been detecting since 1973 I’ve been thru all the detectors , if you can get a ctx for $1100 buy it and if you think that detector isn’t still worth every penny you never mastered the CTX the options available to you on that machine are mind blowing. Building your exact discrimination programs , being able to run 5 programs completely different parameters at your finger tip , A ferrous number and conductive number and that doesn’t matter to you you never ,learned the machine. Definitely heavy, but just outstanding target ID I can not only pretty much tell what I’m digging but on silver you can tell whether it’s old silver ( barber / seated) or new ( Merc / Rosie) before you even dig it. Just a fantastic piece of equipment. Minelab didn’t build a better machine they built a more affordable machine. Buy the way love your video’s just don’t agree on this one.
Thanks for this clarification sir. Much appreciated. I bought one recently and I 'm getting to know this machine. Looks complicated setting my own discrimination patterns and I 'm wondering if I could detect without setting any patterns. I know I might end up digging up the whole country, but we have so many valuable items underground that are metallic which I don't want to miss. What do you think?
Been switching between an 800 and CTX for years. In my experience the CTX has advantage in the saltwater - depth, target separation, ability to handle black sand, and deal with frustrating EMI. The Nox is very chatty. That being said I still prefer the Nox on land. Never tried the D2 but hear good things. Regardless I’m a very big proponent of REALLY learning how to use your machines and not giving up on them every time a new one comes out - learned that from the old timers ;)
Exactly! The equation is; Detectorist Skill + Detector capability = Finds Potential. As detector technology advances, the Finds Potential of the equation will increase. Same for Detectorist Skill.
Ive had a swing with a CTX 3030 just the other day over in the UK, i have to say i love that colour menue & so much customisable stuff, the menue systems seem to have gone backwards on the latest batch of detectors, ime not a fan of the LCD monchrome display becuese i have a complex problem with my eyesight that make life a little hard for me with those displays, i was somewhat astounded that the CTX was able to do so well given its age tho, the build quality is next leval to, i like the meaty feel of it, i do agree tho that the rescent detectors are way more capable when you suss them, i just wish they had full colour displays & where made more solid. Ime one of those oddballs that like the feel of heavy quality. I gotta say if i see a CTX 3030 on the cheap i might actually get one even tho its almost vintage.
I have the the ctx 3030 and ex deus11 and the xp has the edge in iron and better recovery speed but the ctx is hard to beat if you hunted low and slow I agree with you about the knew stuff being better I only have about 20 hours on the xp and it's my favorite machine yet thanks for the video
Merrill, todays rant is right on point. I agree with your statements regarding the detector and the detectorist’s experience with it. I enjoy using both Apex and Deus II because of their light weight and features. The D2 is much better at separation and adjustability. Experience with both is very important in target recovery in difficult situations. 😎
The land I detect on has been hammered by several metal detectorists over the years with all kinds of detectors and when I approached the farmer to detect on it he told me I probably won`t find anything due to the previous detectorists, so on I went with my Minelab CTX 3030 and so far I`ve pulled nearly 50 coins off the land. My point is yes the CTX3030 is old tech however it was at the leading edge at the time so if people think it can`t compete they are so wrong, I was able to pick coins out of heavy trash or iron areas with ease and yes it still goes deep if that`s what you want and I`ve had coins down to 11 inches and in good soil conditions it will pick out a one silver shilling at 14 inches "really"
Valid point but for one generation. Until simultaneous multi frequency there really hadn’t been a significant upgrade in the basic way detectors work for decades. Digital displays great yes but the technology underneath was still the same. If you are going to be buying cheap and possibly second hand to start out it will be a single frequency machine. Then it’s just what you prefer.
I think your experience in the hobby is worth more than I have learned in any manual. My 900 is beginning to speak to me after a month or should I say I am learning it's language. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
ICasper here again...I got into water hunting in the 90s with Whites PI machines - used to digging it all and PIs go deep - I hit tons of beaches - new and old hunters swore were cleaned out and went deeper using Pi and got a lot of old gold and old silver over the years - I had a group of guys that i hunted with from CT. (Im from Ma. ) that I convinced to get PIs and they all went back to spots they thought were cleaned and also killed - I got many a thank yous from them over the yrs
I used my PI differently than most others too...I dont recommend the preset markings on the machine - you will find stuff but not get the machines greatest potential for depth
I run a CTX 3030, a NOX 800, and a Garett ATX. In my opinion the CTX will eat the NOX alive inland with my soil conditions even if it is older technology. I'm at a point that I just use the NOX to clear out surface change to get deeper targets with the CTX. When something sounds odd with the CTX I mark the spot and go back over it with the ATX to determine if it is just mineralization or get a solid pinpoint to dig; usually small iron or non-ferous better than 14" deep. At least in my area this is a deadly combination and I feel sorry for anyone detecting behind me.😀 I don't know anyone with an XP to compare machines with around here but I would be shocked if it found much of anything the CTX missed especially at depth.
I'm getting old and may not have many years left before I can't metal detect. So, I am gonna buy the latest and greatest machine out there. I own an E-Trac and the NOX 800. So I bought the Deus II and I am not regretting it. After owning the Deus II for five months, it is THE BEST metal detector for what I do, and that's hunting for silver coins. The Deus II blows my mind. I have been going back over old hunting sites and picking up a lot of silver coins. The Hunter GT programed my Deus for me, cause I am retarded when it comes to electronics, but I know what I wanted and The Hunter set it up for me, and I am blown away with all the silver and wheat pennies I am digging. If you can afford it, buy it, it's a no brainer.
That is EXACTLY what I am saying!!!! The new machines make it seem like new objects are appearing on sites that have been heavily hunted! Hunter GT knows his stuff!
Just saw the specs on the new x80 detector from Quest, they have a setting to boost power to the coil from the box, plus other new stuff, you need to check it out
I think it depends on how into metal detectors themselves you are. A lot of us have fun playing around with the technology, and there are still some things a couple old top of the lines will not be surpassed in anytime soon, like isolated target cherry picking, and those machines happen to be Whites Spectra V3i and Minelab CTX-3030. To this day no other machines will give you a better idea whether to dig or keep walking on individual targets. The V even has 3 frequency pinpoint no motion. In my opinion simultaneous multifrequency has been wasted on the 3 latest and greatest machines because they do not do the thing which is most important for a multifrequency machine to do, and that is display how each frequency in play is reacting to the target. This is best done in color, but can be accomplished by other visual means.
