The Minelab CTX 3030 is a highly regarded metal detector that has garnered attention for its advanced features and user-friendly design. In this review, I will evaluate the CTX 3030 by examining its advantages and disadvantages, exploring what makes this metal detector stand out, and comparing it to other models in the market.
The CTX 3030 detector, developed by the Australian company Minelab, was introduced in 2012 and quickly gained popularity among treasure hunters due to its innovative technologies and versatility. This device is the result of many years of research and development in the field of metal detectors, offering a unique combination of multi-frequency technology and built-in GPS for tracking finds.
The CTX 3030 became known for its ability to effectively detect both small coins and large gold nuggets, making it an ideal choice for treasure hunting in various conditions, including beaches and overgrown areas. While previous models like the E-Trac already had a solid reputation for discrimination and performance, the CTX 3030 raised the standards even higher and remains an unmatched choice for many experienced detectorists and enthusiasts.
Since its introduction, the CTX 3030 has continued to be one of the best metal detectors on the market, highlighting Minelab’s achievements in the field of metal detecting.
| Model | CTX 3030 |
| Application | Coin, Relic, Jewellery & Beach |
| Technology | FBS 2, Smartfind 2, GPSi, Wi-Stream |
| Waterproof | Waterproof to 3m/10-feet |
| Frequency | Multiple frequencies: 1.5 – 100kHz |
| Coil (standard) | 11-inch waterproof Double-D smart coil |
| Audio Output | Built-in speaker, standard ¼-inch non-waterproof socket, custom waterproof socket |
| Headphones Supplied | KOSS UR30 (100 ohm) supplied with detector (non-waterproof) |
| Visual Display | Full colour LCD with backlight and adjustable brightness (1–10) |
| Backlight | Yes |
| USB Connectivity | USB interface for XChange 2 PC software |
| Memory | Settings saved automatically while detecting and remain until changed or reset |
| Depth Indication | Accurate gauge active in normal detecting and Pinpoint mode |
| Detect Modes | 10 fully customisable, including 5 preset (Coins, Beach, Relic, Silver & High Trash) |
| Discrimination | Smartfind 2TM 2 dimensional colour discrimination |
| Timings | No |
| Audio Tone | Customisable Tone ID Profiles |
| Audio Type | Normal, Long, Smooth & Pitch Hold |
| Ground Balance | Auto Compensation and Auto Ground Balance |
| Ground Balance Type | |
| Pinpoint | 2 modes: normal and sizing |
| Sensitivity | Auto and Manual (1–30) |
| Noise Cancel | Manual & Automatic (11 channels) |
| Threshold | Level adjustment (1–50), Pitch adjustment (1–30) |
| Target Volume Adjust | 1-30 |
| Battery | Li-ion pack with fast charger. 12 V car adapter supplied with Standard Pack only |
| Low battery alert | Audio & visual indication |
| Length | Min 37 in. (940 mm) – Max 55.3 in. (1405 mm) |
| Weight | 5.20 lbs (2.36 kgs) including Li-ion battery pack |
| Warranty | 3 years control box & coil |
- 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
Last update on 2025-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates
Advantages of the Minelab CTX 3030
Waterproof
The CTX 3030 is a multi-purpose metal detector designed for use in various weather conditions and terrains. Its waterproof design allows for operation on land and underwater at depths of up to 10 feet (3 meters).
This feature makes it ideal for treasure hunting at the beach or in freshwater lakes, enabling you to explore submerged areas without worrying about damaging the device. However, it’s important to note that the CTX 3030 is not intended for deep water hunting. While 10 feet is sufficient for shallow searches, it is not suitable for depths where you might expect to find treasures from lost galleons. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid deeper waters while using this metal detector.
Color LCD
The Minelab metal detector was the first to feature a large colored LCD display, which remains highly visible even in direct sunlight. This significant innovation enhances user experience by providing clear visual feedback during searches.
The device’s control unit is positioned on a carbon arm, making it less portable; however, its placement is designed to provide comfortable access and operation while hunting. This combination of a high-quality display and thoughtfully designed control layout makes the Minelab detector user-friendly, particularly in challenging outdoor conditions.
