Best all around beach scoop

[RVRoamer73]

I use an Excalibur 2 while beach hunting and was wondering which scoop would be the
best in water or wet to packed sand areas. I was looking at some Stealth has and have
talked with Chuck at the shop and he is steering me towards the 920 ix X-treme. I have come
to the conclusion that this scoop may be great for in water, but wet sand way to heavy of
a load to handle. @ 66 yrs. old maybe.... Any thoughts, advice, would be appreciated since
I need help with deciding on this. I want the scoop to drain fast, and be stout enough to
dig in shell areas...In other words, the best of both worlds is what I am looking for.

Thanks,
Dennis

 

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[jeepGold]

Before you bark at a person over a product that reviewed, perhaps you should ask a few questions. What happened? Did that even enter your mind? I'll tell you what happened.
I to am a very active hunter and bought the 9.5 thinking it was stout as could be (mostly due to its weight). I used it for about 5 months ALOT. Never in rocks and always in wet sand with about 20% of that in dry sand.
I went to the beach one day and did a full dig into wet sand that wasn't even hard wet . .. Meaning clayish... Just sand. 1st dig of the day.. It snapped down the welds. WTH...
I went home, looked up the site I bought it from. (Direct from TRex) called the guy. He had a screaming baby in the back ground with a TV on. Basically said that he had NEVER heard of anyone breaking one and I was the 1st. He also said that I must be lying to get a new scoop. Are you kidding me? He then said to send it back to him on my dime. He'd evaluate it and if it was a R&D issue that he'd have to send it to Pennsylvania to his welder. Then back to him for eval then to me again on my dime. $#^#$ Screw off....
I went to a local welder and had him weld it up for 40.00. Since then it's cracked again in 2 other spots.
That's when I went with the Stealth.
There's more to a product than the product (which is usually the most important aspect). It's customer service. Trex's customer service is a JOKE!
I thought, well perhaps I was a lone issue. I have since met THREE other LOCAL guys who have had their Trex scoops crack the same way as mine. With the same customer service issues.
I'm a nice guy and I usually wouldn't bark back at someone but you came at me a bit cross so I had to respond. Glad YOUR scoop is working out.
As someone who has taken numerous welding courses I can tell you that the 9.5's (at least that batch) had pathetic welds and were more cosmetic than structural. Either way, they won't get squat from me EVER AGAIN simply based on our phone conversation.
Happy hunting.

I purchased the TRex 9.5 inch wide open stainless steel basket with rectangular 3/8 inch drain slots with shield type tip when it first came out and have been more than satisified with the quality and performance of this stand up water scoop as well as with the service of the dealer (DeMarco) who I purchased it from.
I prefer to use this scoop where valuable targets are often found, as one is less likely to damage a target with a wider scoop and if accidently hit do less damage to a target with a shield type tip than a sharply pointed Vish Eurotip. Further smaller targets/chains/narrow lead jig sinkers are less likely to fall through the narrower drain slot when sifting.

I found it easier to place and push against the wider back of the TREX, finding it a better all around scoop for my use (dry sand, wet sand, shallow water).


I also purchased a stealth 720i 7in wide, 15 Inch long open stainless steel basket with one half inch holes for
optimum drainage with an agressive eurotip (sharp V) for evaluation. I found it much harder to place this scoop in the right place for target for retrieval as well as keeping balance. This standup water scoop is ideal for where you need to go for ma ximum depth, have to punch through heavy shelled areas, work near rocks, maximum drainage. I can also buy a longer handle for it to push back to shore if I accidently step into a hole ' get in too deep.

The manufacture of the 15 inch long of a basket was discontinued, as a result of returned failures from the field. The one I purchased was recalled (no cost) for additional bracking. I did not return it, as I was having difficulty holding this scoop in place where there were strong currents / surges from the water pushing against the flat bracing strip. Adding additional strips to reinforce the scoop would increase the drag.

