Posted by Steve Herschbach
on 10/25/2009, 7:16 pm
69.178.98.212
Hi,
I have a relationship with Fisher that goes back a long ways. A case could be made around 1980 that the best quality, best performing detectors were made by Fisher.
But with changes in management Fisher seemed to lose their way. Several models were introduced that while they may have been good performers, were too different compared to what had come before and so failed to be accepted by many old time Fisher users, including myself. Frankly, as a dealer I found many of them unsellable compared to what the competition was offering. It got to the point I knew they were in trouble and predicted it here at http://jb-ms.com/Carlsforum/Nov22-2005/25501.html
When First Texas took over Fisher I was concerned as frankly I've never thought much of the Bounty Hunter line. But I choose to be optimistic since they hired Dave Johnson, who I think is one of the best engineers in the business. He left his mark on a lot of those old Fisher units I liked so much plus units by other manufacturers. I've owned a lot of "Dave Johnson detectors".
But my optimism turned to dismay when the F75 came out. They already had the T2 to build on, and yet the initial F75 release was fraught with quality issues that really put me off. Worse were reports of units going back two or three times and still not running right. I got a batch of Gold Bug 2 units that were rife with problems. I was not happy and just quit ordering Fisher product at that point.
A year went by, and Mike Scott contacted me regarding some product testing. I figured, what the hay - let's just lay it out on the table. So I voiced my concerns with both Mike and Dave. Dave in particular admitted there had been issues, but that they had been addressed, and asked I give the product another go. I figured I owned them that much.
Well, there was a mis-step on my part that caused a furor for which I have since had to apologize. The bottom line is I got myself a new Gold Bug 2 and then gave a new F75 a spin this summer. The Gold Bug 2 is as good as any I've ever owned (I've had several over the years) and the F75 performed flawlessly compared to the one I had right after they came out.
I still think Fisher may be pushing product to market too quickly, but I am convinced now they have been making improvements regarding quality control. So I'm cautiously back on board with my new Gold Bug 2. And I plan on getting a new F75 Ltd or whatever follows it by spring. And maybe one of those new Gold Bugs.
But lest anyone think I'm now a "Fisher guy" I will have a new Minelab GPX-4500 or whatever comes next by spring, will have my Minelab Excalibur 800 and Garrett Infinium along to Hawaii in 7 weeks, and my White's TDI and GMT are among my favorite detectors. I've been wanting to get a Tesoro Tiger Shark all summer but they still cannot be had so maybe by next summer I'll get one.
Anyway, credit where credit is due. I'm sure this will be seen, and I hope it just reinforces the message that quality is just something that I and many other expect when paying a premium price. I might not expect it of a cheap Bounty Hunter at Walmart, but I sure expect it of anything stamped with the Fisher name. Especially if it costs over $1000.00!!
Take the time and get them right guys, That's all we ask.
Steve Herschbach
P.S. If you make a CZ-21 that puts nickel range back at mid-tone where it should be I'd even buy one of those. It's not a coin detector!
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