[artsyuno]

I don't think it's necessarily outdated or only for a collector. It's a good torch and may be especially desired by someone who's had one before or has had a barracuda. I'd buy one before I'd buy a mini cc or bobcat in the same price range, as I far prefer the piranha to either of them. I'm not all that clear about what the differences are between the piranha and the alpha, though, beyond the gas pressure issue (that is really a non-issue for those who use propane). Some people, myself included, prefer the barracuda to the bravo, even though it's "superceded." It all depends on what you like in a torch and how you use it. The lack of availability may offset the fact that there's a newer torch out there.