The CS3MX is the definitive professional metal detector. No frills, excellent depth, straightforward operation. Built to withstand demanding hobby use.
Download Brochure
Download Operating Manual
| Operating System: |
Motion 17kHz |
| Search-Head: |
20cm ISOCON search head |
| Battery Power: |
8 x AA 1.5 volt |
| Weight: |
1.5Kg |
| Features: |
On/Off/Sensitivity control
Variable discrimination
Target pin-point
Belt mountable
Adjustable stem length
Counterbalanced stem with armrest
Automatic motion retune
Headphone socket
Weatherproof design |
| Ideal For: |
Professional and amateur, serious beginners, general purpose detecting. |
[Please note that other Field Tests can be found in the Archive section of this website under 'Fields tests']
The CS3MX looks like its built to withstand the rigours of the detecting environment. Apparently, the design came from C.Scope's industrial side making detectors for use on construction sites, so it's certainly up to the job ! When you've been around the hobby as long as I have (25+ years) you can appreciate a lot of detector features which may not be immediately obvious. Like how many detectors, even at £500 and more, are incredibly flimsy. Not so with the CS3MX, so full marks to C.Scope on that score. Another feature which some long time detectorists like is the ability to fit the control box on a belt leaving an extremely lightweight stem and search-head on the business end. This has been recognised in the CS3MX and there's a neat belt clip supplied. Balance is excellent.
Electronically, the CS3MX has a classic straightforward style of operation which most professional detectorists have as their ideal. 8 x AA batteries deliver 12 volts of power, again, perfect for this class of detector. Switch on the power and turn up the sensitivity to where you like it. I prefer a silent threshold but I know plenty of detectorists who keep their detectors on the absolute limits of performance with a constant background tone. Variable discrimination and target pin-point button complete the CS3MX professional format. An in-air test reveals the potential of this high performance machine: 30 cms and more on typical detecting targets.
I decided to check out CS3MX on some recently ploughed farmland. That's heavy going for both detectorist and detector, especially if its clay soil. You need a lightweight detector to go up and down and round the furrows and everything is going to get caked in mud. The CS3MX performed fine. I was worn out after a couple of hours. Some detectorists like to move fast so speed of response can be very important, or you can easily miss a weak signal. I am pleased to say the CS3MX passes this test with flying colours. The response is quick and the good signals ring out clear and sharp. Large iron tends to produce a 'sputter' or signal which I can only describe as 'woolly'. Little hammered coins can be recognised often before you dig purely by the clipped crisp quality of the signal. The pin-point button is a really neat feature which momentarily puts the detector into non-motion mode and position the find exactly. The CS3MX feels precise and powerful. Like any good tool, the CS3MX gives you the confidence that you're doing a good job. My 2 hour stint with the CS3MX was just such a job well done, producing 2 interesting finds (crotal bell and belt fragment), 1 valuable item (partial hammered silver) and no rubbish, though there was plenty of old iron around, the CS3MX eliminated the lot !
VERDICT
If there was going to be only 1 detector available, let it be the CS3MX! This superb machine really is the definitive professional metal detector. I read so many good words about the CS3MX on the metal detecting forums. Plenty of people say they prefer it to machines 3 times the price. There are no frills, bells, whistles on the CS3MX - just all the essential things which you need on a professional detector. The CS3MX is a top general purpose detector for professionals and serious beginners. Terrific value for money.