Fork In The Road!

[G. I. Digger]

That is where I am now! I am happy with my ATPRO but ever since the CTX3030 came out I wanted to take on a new challenge. Ok fast forward until now. I made up my mind to purchase the 3030 and just got Andy's book today! However after reading so many posts regarding the Equinox800 I am wondering what direction to take. Just look at the viewers at this exact moment as there are 11 viewers on the Equinox site and 1 on the 3030 site! I realize I will get mixed responses and I will also post this thread on the 3030 site. Just want to get enough feedback in order to make a rational decision!

 

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[nuggetdog]

Yup, the dreaded fk in the road. I’ve never owned or used a 3030 but every thing I’ve heard about it is good except for the weight and price.
I love my 800, it’s light weight for those extended hunts and finds all the goodies

 

[Bayoutalker]

Another vote for the Nox 800. I also have a CZ21 and an ATPRO but they rarely get used since I got the Nox.

 

[sgoss66]

I have both. The CTX 3030 is a GREAT unit. So is the Equinox. FWIW, I run the Equinox almost all of the time. Just my two cents...

Steve

 

[jmc24]

I have three close friends who all swung the CTX 3030 for several years. They love their CTXs. Two have had shoulder replacement surgery and can't swing it anymore. All three have switched to the Equinox 800 and so far are making good friends with the Nox.

I sure love my 800 and after swinging the CTX I don't know how those guys managed to enjoy hunting with it since it is so heavy........

Jeff

 

[G. I. Digger]

With all the responses regarding weight why don't folks look into the Minelab Pro 45 Swing Harness?

 

[Bayoutalker]

With all the responses regarding weight why don't folks look into the Minelab Pro 45 Swing Harness?

Weight is not an issue for me but it is a bonus if it's light. However, the harness would be a nuisance if I wanted to set the detector down, the same as a wired headphone. I really enjoy not being tethered to my device.

 

[USMC Reaper]

I have both but I prefer the 3030.

 

[sphillips]

After researching Garretts and Minelab EQ 800, I just ordered the 800 from barts Big Boys Hobbies. I also have an Excal II, but beaches are closed due to virus, time to start relic hunting!

 

[vferrari]

I have used but don't own a 3030. I considered the 3030 as a multi-frequency compliment to my Deus. When the Equinox was announced, it seemed to have addressed some of the knocks against the 3030 (weight, complexity, mid-conductive target performance (Nox hits harder at depth on nickels and gold), and recovery speed). Price is also a consideration and ML has now set the bar to a level where I doubt we will see another $2000+ vlf detector hit the market. But make no mistake. The Equinox is not a 3030. There are definitely some high end features of the 3030 that make it superior to the Equinox including a sophisticated discrimination programming scheme and precise 2-D target ID. The 3030 is a deep silver slayer.

That being said, I think the biggest thing Equinox has going for it is it's versatility. The various Equinox search modes are truly different modes optimized for different target types and site conditions by providing different weighted multifrequency profiles and signal processing (Multi IQ) and not just different multi frequency channels and different default user adjustable discrimination and filter settings. Like the Deus, and unlike the 3030, recovery speed is adjustable enabling you to trade off depth vs. separation. Also, the battery does not have to be removed from the Equinox to be recharged which means you are not having to constantly manipulate the battery compartment seals like on the 3030 risking inadvertent damage and water intrusion. The Equinox has seen few water intrusion failures but these appear to be related to manufacturing defects vs. design defects and have all been fully covered by the generous 3 year warranty.

In conclusion, what I would really like to see from ML is a Multi IQ based version of the 3030. A faster, lighter, less expensive 3030 using the latest multifrequency tech but with the target ID and discrimination sophistication of the old 3030. ML has several detectors in development. 2 1/2 years after the Equinox launch, I think a Multi IQ based 3030 tech refresh is not too far away. The 3030 still gets it done in it's deep silver wheelhouse but it is starting to show it's age and reduced value as ML and Nokta have both released very capable detectors in the $300 - $500 range (including the Vanquish multi-frequency machine) that paying top dollar for the 3030 in 2020 does not seem to be such a great value proposition any longer. It's a great detector but I am not sure it is still worth the $2500 price tag at this point. Investment in a gently used 3030 might be the smart way to go at this point, if you don't find the Equinox compelling.

 

[Bayoutalker]

After researching Garretts and Minelab EQ 800, I just ordered the 800 from barts Big Boys Hobbies. I also have an Excal II, but beaches are closed due to virus, time to start relic hunting!

I don't think you will be disappointed with either the detector or with Bart. I've bought several items from Bart and always got great prices, great service and quick shipping. That's where I bought my Nox too.

 

[sgoss66]

I have used but don't own a 3030. I considered the 3030 as a multi-frequency compliment to my Deus. When the Equinox was announced, it seemed to have addressed some of the knocks against the 3030 (weight, complexity, mid-conductive target performance (Nox hits harder at depth on nickels and gold), and recovery speed). Price is also a consideration and ML has now set the bar to a level where I doubt we will see another $2000+ vlf detector hit the market. But make no mistake. The Equinox is not a 3030. There are definitely some high end features of the 3030 that make it superior to the Equinox including a sophisticated discrimination programming scheme and precise 2-D target ID. The 3030 is a deep silver slayer.

