Minelab Manticore vs Minelab CTX3030: A Quick Comparison
In the realm of metal detecting, a thrilling battle is underway between two formidable contenders: the Minelab Manticore and the Minelab CTX 3030. Minelab is a name that stands out for its high-quality and advanced metal detectors for pretty much any price range. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive comparison between these two detectors, highlighting their features, performance, and suitability for different detecting scenarios.
While the CTX 3030 has a strong reputation as Minelab's top-tier coin and treasure machine, the Manticore sets out to surpass its predecessor and establish itself as the new champion. Let's delve into the features and capabilities of both detectors to see just how the Manticore outshines the CTX 3030.
Comparison of Minelab Manticore and Minelab CTX 3030 Detectors
SPECIFICATION | MINELAB MANTICORE | MINELAB CTX 3030 |
NOTABLE FEATURES |
2D ID Mapping, Highly Customisable Iron Bias, Complex Discrimination Options High Recovery Speed High User Customisation Lightweight Collapsible | FE CO Target ID GPS High Battery Life
|
APPLICATION | All-Terrain, Beach, Gold, Field | Coin, Relic, Jewellery & Beach |
TECHNOLOGY | Multi-IQ+, 5Khz, 10kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz, 40kHz | FBS 2, Smartfind 2, GPSi, Wi-Stream |
FREQUENCY/ TRANSMISSION | Multiple frequencies: 1.5 - 100kHz | Multiple frequencies: 1.5 - 100kHz |
WATERPROOF | 5 meters / 16 ft | 3 meters / 10 ft |
WEIGHT | 1.3 kg / 2.9 lb | 2.36 kg / 5.2 lbs (incl battery pack) |
DISCRIMINATION | Conductive target identification scale: 0-99 with ferrous indication | Smartfind 2TM 2-dimensional colour discrimination: Ferrous 35, Conductivity 50 |
TARGET ID INTERFACE METHOD | Audio – Target ID – 2D ID Mapping | Audio – FE CO Target ID |
AUDIO OUTPUT | Built-in Speaker, 3.5 mm (1/8") headphones, custom waterproof socket (Minelab headphones only), Wireless low latency headphones | Built-in speaker, 3.5 mm (1/8") headphones, custom waterproof socket (Minelab headphones only) |
VISUAL DISPLAY | Colour LCD with backlight and automatic adjustable brightness | Full colour LCD with backlight and adjustable brightness |
VIBRATION | Yes | N/A |
TORCH | Yes | N/A |
DETECT MODES | 10 Fully customisable, All-Terrain (5), Beach (4), Goldfield (1) | 10 fully customisable, including 5 preset (Coins, Beach, Relic, Silver & High Trash) |
GPS AND MAPPING | N/A | Integrated GPS and mapping capabilities |
ACCESSORIES | Wireless headphones - ML105 | Wireless headphones |
WARRANTY | 3 Years (control box and coil) | 3 Years (control box and coil) |
1. Design and Build:
Both the Minelab Manticore and the CTX 3030 are designed and built to withstand rugged conditions. The Manticore features a lightweight and stylish design, making it a modern and visually appealing choice. On the other hand, the CTX 3030 boasts a robust build with a larger control box and a comfortable adjustable shaft, embodying a legacy of strength. Without a doubt, if you speak to anyone that has used the CTX, they will comment on it’s weight. It’s a brick by today’s standards at 2.3kg, compared to the Manticore’s 1.3kg.
2. Performance:
a. Detection Depth and Target Separation: When it comes to detection depth, both the Manticore and the CTX 3030 deliver solid performance, allowing detectorists to explore deeper targets than most machines available. However, the Manticore's superior target separation steals the show. With its faster recovery speed and revolutionary 2D ID mapping on its screen, the Manticore enables detectorists to detect and identify multiple targets simultaneously, surpassing the CTX 3030 in efficiency and accuracy.
b. Discrimination and Target Identification: The Manticore and the CTX 3030 employ advanced discrimination technologies to distinguish between valuable targets and unwanted items. While the CTX 3030 offers detailed target identification through its Target Trace feature, the Manticore's conductive target identification scale and advanced discrimination patterns still prove effective in separating targets from trash. The adjustable iron bias and highly customisable discrimination on the manticore are just superb.
3. Operating Modes:
The Minelab CTX 3030 boasts an impressive range of operating modes, including Coin, Beach, Relic, and High Trash, providing versatility for various detecting scenarios. But so too does the Manticore. Both machines have 10 search modes, but we’d argue that the Manticore modes are simpler to understand.
a. GPS and Mapping: A standout feature of the CTX 3030 is its integrated GPS and mapping capabilities, allowing users to mark detecting locations and track their routes. The Manticore lacks these advanced GPS functionalities an it is a pretty cool feature.
b. Wireless Audio and Accessories: Both detectors support wireless audio connectivity, freeing detectorists from being tethered to their control boxes. The CTX 3030 offers a wider range of compatible accessories, including wireless headphones and coil options, providing users with more customization options. The Manticore is only compatible with the ML85 or ML105 headphones.
Conclusion:
In this thrilling battle between the Minelab Manticore and the Minelab CTX 3030, the Manticore emerges as the ultimate champion. With its lighter weight, faster target separation, and simple 2D ID mapping, the Manticore revolutionizes the metal detecting experience. It surpasses the CTX 3030 in key areas, proving to be a more stylish, faster, and user-friendly option.
While the CTX 3030 holds its reputation as a top-tier detector, the Manticore's advancements make it an exceptional choice for detectorists seeking cutting-edge technology and superior performance. Its more affordable price further enhances its appeal.Choose the Minelab Manticore and embark on a metal detecting journey like no other. Uncover hidden treasures with ease and precision, as the Manticore sets a new standard in metal detecting excellence.
Remember, in the world of metal detecting, it's not just about the machine you use, but also the passion and dedication you bring to the hunt. Happy detecting!
Thank you for reading our quick comparison of the Minelab Manticore and the Minelab CTX 3030. We hope this information helps you make an informed decision about the metal detector that best suits your detecting needs. Happy hunting!
Read the comparison of The Manticore vs the Equinox 900 here.