I heard that about the V3i . I have never used that one. The advantages that I speak of lie in the separation and depth. I own a Etrac, at-pro, 3030 and Safari. None could come close to the separation and depth of the latest generation of machines.
@@MetalDetectingNYC if you just plain love the technology the V3i is a lot of fun. If you love to straight cherry pick once in a while it’s the best discriminator ever made. But on separation I couldn’t agree more. Also couldn’t agree more that it’s the machine and the man. You can learn a machine up and down all day, and if it’s not the best at the task you’re using it for its going to get bested.
Unless I am at the beach, I "cherry pick" every time I go out, and that is probably 5 times a week. My Deus II has a volume control for the VDI numbers. That allows me to turn up the volume on coins, without discrimination and hindering the depth. I am going back to old hunted sites and picking up unbelieveable amounts of silver coins. I am loving my Deus II and am so glad I decided to purchase it.
If i want to upgrade my detector, i sell my used detector to a detector dealer..i get a good price and get a good discount on the new unit. As Merill shows his collection, i have mine too..hard to part some of them.Good luck to all..go for the gold !!
I see Garrett hobby line going the way of Tesoro, they just don’t seem to have skin in the game to keep an edge. Eg as you said, simplex is a hot machine compared to a ace 400. Also vanquish, low end multifreq, blows away any generation or two older low end tech for under 300 and has a warranty, and usually you can get a discount/bundle deal fir the same price point on kellyco.
I use the simplex I just found a 1870 seated liberty S mint mark with liberty clearly visible $800 dollar coin in iron infestation and more aluminum then cokeacola plant lol
Hi. I bought my E-Trac in 2010 and it was already 5 yrs old. Bought it off a detecting forum. I've owned the CTX and didn't like it as much even though the technology was way newer. It lacked the Etrac tone. I've tried the Nox 800 but haven't spent enough time on it, but again, I don't think it has the Etrac multi-tone quality. My friend uses the Nox and does well. He also has the Deus 1 & 2 and doesn't like them as much. I think time on any Detector, learning its ins & outs, will be the biggest factor on finding hard to find items. I'm visiting Philly for 2-3 weeks starting Aug 1 and have my Detector (Etrac) with me. Can you recommend any place just north of Philly? Also, if you're not too far, I would love to detect together. West coast meets East Coast detecting. We can do some side by side old school Etrac to your detector of choice recodings. I'm in the market for a Detector (thought it might be the Deus 2, but now, maybe not), so see new detectors doing target comparisons really helps. Let me know. My biggest issue away from home base is, knowing where it's ok to detect within the law.
2:50 Is there really multifrequency? I know there is a guy (electronic engineer) here in YT who measured the D2 with the conclusion that the D2 only emmittes 2 frequencys
The problem I've had is that you need to make sure you ask if there is any warranty still left on it so if it breaks you know what to expect. The Minelab Nox 800 will cost you close to 500 dollars between sending the unit in if they have to replace the control panel out of warranty. Lesser repairs are still quite costly. Personally if I bought one I'd only buy one under warranty and sell it after it goes out. At least with the Nox 800 I've had to have 3 out of 4 of my control panels replaced due to leaks, failing batteries, etc. I've also had to have 4 out of my 12 coils replaced due to failing sensitivity or battery draining related issues. Lucky for me I've only had to split the cost of a repair on one because I sold a guy one and it ended up having intermittent issues. Don't get me wrong I love the nox and I just bought a new Deus 2 which is still in pieces on my desk but let's face it I think the motto should be when buying a metal detector "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst". LOL
Ahh wish we had have had this conversation a few months ago!! oh dang I bought a CTX3030 in January. Well I will use it as much as I can afford a newer piece.. Thanks for the info..
It's really hard to pass up on a good deal though. There's a Nox 800 near me on Marketplace with the carbon fiber shaft for $400.00. I have one so I'm resisting !
That might have been bad communication on my part. I have bought several used detectors and I have no problem with eBay or Facebook marketplace. What I am questioning is if spending money on a non-current detector (pre SMF) is a smart choice.
I consider most of the things you say to be reasonable... But I bought CTX3030 in 2022 (brand new, full price)... cause I've been using an E-Track for about 10 years (had to sell it in 2021), I got used to it and CTX looks to be almost the same, so I don't need to learn the machine... Especially taking in account your video on "more power" of the Manticore... and the fact that FBS frequencies differ from the Multy IQ ones... I would say CTX is an old machine, but not completely outdated one. (For sure I would prefere buying CTX4040 with updated processor, but who knows, how long we have to wait for it...)
I have to repurchase it again. I just sent it to Florida for use for customers who rent out my Cape Coral house on Airbnb. I do plan on replacing it fast though
is ctx3030 has good discrimination? I have found some big signal under certain flat rock which big in size with Gpz 7000 so I want to confirm whether that target is metal or hots rocks before duging it .that big flat rocks when I broke some pieces from it and put aside and detector over that broken onces it doesn't makes any signal or sounds .how can you help me with your knowledge all I need is your advice please .the only person I trust is you .thanks sir
I would largely agree when we discuss this in the perspective of a "new detectorist". For established detectorists who rely more on tones and the sound quality and are willing to put the time in learning the machine, not so much. As evidence I submit to you "Phil of the Nox"
On eBay right now!!! Kellyco lent me one for over 2 years. I give it a month straight of use (which might not have been enough) but I couldn’t replicate the same success in depth or separation.
from Casper ...have to disagree...bought a used CZ21 off e bay for like 700.00 ...I already had one and wanted a back up - they go for like $1200 and up...picked it up as a back up = when i received it...didnt have a scratch on it - guy said he only used a few times. I hunt in all metal and can pick up stuff - rings 2ft down. I make most of my gold finds at old spots and large % of my gold is old gold- I hunt many spots where a lot- I mean a lot a lot of guys with all the new machines out there - I know my CZ21s very well - I know a bunch of guys that use them wrong - and most have given up on them. Also met some that had them and took my advice and went to spots and killed it
Might be bad communication on my part. I stated that I bought used detectors. But the question is does it make sense to purchase older technologies (for instance full band spectrum rather than SMF….similar but NOT the same). The essential question is whether metal detecting tech is on an upward curve. I say yes!
