I own the AT PRO, AT PRO GOLD, ATX, AXIOM, CTX3030, NOX 800, and Manticore. My go to is the CTX3030.
Most of the videos I have seen on YouTube by relic hunters are using the Garrett AT Max. or Dues II. I own most coils for each detector I have. However, I cannot figure out what the advantage of owning a AT Max or Dues II. I am a river/stream/land relic hunter. I have been metal detecting since I was a kid and have acquired more knowledge from this forum.
For some reason I believe I am missing the "right detector" for relics. My property supposedly contains a cache from the civil war according to many neighbors. Please give me your opinion; you can rip me up or be nice - I just want your take on whether I am covered or if I am missing a particular detector.
I have not used the AXIOM yet.
Thank you,
Rich
Alright I’ll give it a shot here.
First. CTX ain’t the best relic detector.
Due to freq used on it, it’s weight and ergo.
You may not believe this but oh well.
If I looked at 2 different highly proficient detectoristd each using their detectors one being a ctx and the other being a Deus 2 I could place very high high odds after each used their detector for extended times based on their finds which detectorists was using which detector model. The CTX user finds would be bigger generally vs the Deus 2 finds, which would be smaller. There is high chance Deus 2 user finds would outnumber the CTX user finds. This is we traded out the Deus 2 for a Deus 1 with 9” hf coil the same thing may result too. I would say though Deus 2 user would be better overall in the long run vs Deus 1 with 9” hf coil.
The ATMax can find stuff relic wise. It just can’t keep up with .Deus 2. No way no how, Both in depth dept, as well as sniffing out more mssked by iron finds as well as smaller finds.
Now, there is some correlation on how many videos are shown using a detector model in YouTube land, this correlation of actual detector costs overall can drive popularity hence more videos. This may lead person to think X model then is best choice. This would depend on actual onlooker’s real goal(s) though.
There are some other variables too that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Ergo is a biggie. Better ergo and less weight can allow a person to stay in the field longer and also perhaps allow user to be an overall better user of the coil when it comes to technique.
Coil sizes available can be a driver too for a model. Not to mention larger than stock coils can have some advantage in and around iron relic hunting even the smallest of coils would suffer.
One does need to know how to operate the model they are using and depending know how to really push the unit to find nonferrous object that would be deemed pushing the envelope for the detector model in use at the time. Some nonferrous is or will not be smack you in your ears stuff. And some models do do s better of unblurring the lines here with these more challenged scenarios in the wild.
It is my opinion, and you’ll see this argued in places quite often.
Where a seasoned pro with whatever detector model they are using can keep up even using an older (substantially older even) model against another person using certain more modern models. This is imo HOGWASH.
The ceo/owner of Xp is a seasoned detectorist. He wasn’t born yesterday. I encourage you to read his bio, pay attention to the list of detectors he run over time. No I am not pushing Deus 2 here. Just sharing info.
One definitely could never say a relic site is hunted out if the only 2 models ever was used in such site were both CTX and AT MaX. Never, never , never!!!
As it stands right now.
For a relic site to be declared hunted out a Deus 2 unit (with multiple coils) would have to be used at least. I would even go as far to say too here a Manticore too would be needed to be used in the same sites too for declaration of hunted out status.
No 14 or 15 khz single frequency vlf detector is going to make as many finds in a site generally vs Deus 2, Manticore, Equinox 800, Equinox 900, Legend, Deus 1 both LF coils, HF coils, and x35 coils.
All of what I have said above is based on my experiences of said equipment to include my first hand accounts of some of the very same models mentioned used by folks I know with myself there on the site(s) to inspect, check, compare, etc.
You asked so here you go.
The above what I have have said is not to demean anyone who is using any certain model detector. No matter it’s cost, performance, shortcomings etc,
Bottom line
Not all vlf detectors are created equal.
Hope this helps answer your question.
Btw, there is a YouTube who is relic hunter who used CTX almost exclusively since its release. YouTube name brass medic. He hunts out west. He has shown lot of his finds over the years with CTX. They are bigger not smaller on average.
Cheers.
