I have and use both, for different detecting conditions.
In rocks, shallow water I like the straight up. More than likely it is the re-bar point I have on the scoop with more of a point to get into the rocks and I have better leverage to lift it straight up out of the water. But it offers less twisting side to side control than an angled handle.
In the normal underwater conditions of sand/shell/weeds an muck, the angle handled scoop is my main digger. It is easier to dig a deeper target and it dose not have the open top as the straight handled scoop does. The "bucket" is easier for me to capture the target. I can put the bucket on an "open end up", swish the sand out and have less chance of dropping the target back into the water. However, it takes more effort to bring the loaded bucket to the surface. I also have a "P" style handle which I have never mastered and a small dry sand scoop with a walking cane's handle on it, the grip is 90 degrees to the shaft. That makes for a handy walking aid on the dry sand. My travel scoop has a smaller bucket and its handle on an angle, the only way it came, and works well in packing in a suite case and the really sandy beaches I vacation at.
As with all metal detecting equipment no one piece is the truly "THE BEST" and universal item will be "the best" for all conditions.
Pick and choose for the conditions you will detect in and the items you are searching for.
Don't forget about hole size. some will let a half-dime slip right on through - it happened to me and my buddy with a scoop with smaller holes tool the half-dime home with him. While smaller hole may catch a stud earring, they will make it more difficult to get the unwanted
material out of the bucket.
