT
Garmin eTrex 20 GPS
Past Detectors : Explorer Se Pro, CTX3030
XP Deus V3.2 - WS5 : 9" Coil
Garrett Pro Pointer AT
Garmin eTrex 20 GPS
Past Detectors : Explorer Se Pro, CTX3030
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Re: Minelab CTX 3030..........?
With regards to the steep learning curve, I think that you can make the CTX as simple or as complex as you want to make it. I was quite happily using the machine within a matter of weeks (though of course have not yet mastered all of its features.)Dave8472 wrote: ↑Mon Apr 29, 2019 8:25 amAs a Deus and CTX user I can tell you it will be a steep learning curve. However it is a great machine, especially suited to pasture and coin shooting. The target ID screen is very useful for detecting deep iron over a good target and the duel target mode works very well for contaminated ground.
The weight issue is a bit of an urban myth, as although it is heavy it is very well balanced.
I have had a CTX since day one and had some great finds over that time. The only thing that can let it down over other detectors are issues with fluffy soil and air gaps.
You do have to swing quiet slow to get the best out of it though. I have used it on the beach a couple of times and also seemed to preform well, but not my usual place to detect.
Dave![]()
As for weight, yes its heavier than many other detectors but I don't have any issues swinging the CTX about for hours on end.
As for beach performance, it is deep, and you can really push the sensitivity to high levels with the salt water setting on. I still remember my first beach trip with the CTX, and the first target was a late 1700's coin at impressive depth (from then on I was hooked.)
Minelab Equinox 800. CTX 3030. Visua Pinpointer.
Re: Minelab CTX 3030..........?
I have a ctx for sale if you do decide to get one practically as new and with nearly a years worth of guarantee left on it. £900.
Re: Minelab CTX 3030..........?
Its a great machine. Been using one for a long time now and prior to that the E Trac. I wear a harness especially when using the 17 Inch coil. 
