Not Junk! - Proven Design
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!
I hunted with the "Allegedly " stout TRex 9.5 and it was junk. HEAVY JUNK. I went and got a Stealth 920ix and the Carbon fiber handle and WOW!!!! is all I can say. Digs fast. Cleans well. So far it's VERY durable and with the foot pad design its VERY comfortable while pushing with your foot. Some might get detoured by the initial $$$ but you get what you pay for....
