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The CTX 3030 Road Warrior

11 Jan 2018

Over 2017, one of my favorite Minelab metal detectors, the CTX 3030 has really been put to the test.  Breaking down the CTX 3030 recently for another long flight, I realized just how important using dependable metal detecting equipment is. Some of the places I have taken my CTX 3030 to in the past year have very difficult to search metal detecting terrain.  For example, Oak Island, Nova Scotia: with heavily wooded lots, brackish swamp and jagged rocky beaches. No matter how many times I break down and put my “dirty thirty” back together, it is always ready for the toughest of metal detecting situations. That really is a testament to the build quality and versatility of the CTX 3030. 


The CTX 3030 Road Warrior

I have also used a wide variety of search coils on my CTX 3030 this year, often changing search coils mid hunt. Changing search coils in the field using a CTX 3030 can be done in a few minutes, without fear of a floppy coil thanks to the chunky search coil fasteners. Unlike other metal detector shaft set ups used around saltwater, when you travel to detect you never have to worry about fused lower shaft rods. There is nothing worse than trying to break down a metal detector to travel and realizing saltwater and sand has made it impossible to detach the lower rod from the upper shaft. A rinse off with fresh water is all the maintenance you have to do with the CTX 3030 collapsible shafts. My battery and battery charger has also held up really well, along with the recently remodeled arm cuff, I am pleased to say the CTX 3030 is still taking a licking and still ticking.

There would be no mistaking my CTX 3030 in a police line-up, she has plenty of dings and scratches, which I refer to as battle scars. Even my CTX 3030 screen gets tested on a regular basis as it’s the place I like to display my good finds on when taking photos. My dirty thirty has hit the ground many many times, usually after I lean it against a boulder or tree when recovering targets. I have never had any issues after my CTX 3030 has hit the deck hard. From the shaft connection clamp and search coil connectors to the USB cap, I know when I reach my destination and unpack my suitcase my CTX 3030 is ready to rock and roll. If you travel to metal detect you can rely on the versatile CTX 3030.There are two very good reasons why I always use my CTX 3030 on TV treasure hunting shows: versatility and reliability .I know my CTX 3030 is ready for any treasure hunting situation I put in its way, making it the perfect metal detector to pack and travel to metal detect with.

You can watch Gary’s latest detecting adventures on the new season of The Curse of Oak Island
 

Comments

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crazy question, what is the name brand of your suitcase...lol...I have a few oversea trips I am going on and i am having a hard time finding a suitcase that meets the 62 linear inches for checked bags, that I know the lower shaft will fit in.
Posted By: jaldri01 on January 15, 2018 01:04pm
Been wanting to ask you,why can't one use silicone sealant to waterproof GPX coils and conections to make them waterproof? Thought I would ask a Pro,as, can't get an answer fron Minelab.
Posted By: miller on January 16, 2018 02:50am
Jaldri01 the Samsonite suitcase was bought in the US a few years ago and I pack my shafts diagonally. I have about an inch to spare but the hardcase suitcase really protects the gear inside.
Posted By: Gary Drayton on January 16, 2018 03:36pm
Miller you could but I wouldn’t recommend it as you would probably void your warrantee if you have one. Around saltwater and sand the sealant would eventually fail, add extreme heat or cold to the mix and it’s a recipe for disaster. I prefer to use waterproof Minelab equipment instead of trying to waterproof equipment not designed to be submerged or soaked in water. This is similar to spraying search coils with truck bed liner instead of using a coil cover, not worth hassle in my opinion. Cheers Gary
Posted By: Gary Drayton on January 16, 2018 03:46pm
Do you carry onboard your detector or check it in? I plan on going to a northern Wisconsin beach to visit my daughter in August and hope to take the Equinox with me. I have found it is safer to carry musical instruments (ukulele) rather than have baggage handlers throw it around but am wondering if i should put my metal detector thru their metal detector :)
Posted By: curmudgeon fossicker on January 19, 2018 06:14am
Thanks for the info and your time!!! Saw you on Josh Gates' show and on Oak Island. Glad you are on them!
Posted By: miller on January 22, 2018 06:18am
Good to hear that the CTX 3030 is built to last, I caught you on the Oak Island show and seeing the results you got with the 3030 was one of my reasons for purchasing one. Glad I did! Working on some good search modes for the areas that I currently hunt. HH!! Jay
Posted By: jayevans1 on April 22, 2018 08:48am
I have pondered separating the upper shaft as you do in the photo... great to see! For anybody else thinking about this, Minelab indicates "The upper shaft can be removed from the left and right chassis with a Torx T10 driver. The screws can be overtightened during reassembly, so you would have to be careful. Please note that if you are under warranty and it causes damage, that is not covered by the warranty."
Posted By: Chrisfuld on November 03, 2018 12:09pm

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