Lookin for a little advice.

[The Urban Prospector]

My wife and I are planning a trip to Florida and the Caribbean for about a week total. I am planning to bring the Excal II and am wondering what the best way is to pack the machine for travel. I currently do not have any type of travel bag for it. Also am planning on buying a scoop for the trip and was wondering what the best options were. If there are any other "hiccups" y'all have dealt with, I would be grateful to hear them. Thanks in advance!!

 

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[Captain Caveman]

Are you planning on detecting dry sand, wading, snorkeling or diving?

 

[Irishgoldhound]

I would bring it on the plane carry on with you in a nap sack. I would not trust a 1000$ plus machine to go through in my suit case to get damaged or stolen. My scoop goes in my suit case but I carry on my detector. Easy to break it done and put in your carry on bag.

 

[redcobra8u]

I've been thinking about a Pelican box for mine or possibly a rifle case.

 

[The Urban Prospector]

Are you planning on detecting dry sand, wading, snorkeling or diving?

Definitely wading and dry sand. If I decide to dive I will not need a scoop.

 

[The Urban Prospector]

I would bring it on the plane carry on with you in a nap sack. I would not trust a 1000$ plus machine to go through in my suit case to get damaged or stolen. My scoop goes in my suit case but I carry on my detector. Easy to break it done and put in your carry on bag.

What type of scoop do you use/recommend?
Thanks

 

[Irishgoldhound]

Here is a light weight aluminum scoop a lot of guys use and take on vacation. Perfect to fit in suitcase and very durable. Comes with a 5" diameter bucket or a 6"bucket. The 5" would pack better in your suitcase and yet still big enough to have no problems getting your targets. I use a bigger scoop otherwise, but when I travel, this one is all I need.

 

[Irishgoldhound]

 

[Irishgoldhound]

 

[CASPER-2]

2 piece RTG IS WHAT I ALWAYS TAKE - I have CZ21s
I pack 2 in a carry on - upper rods I pack in my equipment case
lower rods in the carry on - that way if suit case gets lost - I can just buy a broom handle or something and duck tape
to lower rod and still hunt

 

[CASPER-2]

I have used different cases and bags over the years - this is what I use now
baseball equipment bag - in here are 2 cz21s - a mask -dive boots - bathing trunks
gloves - towel -sweat shirt for the water and finds pouch

 

[CASPER-2]

my equipment case - my gal packs all our clothes in one suit case - this is mine
I usually bring 2 of everything and spare rods and tools and materials to repair just about anything
waterproof caulk - super glue - zip ties - duck tape - small hammer- pliers - screw drivers - dive knife
extra washers etc. ...extra mask - dive boots - gloves - 2 scoops - extra pouch

 

[CASPER-2]

you can find some of my travel articles here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/casper-2/

 

[OBN]

I use to travel a lot but found out there is more gold in my back yard

then most places I can travel. Notice the fix all in the packings, Duck tape

 

[The Urban Prospector]

you can find some of my travel articles here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/casper-2/

I will check them out, thank you!

 

[The Urban Prospector]

Yeah, you seasoned veterans have the packing down to a science. OBN, did you carry on or put thru with luggage? I am quite apprehensive about the thought of putting my machine thru checked baggage. Casper, I like how you think outside the box in regards to the way you separated the shafts...Anyhow, lots of great advice and I will be purchasing the RTG Pro scoop as soon as I figure out which vendor. I also happen to have a hard shell golf case that I am going to take a closer look at but I think it would be too cumbersome to carry on.....probably will just use a small travel suitcase. Anyhow, I really appreciate you guys all pitching in here.
Thank you!
-UP

 

[stefen]

Just a thought...When I traveled and made purchases, I go to a nearby thrift store and buy an inexpensive hard sided suitcase for $5 or $10 bucks, then I'd pack whatever and send it along with my other luggage...worked great...also used a gym bag at times too.

 

[treasure diver ct]

I'm planning on taking both my machines in a laptop bag and shafts in my main bag that's posted below..

 

[treasure diver ct]

The scoop I'm using, I'll buy a pole on the other side

 

[WaterWalker]

You have to conform to the size of carry-on. Most airlines I have been traveling on do not allow duffel bag as carry on. I used the hard shell golf bag for years...then the airlines started charging $75 each way for the oversize case.
I now have the lightest / largest allowable hard shell suitcase that I can pack all my gear and clothing in. Keeping it under the 45 or 50 pound max weight it tough at times. It is best to check out the airline's baggage regulations before packing and leaving the house. Remember to observe the carry on item regulations also. I have had to give up a small pen knife, digging tool and sun screen...put these items in your check on. Keep in mind also that not all airline are the same. Check the regs for the airline(s) you are flying on. Good luck and enjoy the warm water.