Very Disappointed By Garrett On This One

[KD8GIS]

  Didn't White's have a VX series which could have a update? 

[Steve Herschbach]

On 6/19/2024 at 9:30 PM, KD8GIS said:

  Didn't White's have a VX series which could have a update? 

The White’s VX3 was capable of being updated to a full V3i with the proper unlock code, but White’s never followed through on marketing the ability. Possibly a wise move given some of the blowback about this. It’s not gone unnoticed by me the VX naming and update capability. Echos from the White’s purchase? Coincidence? I’ll let others decide.

At the end of the day we have different needs and desires, and so in making a Manticore (for example) Minelab is trying to please all people. The fact is however if I could have a Manticore with only the settings I personally want for less money, that would suit me fine. A beach person might never need anything but Beach Mode. Why pay for all those other options? Because that is how it works. You are not paying for hardware productions costs, you are paying for the delivered feature set. The more features, the more a machine sells for relative to other models by the same manufacturer.

Therein lies the promise of the new Garrett approach. What if I could order a Manticore or Deus 2 online and pick from a settings and options list? The base machine is like the MXT, bare bones as can be. Then I just add the options I want and fill out the menu as much as I want. The machine can be as simple or as complicated as I want.

There are plenty of people who seem to recoil in horror at this approach, that think it is somehow different than the nickel dime drip feed approach of a multitude of different discrete machine options. I took a ride with Minelab, SD2200D, GP Extreme, GP 3000, GP 3500, GPX 4500, GPX 5000, SDC 2300, GPZ 7000, GPX 6000. You think that drip feed over more than a decade did not cost me? Yet horror stories are imagined of how a software based approach would be used against us. Fine, everyone and everything sucks. I prefer to take a more optimistic approach and think this "design your own detector" idea holds a lot of promise, where we all pay for only the options we want, and do not get clutter we do not need.

It's how I buy computers. I go to my favored brand, pick a base model, and add exactly the features I want, in effect getting a factory built custom detector. I can also at a later date upgrade my computer any way I want with new hardware and firmware upgrades. I'd love to be able to buy my detectors the same way and I'm pretty sure that is where we are heading, like it or not. I say bring it on.

[Tony]

And an "Easter egg or two" embedded in the Vortex code 😉

[Geotech]

Here's the solution for those who don't like the upgrade feature. Go buy a VX5, give it a whirl. Let's say you really like it and now you want a VX9. Sell the used VX5 at a loss and buy the VX9, just like you would do with any other model upgrade. Now you have what you want and you didn't play Garrett's nefarious game.

Edit: I just caught up with the other Vortex threads and see that Steve already said the exact same thing. So I agree. 🙂

[Bob S.]

Looks like to me the model upgrade prices are actually the difference in the model prices (feel free to correct me). Just buy the VX9 and save yourself the anguish of thinking your being tricked or fleeced out of your money! Seriously the price of the VX9 ($599) is not what I thought it would be (like a grand and over). I was actually happily shocked when I learned. Garrett is being very competitive and pacing themselves out for continued business and future technological innovations. Yes, detectors still operate on the induction balance principle, but the world of digital processing has now brought new advantages to the same old signal. I started detecting during the BFO (Beat Frequency Oscillation) days and would have never imagined what detectors are capable of today. Do your own research, buy what you like, learn how to use it and choose productive sites is my best advice.

[Steve Herschbach]

I’m sure I’ve done more than most here to lend my expertise and support to Garrett the last few years. I would like at least one U.S. company to stay in the metal detecting game and I think they have the best shot. First Texas is pulling a Tesoro and milking old stuff to death. Yet at the end of the day you have to figure Garrett either knows what they are doing or not, and I’d not assume they are completely clueless. No one brand pleases all people and never will.

Garrett has a solid business with a large and loyal customer base. We historically have not got as many of them on these forums in the past because frankly too many people here take great glee in lording what they own and use over others. You either use what they deem is best or get an earful, and learn fast you are a second class citizen. And leave. It’s why starting with Axiom and continuing with Vortex I’m proactively fighting that tendency, trying to make sure Garrett owners feel welcome on the Garrett portion of this website. It’s just another way I’m trying to help this fine old company and the great folks that work there.

Everyone, please watch this video if you have never seen it, and maybe consider at least giving these people the benefit of the doubt. Don’t assume Garrett is out to screw anyone with their new upgrade process because it’s simply not true. It’s not who they are as a company. Never has been and they are not starting now.

[bigtim1973]

I am actually looking forward to this new Garret vortex. I get what people are saying about the cam locks or whatever.....but at least they are trying to introduce a unit that has some features that I think look neat. 

I can deal with 5 tones if that is all they are offering for the time being....but remember..being an upgradable unit.....who knows what they will offer for features in the future. 

And the price is right 

I also like the 3 graphs on the vx9 where it shows the smearing....at first that feature reminded me of what the manticore kind of does.....then I got to thinking and it seems like they have kind of backward engineered a newer take on the V series from Whites..kind of like a little take on the old Whites VX3 or V3i. 

[Ridge Runner]

 I say if anyone is not pleased with the Vortex then go buy what does.

 I say better yet go make your own and in doing so you can add what you want in it .

 My first detector came from a kit and even with good instructions I was saying who was this ya who that figured this out. Now that was back in 65 and now I wouldn’t try to put any kit together today.

 I can truly say I found more rings when I had to dig everything and didn’t have a Pinpointer then.

 Enjoy life and enjoy what you got.

 Chuck