@@MetalDetectingNYC but i hunt with old cz21 at spots with couple dozen guys using newer machines and i go deeper than them - got 4 silver halves in thigh deep water after bunch of them pounded there. thsy clean up all the fresh drops and i get the old silver and gold
Always enjoy your videos. Have you updated the legend to 1.08, and if so what are your thoughts? I haven’t heard much from you on this detector for awhile. Thanks
The reason I havent is because I sent it to Florida. I have an AirBnb and I am letting viewers of my channel use it if they stay. I plan to replace it by years end.
Sorry to disagree also Meryl the CTX 3030 is still a top of the line machine it does not have the recovery speed that the XP has but it has awesome depth and it has a lot of capabilities as far as identification goes.That 90% of your metal detectors do not have and I know this for a fact because I own one and the Equinox 800 and I own the Deus one I own the XP Deus 2 I own the orx I own many many metal detectors and I'm fluent with all of them technology has gotten very far but the CTX is still a comparable machine but it is a little pricey though 👍🦀
I agree with every word there. But 1100 dollars is higher than a new Nox 800 and almost twice the price of a Legend. I get it with the identification inference but very often the detectorist who digs it all is the one who finds the best stuff.
Good afternoon, Friend. I'm from Russia, Sochi. I have an Aquinox 600, but I'm not happy with it! I want to buy 3030. I will walk on salt water (Black Sea). Would you like to hear the opinion of a professional ? P.S. All good finds 🤝👍🙏
Good day, Friend. Sorry for the bad translation ! !!!!!! Brotherly heart, thank you for paying attention to me. Does the garbage coil 6 work well on Minelab 3030?
It's not old technology they still make them today and there by far more advanced than any minelab made today, I have used minelabs for 25 yrs, so don't put it down. I would put it up against the manticore anytime
Geez that reminds me when I was a kid they used to rate vacuum cleaners there used to be the rainbow and then the Dyson which one was supposed to pick up the most or the Electrolux well I can tell you buddy the best vacuum cleaner is my XP Deus 2 the new cleanup machine
Nice viewpoint. If you're serious about detecting, enjoy it and can afford the 'latest greatest'... I say go for it. If you maybe can't afford that 'latest-greatest' detector, keep using what you've got and perhaps find new permissions (and keep saving those pennies) ... 👍
CTX 3030, Explorer II, Safari are all heavy ergonomically challenged machines. If you want shoulder surgery, get one. When the Explorer II came out some guys in our club got them, and yes they kicked ass, but these guys could only hunt for about four hours. I nicknamed them "The Half-Day Boys." Minelab finally got a clue with the GPX 6000 weight. If you need harnesses or bungees to support your machine...WTF?
The problem is we are subject to alot of marketing pressure in the metal detecting community. Pressure to always have the latest and best machine. I still used the Minelab Etrac and see no reason to buy a nox. This machine is a killer on silver and I haven't seen any reduction in my finds rate. The nox has run it's commercial life and due to it's poor build quality I don't think it's a long term second hand prospect. Buy what you can afford, enjoy the hobby and don't fall for marketing hype. If these new machines are so great, why are you still digging garbage. The garbage to good finds rate with the new detectors hasn't changed. Good luck with your hunts.
Your “teacher mode” lifts the veil of marketing hype and illuminates the truth in the gear itself and how they work in the real world and not a paper universe. Yes you might find a good deal in the used online marketplaces but beware you don’t know the health of the rechargeable battery inside the device or the condition of the connectors, cables (not always visible on the outside) or the coil and no indication of heavy, moderate or light use. “For a Few Dollars More” (sorry I just couldn’t pass that up) you get a new device with warranty and new fresh rechargeable batteries and all factory fresh cables, connectors and coil. Unless you purchase a used device from a person you are familiar with and know and are familiar with their metal detecting use and habits then stay away from the auctions and just buy new.
If your comments are based on saltwater detecting I will agree with you but when it comes to land detecting I disagree with your comments,, I have older analog machines that still find deep silver coins and still find plenty of targets in highly mineralized ground,, Multi-frequency is not the answer for every given situation and I've been detecting over 30 years and I've been through many machines and I've tried the latest the greatest and the old,,, Technology is not always the answer especially when it comes to this hobby,,
The irony right there! But that is a current generation detector (at least the Deus 2 is). If you got the Deus 1 the sonar program is worth keeping That detector alone. Legendary in the iron.
I have new settings for the Nox 800 and it is going inches deeper. And I have found several bucket listers lately. Those settings really work and I have proved it at a dig a couple of months back. We buried a test coin at 8 inches and my Nox and another Nox user got a strong signal even 5 inches above the soil. The D2 was the only other detector to be able to get a signal but it only just got it. Solid proof the Nox is still the machine on land. Yea, older tech but very logical and easy to set up complicated programs. Maybe the D2 is good on the beach but so is the Nox. And I have found some brilliant finds lately. I would love to see an improvement on the Nox. Like make it as light as the Deus 1 and even better EMI rejection and an alarm would be great because I turn my mobile off when detecting and I will never wear a watch and a few more user custom slots too . I think the ‘New Toy’ psychology biases opinions. I do ploughed fields and beaches mainly and pasture but no parks because this is generally not allowed in the UK. I still use the Deus 1 and Nox for ploughed but only the Nox works on the pasture I do. There is one UK TH-camr who gets the best finds by far and he uses the Deus 1 light (ears only). However he would not do well on the beaches and the land I hunt. So its a case of ‘horses for courses’. The Deus 2 is lightweight and that is a big plus but it is expensive and not very logical. On the Nox all iron is below the zero mark. I doubt I could set up the D2 to be as good as my Nox now because it does not have the logical all iron below zero. I have tested the Nox V the Legend and sorry folks the Nox wins in real life and the Legend owner knows it for sure. No other detector has beaten my Nox yet but the big guys using the CTX 3030 do pretty well on land. But the CTX3030 is too heavy for me. The Deus 1 TH-camr gets superb permissions with easy to dig kind soil. There is a lot more to it than just the detector but I like to use the best and for me that is the Nox 800 and the Deus 1. I will never buy a heavy detector.
