Observations after a month with the CTX then the E-Trac

[Southwind]

I had been a E-Trac user for the last 5 years before buying a CTX 3030. Over the last month I have used the CTX exclusively and left the E-Trac at home. Last night I decided to pull the E-Trac out and give it a try. Biggest thing I noticed right off was the inconsistency of the E-Trac FE numbers and the, what I'd now call, erratic flute tone. The CTX is far more consistent and stable on both the VDI numbers and tone on deep targets. I dug mostly deep rusted iron(nails/wire) that sounded good from all directions. The FE numbers were all over the place and I hadn't realized how I had become reliant on them on the CTX. On the CTX when the FE is high 90% of the time it will be iron. On the E-Trac I dug several coins that had an FE in the 20's. The flute tone, which I used to think a plus for the E-Trac, now seemed to be more a flaw. A result of inconsistent and less stable target ID'ing.

Ergonomics. The E-Trac felt so much heavier than before. I also used to hate the idea of using the strap and was one of the things I disliked about the CTX, but found myself wanting to use the strap on the E-Trac, which I had removed long ago, because it felt so odd and front heavy. Swinging the E-Trac also felt cumbersome and a little awkward. Like I was having to force it from side to side. The CTX seems to float, probably because of the better balancing.

Now I still love my E-Trac but last night sure made me appreciate my CTX more. I found a few deep coins from our city park which is a good hunt for any detector believe me.

 

[coondog]

Interesting ! I'm jumped right to the ctx3030 from a toy. I often wondered if I should have gone for the etrac first.
Lately I have been getting silver on most my hunts and am getting qwite good with the ctx3030.

I have dug 2 signals this year that I thought for sure was going to be iron but turned out to be silver dimes. I think they were at funny angles because the5 were at average depth of 6.5 to 7 inches were most silver dimes are loud and clear.

Thanks for your views.