Should we tell em??

[Jackpine Savage]

Reading over the forums of the various new machines out, one of the recurring topics of the coinshooters is the inability to tell the newer square tabs and pencil eraser bands from nickels. Granted depth and soil conditions do come into play but the newer Fisher models do a great job at ID'ing these IMO. Should we keep this target resolution we are getting a secret?

Tom

 

[BuckeyeBrad]

it just seems that trial and acceptance of the Edge will be somewhat slow. Every time I use the Edge I think "man, am I just weird or what because this is a helluva detector but there's not much buzz about it". I'm flabergasted at how Fisher (and some others too) develops these new and legitimately improved detectors but not a slam dunk marketing approach for them at the same time. Maybe they have data that says word of mouth after the fact is the best approach. All I know is I think this is a great little detector that's big on performance and if others don't get that because of Fisher being a more "silent" brand, well I guess that's their miss. Personally, I think it's the best of the three detectors that were just released but some others feel just the opposite. I don't get it because it seems to be a little more than just a "different strokes" thing.

 

[Bill Ladd]

tell all the know it all, "1 hour experts" that think the Edge is no good what they are missing.....

 

[Bill Ladd]

remember like last summer when there was absolutely NO new detectors out to play with? Everyone was wondering what the heck the screaming red ads "It's Coming!" meant & the try 'em all crowd was going stir crazy That would have been the time to drop a new detector on the hobby. But, when you have 3 other major brands drop detectors out of the blue @ the same time for X-mas, that had to cut into sales of the Edge unfortunately. Plus, with the handpicking of folks to try another ID unit at the same time was a smart marketing idea. Hopefully, through word of mouth of serious detectorists (like you guys) & those looking for "an Edge" in trash, & the other competitor units flaws get exposed, the Edge will do just fine. (There's no flaw, it don't tip over, turn itself on or anything like that). I think Fisher is working on a new ad campain for it. If someone ever built a small coil for the Edge that could perhaps give sales a big boost. I personally can only tout it so much because alotta folks think it's false "hype" & I get commission or something

 

[BuckeyeBrad]

a person's outlook and attitude if and when they try a new detector. Just speaking for myself, and believe me I try a lot of detectors, I go into it with an optimistic open mind. I'm not thinking stuff like, "this baby had better kick my azz because I spent $XX on it. Or "if this thing don't beat the dog sh*t outta my (whatever other detector) after a couple hours in the field, then it's a piece of crap". Well..... I admit I did have a few pre-conceived feelings about the Tejon but that's another story for another time. I look for strengths first and then weaknesses second. The bottom line, at least imo, is the Edge really is more than just the Excel's improved big brother.

 

[Jackpine Savage]

and continue to enjoy the performance the Edge has to offer. Hey it may not be the ultimate depth monster, but for the serious hunter who needs a well rounded machine to handle tough conditions IMO Fisher has a winner with this one. I think back to when the 1236X2 was introduced, that was another detector either ignored or underrated by many. Anyone that has some quality time on the 1236 knows that you can absolutely take to the bank what Ben Meyers wrote in the field test.

I will continue to check out some of the newer detectors and one in particular, but for now I really do not feel that I need to upgrade anytime soon.

Brad, did you get the 10.5" coil?

Tom

 

[BuckeyeBrad]

while we're on the subject of coils and market analysis, it seems there really is a large segment of the detecting public that (right, wrong, or indifferent) feels that the more coils available for the detector, the more logical it is to spend your time and money with that detector. Larger AND ESPECIALLY smaller than stock as well as both concentric and DD designs being available is a big selling point. As for the Edge's depth, I'm getting really good depth, ID at depth, and depth reading accuracy. I've found quite a few coins and coin sized targets that accurately read single digit depth.

 

[Jackpine Savage]

about the depth Brad. Not much in the way of really deep stuff around here and being the time of year, I am limited to the areas I can hunt. I hope we have an early spring as I can't wait to give it a workout in that department.

Tom

 

[Frank in NH]

n/t

 

[OldeTymer]

n/t

 

[Bill Ladd]

I'm still hoping.......