Hay Merrill, maybe I was thinking I wanted to sell my E-Trac and my NOX 800 and your steering people away? Just kidding. I can't complain when you tell it like it is. I only use my Deus II now days.
This is so very wrong. You talk about marketing but it looks like you’re marketing the equinox yourself, which is a good machine but in no way comparable to the Excalibur II, for example, which is an old generation machine as you call it. The nox is only waterproof to 10ft and many of them have drown in 4ft of water, on the other hand, you can dive with the excal to 200ft and I haven’t heard of any of them having waterproof issues. When it comes to deep targets, the excal also beats the nox big time. I understand you don’t know any of this since you don’t have an excal in your collection but this is the plain truth. Another thing, the user counts for 70% and the machine for 30%. You can have the best detector in the world, if you don’t know how to use it or set it properly, you won’t find more targets than an expert using a less sophisticated machine. Best luck and HH.
I respectfully disagree. I can’t speak on the Excalibur because like you said I’ve never used it, but there is a reason that so many are being sold second hand right now. You mentioned that I am marketing the equinox myself. Please note that it is ranked 3rd on my website.
You tell him buddy just show him your gold ring collection lol I am a little jealous but to this day I haven’t heard of any one finding a 18 k open face pocket watch but me using the simplex it showed 60. On the vdi I mu of been in park 2 in which I love that mode separation is just lighting fast not like a lot of you guys I really don’t like digging a 12 inch hole have I found coins that deep sure simplex again t hole was so deep when I removed the plug I I seen was 2 shiny rims barely sticking out call my son ov and we used are finger s not to damage the sil coins all in all there was 9 silver dime s one silver quarter any 3 nickel s all roses except for one dime being Canadian also the quarter was Canada I love that mosses head on the back 2 Jefferson s and one Canadian nickel i will tell you guys a little secret I have found some really rare coy and civil was stuffed including a few buckles just to name a few but I never found a buffalo nickel just insane I found several v nickel s including a rare date of 1886 that is the date you want only better is the 1885. Back to the pocket watch it weigh in at 18 grams of gold and if it was a folded pocket watch it would of weighed in at probably 22 grams of 28 k gold crazy so there a $300 hundred dollar machine has found thousands of dollars worth of valuable stuff and if any of you think I am full of crap I h all the photos lol
I knew that lovers of the 3030 would make their case. I think it’s great but I had it in my inventory for 3 years. It was a paperweight for me. I did give it a few months of exclusive use. I could not replicate what other detectors brought
The Full band spectrum (1.5khz to 100khz, 28 frequencies) is a bit of marketing fudge sadly. The CTX and other FBS machines do transmit an infinite number of frequencies to increase eddy current response, but on return and processing only 2 frequencies are utilized, those being 3.125khz (and it’s half-life) and 25khz. 3.125 is the base frequency and 25 is an eighth harmonic or echo of the base. Knowing this, it’s easy to see why CTX is weakest on small gold and micro jewelry, and why it’s so strong on silver (in some ground deeper than the Nox).
CTX-3030 was released in 2012, Equinox in 2017, XP Deus 2 in 2022. Ten years are a lot in electronics. CTX-3030 is still sold at 2430 euros in Italy. A XP Deus 2 is sold at 1600 euros. This is the real problem. Old technology at higher price is absolutely not the best choice...i guess.
Yes, but I’m telling you the newer generation of machines will tune you in to deeper or more cluttered targets more so than the older ones. I could care less about inference with target ID and such!
Preach on Brother! Preach on! Good to hear someone on the same chapter as I have been for some time. Yeah you have to learn the detector but a given detector has certain capabilities limited by "The brains in the box". Makes sense that better brains makes for increased capability. So you're brain learns the new brain box capabilities, and its all good.
My Website: iratemetaldetectors.com
been detecting since 1973 I’ve been thru all the detectors , if you can get a ctx for $1100 buy it and if you think that detector isn’t still worth every penny you never mastered the CTX the options available to you on that machine are mind blowing. Building your exact discrimination programs , being able to run 5 programs completely different parameters at your finger tip , A ferrous number and conductive number and that doesn’t matter to you you never ,learned the machine. Definitely heavy, but just outstanding target
ID I can not only pretty much tell what I’m digging but on silver you can tell whether it’s old silver ( barber / seated) or new ( Merc / Rosie) before you even dig it. Just a fantastic piece of equipment. Minelab didn’t build a better machine they built a more affordable machine. Buy the way love your video’s just don’t agree on this one.
Thanks for this clarification sir. Much appreciated. I bought one recently and I 'm getting to know this machine. Looks complicated setting my own discrimination patterns and I 'm wondering if I could detect without setting any patterns. I know I might end up digging up the whole country, but we have so many valuable items underground that are metallic which I don't want to miss. What do you think?
Been switching between an 800 and CTX for years. In my experience the CTX has advantage in the saltwater - depth, target separation, ability to handle black sand, and deal with frustrating EMI. The Nox is very chatty. That being said I still prefer the Nox on land. Never tried the D2 but hear good things. Regardless I’m a very big proponent of REALLY learning how to use your machines and not giving up on them every time a new one comes out - learned that from the old timers ;)
I review everything you post as a discussion. That's what makes this enjoyable. Opinions open for discussion, way to go.Thanks
Thanks!
Thank you!!!
Exactly! The equation is; Detectorist Skill + Detector capability = Finds Potential.
As detector technology advances, the Finds Potential of the equation will increase. Same for Detectorist Skill.
Ive had a swing with a CTX 3030 just the other day over in the UK, i have to say i love that colour menue & so much customisable stuff, the menue systems seem to have gone backwards on the latest batch of detectors, ime not a fan of the LCD monchrome display becuese i have a complex problem with my eyesight that make life a little hard for me with those displays, i was somewhat astounded that the CTX was able to do so well given its age tho, the build quality is next leval to, i like the meaty feel of it, i do agree tho that the rescent detectors are way more capable when you suss them, i just wish they had full colour displays & where made more solid. Ime one of those oddballs that like the feel of heavy quality.
I gotta say if i see a CTX 3030 on the cheap i might actually get one even tho its almost vintage.
