As I've stated many times before, in my 27 years of Metal Detecting, I have used numerous models and brands of detectors, never locking myself into one specific company as I always liked to use what was the best machine regardless of price or moniker. I have been singing the praises of the New Minelab CTX 3030 as the best machine I have ever used. And of course those with loyalties to other manufacturers, clash with me on their own opinions about other machines..... and rightfully so. You have to be happy with the machine that is good to you.
With that said, I present one more piece of evidence in support of the CTX 3030. The picture shown is a .925 fake pearl earring, which I dug at a depth of 13+ inches, in the WET, BLACK, DEAD LOW TIDE of Ocean City, NJ. It is 1/3 the size of a New Penny and sat in a small area of Iron and Canislaw (Shredded Aluminium and Tin). The CTX 3030 ID'd the piece and never let go until I had it in my hand. Almost any machine can locate huge rings and giant silver. In my opinion, a great machine is one that can locate the smallest of good targets in a sea of junk. The CTX 3030 did just that... THAT IS ONE GOOD DETECTOR!
Frank - New Jersey, USA