 

[OldeTymer]

n/t

 

[Dave Z]

Like giving 4 or 5 guys on some of these fourms free detectors and have them play them up.Probably cost them about $2000 in machines.Pretty cheap advertising if you ask me.Maybe pick 4 or 5 different guys for each new machine.Bet the guys on this fourm would go along with this.heh.Dave

 

[Bill Ladd]

all the major brands looked at that marketing tactic & may do something like you mention next time around.....

 

[Mark in NC]

n/t

 

[Bill Ladd]

That alotta folks were questioning if folks were "Handpicked". In other words, were folks choosen who were Minelab users already & can be considered biased? That was a big question I saw that began to be asked. Did they choose folks who they were pretty certain would give the unit a thumbs up online? For another company to do it properly, I think it needs to appear more random. In other words if FRL gave all the regulars here free pre-release units other "camps" will be crying foul in a heartbeat

 

[BuckeyeBrad]

if it were my decision to make, I'd want a diverse field of testers for the obvious reasons, but for the sake of minimizing the potential for folks to cry "FOUL", I'd make sure I had at least several that consistantly know and use multiple brands and didn't have a recent track record of single brand loyalty, aren't dealers of the test unit's brand, and can spell. Sorry about that little inside joke there at the end. Of course what I'd like to know (and which this would add or take away legitimacy from the test effort) is if there was any "editorial privilege" taken on any less than stellar feedback should it occur?

 

[Mark in NC]

Some folks want to see detectors fail... for whatever reason. Maybe they have their mind made up that only the brand (or type) they've always used is the best, therefore they give it a half-hearted try, and search hard for (and highlight) the "flaws" or "short comings" of a particular detector.

On the other hand, If I'm too dedicated to one particular brand (or type), I'm going to do my best to "overlook" any problems I encounter. Barnacle Bill did one of the best unbiased comparisons a while back. He was methodical and seemed very unbiased. The only factor that is nearly impossible for testing is the variety of soil types that are all over the place. What works great for me may not work as well for a guy up north or further down south (and don't forget the folks out west!)

I have to admit, if I were given a free detector to use, I'd be really tempted to "think good thoughts", if for no other reason than so I might also get another one down the road. Free stuff always looks better than stuff I had to painfully pay for However, I would also know that my comments would possibly influence some folks, and therefore I would be staking something more valuable than a free detector on the line... my character and credibility.

So, I agree with you Bill, if folks are "handpicked" there would definitely be a "foul". I don't know, maybe pick one regular from each forum of different detector types, (ie: Explorer, CZ, DFX, etc.)? Or do the good old fashioned drawing method where the names are picked out of a hat? It is indeed a challenge, but creative marketing is what will get you noticed... I just hate to see a good detector over-looked because someone else advertises better.

Sorry for being so wordy, but this subject really gets me going

HH'n

Mark in NC

 

[Big Red]

I think one thing To look at is that it seems we have usually the same crop of testers on new machines....How often do you see a negative item in a test report. Now then you have those who buy and try for an hour....and give you this long drawn out negative report. Know one and i mean know one can acurately give a report on a detector with very little time on it. Now those Guys Have no Merit in my opinion.Then you always have the nitpickers that want a detector to fail.I think one thing that has been a factor with the edge.....is the weather. However You can take in consideration of other factors as well such as a new whites, minelab, and teknetics T2 all released recently. I also feel That the biggest shortcomming of the Edge is the lack of a small coil being available...That goes as well with the Coinstrike and excel. I have talked to several people that has sold a c$ or edge and excel....One of the reasons it went bye bye was no small coil being made....and none in sight.The other issue that i think has perhaps been an obsticle for the Edge to overcome is all the negative issue on the excel's alledged display problems.I love my C$ but it is aggrevating that fisher has left us high and dry on this issue. I have used the excel as well and it is a great machine. I looked at all the new models that just came out and i chose the Teknetics T2. It will be here next week. I can say i honestly dont like the dashboard on the edge....But that doesnt make or break a detectors ability to perform. The look isnt appealing to me....Now that doesnt mean down the road i wont try one. However all the silence on the edge has got me wondering what is the deal. Now I havent heard anything as far as they are selling. That might be another issue...maybe they arent flyin off the shelves.

 

[Mike in Ky]

I don't really think any of us has to worry about FRL or anyone else giving away some detectors for testing. Just my opinion but I don't believe it will ever happen.

Mike