I have the the ctx 3030 and ex deus11 and the xp has the edge in iron and better recovery speed but the ctx is hard to beat if you hunted low and slow I agree with you about the knew stuff being better I only have about 20 hours on the xp and it's my favorite machine yet thanks for the video
Ctx 3030 is by far more advanced technology than any equinox or manticore
Merrill, todays rant is right on point. I agree with your statements regarding the detector and the detectorist’s experience with it. I enjoy using both Apex and Deus II because of their light weight and features. The D2 is much better at separation and adjustability. Experience with both is very important in target recovery in difficult situations. 😎
You tell them you are right on,it take both operator an machine to do the dance of metal detecting.keep up the good work.
The land I detect on has been hammered by several metal detectorists over the years with all kinds of detectors and when I approached the farmer to detect on it he told me I probably won`t find anything due to the previous detectorists, so on I went with my Minelab CTX 3030 and so far I`ve pulled nearly 50 coins off the land. My point is yes the CTX3030 is old tech however it was at the leading edge at the time so if people think it can`t compete they are so wrong, I was able to pick coins out of heavy trash or iron areas with ease and yes it still goes deep if that`s what you want and I`ve had coins down to 11 inches and in good soil conditions it will pick out a one silver shilling at 14 inches "really"
Valid point but for one generation. Until simultaneous multi frequency there really hadn’t been a significant upgrade in the basic way detectors work for decades. Digital displays great yes but the technology underneath was still the same.
If you are going to be buying cheap and possibly second hand to start out it will be a single frequency machine. Then it’s just what you prefer.
I think your experience in the hobby is worth more than I have learned in any manual. My 900 is beginning to speak to me after a month or should I say I am learning it's language. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
ICasper here again...I got into water hunting in the 90s with Whites PI machines - used to digging it all and PIs go deep - I hit tons of beaches - new and old hunters swore were cleaned out and went deeper using Pi and got a lot of old gold and old silver over the years - I had a group of guys that i hunted with from CT. (Im from Ma. ) that I convinced to get PIs and they all went back to spots they thought were cleaned and also killed - I got many a thank yous from them over the yrs
I used my PI differently than most others too...I dont recommend the preset markings on the machine - you will find stuff but not get the machines greatest potential for depth
and i dont get out as much as most do - and ive got a lot of competition
I run a CTX 3030, a NOX 800, and a Garett ATX. In my opinion the CTX will eat the NOX alive inland with my soil conditions even if it is older technology. I'm at a point that I just use the NOX to clear out surface change to get deeper targets with the CTX. When something sounds odd with the CTX I mark the spot and go back over it with the ATX to determine if it is just mineralization or get a solid pinpoint to dig; usually small iron or non-ferous better than 14" deep. At least in my area this is a deadly combination and I feel sorry for anyone detecting behind me.😀 I don't know anyone with an XP to compare machines with around here but I would be shocked if it found much of anything the CTX missed especially at depth.
I'm getting old and may not have many years left before I can't metal detect. So, I am gonna buy the latest and greatest machine out there. I own an E-Trac and the NOX 800. So I bought the Deus II and I am not regretting it. After owning the Deus II for five months, it is THE BEST metal detector for what I do, and that's hunting for silver coins. The Deus II blows my mind. I have been going back over old hunting sites and picking up a lot of silver coins. The Hunter GT programed my Deus for me, cause I am retarded when it comes to electronics, but I know what I wanted and The Hunter set it up for me, and I am blown away with all the silver and wheat pennies I am digging. If you can afford it, buy it, it's a no brainer.
That is EXACTLY what I am saying!!!! The new machines make it seem like new objects are appearing on sites that have been heavily hunted! Hunter GT knows his stuff!
Just saw the specs on the new x80 detector from Quest, they have a setting to boost power to the coil from the box, plus other new stuff, you need to check it out
100% agree it is a combo of both.
I think it depends on how into metal detectors themselves you are. A lot of us have fun playing around with the technology, and there are still some things a couple old top of the lines will not be surpassed in anytime soon, like isolated target cherry picking, and those machines happen to be Whites Spectra V3i and Minelab CTX-3030. To this day no other machines will give you a better idea whether to dig or keep walking on individual targets. The V even has 3 frequency pinpoint no motion. In my opinion simultaneous multifrequency has been wasted on the 3 latest and greatest machines because they do not do the thing which is most important for a multifrequency machine to do, and that is display how each frequency in play is reacting to the target. This is best done in color, but can be accomplished by other visual means.
I heard that about the V3i . I have never used that one. The advantages that I speak of lie in the separation and depth. I own a Etrac, at-pro, 3030 and Safari. None could come close to the separation and depth of the latest generation of machines.
@@MetalDetectingNYC if you just plain love the technology the V3i is a lot of fun. If you love to straight cherry pick once in a while it’s the best discriminator ever made. But on separation I couldn’t agree more. Also couldn’t agree more that it’s the machine and the man. You can learn a machine up and down all day, and if it’s not the best at the task you’re using it for its going to get bested.
Unless I am at the beach, I "cherry pick" every time I go out, and that is probably 5 times a week. My Deus II has a volume control for the VDI numbers. That allows me to turn up the volume on coins, without discrimination and hindering the depth. I am going back to old hunted sites and picking up unbelieveable amounts of silver coins. I am loving my Deus II and am so glad I decided to purchase it.
If i want to upgrade my detector, i sell my used detector to a detector dealer..i get a good price and get a good discount on the new unit. As Merill shows his collection, i have mine too..hard to part some of them.Good luck to all..go for the gold !!
I'd rather spend $635 on a new Nokta Legend and use the remaining $500 on a beach metal detecting trip on the treasure coast.
Please buy it! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the old legend.
I am going to disagree on this one. I appreciate the content though. I still use White's (6000 DI Pro+ SL & Liberty DI) .
I understand and take no offense! I’m just sharing my honest thoughts!
I know i say this on behave of the latest technology detectorist ..thank you i wish there were more like you😁
Interesting vid given I was toying with the idea of buying a used CTX. Might not now.
I see Garrett hobby line going the way of Tesoro, they just don’t seem to have skin in the game to keep an edge. Eg as you said, simplex is a hot machine compared to a ace 400. Also vanquish, low end multifreq, blows away any generation or two older low end tech for under 300 and has a warranty, and usually you can get a discount/bundle deal fir the same price point on kellyco.