Wireless
A common weak point in many inexpensive metal detectors is the wired connection to the coil, which can interrupt the hunting experience and is prone to damage. In contrast, the CTX 3030 employs wireless technology for sound transmission, eliminating the hassle of wires that can be easily torn or snagged during searches.
Users have the flexibility to choose between a wireless external speaker or headphones included with the device. However, it’s important to note that these options are not suitable for underwater treasure hunting.
Traditionally, KOSS has been the manufacturer of speakers for Minelab, and the wireless speakers for the CTX 3030 feature a standalone control unit that securely attaches to the user’s waist. This control unit connects to the speakers using a coiled cable with a standard 3.5 mm jack. For underwater expeditions, users can opt for waterproof wireless headphones, ensuring they can continue their treasure hunting without compromise.
The CTX 3030 features an embedded GPS detector, allowing you to leave your portable GPS navigator at home. Additionally, this metal detector can synchronize with your computer for enhanced functionality.
You may wonder, “What is GPS doing in a metal detector? Isn’t its primary purpose to find treasures, not to track locations?” While it’s true that the main function of a metal detector is treasure hunting, the integration of GPS offers valuable advantages.
By utilizing Google Maps and the XChange 2 PC program, you can visualize precisely where your finds were detected, as well as areas where no treasures were found. This capability enables you to review your routes at home and identify sections you may have missed. Experienced treasure hunters will appreciate how this feature can significantly improve their search efficiency.
Moreover, the GPS functionality helps create a comprehensive record of your treasure hunting adventures, making it easier to revisit successful locations in the future. It can aid in avoiding previously searched areas, reducing redundancy in your hunting efforts. The XChange 2 program allows for easy data transfer and analysis, giving users the ability to track their progress over time. Many users find that keeping a log of their finds alongside GPS data enhances their overall treasure hunting experience.
However, it’s worth noting that activating the GPS will cause the device’s battery to drain more quickly. Despite this, the battery still provides sufficient power for continuous operation throughout a full day of hunting. Additionally, the GPS feature can assist in navigating to and from hunting sites, providing an added layer of convenience.
Multi-frequency metal detector
The CTX 3030 metal detector uses advanced FBS2 technology, which means it “shoots” a wide range of frequencies into the ground. This capability ensures that you won’t miss detecting anything, whether it’s a small coin or a large object.
One significant advantage of this technology is its effectiveness on highly mineralized soils, where single-frequency detectors often struggle. Many competitors, even their top models, can only operate on one frequency at a time, forcing users to switch between different frequencies to get the desired results.
With the FBS2 technology, the CTX 3030 operates at 28 frequencies simultaneously, ranging from 1.5 to 100 kHz. Higher frequencies are particularly sensitive to small targets, while lower frequencies excel at detecting deeper objects. This means the detector is capable of identifying both small, shallow finds and large, deep treasures at the same time, enhancing your treasure hunting experience.
This multi-frequency capability allows for greater versatility in various terrains and conditions, making it easier to adapt to different environments. Users have reported improved success rates in recovering both small jewelry and larger artifacts thanks to the advanced frequency detection capabilities. The technology significantly reduces the time spent searching, as it efficiently identifies potential targets without needing frequent adjustments.
Additionally, the feature is especially beneficial for treasure hunters exploring sites with mixed debris, such as beaches or urban environments. It helps reduce the frustration often associated with missing smaller targets when using traditional single-frequency detectors, allowing for a more enjoyable and productive treasure hunting experience.
Advanced discrimination function
The Smartfind 2D feature offers an advanced discrimination function that enhances the detection capabilities of the CTX 3030 metal detector. This technology allows the device to identify targets based on both their conductivity and iron content simultaneously. As a result, users can more accurately determine whether a target is ferrous (like a nail) or non-ferrous (like a coin), as well as assess its size and depth.
This dual approach is the most reliable method for distinguishing between valuable targets and unwanted debris. With Smartfind 2D technology, you can effectively differentiate between objects that are closely located, such as a rusted nail and a coin buried nearby. In traditional metal detectors, the heavier mass of the rusted nail often overshadows the coin, making it difficult to detect the valuable find. However, with Smartfind 2D, the detector can clearly separate the signals from these two items, allowing you to uncover treasures that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Additionally, Smartfind 2D technology provides a visual representation of the target on the LCD display, giving users immediate feedback about the type and size of the detected objects. This feature greatly enhances the efficiency of treasure hunting, especially in littered areas where multiple targets are often present. Users have reported fewer false positives, leading to a more enjoyable and productive detecting experience. The ability to visualize target separation can save treasure hunters significant time by minimizing the need for unnecessary digging in search of valuable items.
