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As much as I'd like to see one too, it's probably not coming. Certainly not from Minelab and there hasn't been any indication Coiltek is going to jump in and supply Manticore coils and with the M9 wedged in there, there is little incentive for a 3rd party to invest in something that is so close to the M8 and the M9. The M9 has apparently been in the works since the beginning as it showed up on an official Minelab accessory parts listing several months ago as discovered by @Gerry in Idaho in this thread. Nothing else showed up on that list that hasn't already been announced by ML now, so I think ML is done with providing any more Manticore accessory coils. It's actually surprising they had as many as 4 coils on the drawing board. I just wish they'd make it off the drawing board and into manufacture on the day the detector itself is released.

NOT IN THE JOURNAL : One of my mining partners has been testing the southern area of the faultline. Tests were done along the side of the fault just south of the old kettle area the 1936 crew worked by running water line up there. That kettle is a big pot hole in the top of the fault . The tests were taken using multiple bucket samples processed through a portable 12 Volt recirculating highbanker and the cons were run through my Gold Magic spiral wheel. Sample depths were 1 to 3 feet. Bedrock and upheaval are quite scattered in this area. So the tests were very good averaging around $90/yard. We have an approval to build a road in there in order to get a trommel set up. We are still waiting for the final plan approval for that location as well as several others 2000 feet to the east (the Upper Dig Site in the journal). Be fore warned gold, we are coming for you.

Seems like the upper end C/T detectors are getting more complicated and the last 2 gold detector releases were almost all automated. The GM-1000 automatic settings made since as it’s an entry level detector, but the GPX-6000 still makes me think they went to far on the automation side being an upper end detector.

Wonder if the "easy expert" design and marketing thing with the 6000 was in part intended as a move away from detectors which they thought might require dealer training if they are trying to move into big box stores instead. It would be unfortunate if newer high level detectors stayed as pared down and opaque as the 6000 in an attempt to make detectors as big-box friendly as possible. They really need versatility at the upper end models.

I think I would have a hard time switching from my M15 to this coil for water hunting. Don't want to give up that coverage, and it doesn't bother me to swing the 15. Gonna stick with the big boy.

I think if you want to see what a CTX replacement will look like you only have to look at what was left on the table after the manticore came out. GPS, pinpoint target trace, exchange etc. Maybe we’ll get a mineralization meter as well. It seems like performance wise we’ve hit a brick wall, so it will be all about peripheral features.

I agree. In marketing terms it's all about price slots, and Manticore replaced E-TRAC in it's position in the Minelab lineup. Minelab tends to bounce back and forth between coin detectors and nugget detectors in the upgrade cycle, so next up is probably a new GPZ replacement next year. A CTX replacement could come in the same time frame or slightly after. This would give Minelab two brand new top-of-the-line flagship detectors, one for coin and relic, one for gold nuggets. Both CTX (2012) and GPZ (2015) are very long in the tooth at this point in time.

I sold my CTX not because I wanted to, but because I had to. I made an investment that took longer to pan out than expected. I thought it was a great machine, and if I find the right deal on a newer model I might buy one again. It’s interesting even to me though that my first instinct in getting back in the game was to go for a Manticore and not a CTX-3030. I still think a replacement could be on the way in the next few years. I have nothing other than my gut to tell me that, but it seemed like the Manticore clearly took the E-trac’s spot in the lineup, and hope is still alive for another top of the line.

That is really interesting, Steve. Never heard about that before.

From a technical perspective if you go to https://www.minelab.com/usa/knowledge-base/key-technologies# and read the difference between the E-TRAC FBS and CTX FBS 2 you will see that the only thing the CTX added was the chip in the coil.

Creepy, lantern lights, disappearing people at night, screams... Not sure I'd stick around a place like that. Sounds like a Steven King story.

I followed the instructions to the tee. Logged off (waited 10 to 15 min.) and logged back in. It was fine for a while and then it came back and reared it's ugly head again. What gives???

I have the 10-5. Bought it second hand...nice little coil...not really that deep from what I remember haven't used it in a long time. I am curious why you would think that Minelab is not working on a CTX 4040 just because Coiltek is phasing out their 3030 coils? is it Minelabs habit of introducing a new detector prior to announcing the phase out of its replacement? Bill I have never used a Etrac in my life but based on my personal experience My CTX would kick its butt easily 🙂 strick

I clipped the following from Rob’s link: The new DD PRO Elite series are for the sd/gp range only at this point in time. keep tuned for more new coil releases.. peter (coiltek)" In other words the Elite series are not being recommended by Coiltek for the GPX at this time. Whereas the Goldstalker is a good GPX coil.

https://forums.robsdetectors.com/topic/4981-coiltek-dd-pro-elite-vs-plain-dd-pro/ Here’s a link on the subject.

congrats!!

I'm not seeing anything that makes me think that is platinum. Best bet if you still think it is would be to seek an assay. Good luck.

Hey Pfrunt, it sounds like you are a long time CTX 3030 owner so I have a question for you. Do you feel that after many hours and years on the detector that it is in fact an upgrade from the Etrac? The reason I ask is that personally I went head to head with my Etrac against some very good CTX 3030 users and we could never see that the CTX 3030 would beat the Etrac. Tie yes, beat no. For me, I never liked the CTX because of its weight and the fact that Minelab for unknown reasons eliminated the sweet high silver tone that we all loved on the Etrac. Years ago there was a huge debate on another forum about whether the CTX 3030 was just an Etrac in a new shell with bells and whistles added. It got really nasty and as I recall it finally just petered out. To anyone reading this post, please do not start a dumbass flaming debate. I don't use my Etrac anymore but I do dust it and give it a hug every once in a while. My reason for this post is to get Pfrunt's take on the two machines. Anyone else who wishes to comment based on experience please do. But if you are just blowing hot air about lab-based theories you might have do us all a favor and keep them to yourself. Bill

I found something that looks just like yours, i think it's tumbled quartz.

No, I don't think so.

Hey all! With the availability of the Manticore accessory coils, including the new M9, I just wanted to make quick mention that I have plenty of Manticore lower rods (standard-length and tall-man) in stock and available at Steve's Detector Rods. In addition to black, I have them available in red/black, and a few in blue/black and green/black also. I also am offering the middle shaft section, for those who would like a two-piece shaft (i.e. BOTH the middle AND the upper sections) for those who prefer that option. Black, standard-length lowers run $79 plus shipping ($10 in the U.S.)... https://www.stevesdetectorrods.com Thanks! Steve

New toys... New Gold Ring! 😎

Talk about terrifying screaming, we were in a National Park camping ground that had three Italian girl back packers, camping in a small tent. What happen was one of our native animal a Koala (The drop bear is a hoax in contemporary Australian folklore featuring a predatory, carnivorous version of the koala......OR IS IT....) Let out it Male calling scream and the poor girls were terrified that they would be attacked by it. The wife and I told them they don't eat humans but they do like Italian Food. After they had seen the joke they broke out laughing. https://australian.museum/learn/animals/mammals/drop-bear/

But it's come back! haha

First day with the Manticore. PUMP! Gold Ring!!! Amazing machine...