I use the simplex I just found a 1870 seated liberty S mint mark with liberty clearly visible $800 dollar coin in iron infestation and more aluminum then cokeacola plant lol
Best bang for your buck is the nokta macro simplex hands down once you figure out the halo effect on deep iron it's quite capable
So very true, You have to evolve. Bring your knowledge up to speed with the technology that we now have.
Good points! I dare anyone to hit saltwater beach wet sand with an F75, AT series or a MXT, The Ctx, equinox and Deus2 will eat those detectors up
Yes!
Hi. I bought my E-Trac in 2010 and it was already 5 yrs old. Bought it off a detecting forum. I've owned the CTX and didn't like it as much even though the technology was way newer. It lacked the Etrac tone. I've tried the Nox 800 but haven't spent enough time on it, but again, I don't think it has the Etrac multi-tone quality. My friend uses the Nox and does well. He also has the Deus 1 & 2 and doesn't like them as much. I think time on any Detector, learning its ins & outs, will be the biggest factor on finding hard to find items.
I'm visiting Philly for 2-3 weeks starting Aug 1 and have my Detector (Etrac) with me. Can you recommend any place just north of Philly? Also, if you're not too far, I would love to detect together. West coast meets East Coast detecting. We can do some side by side old school Etrac to your detector of choice recodings. I'm in the market for a Detector (thought it might be the Deus 2, but now, maybe not), so see new detectors doing target comparisons really helps. Let me know.
My biggest issue away from home base is, knowing where it's ok to detect within the law.
Just saw this. I don’t really know the Philly area. But I swear by historicaerials.com for site research!
Etrac didn't even come out until 2009.
@@justinandsheba My error. I started detecting in 2010 and bought the E-Trac around 2012-13. So it was possibly 3-4 yrs old.
2:50 Is there really multifrequency? I know there is a guy (electronic engineer) here in YT who measured the D2 with the conclusion that the D2 only emmittes 2 frequencys
The problem I've had is that you need to make sure you ask if there is any warranty still left on it so if it breaks you know what to expect. The Minelab Nox 800 will cost you close to 500 dollars between sending the unit in if they have to replace the control panel out of warranty. Lesser repairs are still quite costly. Personally if I bought one I'd only buy one under warranty and sell it after it goes out. At least with the Nox 800 I've had to have 3 out of 4 of my control panels replaced due to leaks, failing batteries, etc. I've also had to have 4 out of my 12 coils replaced due to failing sensitivity or battery draining related issues. Lucky for me I've only had to split the cost of a repair on one because I sold a guy one and it ended up having intermittent issues. Don't get me wrong I love the nox and I just bought a new Deus 2 which is still in pieces on my desk but let's face it I think the motto should be when buying a metal detector "Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst". LOL
Well said! On my rating system I took off points for those well documented leaking issues!!! Deus 2 is legit! Give it a go!
Ahh wish we had have had this conversation a few months ago!! oh dang I bought a CTX3030 in January. Well I will use it as much as I can afford a newer piece.. Thanks for the info..
It's really hard to pass up on a good deal though. There's a Nox 800 near me on Marketplace with the carbon fiber shaft for $400.00. I have one so I'm resisting !
That might have been bad communication on my part. I have bought several used detectors and I have no problem with eBay or Facebook marketplace. What I am questioning is if spending money on a non-current detector (pre SMF) is a smart choice.
@@MetalDetectingNYC I definitely agree
I've got the nox 800 and I use the sniper coil you definitely won't go wrong
I consider most of the things you say to be reasonable... But I bought CTX3030 in 2022 (brand new, full price)... cause I've been using an E-Track for about 10 years (had to sell it in 2021), I got used to it and CTX looks to be almost the same, so I don't need to learn the machine... Especially taking in account your video on "more power" of the Manticore... and the fact that FBS frequencies differ from the Multy IQ ones... I would say CTX is an old machine, but not completely outdated one. (For sure I would prefere buying CTX4040 with updated processor, but who knows, how long we have to wait for it...)
Well said … technology is sprinting nowadays with the new processor power ..
have you tried out the iron separation feature that nokta makro added into their 1.08 Legend update yet? Can you do a video about that soon?
I have to repurchase it again. I just sent it to Florida for use for customers who rent out my Cape Coral house on Airbnb. I do plan on replacing it fast though
is ctx3030 has good discrimination? I have found some big signal under certain flat rock which big in size with Gpz 7000 so I want to confirm whether that target is metal or hots rocks before duging it .that big flat rocks when I broke some pieces from it and put aside and detector over that broken onces it doesn't makes any signal or sounds .how can you help me with your knowledge all I need is your advice please .the only person I trust is you .thanks sir
I would largely agree when we discuss this in the perspective of a "new detectorist". For established detectorists who rely more on tones and the sound quality and are willing to put the time in learning the machine, not so much. As evidence I submit to you "Phil of the Nox"
I think Phil of the knox will be using an xp machine before long. However he is a master no doubt
So! I need CTX with all available coils! Thanks for your help mr. Merrill 😁
On eBay right now!!! Kellyco lent me one for over 2 years. I give it a month straight of use (which might not have been enough) but I couldn’t replicate the same success in depth or separation.
@@MetalDetectingNYC Plenty of people on youtube that could have helped you !
from Casper ...have to disagree...bought a used CZ21 off e bay for like 700.00 ...I already had one and wanted a back up - they go for like $1200 and up...picked it up as a back up = when i received it...didnt have a scratch on it - guy said he only used a few times. I hunt in all metal and can pick up stuff - rings 2ft down. I make most of my gold finds at old spots and large % of my gold is old gold- I hunt many spots where a lot- I mean a lot a lot of guys with all the new machines out there - I know my CZ21s very well - I know a bunch of guys that use them wrong - and most have given up on them. Also met some that had them and took my advice and went to spots and killed it
Might be bad communication on my part. I stated that I bought used detectors. But the question is does it make sense to purchase older technologies (for instance full band spectrum rather than SMF….similar but NOT the same). The essential question is whether metal detecting tech is on an upward curve. I say yes!