The round tubular bracing is a better design as it offers less resistance to water from strong currents / wave surges pushing against it. I am not worried as I know that Chuck will make it right (hopely replace all flat bracing with tubular rods (one of a kind modification) or offer some type of trade in / swap if not cost effective.

I suspect that the problem you have had with the TREX is that they tried to reduce the weight (it is a heavier basket) which should be adressed to the manufacturer so that it can be corrected.

I am sorry for your inconveince and that you are frustrated, but I do not appreciate your referring to a scoop
that I and seasoned treasure hunters use as junk, as it reflects negatively on our choices and experience.

Worse - it does nothing to correct the problem, which obviously needs correction. We need more and better alternatives - one scoop, no matter how good will not do it all!

 

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[Treasure_Hunter]

Sifting wetsand sounds like torture

Not really, I have a 9" stealth and 10" Beach Brute II, no problem digging in wet sand or water.......

 

[dewcon4414]

If you are hunting in the OAT MEAL then its more about choosing the right size holes that clear sand quickly and will catch the targets you are after. Im partial to the 1/2" holes and the Stavr scoops. Most of the sand i hunt is like concrete ...... thick and sludgy. BUT other beaches can get shelly or a real hard pan that requires more of a point. Those rounded nose scoops tend to want to roll on you. That 920 is a pretty sweet scoop and its lighter than you think especially with his CF shaft.

 

[RVRoamer73]

I have since re-worded my original Thread in post #33. Any good answer to this??

Thanks!!

 

[Terry Soloman]

I fully agree that you need more than one scoop to beach detect, but I was trying to find out from the most knowledgeable beach hunters in the WORLD, if you
had to go into your scoop collection and pick ONE scoop to be your "keeper" which scoop would you would pick to be your "best all around beach scoop".

The 720i that I have picked may not be the answer, that's true, but I am trying to get as close as I can to the "ONE" scoop I possibly could get by with
in most situations.

It is a hard question to answer for sure. But I would find it interesting in knowing which scoop some of you would choose as your "best all around beach scoop".
This is the reason I have asked this question, I knew I was in the right place to ask it. Just a FUN question...Hard choice to make....

Thanks for making this Thread informative reading,
Dennis

Well Dennis, three pages of discussion and opinions. Here is mine. If you can only afford ONE scoop, get the RTG BIG ALUMINUM 7" WATER SCOOP (#RTGBig7). Just 4.5lbs.

 

[cudamark]

I have since re-worded my original Thread in post #33. Any good answer to this??

Thanks!!

My best all around scoop at the moment is the Stealth 720i that I modified by adding a keel plate for digging/prying in rocky areas. If I decided to buy another scoop, I'd give the 920I hybrid a try. I do have 4 other scoops, but, the 720 is my favorite for almost every kind of beach hunting. The only other ones I really use at this point is a 2 piece aluminum take apart travel scoop and a short handled wire basket dry sand scoop for club competition hunts. Since planted hunt targets are less than 2 inches down, it's much easier to wield and it sifts very fast. You can sift and dump the target into your pouch with just one hand, so, you can recover more targets in a given time.

 

[RVRoamer73]

720 i Stealh from Sunspot Tooling Systems

Received my 720i Stealth from Sunspot and
am hoping it will be a great all around good scoop for my needs. Lots of you use them and probably already know how well they perform.

Heading out for the coast trip, like my signature says, looking for a beach to dig holes in (filled back in of course.)
Hoping to get up with some friends along the coast and tect a bit together.

Pic not too good. Haven't figured this part out yet.

Happy Hunting, Great finds, best of Luck!!!
Dennis

 

[jeepGold]

SWEET.. Did you get the CF handle? Well worth it.....

Received my 720i Stealth from Sunspot and
am hoping it will be a great all around good scoop for my needs. Lots of you use them and probably already know how well they perform.

Heading out for the coast trip, like my signature says, looking for a beach to dig holes in (filled back in of course.)
Hoping to get up with some friends along the coast and tect a bit together.