That being said, I think the biggest thing Equinox has going for it is it's versatility. The various Equinox search modes are truly different modes optimized for different target types and site conditions by providing different weighted multifrequency profiles and signal processing (Multi IQ) and not just different multi frequency channels and different default user adjustable discrimination and filter settings. Like the Deus, and unlike the 3030, recovery speed is adjustable enabling you to trade off depth vs. separation. Also, the battery does not have to be removed from the Equinox to be recharged which means you are not having to constantly manipulate the battery compartment seals like on the 3030 risking inadvertent damage and water intrusion. The Equinox has seen few water intrusion failures but these appear to be related to manufacturing defects vs. design defects and have all been fully covered by the generous 3 year warranty.

In conclusion, what I would really like to see from ML is a Multi IQ based version of the 3030. A faster, lighter, less expensive 3030 using the latest multifrequency tech but with the target ID and discrimination sophistication of the old 3030. ML has several detectors in development. 2 1/2 years after the Equinox launch, I think a Multi IQ based 3030 tech refresh is not too far away. The 3030 still gets it done in it's deep silver wheelhouse but it is starting to show it's age and reduced value as ML and Nokta have both released very capable detectors in the $300 - $500 range (including the Vanquish multi-frequency machine) that paying top dollar for the 3030 in 2020 does not seem to be such a great value proposition any longer. It's a great detector but I am not sure it is still worth the $2500 price tag at this point. Investment in a gently used 3030 might be the smart way to go at this point, if you don't find the Equinox compelling.

Excellent post overall, vferrari, and I second just about everything you've said there.

Your last paragraph, about a "multi-IQ CTX replacement" is exactly what I'm hoping for (and expecting) from Minelab in the next 1-2 years. Taking some of the best features of the EQX (wireless, etc.), and the best of the CTX (target trace, 2-D screen and FE/CO numbers, etc.), plus a few new and innovative "twists," and then incorporating them all into the Multi-IQ platform, and packaging it all in a lightweight, balanced, "higher-quality" package (beefed-up coil ears, better arm cuff, high-end shaft, etc.), at a price not more than the current E-Trac price ($1500-ish) would be my dream machine...

Steve

 

[Donut]

With all the responses regarding weight why don't folks look into the Minelab Pro 45 Swing Harness?

You do understand the Pro 45 is a step down from the Equinox 800 and the CTX is old technology.
Doug

 

[G. I. Digger]

I have used but don't own a 3030. I considered the 3030 as a multi-frequency compliment to my Deus. When the Equinox was announced, it seemed to have addressed some of the knocks against the 3030 (weight, complexity, mid-conductive target performance (Nox hits harder at depth on nickels and gold), and recovery speed). Price is also a consideration and ML has now set the bar to a level where I doubt we will see another $2000+ vlf detector hit the market. But make no mistake. The Equinox is not a 3030. There are definitely some high end features of the 3030 that make it superior to the Equinox including a sophisticated discrimination programming scheme and precise 2-D target ID. The 3030 is a deep silver slayer.

That being said, I think the biggest thing Equinox has going for it is it's versatility. The various Equinox search modes are truly different modes optimized for different target types and site conditions by providing different weighted multifrequency profiles and signal processing (Multi IQ) and not just different multi frequency channels and different default user adjustable discrimination and filter settings. Like the Deus, and unlike the 3030, recovery speed is adjustable enabling you to trade off depth vs. separation. Also, the battery does not have to be removed from the Equinox to be recharged which means you are not having to constantly manipulate the battery compartment seals like on the 3030 risking inadvertent damage and water intrusion. The Equinox has seen few water intrusion failures but these appear to be related to manufacturing defects vs. design defects and have all been fully covered by the generous 3 year warranty.

In conclusion, what I would really like to see from ML is a Multi IQ based version of the 3030. A faster, lighter, less expensive 3030 using the latest multifrequency tech but with the target ID and discrimination sophistication of the old 3030. ML has several detectors in development. 2 1/2 years after the Equinox launch, I think a Multi IQ based 3030 tech refresh is not too far away. The 3030 still gets it done in it's deep silver wheelhouse but it is starting to show it's age and reduced value as ML and Nokta have both released very capable detectors in the $300 - $500 range (including the Vanquish multi-frequency machine) that paying top dollar for the 3030 in 2020 does not seem to be such a great value proposition any longer. It's a great detector but I am not sure it is still worth the $2500 price tag at this point. Investment in a gently used 3030 might be the smart way to go at this point, if you don't find the Equinox compelling.

Vferrari, thank you for the EXCELLENT post!!!

 

[sphillips]

I don't think you will be disappointed with either the detector or with Bart. I've bought several items from Bart and always got great prices, great service and quick shipping. That's where I bought my Nox too.

I agree, bought the Excal from him in 2017

 

[G. I. Digger]

First after reading vferrari's post I believe that he is correct regarding paying top dollar for older technology as the 3030 is approaching 10 years old. I may hold off on the 3030 for now and play the waiting game for a 3030 replacement. I am happy with my ATPRO but want to add another machine to the fleet. Whatever I purchase it will be through Bart as he is the very best!!

 

[masterjedi]

I have an Etrac, 800 and a CTX. The CTX is by far the best for target ID. You can cherry pick so well with it. The 800 is a beep and dig machine. The target ID is so close you have to dig it all. IMHO the CTX is King. Most people cant afford a CTX that is why we see so many posts for the Nox.

 

[MackDog]

The Knox 500 is unbeatable for depth. It is by far the best detector I've owned. Will grab a deep coin signal and lock in on it. I dug a Canadian fishscale at 8". Lots of coins over 9 and 10"

 

[nuggetdog]

My nox 800 sniffed a 1946 wheat cent 9 inches down under a tree root yesterday

 

[tigerglide]

I love my CTX and when I have time will use it over my 800 or V3i.