dfmike said:
That leaves an important gap between the F2 (which from what I understand will continue) and the departing F4 and F5. If one doesn't want a 13 kHz machine for whatever reason they only have 1 choice as a step up from the F2 and that's the F44. They need something in that bracket to be better than the F44 and to "compete" with the Omega 8500. Perhaps Fisher has a machine in the works that will be an Omega 8500 equivalent with a different form factor ? This news gives me more reasons to hang on to my F5.
The F2 was already discontinued awhile ago.
There are still a few in the pipelines but getting that great 2 coil package value is pretty much history from what I can tell but the single units are still around with both the 8" concentric and maybe a few with the DD coil...for now.
Still good value but the F22 pretty much has taken that price point slot and the F44 is an upgraded version with even more popular features for those that prefer them.
Their spread in the entry level lower end is pretty good so I don't expect any changes there.
That does leave a big gap, there is definitely some room there but the advantage this company has is is an umbrella company with three brands under it and those brands can share technology across all platforms and they are doing that already...just look at the new generation Bounty Hunters like the LRP.
With the three brands they also have most price points covered pretty well right now and even if the F70, LRP and Euro Tek Pro are jumping to this new brand they are still around the same as always.
These gaps in the Fisher line I expect to be filled with new products that offer something different technology wise or feature rich than what already exists across their lines whatever the brands or names they want to call them.
FTP is not a company that usually sits on their behinds for very long from what I can tell or if they were I don't think they are anymore because of the changing landscape.
There are rumors of new units in the works and I am sure these people have noticed the new foreign jobs from some companies that are fast to adapt and improve and are putting out some very well thought of products.
This can't sit very well with them, I assume, losing sales to other companies might be bothering them and with the engineering talent they have behind them I think they are utilizing those guys and doing something about it.
Plus the Ameritek marketing method is brand new and I don't think this will be the only new move these guys are going to make.
I am still shocked that that much more expensive F70 is now going to be sold at the new much lower price point, that they came out with the anniversary model F75 so cheap and that $300 drop on the fully loaded F75 2 coil package was also surprising.
This is all just a starting point for them, I think...it takes time to implement new procedures, come out with good value new products that aren't just rehashed old ones, introduce new technology if possible and get it all working right...it doesn't happen all at once for any company.
Like I said if and when it will all happen it will happen but on FTP's timetable which nobody knows but them.
