Heavy duty sand scoop suggestions?

Bullhead23 · May 21, 2018

I'm getting into water/beach metal detecting for the first time and have come to see how hard it is to hunt without a scoop. The areas I'm hunting have a lot of hard clay, thick mud, and rocks. What in your opinion is the best bang for your buck scoop that wont easily break, especially along the weld?

cudamark · Jun 2, 2018

I've reinforced my Stealth 720 to dig in the rocks. Adds a bit of weight, but, it's sure strong now! :icon_thumleft:

mikebourgeois · Jun 3, 2018

While I think all of the offered scoops are wonderful... have you thought about a much cheaper yet still viable option of going to your local buck or two store and getting a big plastic water jug... they come for about 4 or 5 dollars and are a very solid construction. Then take your drill if you have one or borrow one and use a bit that is just smaller than a dime in diameter... drill holes in the base of the jug... all around and on the bottom. I've used one for a year now... and it works fine. I balk at spending $150 to 200 for a scoop... even if it has excellent resale value... that is a quarter of the way to a new machine for me. I might spend that on a pinpointer but it is really a tool that you can use through all facets of your detecting... the scoop is good for one area but not all.

cudamark · Jun 3, 2018

Plastic doesn't work or hold up well in rocky areas, and not great in wet sand either. You would have to squat down to use one like you describe. My legs and back ache just thinking about doing that! :laughing7:

A good long handled scoop can dramatically speed up the recovery time, allowing you to find many more targets in a given period of time. It's the best investment you can make at a sandy venue. As for a scoop not being good for all areas......that's true of just about all metal detecting tools and equipment. The proper tool for the job is always best.

mikebourgeois · Jun 3, 2018

cudamark said:
Plastic doesn't work or hold up well in rocky areas, and not great in wet sand either. You would have to squat down to use one like you describe. My legs and back ache just thinking about doing that! A good long handled scoop can dramatically speed up the recovery time, allowing you to find many more targets in a given period of time. It's the best investment you can make at a sandy venue. As for a scoop not being good for all areas......that's true of just about all metal detecting tools and equipment. The proper tool for the job is always best.

My plastic scoop has held up for soon to be two years of granted occasional use on the beach. As for stoop and scoop... I hear ya. My main point was that the metal crafted scoops are very expensive and for a beginner who has already shelled out at least say 3 to 4 hundred dollars for a detector, rudimentary pinpointer and shovel/spade... well another 150 to 200 for a scoop... that's kinda breaking the bank. Short term investment of 5 bucks and time with power tool will get you through the first couple of days/weeks/months of activity and let you decide if this is the life for you.

halfstep · Jun 4, 2018

AARC said:
View attachment 1593092 View attachment 1593093 View attachment 1593094

I have one of the nuttall scoops ordered for the creeks and rivers. We have very little sand and a lot of gravel. I wanted something with a good point angle and something strong. From what I have read, this is the best choice for me.

bayhawk2 · Jun 5, 2018

I live near the beach (salt water) and a scoop is only good for me in loose sand.
In hard packed sand or mud,I use a shovel.But that's just me.

Javadroid · Jun 6, 2018

Terry Soloman said:
I am sending you a PM with a link you should check out. Good Luck!

Terry - would you mind sending it to me as well?

Chuck-N-Detroit · Jun 7, 2018

Just a thought: Aluminum seems like the answer BUT, many do not think about or realize that the thicker metal (1/8") makes penatrating the sand harder. So every dig is harder, dig after dig. Finding more gold happens when you are efficient and have the energy to hunt that extra hour or two... :laughing7:

Chuck

DeepseekerADS · Jun 7, 2018

Chuck-N-Detroit said:
Just a thought: Aluminum seems like the answer BUT, many do not think about or realize that the thicker metal (1/8") makes penatrating the sand harder. So every dig is harder, dig after dig. Finding more gold happens when you are efficient and have the energy to hunt that extra hour or two...
Chuck

I've done a lot of river scooping = lots of rocks large and small. I don't believe aluminum would stand up to that, where a good stainless scoop handles it well. No damage to my 920iX yet.

Metal Detecting Stuff · Jun 7, 2018

We carry the Xtreme Scoops as well as RTG. I think the Xtreme is the best value right now.

https://metaldetectingstuff.com/collections/all/beach-scoop

Wayne

Chuck-N-Detroit · Jun 7, 2018

Metal Detecting Stuff said:
We carry the Xtreme Scoops as well as RTG. I think the Xtreme is the best value right now.

View attachment 1599308
https://metaldetectingstuff.com/collections/all/beach-scoop

Wayne

Who designed this scoop?
Chuck

Darwoody · Jun 7, 2018

I use a Stavr Scoop - MONSTRIK 9. Designed especially for clay/rocky areas. It has a pointed, solid (no holes) spade-like front for digging in solid ground.

Diggin-N-Dumps · Jun 7, 2018

https://www.amazon.com/RTG-Aluminum-Water-Scoop-RTGBB6/dp/B01M1EVILE/?tag=treasurenet01-20

This is the one I have used for the last couple years. Perfect for beaches

Stuarbuckle · Jun 7, 2018

rebbel31 said:
Xtreme scoops make a tough scoop with a 10 year warranty. He also offers a military discount. Worth a look. 1View attachment 1593091

These are bad ass scoops!

cudamark · Jun 8, 2018

Chuck-N-Detroit said:
Who designed this scoop?
Chuck

John Volek in Houston, Tx.

OBN · Jun 8, 2018

cudamark said:
John Volek in Houston, Tx.

I think it's more copy and paste of the stealth design with a few changes. Last I heard he was doing the same with the Russian scoop, stavr. I guess that's no different then pouching someones hunting spot or being a Pirate. :skullflag:

OBN · Jun 8, 2018

His copy of the Starv scoop..

cudamark · Jun 9, 2018

All scoops have kinda the same design don't they? Only so much you can do to make them look different and still function correctly. You could say the same thing about cell phones or wedding bands.....they look a lot alike, but, that doesn't bother me in the slightest! The more the merrier! Keeps the cost down when you have competition. :icon_thumleft:

Chuck-N-Detroit · Jun 18, 2018

cudamark said:
John Volek in Houston, Tx.

At least try to be honest as to the designer. People are not stupid.

Chuck

Metal Detecting Stuff · Jun 18, 2018

John designed these himself. He did look at all scoops in the market and took input from dedicated water hunters as to what worked for them and what did not. Every stainless scoop has similarities and differences. Here is one of his design drawings, he took two years in developing his product and it continues to evolve from user feedback.