Pic not too good. Haven't figured this part out yet.

Happy Hunting, Great finds, best of Luck!!!
Dennis

 

[slider66]

I use an Excalibur 2 while beach hunting and was wondering which scoop would be the
best in water or wet to packed sand areas. I was looking at some Stealth has and have
talked with Chuck at the shop and he is steering me towards the 920 ix X-treme. I have come
to the conclusion that this scoop may be great for in water, but wet sand way to heavy of
a load to handle. @ 66 yrs. old maybe.... Any thoughts, advice, would be appreciated since
I need help with deciding on this. I want the scoop to drain fast, and be stout enough to
dig in shell areas...In other words, the best of both worlds is what I am looking for.

Thanks,
Dennis

Hi Dennis,

I am going to be 64 soon and have the extreme 920. I carry it on the beach anywhere from 4 to 7 hours at a time. I recently went to Miami beach and dug all day with it. Of course we all are different but for me I love my 920. Works excellent. Worked great in the water in Miami with all the rock too. That's my two cents worth!

 

[penzfan]

Nice ride Dennis. Let me know if you decide to travel near Palm Beach. Would like to hunt with you and discuss RVing. Safe travels...

 

[RVRoamer73]

Hi Dennis,

I am going to be 64 soon and have the extreme 920. I carry it on the beach anywhere from 4 to 7 hours at a time. I recently went to Miami beach and dug all day with it. Of course we all are different but for me I love my 920. Works excellent. Worked great in the water in Miami with all the rock too. That's my two cents worth!

Thanks for the great info on the 920. I also think I could handle it ok, strength wise, just was averaging out everything, and it all added up to
be the 720. Betcha at times, I'll be wishing I had the 920, but maybe I'll do OK with the smaller 720i.

Thanks!!
Dennis

 

[RVRoamer73]

Nice ride Dennis. Let me know if you decide to travel near Palm Beach. Would like to hunt with you and discuss RVing. Safe travels...

Sent you PM. Yes indeed, have learned LOTS on the RV thing. Lots of fun for the wife and I traveling. Get to meet lots of nice folks like yourself. The DW and I were talking about going to Florida this winter some. I've only hunted the gulf up near Pan Handle, etc., We try to hunt closer around like HH or Myrtle, on North a bit...etc.

Thanks for invite,
Dennis

 

[jeepGold]

920 owner as well... Absolutely LOVE it. Took a few hunts to get used to the angle of the scoop when doing a straight dig but now that I have I can't see going back to anything else.

 

[RVRoamer73]

1st time using the Stealth 720i

This scoop has to be the easiest digging scoop I have ever used. Mannn! what I have been missing for years. It made my work much much easier....
Cuts through the sand like butter.....Hunted HH last evening with friend, let him try this scoop and was amazed with it. Thanks for
all the help and suggestions on scoops, this purchase, tho a bit pricey, is well worth the $$$$$ This is a FACT!!!!

 

[Sandman]

I am 75 years young an used many scoops over the years. Now days I used the 920ix cause of the big bite it can take, but I don't have to use brute force to lift the scoop. After my first dig I let the water wash the sand out and check the hole. But for wet sand hunting I used a RTG Beachmaster because of the screen an no shaking, I let the water clear the sand. A golfer uses different clubs for each shot for a reason but we can't carry two scoops. Heck i can barely drag one.

 

[Sir Gala Clad]

Are you using a 920i X with a straight up 90 degree angle so that you can lift straight up, and sift in short hops?

Does the 45 degree angle on the back of the basket, allow you to break the scoop free from the hole by changing the position on
your foot, like a steam shovel as you can do with the rear angular extension on the heavier 8 inch classic basket.

I really like the wood tapered textured shafts that Chuck sells - have big hands, plus I like the longer shaft - the extra length comes in handy in pushing back to shore. If you are using the composite shaft - what is the weight savings, is the narrow shaft as comfortable with
a heavily loaded basket - comfortable with the thinner shaft(S)?

