Del/JT,

Sadly, i think your logic and practicality are quite accurate....and the likely reason for so many mfg's demise. I almost never see another detector when i am out. I see some holes, so I know i'm not alone....but little visible competition.

Truth's -
1. Much of the good old stuff has been found, paved over, or is off limits in private property or locked up by govt agencies. Even municipalities are making it tough in many cities and parks. Public works projects nearly always fence off works (parks, schools, sidewalks). At least here on the left coast.
2. Pocket change as we know it could literally becomes a thing of the past in my lifetime. Not sure how those to young to have credit cards and phones fit in....but reality is that pocket change is a LOT less common. Pennies are essentially worthless as they are dust in about 30 years in our dirt.
3. If the only thing left is jewelry and drops of interest, it will be over saturated quickly. same with prospecting. Even today's jewelry is often made of junk.

If i were a detecting company, I'd either be diversifying, or I'd be looking at markets that may not be overplayed. I think our friends in the Europe may have it right as it seems they have more opportunity there given history, and large swatch of productive land (when they can get access, and gov'ts allow it). Not sure about India's detecting laws and i never see anything posted from there....but if allowed, there is a place to make some money. More gold worn/owned than anywhere else in the world.

I'm glad i came in while there were a few things left to find....and sorry i missed the 70's and 80's. While I'll keep looking for that missed spot, or finding a permission now and then, there isn't a ton to look forward to. It's a great day when i find a silver coin....any silver coin. Jewelry is interesting....sort of. Maybe the only thing to really look forward to is interest waning so much that few are left in the hobby, a few items of interest build up, and my old collection of detectors once again prove bountiful (gotta hope for something).

I suspect all US manufacturers will be out of the hobby detecting biz within 10 years...unless they maintain a market in Europe or South America.

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but I just don't see any other logical outcome.

Zincoln