Strange Era in the Industry

[dirtfisher]

Is it just me or does this seem like a very strange time in this industry? I am a true Whites fan but right now they have NOTHING on the market that appeals to me and their older units are selling for amazingly high prices on Ebay. Garrett made those little toy looking bright yellow units that sold like hot cakes. Why? Because they were cheap? Now those are showing up on Ebay in big numbers. Fisher was bought by First Texas and people are complaining about their customer service. It looks like First Texas is spending all their time on making "mutant" units that look like a cross between Bounty Hunters and Fishers. Are they going to produce the traditional Fishers again ? Who knows? Heck, they won't even update their website for crying out loud. (Really they ALL need to update their websites)... LET US KNOW WHAT'S HAPPENING! Tesoro is about the same with no new units in sight. Bounty Hunter is neglecting their traditional line of detectors and there is no new top of the line unit past the Time Ranger. Minelabs remain, well,..."minelabs" (if you can afford them). I know that the lead free circuits requirements might be a factor. But I just think that these companies are out of touch a little bit. They are marketing to the young people who like bright colors, decals, bells and whistles, etc. Don't they know that most detectorists are middle-aged men? To sum it up it sure seems like things are "on hold" for some reason. I would really be curious to know what the sales ratio is overall in the industry right now as compared to years past. I have heard many hobbyists say that they are hunting for the older, proven units that seem to work better for them. Should'nt that send a message to the industry? Maybe things are getting off track just a little? Mass production of detectors can either help or hurt. I don't know. Has anyone else noticed what I am talking about or am I the only one? I would love to see your comments. Sorry for the long post, Happy Hunting and Best Wishes from DF

 

[kdc]

its not just the detecting industry, it everything everywhere. in the name of huge profits, they are pooping in their own nests. cmon spring

 

[jmaryt]

yes..i have noticed too!..i am surprised whitey has NOT introduced a new detector,especially in light of the fact there are several new ones on the market!
this is just my opinion,but i believe it is because there may not be a whole lot of money "sloshing" around at the moment!..the economy is takin' a hit,and it may be tough going for a while!..this "situation" impacts ALL companies across the board,and i would think the hobby market in particular is seeing slower sales overall.the reasons for this are NOT complex,as it is amatter of "market forces" at work...people,IN GENERAL are having to make tough choices right now about whether to literally "heat,or eat!"..hobby metal detectors,i am sure are a very "low" priority! ..again!..this is MY opiniion,and it remains just that an opinion!

regards!
(h.h!)
j.t..

 

[GRAY GHOST]

hey dirtfisher, i think yourre onto something. the units being sold by many makers of detectors have not really changed at all in the past 5 or so years... but the paint schemes and types of consumers targeted has. ive not seen a single machine that is so inherently different than any others in many years. sure, there are huge price/quality differences/ bells and whistles[you know, the same bells and whistles that have been around a long time] i personally believe that the big metal detector makers are waiting for new technology to arrive - "the next big thing." like any other industry based largely upon technology, it goes in cycles. i think the makers are out of ideas...

 

[Elton]

Even at best if you figure the population ( You even stated) Middle age...Sales are limited....Does anyone have a reliable figure on detector sales for a year ???

 

[Ron from Michigan]

Whites seem to sell very well and hold their resale value with sales good why introduce a new model at this point.The Garrett Ace 250 is still the bench mark of low cost units.Tesoro a great company with a very good product that works.Minelab still the benchmark for performance.First Texas still producing Fisher's and Bounty Hunter's but a lot of confusion with their method on producing its product line.Far as the target customer's being middle aged and older we all ready have too many units and too smart to buy second rate junk.The current market target is the young and dumb that doesn't know any better and would marry the first girl they kiss.

 

[tab-nabit]

About a year ago (guessing), I saw somewhere on the Internet a layout chart of sales of the major detector manufacturer's.
I don't know if it's still floating around somewhere on the web and how accurate / update it was, and can't remember how the data was collected.