Few companies hold as much sway in the industry as the renowned White’s Electronics (better known for their Whites Metal Detector brands).

Since its inception, Whites has been instrumental in developing and improving metal detecting technology, turning treasure hunting from a hit-or-miss endeavor into a fun and fruitful pastime for enthusiasts worldwide.

Whites Electronics, better known as White’s Metal Detectors, was founded by Kenneth and Olive White in Sweet Home, Oregon, in 1950. The Whites were keen metal-detecting enthusiasts themselves, and their passion for this hobby-turned-profession served as the bedrock for a company that has spent decades pushing the boundaries of metal-detecting technology.

Whites Electronics built a reputation for quality, performance, and innovation, becoming a household name in the metal and relic detecting world. Whites announced its suspension of operations on June 18, 2020, due to a combination of market pressures, the COVID-19 pandemic, and changes within the electronic components industry.

In a significant development, October 2020 saw the acquisition of certain assets of Whites Electronics by another industry heavyweight, Garrett Electronics. This transaction centered primarily on Whites’ highly valuable intellectual property, trademarks, and tooling. As two of the most revered names in the metal-detecting industry, this acquisition symbolized a momentous melding of minds.

For Garrett, it meant the opportunity to incorporate Whites’ renowned designs and technological prowess into their product line. This offered a sense of continuity for Whites’ fans worldwide, knowing that Whites’ spirit of innovation and commitment to quality would live on through Garrett’s products.

The legacy of the Whites brand thus found a new lease of life under Garrett Electronics, continuing its influence on the metal-detecting world.

Over its illustrious lifespan, Whites produced a wide array of detectors that catered to everyone, from those new to metal-detecting to seasoned professionals seeking specific precious metals.

Among their early successes was the Goldmaster, a metal detector designed to sniff out gold nuggets. Its introduction in 1961 marked Whites as a company dedicated to providing specialized tools to its clientele. Then in the 70s, the company introduced the revolutionary Coinmaster, a tool specifically designed to detect coins and other small metal objects. Praised for its accuracy and ease of use, The Coinmaster solidified Whites’ reputation in the industry.

However, of all Whites’ creations, the Spectrum XLT is the most well-loved. Launched in the 90s, the Spectrum XLT was one of the first fully computerized metal detectors. It featured an intuitive interface that allowed users to input specific search parameters, effectively narrowing their search to particular types of metal. This feature was groundbreaking then and quickly made the Spectrum XLT a hot commodity among metal-detecting enthusiasts.

Whites also developed the popular BeachHunter series, an excellent choice for beach and shallow water detecting. With a waterproof design and multiple frequencies for improved depth and target identification, BeachHunter became a staple for many coastal treasure hunters.

Digging Deeper: Why Whites Metal Detectors Ruled the Roost

When considering the immense popularity and longstanding reputation of Whites Metal Detectors in the world of metal detecting, two critical aspects immediately come to mind: their user-centric product design and exceptional customer service.

User-Centric Product Design: Whites’ Key to Success

At the heart of White’s Metal Detectors’ success was their keen understanding of the needs of their customers. This user-centric approach shaped the development and design of their products.

Whites had a product for everyone: the Goldmaster aimed at gold prospectors, the Coinmaster for coin and relic hunters, or the Spectrum XLT with its cutting-edge technology for the more seasoned detectorists.

Each of their detectors was versatile and meticulously crafted for specific metal detecting activities. From detecting relics in the park to unearthing treasure on the beach, Whites had a metal detector for the task. This versatility was coupled with impressive durability, with each product designed to withstand the rigors of the treasure-hunting hobby, whether it involved rough terrain, harsh weather, or long hours of operation.

But what truly set Whites’ detectors apart was their effectiveness. They excelled in pinpointing metal targets and differentiating between valuable finds and mere junk. This effectiveness contributed to Whites’ widespread appeal and popularity in a hobby where the thrill of discovery is paramount.

Stellar Customer Service: Whites’ Endearing Trait

While top-notch products laid the foundation for Whites’ success, their outstanding customer service was the linchpin that sealed their place in the hearts of their customers. Whites Electronics was more than just a metal detector manufacturer; it was a company that prided itself on being a reliable partner in its customers’ metal-detecting journeys.

Whites were committed to helping their customers fully understand and utilize their products. From detailed manuals to responsive support, they ensured that everyone from beginners to seasoned detectorists could get the most out of their Whites metal detectors. This attention to customer care significantly contributed to Whites’ appeal, turning one-time customers into loyal patrons.

Despite the suspension of operations in recent years, the legacy of Whites Metal Detectors remains very much alive in the metal-detecting community.

The brand’s commitment to user-centric design and exceptional customer service set a benchmark for the industry. Whether you’re just starting on your treasure-hunting journey or a seasoned pro, the story of Whites Metal Detectors offers a valuable lesson: success is not just about the product; it’s also about understanding and serving your customers in the best way possible. And that’s where Whites Metal Detectors truly struck gold.