I have been a devoted fan of Whites since the 1970s. Can't recall the exact number of machines I owned, but each and every one was special and had their own speciality. Since Whites has shuttered their doors I am beginning to wonder if I should begin to let go of some of my high end detectors while they are still "young". I know Centreville Electronics in VA has a contract to continue to service White's detectors under warranty, but the clock is ticking. Old units are still serviced as long as parts are plentiful.
On one hand, these machines don't see the wear and tear of most electronics so they are less likely to fail during normal daily use. However, technology becomes obsolete. It is also true no real eye popping breaktrhoughs in metal detecting have occurred in the last 20 years. Yes, the weight of detector has come down and the bells and whistles have proliferated, but a metal detector is still a metal detector and does what it has always done. The operator is the key to how well the machine performs.
I an earlier post I lamented the fact that it is nearly impossible to find coil covers and some parts for existing Whites models. The above being said, when is it time to say "goodbye" to an ole friend?