@@MetalDetectingNYC but i hunt with old cz21 at spots with couple dozen guys using newer machines and i go deeper than them - got 4 silver halves in thigh deep water after bunch of them pounded there. thsy clean up all the fresh drops and i get the old silver and gold
Always enjoy your videos. Have you updated the legend to 1.08, and if so what are your thoughts? I haven’t heard much from you on this detector for awhile. Thanks
The reason I havent is because I sent it to Florida. I have an AirBnb and I am letting viewers of my channel use it if they stay. I plan to replace it by years end.
I saw that video. I told my wife about it. We may try it out sometime
I saw the nox 800 and a ctx 3030 for 450 each. Which should I buy?
Ctx 3030
Love Your work Merrill.
My 2 SIMPLEX with SNIPER COIL... I FIND 1ft plus targets and the separation is UNREAL.... Js
Yes
Great videos. But i realized you didnt have a ctx3030. So what gives
I would like to see you learn the d2 .
Sorry to disagree also Meryl the CTX 3030 is still a top of the line machine it does not have the recovery speed that the XP has but it has awesome depth and it has a lot of capabilities as far as identification goes.That 90% of your metal detectors do not have and I know this for a fact because I own one and the Equinox 800 and I own the Deus one I own the XP Deus 2 I own the orx I own many many metal detectors and I'm fluent with all of them technology has gotten very far but the CTX is still a comparable machine but it is a little pricey though 👍🦀
I agree with every word there. But 1100 dollars is higher than a new Nox 800 and almost twice the price of a Legend. I get it with the identification inference but very often the detectorist who digs it all is the one who finds the best stuff.
@@MetalDetectingNYC sometimes that also depends on what you're looking for and how much time you have to look for it 👍🦀
@@MetalDetectingNYC Meryl , if you dig it all you need a puse induction machine !
Good afternoon, Friend. I'm from Russia, Sochi. I have an Aquinox 600, but I'm not happy with it! I want to buy 3030. I will walk on salt water (Black Sea). Would you like to hear the opinion of a professional ?
P.S. All good finds 🤝👍🙏
Hello friend! My honest opinion is that separation is subpar to modern machines. But on a beach where targets are spread out it will be great.
@@MetalDetectingNYC 🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝👍👍👍👍👍😀
Good day, Friend. Sorry for the bad translation ! !!!!!! Brotherly heart, thank you for paying attention to me. Does the garbage coil 6 work well on Minelab 3030?
In Russia, the 3030 costs $ 2500 😒 But this device is worth the money 👍👍👍👍
Brotherly heart, if you are in Russia, then be sure to come to us 🤝👍🙏🤗 We are the hospitable people of Russia and always welcome guests!!!! 🤗🤗🤗🤗😀
Very good info, thanks from Morriston, Florida🌺🏖️
Thank you Cyndi!!!
It's not old technology they still make them today and there by far more advanced than any minelab made today, I have used minelabs for 25 yrs, so don't put it down. I would put it up against the manticore anytime
Geez that reminds me when I was a kid they used to rate vacuum cleaners there used to be the rainbow and then the Dyson which one was supposed to pick up the most or the Electrolux well I can tell you buddy the best vacuum cleaner is my XP Deus 2 the new cleanup machine
Lol! In a way we sure are vacuuming!!!
Nice viewpoint. If you're serious about detecting, enjoy it and can afford the 'latest greatest'... I say go for it. If you maybe can't afford that 'latest-greatest' detector, keep using what you've got and perhaps find new permissions (and keep saving those pennies) ... 👍
Oh ya you know what I'm Thinking 🤔 Sovereign Baby !!
I know what you are thinking 😂
CTX 3030, Explorer II, Safari are all heavy ergonomically challenged machines. If you want shoulder surgery, get one. When the Explorer II came out some guys in our club got them, and yes they kicked ass, but these guys could only hunt for about four hours. I nicknamed them "The Half-Day Boys." Minelab finally got a clue with the GPX 6000 weight. If you need harnesses or bungees to support your machine...WTF?
The problem is we are subject to alot of marketing pressure in the metal detecting community. Pressure to always have the latest and best machine. I still used the Minelab Etrac and see no reason to buy a nox. This machine is a killer on silver and I haven't seen any reduction in my finds rate. The nox has run it's commercial life and due to it's poor build quality I don't think it's a long term second hand prospect. Buy what you can afford, enjoy the hobby and don't fall for marketing hype. If these new machines are so great, why are you still digging garbage. The garbage to good finds rate with the new detectors hasn't changed. Good luck with your hunts.
Your “teacher mode” lifts the veil of marketing hype and illuminates the truth in the gear itself and how they work in the real world and not a paper universe. Yes you might find a good deal in the used online marketplaces but beware you don’t know the health of the rechargeable battery inside the device or the condition of the connectors, cables (not always visible on the outside) or the coil and no indication of heavy, moderate or light use. “For a Few Dollars More” (sorry I just couldn’t pass that up) you get a new device with warranty and new fresh rechargeable batteries and all factory fresh cables, connectors and coil. Unless you purchase a used device from a person you are familiar with and know and are familiar with their metal detecting use and habits then stay away from the auctions and just buy new.
Just got my deus 2
If your comments are based on saltwater detecting I will agree with you but when it comes to land detecting I disagree with your comments,, I have older analog machines that still find deep silver coins and still find plenty of targets in highly mineralized ground,, Multi-frequency is not the answer for every given situation and I've been detecting over 30 years and I've been through many machines and I've tried the latest the greatest and the old,,, Technology is not always the answer especially when it comes to this hobby,,
Recently bought a used Deus on eBay on your suggestion 😂
The irony right there! But that is a current generation detector (at least the Deus 2 is). If you got the Deus 1 the sonar program is worth keeping That detector alone. Legendary in the iron.
Schmidt Crescent
Ctx3030 is the best
The whites DFX was multi frequency long before anyone else
DFX is dual frequency. Fisher had dual frequency detectors before Whites.
Good metal detector
Chelsea Islands
I have new settings for the Nox 800 and it is going inches deeper. And I have found several bucket listers lately. Those settings really work and I have proved it at a dig a couple of months back. We buried a test coin at 8 inches and my Nox and another Nox user got a strong signal even 5 inches above the soil. The D2 was the only other detector to be able to get a signal but it only just got it.
Solid proof the Nox is still the machine on land. Yea, older tech but very logical and easy to set up complicated programs.
