Mike....first let me say thanks for being here, it's always nice to have the "company" represented in the forum. I made the comment about "manufacturer driven" and I admit that may have been off base due to that fact that I don't have any facts to back up the statement. But, when I talked to a couple Fisher dealers recently and they told me that FTP has stopped production of the LTD (and yes, I understand that it was released as a "limited" edition) I tend to believe there is more the manufacturer could do to meet demand for it's product.
Also, I will agree with your statement that we may tend to be "brand loyal" and not see the benefits of another machine. I have only been in this game about 4 years and until last year I had one brand in my hands all the time and thought (or was taught) that it was the only way to go. Early last year I found a deal on E-bay on another brand and thought I'd give it a try, I was pleasantly surprised. I bought that machine mainly to try another brand and get a 2½ pound detector that I could start my granddaughter out with but have since discovered that my early "tunnel vision" was not necessary. My detecting buddies show extreme brand loyalty as well, one going so far as to sit at home for 4 weeks while his was being factory serviced instead of taking the offers from many friends to borrow a machine.
As you already figured out, Fisher has not been my "brand" yet. My interest in this forum was sparked at the GPAA Gold show in Carlisle, PA earlier this year when I was introduced to the F75 LTD and I will own one in the near future, one way or another. I prefer to buy new when funding permits but if necessary I will go used. Speaking of used, what is the transfer ability of the warranty on FTP?
Thanks again for your input.
Dave