Minelab CTX 3030 Metal Detector Review

Primarily the Minelab CTX 3030 is grey and black in colour, with the red minelab logo located in a few places on the metal detector.

You would expect that to initially assemble the CTX 3030 due to it being one of the worlds greatest detectors that it would be considerably more difficult. But they have designed the machine in a way that it doesn’t take an engineering degree and is very simple.

Design of Minelab CTX 3030

This is truly a professional metal detector, and you know that by just looking at the stem/shaft which is crafted in carbon fiber.
It has a full-colour LCD screen, with a push button keypad and handle-mounted trigger that’s easy to use.

The Minelab CTX 3030 is not the lightest of machines and is, in fact, heavier than I would have expected however it is by no means cumbersome or chunky.

The quality of the build is among one of the most sturdiest detectors I have ever held, and in a true Minelab fashion, they have not sacrificed an ounce of quality.

The machine is really well balanced and the majority of the weight comes from behind the arm rest where the battery pack is located so it does make the machine more comfortable to hold.

The Detector has a minimum size when the shafts are retracted of 37 inches and can be extended up to 55.3 inches. It weighs approximately 2.3 kg when the battery pack is in place.

It is fitted as standard with an 11 inch Double D Waterproof Smart coil, and the CTX 3030 is fully waterproof up to 3 meters. So there really is no where you can’t go with this detector.

The coils can be easily changed and Minelab offers a large variation.

As you can see the Minelab CTX 3030 is not a detector you can just pick up and use straight away, you will need to read the instructions manual for CTX 3030 especially if you want to use this machine to its full power and capabilities. It is a professional metal detector and is aimed at a detectorist who takes the hobby very seriously, and has the patience to learn.
Click here to download CTX 3030 Manual

Minelab CTX 3030 programs

The CTX has 10 Modes settings, however, the modes 6 through to 10 will only exist when you create them.

These are used for you to add your personal specifications, discriminations etc there are many setting available around the internet and on forums for you to try out.

Modes 1 through to 5 are coins mode, Beach mode, Relic Mode, Silver mode and high trash mode. Each mode can be customized to suit the detecting conditions. (it would take me forever and a day to go through every thing you can change)

On each mode you can view and adjust the settings for Pattern 1, Pattern 2, Tone ID profile, Response, Recovery Fast, Recovery Deep, Seawater, Target Separation and pinpoint.

Features And Performance Of The Minelab CTX 3030

Here’s the video on how to assemble so you can see all the components that make up the machine.

Features of Minelab CTX 3030

The Minelab CTX 3030 is ram packed with features that a mid range detector would not usually include.

It has a full-colour LCD display.

A GPS finds tracking system called the Geostore. This allows you to store, sort and view up to 100 find locations.

Wireless audio, which enables the use of wireless audio systems using the advanced WiStream technology the CTX will achieve a clear sound with no delay. It also has an internal speaker and headphone socket. The wireless module comes with a rechargeable battery which can be charged via USB or by the battery charger. You can either attach the module to a belt clip or simply place it in your pocket.

Full band spectrum 2 transmission (FBS2) combines full band spectrum transmission with the advanced digital coil to detector communications resulting in advanced signal analysis and a more accurate detecting experience. In short, you’ll know if it’s going to be an aluminium or if it’s going to be a real treasure.

Metal detector usage

It is very easy to over-complicate things with the Minelab CTX 3030 and it’s believed you are better to let the machine do its thing until you are confident you have mastered the sensitivity settings. It excels in separating trash and good targets.

The CTX does not seem to suffer from any masking problems unlike other detectors, so discrimination should be used.

Every program presents you with a choice of two different patterns of discrimination.

Depth reports of up to 16 inches!

However, this was using a 17-inch coil. Still pretty impressive though.

MineLab CTX 3030 Quick Specs

Buttons And Modes Of The Minelab CTX 3030

As per we will have a quick run through of the buttons and what they do.

There are in total 11 buttons, which are all push buttons.

Pro’s and Con’s of the Minelab CTX 3030

Videos of the Minelab CTX 3030

Summary of the Minelab CTX 3030

For the Price of Minelab, they had to get it right, and my god they did.

I suppose if you look at some other hobbies and what people pay for their equipment it’s not as expensive as what you originally comprehend.

The Minelab CTX 3030 is without a doubt one of the best detectors on the market and hundreds of customer reviews back this up.

If you have time and patience and metal detecting is a way of life for you then this model it’s well worth the investment, you only have to look at all the reviews on the web and you’ll know this is true.

My only advice is that it’s easy to over-complicate things using the detector. It’s far better to let the CTX do the work for you. Read the manual before you attempt to use to avoid disappointment.

In case you are convinced to buy Minelab CTX 3030 then I suggest looking at the link bellow for a good price.