Maybe the D2 is good on the beach but so is the Nox. And I have found some brilliant finds lately. I would love to see an improvement on the Nox. Like make it as light as the Deus 1 and even better EMI rejection and an alarm would be great because I turn my mobile off when detecting and I will never wear a watch and a few more user custom slots too . I think the ‘New Toy’ psychology biases opinions. I do ploughed fields and beaches mainly and pasture but no parks because this is generally not allowed in the UK. I still use the Deus 1 and Nox for ploughed but only the Nox works on the pasture I do. There is one UK TH-camr who gets the best finds by far and he uses the Deus 1 light (ears only). However he would not do well on the beaches and the land I hunt.
So its a case of ‘horses for courses’.
The Deus 2 is lightweight and that is a big plus but it is expensive and not very logical. On the Nox all iron is below the zero mark. I doubt I could set up the D2 to be as good as my Nox now because it does not have the logical all iron below zero.
I have tested the Nox V the Legend and sorry folks the Nox wins in real life and the Legend owner knows it for sure. No other detector has beaten my Nox yet but the big guys using the CTX 3030 do pretty well on land. But the CTX3030 is too heavy for me. The Deus 1 TH-camr gets superb permissions with easy to dig kind soil. There is a lot more to it than just the detector but I like to use the best and for me that is the Nox 800 and the Deus 1. I will never buy a heavy detector.
Yundt Ridge
Good job!
Stefanie Walks
Hay Merrill, maybe I was thinking I wanted to sell my E-Trac and my NOX 800 and your steering people away? Just kidding. I can't complain when you tell it like it is. I only use my Deus II now days.
I wish I brought my Deus 2 to Florida or my Legend (in fairness to the nox it was broken in transport).
Orn Hill
Edna Lodge
Green Key
This is so very wrong. You talk about marketing but it looks like you’re marketing the equinox yourself, which is a good machine but in no way comparable to the Excalibur II, for example, which is an old generation machine as you call it. The nox is only waterproof to 10ft and many of them have drown in 4ft of water, on the other hand, you can dive with the excal to 200ft and I haven’t heard of any of them having waterproof issues. When it comes to deep targets, the excal also beats the nox big time. I understand you don’t know any of this since you don’t have an excal in your collection but this is the plain truth. Another thing, the user counts for 70% and the machine for 30%. You can have the best detector in the world, if you don’t know how to use it or set it properly, you won’t find more targets than an expert using a less sophisticated machine. Best luck and HH.
I respectfully disagree. I can’t speak on the Excalibur because like you said I’ve never used it, but there is a reason that so many are being sold second hand right now. You mentioned that I am marketing the equinox myself. Please note that it is ranked 3rd on my website.
You tell him buddy just show him your gold ring collection lol I am a little jealous but to this day I haven’t heard of any one finding a 18 k open face pocket watch but me using the simplex it showed 60. On the vdi I mu of been in park 2 in which I love that mode separation is just lighting fast not like a lot of you guys I really don’t like digging a 12 inch hole have I found coins that deep sure simplex again t hole was so deep when I removed the plug I I seen was 2 shiny rims barely sticking out call my son ov and we used are finger s not to damage the sil coins all in all there was 9 silver dime s one silver quarter any 3 nickel s all roses except for one dime being Canadian also the quarter was Canada I love that mosses head on the back 2 Jefferson s and one Canadian nickel i will tell you guys a little secret I have found some really rare coy and civil was stuffed including a few buckles just to name a few but I never found a buffalo nickel just insane I found several v nickel s including a rare date of 1886 that is the date you want only better is the 1885. Back to the pocket watch it weigh in at 18 grams of gold and if it was a folded pocket watch it would of weighed in at probably 22 grams of 28 k gold crazy so there a $300 hundred dollar machine has found thousands of dollars worth of valuable stuff and if any of you think I am full of crap I h all the photos lol
Gregg Manor
Madison Keys
Monahan Plains
Deangelo Coves
Reyna Road
You also find out that the only true multi-frequency machine is the CTX 3030 which is full band spectrum 👍🦀
I knew that lovers of the 3030 would make their case. I think it’s great but I had it in my inventory for 3 years. It was a paperweight for me. I did give it a few months of exclusive use. I could not replicate what other detectors brought
The Full band spectrum (1.5khz to 100khz, 28 frequencies) is a bit of marketing fudge sadly. The CTX and other FBS machines do transmit an infinite number of frequencies to increase eddy current response, but on return and processing only 2 frequencies are utilized, those being 3.125khz (and it’s half-life) and 25khz. 3.125 is the base frequency and 25 is an eighth harmonic or echo of the base. Knowing this, it’s easy to see why CTX is weakest on small gold and micro jewelry, and why it’s so strong on silver (in some ground deeper than the Nox).
CTX-3030 was released in 2012, Equinox in 2017, XP Deus 2 in 2022. Ten years are a lot in electronics. CTX-3030 is still sold at 2430 euros in Italy. A XP Deus 2 is sold at 1600 euros. This is the real problem. Old technology at higher price is absolutely not the best choice...i guess.
@@MetalDetectingNYC A few months is enough time if you have worked with E-track for a long time before... I also have D2
Noemy Inlet
Ondricka Shores
Dude I was on eBay 😮😂
I KNEW IT!!!!! 😆😆😆
Gottlieb Mill
Cyrus Shore
And then you have the people who DIG EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No matter what machine they're using.
Yes, but I’m telling you the newer generation of machines will tune you in to deeper or more cluttered targets more so than the older ones. I could care less about inference with target ID and such!
@@MetalDetectingNYC Then you need a pulse induction machine !
Lowe Loop
Turcotte Station
May Club
Graham Shoal
Preach on Brother! Preach on! Good to hear someone on the same chapter as I have been for some time. Yeah you have to learn the detector but a given detector has certain capabilities limited by "The brains in the box". Makes sense that better brains makes for increased capability. So you're brain learns the new brain box capabilities, and its all good.
I have one for sale :D
Fritsch Square
boom ! you got that right :- )
Heidenreich Freeway
Location is 80 percent of any good finds sure I still pulled silver at sites that very pounded for the last 4 decades lol
3030 still has a place, but my money would not go there right now👋👍
Gutmann Crossing