Advanced discrimination functions like Smartfind 2D are particularly valuable for those hunting in urban areas or historical sites, where iron debris is common. The increased accuracy not only improves the chances of finding valuable items but also helps treasure hunters focus on worthwhile targets, making their excursions more successful overall.
Ground balance function
The CTX 3030 metal detector features two adjustment modes: manual and automatic. In manual mode, the user can fine-tune the device to work optimally in homogenous ground conditions, allowing for searches at maximum depth. This mode is particularly beneficial for experienced treasure hunters who have a good understanding of their hunting grounds and want to target specific types of treasures buried deeper in the soil.
On the other hand, the automatic adjustment mode is designed for use in mixed soils. This mode enables the detector to self-tune to the current hunting conditions, ensuring that the device remains effective even when the ground varies in mineralization or composition. This feature significantly reduces the time spent on setup, making it user-friendly for both beginners and those who may not be as familiar with ground conditions.
Additionally, the CTX 3030 offers 10 distinct search modes, enhancing its versatility for different detecting scenarios. Five of these modes come with pre-set ground balance values and Fe-Co (iron to conductivity) discrimination. This feature helps users differentiate between ferrous and non-ferrous targets, enhancing the chances of locating valuable finds while minimizing distractions from junk. The other five modes are customizable, allowing users to set parameters based on their specific needs and preferences. This adaptability further improves the device’s performance during treasure hunts, making the CTX 3030 suitable for a wide range of hunting environments, including sandy beaches, rocky terrain, or mineral-rich areas.
Settings
The CTX 3030 is equipped with quite complicated settings, which may seem daunting at first. However, the manufacturers have anticipated this potential hurdle, which is why the device includes five embedded pre-set modes. These modes are designed for specific hunting scenarios, including coin, beach, relic, silver, and navigating ground littered with rubbish.
The pre-set modes streamline the hunting process, enabling users to switch quickly between settings based on their specific target types and environments. For users who prefer a more personalized approach, the CTX 3030 also offers five additional customizable channels. This flexibility allows users to create their own search modes, tailoring the device to suit their unique hunting preferences and conditions. Each pre-set mode is fine-tuned for optimal performance, taking into account factors like ground mineralization and target size, allowing for effective detection even in challenging conditions.
Balance
One of the main demerits of the CTX 3030 metal detector, aside from its price, is its considerable weight. To address this issue, the engineers at Minelab have made significant efforts to prevent user fatigue during extended use. The waterproof battery unit, which is relatively large, is strategically positioned on the upper section of the metal detector’s rod. This design acts as a counterbalance, helping to distribute the weight more evenly.
The rationale behind this innovation is straightforward. Historically, using coils of varying diameters has often resulted in an imbalance that could cause discomfort and fatigue in a user’s hand over time. With this new design, the metal detector is much better balanced, allowing for longer treasure hunting sessions without causing excessive strain on the user’s arm.
Power supply
The CTX 3030 is powered by a lithium battery, providing a full charge that lasts for up to 11 hours of continuous operation. Users can significantly extend this operational time by turning off the GPS and Wi-Stream features, allowing for longer treasure hunting sessions without the need for frequent recharging.
Additionally, the device comes with a special box that allows the use of eight AA batteries as an alternative power source. This flexibility ensures that users can continue their search for treasures even if the lithium battery runs low, making it a practical choice for longer expeditions or situations where charging options may be limited.
The lithium battery not only offers a long operational time but is also lightweight, contributing to the overall balance and ease of use of the detector. Switching to the AA battery box is straightforward, allowing for seamless transitions in remote locations where recharging the lithium battery may not be feasible. The power management features of the CTX 3030 enable users to tailor the device’s performance based on their specific hunting needs, optimizing battery life while maintaining efficiency.
Coils selection
The standard set of the CTX 3030 is equipped with the Minelab CTX 11” Smart coil. This versatile coil is designed for general treasure hunting, but the manufacturer also offers additional coils of varying diameters to enhance the detector’s performance in different conditions.