I am 75 years young an used many scoops over the years. Now days I used the 920ix cause of the big bite it can take, but I don't have to use brute force to lift the scoop. After my first dig I let the water wash the sand out and check the hole. But for wet sand hunting I used a RTG Beachmaster because of the screen an no shaking, I let the water clear the sand. A golfer uses different clubs for each shot for a reason but we can't carry two scoops. Heck i can barely drag one.

 

[Sandman]

I like the 90 degree and lift it straight up in short hops. I tried the offset angled handle but didn't like it.

 

[Fletch88]

I like the 90 degree and lift it straight up in short hops. I tried the offset angled handle but didn't like it.

I have a 720 with 90 degree and a TRex with the angle. The 90 degree is easier like you said to do a little "straight up hop" than the angled but most don't believe it

 

[Sir Gala Clad]

For the record: You posted “I hunted with the “Allegedly " stout TRex 9.5 and it was junk. HEAVY JUNK.” At best, that is a rant, not a review as no other information was provided by you.

Not to be a meanie, but I believe that everyone ( you, me, government should be held accountable/responsible for what they say, do, and fail to do (broken promises) especially if it hurts others.

Even though you edited out prior accusations about me, which I wish they were still there , as it would be beneficial to answer them, I am still having difficulty understanding why being a nice guy is important (must be a generation gap thing) – so I will have to take your word for it.

Have no idea, what to do about a screaming baby, in the back ground? Good luck with shopping, traveling in airplanes.
Work done under warranty, is not free – I have always had to pay for return shipping and insurance, clock is still ticking against you while waiting for return. The manufacturer pays for the return shipping to you and aborbs all other costs, once return is authorized.

A diversity of high quality products and service for metal detecting is what is on my mind. Nothing else or less.

Good Hunting and take care to protect yourself from the Sun.

Before you bark at a person over a product that reviewed, perhaps you should ask a few questions. What happened? Did that even enter your mind? I'll tell you what happened.
I to am a very active hunter and bought the 9.5 thinking it was stout as could be (mostly due to its weight). I used it for about 5 months ALOT. Never in rocks and always in wet sand with about 20% of that in dry sand.
I went to the beach one day and did a full dig into wet sand that wasn't even hard wet . .. Meaning clayish... Just sand. 1st dig of the day.. It snapped down the welds. WTH...
I went home, looked up the site I bought it from. (Direct from TRex) called the guy. He had a screaming baby in the back ground with a TV on. Basically said that he had NEVER heard of anyone breaking one and I was the 1st. He also said that I must be lying to get a new scoop. Are you kidding me? He then said to send it back to him on my dime. He'd evaluate it and if it was a R&D issue that he'd have to send it to Pennsylvania to his welder. Then back to him for eval then to me again on my dime. $#^#$ Screw off....
I went to a local welder and had him weld it up for 40.00. Since then it's cracked again in 2 other spots.
That's when I went with the Stealth.
There's more to a product than the product (which is usually the most important aspect). It's customer service. Trex's customer service is a JOKE!
I thought, well perhaps I was a lone issue. I have since met THREE other LOCAL guys who have had their Trex scoops crack the same way as mine. With the same customer service issues.
I'm a nice guy and I usually wouldn't bark back at someone but you came at me a bit cross so I had to respond. Glad YOUR scoop is working out.
As someone who has taken numerous welding courses I can tell you that the 9.5's (at least that batch) had pathetic welds and were more cosmetic than structural. Either way, they won't get squat from me EVER AGAIN simply based on our phone conversation.
Happy hunting.

View attachment 1322758 View attachment 1322759 View attachment 1322760

 

[cudamark]

Seems to me that his "review" was as good or better than most. He had photos of the failure and his encounter with customer service. What more would you want from a review? An scientific autopsy from an engineer? All we can do as individuals is give our everyday, real world experiences.