There has been shortages off and on in a number of detector models this year. Sign of the times. Alot of folks are getting into the hobby now because of the economy. Going looking for gold, prospecting, etc. I would guess most dont stay in the hobby because its not an easy hobby. Its work. And they get an exagerated view of it. As in all you gotta do is go down to the park and swing a coil a few minutes and find a diamond ring. When they find out it isnt that easy, then the detector they bought goes in the closet or under the bed. Pus many just never take the time to actually learn their detector.