The 17-inch coil is particularly beneficial for covering large areas, as it can search 20% deeper compared to the standard 11-inch coil. This makes it ideal for open fields or beach hunting, where larger targets may be located at greater depths. Conversely, the 6-inch coil is specially designed for use in littered or congested environments, where precision is crucial for distinguishing valuable items from trash. This smaller coil allows users to navigate tight spaces effectively and increases the chances of finding treasures among debris.
The Smart coils feature advanced target identification technology, which enhances the CTX 3030’s ability to distinguish between different types of metals and objects. This is particularly useful when searching in areas with a high density of litter or metallic debris. Additionally, these coils are designed for optimal sensitivity, ensuring that even small coins or jewelry are detected accurately.
Noise elimination
One notable feature is its “noise cancel” function, which allows it to perform effectively even in the presence of electrical disturbances, such as those from nearby electricity transmission lines. Ordinary metal detectors often struggle in such environments, but the CTX 3030 excels.
Drawbacks of the Minelab CTX 3030
Battery Usage
Using ordinary batteries instead of a rechargeable accumulator can become a burden, as eight batteries can drain quickly during a day of hunting, especially if you’re utilizing additional features like GPS. This necessitates frequent battery replacements, which can be inconvenient and costly over time.
Weight
At 5.6 pounds, the CTX 3030 is relatively heavy for a metal detector. While the manufacturer has designed it to balance the weight primarily on the accumulator, adding a larger 17-inch coil can shift this balance, making it feel cumbersome. Although the standard coil is well-balanced, using the larger coil can transform the detector into a “kettlebell,” causing fatigue during extended use. To alleviate this issue, users can opt for the Minelab Pro-Swing 45, a specially designed webbed harness that distributes weight more evenly and enhances comfort.
Difficulty for Beginners
New users may find the CTX 3030’s technical complexities challenging. To fully utilize the capabilities of this metal detector, a deep understanding of its features and settings is required. Beginners might need to rely on standard modes initially, limiting their ability to explore the detector’s full potential until they become more familiar with its functions.
Price
The cost of the CTX 3030 is a significant barrier for many potential buyers. With a price tag of xxxxx$, it is not easily affordable for most treasure hunters, making it a luxury item in the world of metal detecting. This high price may deter those who are just starting in the hobby or who are on a tighter budget.
Conclusion
The Minelab CTX 3030 is a cutting-edge metal detector that offers numerous advanced features, making it a powerful tool for treasure hunters. Its multi-frequency FBS2 technology, ability to work in challenging ground conditions, and various features such as GPS navigation, wireless capabilities, and Smartfind 2D discrimination contribute to its effectiveness in locating both small and large targets.
However, the CTX 3030 does come with its drawbacks. The weight of the device (5.6 pounds) can be cumbersome, especially when using larger coils, potentially leading to user fatigue during extended sessions. Battery usage is another concern; ordinary batteries can drain quickly, necessitating frequent replacements. Additionally, beginners may find the device’s complexity intimidating, requiring time and practice to fully understand its functions. The high price point also makes it less accessible for many hobbyists.
When comparing the CTX 3030 to the XP Deus 2, both detectors offer exceptional capabilities, but they cater to slightly different user preferences. The Deus 2 is known for its lightweight design and wireless functionality, making it easier to handle for prolonged periods, which can be a significant advantage for treasure hunters who spend hours on end searching. The Deus 2 also features advanced discrimination capabilities and a wide range of frequencies, similar to the CTX 3030. However, it has a more intuitive user interface, which may be more appealing to beginners.
Another advantage of the Deus 2 is its quick recharge time and longer battery life, making it more convenient for those who prefer to avoid constant battery replacements. In terms of price, the Deus 2 is generally more affordable than the CTX 3030, which could make it a more accessible option for those just starting their treasure-hunting journey.
In summary, while the Minelab CTX 3030 excels in performance and features, potential buyers should weigh its drawbacks against their personal needs and budget. The XP Deus 2 offers a compelling alternative, especially for those who prioritize weight, ease of use, and affordability. Ultimately, the choice between these two detectors will depend on individual preferences and the specific demands of each treasure-hunting adventure.