Sand Scoop Recomendation

stitchlips · Aug 27, 2008

Ok I am going to order my sand shark in the next week or so and I need some advice on a sand scoop?
I will be using this in the water and wet sand. Thanks for all the help on all of my prior questions!

Narthoniel · Aug 27, 2008

Hello,

Welcome to the water! The biggest tip ive been given for scoops is, bigger capacity is better. I was pointed into the direction of the Nutall Diamond Head scoop when I asked the same question. I have the 48 inch handle, and while it is heavy at first, I have come to be used to it. It does a great job in the water and wet sand. But remember, it is heavy, and if you dont think you can handle a heavy scoop, go for aluminum.

Anthony

rdi · Aug 27, 2008

I like the Beachcomber from Demarco Detector's in NJ as my main scoop....and Nutall Diamond as a back up.....rdi

time4me · Aug 27, 2008

I love the Nuttall diamond head scoop. I have used other scoops in the past, and the last one which was aluminum or some metal like it ended up bending on me. That's when I ordered the Nuttall, and although it was heavy, it worked beautifully! It was the 40" steel model. Since then Nuttall came out with the 48" fiberglass handle model, so I ordered one to have shipped to Cape Cod where we spend two weeks every summer. I planned on just leaving it there so I'd have a great scoop whenever I'm there. I was surprised that it was not really any lighter than the steel version, but that extra 8 inches makes all the difference in the world! Since I've been back home I used the 40 inch steel model for a lake hunt, and I immediately missed those extra 8 inches. So, I just ordered another 48" fiberglass Nuttall to have here in California - waiting for it to arrive hopefully today or tomorrow.

Travis Nuttall is really great to do business with as well. He is very friendly on the phone, and will even give you a tip or two about water detecting

Let us know what you end up getting and how it works for you.

Jim

Schrecky · Aug 27, 2008

I use the Beachcomber also, it is pretty heavy but very well built.

beachboy · Aug 27, 2008

Schrecky said:
I use the Beachcomber also, it is pretty heavy but very well built.

What is the price on that.....BC

stitchlips · Aug 27, 2008

After buying the sand shark I won't have enough dough left for a scoop like the diamond head,

I will have to most likely get a hand held one. Any recommendations for a hand held? Or will it just be too difficult?

SandFiddler · Aug 27, 2008

I agree that the Nutall Diamond Head is a great water scoop. It's not good in dry sand.
Travis Nuttall does a really fine job building them and he gives great personalized service.

nudels · Aug 27, 2008

stitchlips said:
After buying the sand shark I won't have enough dough left for a scoop like the diamond head,
I will have to most likely get a hand held one. Any recommendations for a hand held? Or will it just be too difficult?

With the hand scoop, you will not be able to hunt the surf much deeper than knees without inhaling a lot of water

. I learned that the first time I went out with a hand scoop. But if you're good with that, get a nicer hand held, not the stamped and curled stainless sheet ones. Consider a budget scoop like the surf sifter:

http://www.billsdetectorsales.com/diggersprobes.html

it's perhaps 2x the price of a good hand scoop, but should get good results in chest deep water. IMHO better than any hand scoop.

Or talk to the shop you will buy the detector from, perhaps they can knock off a bit on a good long handle scoop.

If you do end up with a hand scoop, get this style:

http://www.ronsdetectors.com/graphics/garrett-scoop.jpg

Not this one:

http://www.ronsdetectors.com/graphics/hdscoop.jpg

The latter is stamped sheet steel handle, occasional sharp edges and not very rugged.

I went with a Nuttall, they keep their value nicely, are extremely well built, and they have the pointed scoop edge. And they treat you very well too, IME and from others stories.

kaptainkosmic · Aug 28, 2008

heres the scoop i've been hunting with...

this scoop takes a big bite its also heavy. but does a great job of getting target on first try. it can also be used to dry sand but its really heavy for that.

hh steve