Stealth Scoop... U-bolt vs Tube mount???

hammer0419

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catamount

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I'm sure Chuck will chime in with the specifics but it looks like the main benefit of the tube is the "quick release". There is only one nut to loosen to remove the handle (in the case of traveling, etc). With the bolt system, there are 4 nuts to loosen.
 

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hammer0419

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That was my initial thought as well. If that is the case I will def opt for the tube for travel purposes.
 

Chuck-N-Detroit

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Oct 18, 2010
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Tube or U-bolt mount?

I have been in market for a sand scoop. After reading a post about the stealth scoop and the great customer service Chuck provides, it will be my next scoop. Only question I have is on the handle mount. I want a 720 scoop but which handle mount? Any advantage to either one of the mounts? All help appreciated. Thanks

Thanks for asking.

Tube: Slightly lighter, quick release handle for 1 3/8" diameter handle, this model will take a Carbon Fiber handle directly (no modification) if you decide you want one at a later date (who wouldn't?), very strong since the handle is 1 3/8" which is larger than most other scoops which use 1 1/4"

U-Bolt: Handle is considered stronger simply due to the fact that it is 1 1/2" diameter at the basket end, proven design (25 years), accepts existing handles you might have from an older Stealth, kind of a problem fitting a Carbon Fiber handle to this model. Easier to find a handle at a hardware store if you are on vacation and need one.

I use and recommend the Tube type.

Chuck
 

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hammer0419

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Thank you chuck for the fast response.
 

RustyGold

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I have the tube with the carbon fiber handle! After going through two other company's scoops,
I purchased the 720i Hybrid and couldn't be more pleased with the Stealth scoop!
The carbon fiber handle is super light weight and very strong.
It's also the lightest scoop setup that I own!
 

hubcap76

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I also have the hybrid holed tube stealth scoop , with the ash wood handle , so far it's taken my abuse no sweat. And I am getting all left ATM buff from the amount of material I am able to scoop compared to my first scoop.

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Sir Gala Clad

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I also have the hybrid holed tube stealth scoop , with the ash wood handle , so far it's taken my abuse no sweat. And I am getting all left ATM buff from the amount of material I am able to scoop compared to my first scoop.

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Please Translate?
 

Sir Gala Clad

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Oops - please disregard entered twice !

Thanks for asking.

Tube: Slightly lighter, quick release handle for 1 3/8" diameter handle, this model will take a Carbon Fiber handle directly (no modification) if you decide you want one at a later date (who wouldn't?), very strong since the handle is 1 3/8" which is larger than most other scoops which use 1 1/4"

U-Bolt: Handle is considered stronger simply due to the fact that it is 1 1/2" diameter at the basket end, proven design (25 years), accepts existing handles you might have from an older Stealth, kind of a problem fitting a Carbon Fiber handle to this model. Easier to find a handle at a hardware store if you are on vacation and need one.

I use and recommend the Tube type.

Chuck

In my opinion,
 

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ColonelDan

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I have the 720i with the ubolt and wooden handle and it's been great. One thing I really like about the wooden handle is that it floats so its easy to retrieve if dropped or gets knocked out of your hand. Don't know if the carbon fiber handle does that even though it's lighter.
 

hubcap76

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Please Translate?

Bah auto correct, was supposed to say, I'm getting buff in my left arm from the amount of material I am able to scoop with the stealth, compared to my first water scoop.

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ChampFerguson/TN

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This has nothing to do with handles, but I don't want to see Chuck take ALL the credit at Sunspot. The lady that handled my phone order there went WAAAY out of her way to help me, going so far as calling the UPS pickup man and making him come back to the shop to pick up my packaged scoop so I could get it a day sooner. Even after I had assured her that quick delivery wasn't a concern. (and a hat tip to UPS too!)
 

Sir Gala Clad

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Chuck: I would like to verify that the Tube mount is easier to handle in strong currents (less drag) than the U Bolt mount. This is more important (crucial) for me, as I often hunt where there are surprisingly fast wave surges and strong currents when the tide changes.

I have an earlier Stealth with the longer 15" length basket with the more sharply pointed narrow euro tip which cuts through firm bottom like butter allowing me to dig deep fast and drains super fast with its one half inch hole pattern. It is ideal, for sanded in conditions in the first trough, where I only have one chance to two changes to retrieve a deep target, in the water.

I really like this scoop, but am not able to safely control it. Any cut in the tropics is a show stopper, which keeps you out of the water for a few weeks, as wounds have to be treated immediately and properly, to prevent staph infection. Further, I am having difficulties with my lifting hand (swelling/bruising of fingers) when retrieving targets in the wet sand as the weight of a full basket is too heavy for me. I received notice that this scoop needs to be returned for reinforcement of the triangular portion of the tower mount (no charge) but have held up returning it as I do not want anything done that would further increase its drag in the water. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great scoop and I really like it. Truly wish, I was able to use it more, most likely it needs a new home (sigh).

I currently use the heavier Sunspot Classic S8 with a 54” ninety degree angle wood handle as my go to beach stand up scoop. It took a little getting used to having to lean forward to dig, but it was well worth the effort. I love the way that it rapidly sifts from the bottom when pulled up in small steps. As the wooden pole goes all the way to the bottom, it is very stable, which is especially important to me as I use it as a walking staff as well as to push myself back to shore if it get to deep. Further, with the fulcrum plate in the back of the basket, I am able to pivot the scoop with my foot like a steam shovel using my foot to break suction. Since using it my wrist problems have gone away. It is definitely a keeper. In this case the older design is better, at least for me.

I only have one problem - it’s weight, and still need a lighter scoop to hunt all three zones: shallow water, wet sand, and lastly (when sanded in) dry sand. I suspect, your lighter tube mounted, hybrid stealth is exactly what I need. Unfortunately, it had not yet been designed (sigh): 790i – 90 degree vertical handle, Tube – Quick release for 1 3/8 “ OD handle, Bottom ½” holes, Rear ¼” holes (some ½” holes), 48” long Carbon Fiber handle with lifetime guarantee (don’t know if you can tell pointing direction with this handle)?

Out of curiosity, why did you discontinue the more rounded shield tip basket design.
It looks ideal for sand/shell bottoms (other than rocks). IIRC, the design is more than fifteen years old and is still being used by NJcigarman and several other seasoned detectorists.

Thanks for asking.

Tube: Slightly lighter, quick release handle for 1 3/8" diameter handle, this model will take a Carbon Fiber handle directly (no modification) if you decide you want one at a later date (who wouldn't?), very strong since the handle is 1 3/8" which is larger than most other scoops which use 1 1/4"

U-Bolt: Handle is considered stronger simply due to the fact that it is 1 1/2" diameter at the basket end, proven design (25 years), accepts existing handles you might have from an older Stealth, kind of a problem fitting a Carbon Fiber handle to this model. Easier to find a handle at a hardware store if you are on vacation and need one.

I use and recommend the Tube type.

Chuck
 

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