Control Box
Minelab • Advanced
Minelab E-TRAC Review
The Minelab E-TRAC was Minelab’s flagship detector before the CTX 3030 and remains one of the most celebrated coin-hunting machines ever made. Its Full Band Spectrum (FBS) multifrequency technology and unique 2D SmartFind discrimination screen gave UK detectorists an unprecedented ability to cherry-pick good targets from iron-infested fields. Now discontinued, good used examples sell in the £600 – 800 range.
8.2/10 overall
★ 4.7/5 • 1900 owner reviews
£699 RRP
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Full Specifications
Pros & Cons
👍 What We Like
- ✓Legendary depth on hammered silver
- ✓2D SmartFind discrimination screen
- ✓Highly accurate target ID in iron
- ✓Huge user community and knowledge base
👎 Watch Out For
- ✗Now discontinued (no warranty support)
- ✗Heavy at 5.3 lbs
- ✗Learning curve for SmartFind screen
- ✗Bulky compared to modern detectors
How It Performs
🏖 Beach Detecting
Not recommended for saltwater beach use – it lacks a specific beach mode and the multifrequency system can struggle with wet salt mineralisation.
🪙 Gold Prospecting
Not designed for gold prospecting. The frequency range and discrimination focus it firmly on silver coins and relics.
🌱 For Beginners
Too complex for a beginner. The SmartFind 2D screen takes months to learn to interpret confidently.
🪙 Coin Shooting
Among the best ever made for UK coin hunting in iron-rich pasture. Experienced users find hammered silver that other machines miss.
🏹 Relic Hunting
Exceptional. Its ability to separate iron from copper and silver in dense trash makes it a favourite on ancient and medieval sites.
Our Verdict
8.2/10
An excellent all-round detector that punches well above its price. Best suited to advanced-level detectorists focused on coins, relics.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-24
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