Hey, 'dirtfisher'!!
I'll take a crack at this easy post.
"It seems there is nothing but praise from detector users who have had Mr. Bills modifications done to their Classic series detectors."... Well deserved, too, especially by those who prefer more manual control, use accessory coils, and hunt a variety of ground environments.
"Evidently he does a fantastic job."... Yes, he does.
"But my question is this: If Whites knows about this then why did they discontinue this popular series? And couldnt they just do the modifications themselves? Or maybe put these mods into a new model Classic? Cant they see how popular it is to get these modifications done?"... The popularity of the modified Classic III, ID and IDX Pro models is mainly strong among those who are more devoted to learning more about metal detecting basics and advanced perofmrnace and how to get the most control over things such as bad ground or coil performance differences.
The 'trend' in the industry as a whole is basically toards Target ID models, as we see from most manufacturers, and especially towards the simplification of getting into action. Too many 'turn-on-and-go' models offered today and they can not all be set to peak performance for all environment. Either preset GB or some form of autotracking has been the trendy thing to do.
Why did they drop them? Because sales were not there. Personally, I feel part of that fault can be aimed at the poor promotion and marketing of the Classic series, as well as the fact that too many single-line or multi-line dealers offer big discounts and only end up with much $$ to look at from the net profit of the upper-end models, so that's what they promoted.
Could White's have provided models that were factory-designed with the added manual controls 'Mr. Bill' does? Most certainly! Heck, look at the circuitry design they used for the SL housed models. That hole in the top of the housing under the flag is perfectly positioned to have a manula GB control right up from the GB trimmer! That was a decision made by someoen who had visions of possibly offering a more featured model in the future. They just opted not to do it.
Several years ago on a forum I proposed such a series on 'Classic' models with the threshold and GB modes, calling them the 'Elite.' They retained the excellent 'S' rod and housing and toggle trigger pod of the Classic series for use with the Matrix, and it would have been much easier to have improved upon the excellent Claasic series rather than do the Prizm line.
"And have they heard the disappointing feedback about the new M6 model?"... In fairness, and I am one who pointed out things I read that I didn't like, the Matrix M6 is just now getting into the hands of dealers, and soon those of end consumers, and the we'll get the real field performance answers.
Some of us are 'disappointed' in the fact that the Matrix M6 has only 7 audio tones that are most grouped in the lower range and most US coins will be lumped into one higher audio tone. Less effective for the more devoted coin hunters. Some of us didn't like to see the fail to incorporate a couple of MXT features into the new M6, such as the ground phase reading or a traditional All Metal search mode.
I think what has been most 'disappointing' aboiut the M6 has been it's prerelease 'hype' from one single California dealer, limited info to dealers, and delayed inclusion on White's website. By Christmass we ought to have enough of them out there to know if the majority of buyers get something they find functional, or something to use as a 'white' elephant' gift exchange. The used classifieds will be a siugn of how well a new models goes over.
"I am a Whites fan deluxe but Im holding onto my IDX Pro as long as I can!"... You can always get another detector for certain applications, but having an IDX Pro (especially modified) in you battery is a great idea! Matter of fact, maybe ought to have an XL Pro, as well. I do!
"P.S. Im one of those guys Monte warned you about."
WARNING! ... WARNING! ... WARNING! ...
And couldnt they just do the modifications themselves? Or maybe put these mods into a new model Classic? Cant they see how popular it is to get these modifications done?
P.S. Im one of those guys Monte warned you about.
Thanks Monte for providing some great information! I am just a detector user and I dont know how these companies make decisions. I didnt mean to upset anyone by the statement about negative feedback. I did not read it all in one place. I based what I said on statements I have read in detecting chat rooms, forums, and websites. I have also read positive things about the M6. In one certain whites forum a person said, "Is this the best Whites could do?" Others said they were very disappointed that they discontinued the Pro Series. Others are upset because they cant use the coils they have invested in on this new model. I agree totally with what you said about sales. The DFX, MXT, and XLT have gotten the most advertising so naturally people will buy the product that gets hyped the most. Look at the treasure magazines. There are always stories about people using top-of-the-line detectors. It is very rare to see a photo of a treasure hunter using a mid-line or beginner detector. Personally I read the field tests first and then make my choices in a metal detector.