Bounty Hunter ... Fisher ... Garrett ... Minelab ... Nokta / Makro ... Teknetics ... XP
For the most part, these are the longest-running or biggest-selling manufacturers in the game. Three of the 'brands' are all products of FTP. Garrett not only recently entered the world of SMF detectors with SSF capability, but they also acquired all the design smarts of the now defunct White's Electronics. Minelab, the long-time SMF maker, did bring us the affordable-range Vanquish 'series' in this past year. Nobody in the detecting field can ignore the fact that the Turkey-based Nokta / Makro folks have continued to set a solid pace at top-performance and affordable devices, especially over the past six years, and they've been working on an SMF model.. Then recent rumor has it that the France-based XP brand, that has definitely captured a certain element in the SSF market with some unique and light-weight designs, just might be working on their version of a SMF model.

So I am wondering what everyone else thinks we might see in the coming year? A change in the lower-end of the detector market to trim out some of the over-price beginners models? Newer releases in that segment of affordability? Will it be time for these manufacturers to step it up and bring us a new or different 'top-end' model under their brand name, and, if so, what kind MSRP do you think they will target?

More SMF (Simultaneous Multi-Frequency), or SSF (Selectable Single-Frequency) or SF (dedicated Single-Frequency) offerings?

Do you think more new models will be "turn-on-and-go" designs, meaning a preset Ground Balance approach, or do you think more models will offer operator-controlled Ground Balance? Matter-of-fact, if you had your choice, would you want Ground Balance capability, and if so only an Automated Ground-Grab type function, Manual GB, Auto-Tracking, or a mix of two or more?

As 2020 draws to a close, let's hear some reader's opinions on what the near future holds or what they would like to see in the industry of metal detector R&D. Is there anything you would really like to see, or are you comfortable with what you currently own and use?

Monte

Okay, now it's your turn ... And tell us what you think we might see in new or different products, and let us know who you think is going to be next to bring us something new and exciting?

"Your EYES ... the only 100% accurate form of Discrimination!"
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Metal Detector Evaluations and Product Reviews monte@ahrps.org ... or ... monte@stinkwaterwells.com 503-481-8147Detector Outfit: A selection of my favorite makes and models, with the best coils mounted, for the tasks I'll take on.Pinpointers: Pulse-Dive & ProPointer AT .. Headphones: 'Hornet' & 'Wasp' .. MS-3 Z-Lynk .. ML-80 .. N/M Green edition*** All working well today to make memories for tomorrow. ***