SB,
I didn't mean to appear like I was jumping on you for your post, I wasn't, my apologies if it appeared I was. There were a lot of posts last year About ML being sold to Codan when the sale happen.
The truth is a lot of the electronics that go in most detectors come from Asia, they may be assembled in the states or Australia, but fact is a lot of the electronics that go in them come for Asia. Tesoro stop producing the Tigershark for awhile because they couldn't get a certain electronic componet for it from Asia. Labor is cheaper there, no way around it.
I haven't researched it, but I highly doubt there is a detector sold in this country that is 100% American made......
I would not hesitate to buy another Minelab, but I only buy used detectors now. I let the original buyer absorb the depreation on it. I have $600 in my new/used Excal that I picked up in Mid-October, and that price includes the WOT coil, custom straight haft and splice kit supplies to put the WOT coil own. I also have enough supplies left over to make part of another straight shaft so next shaft will only cost me about $10 to make.
My personal advice, look for a good used Excal, take the money you save and use it on a good scoop, and WOT coil or straight shaft....
Good luck and good hunting.....................