What is the best handle angle for water hunting and dry sand?

[Dig-It-Scoops]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering what is the best handle angle for water hunting and dry sand? Also how long of a handle is best?

 

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[DnD]

A 90 degree handle will likely require the most angled bend of your body when plunging the scoop into the hole; however, lifting and sifting may be easier and/or not require the use of a grab handle.

A 20 or similar degree handle diminishes the angle needed to bend over and scoop a target; however, lifting and sifting may increase fatigue unless you add a grab handle. For most people, the angled handle is most beneficial when working in deep water or rough surf because the more you bend over, the more likely you are to get a face full of water.

As far as handle length, position your body and the scoop as you would to plunge it into the sand. Then have a second person help measure the distance from the scoop to slightly above your hand.

If you are on the fence about which one is best for you, then make a mock-up by duct-taping a broom handle to a coffee can. You can then simulate the "scooping action" based on a 90 and 20/70 degree angled scoop. Once your scoop arrives, you can do a second mock-up to determine the length best suited to your height.

-David

 

[bigscoop]

In the really soft, fine grain sand, it really doesn't matter much, the digging is easy with little effort either way, the scoop washes out quickly which reduces the weight at the end of the stick,.....very little fatigue is experienced.

On the other hand, hard sand, or a sand and gravel mix, perhaps clay, these conditions can present an entirely different situation. It takes more force to penetrate, takes more energy to remove and lift, so now leverage suddenly becomes a factor. Without a doubt the old Miller style looped handles provided the best of both worlds, they provided great leverage and torque and though the bucket sat at a 90 degree the offset, or stepped back loop, allowed for little bending over even in the firmest conditions. This looped design also allowed you a great deal of leverage when removing the bucket and the position of the front shaft of the loop allowed you to easily slide your hand nearer a full/loaded bucket for better balancing. Ah, but the Miller is no more and today's manufacturers just haven't incorporated the concept into their designs, probably due to cost factors, but they should. If a guy will spend $1500 to $2000 or more on a machine he'll certainly dump $300 - $350 into a top of the line scoop. I know I would.

So I think "conditions" is a big factor in determining which handle design best suits the hunter. I have a couple of different scoops, 90's/45's/20's, big and smaller buckets, just for this reason. Nothing worse then the scoop that's wearing you out.

 

[Beach Papa]

I like the 90 degree bend for both water and wet/dry sand... Just my preference.....

 

[Mel Parker]

Best handle angle for me.

I like the bent wooden handle it's the best of both worlds. You have an off set angle when you start digging, then when you begin to lift the scoop by sliding your hand down the handle it straightens out making it easier to lift. Works for me.

 

[OBN]

So I think "conditions" is a big factor in determining which handle design best suits the hunter.

Big scoop nailed it....

Like your non metal scoops, great concept. Had a friend that had in the works a Polyoxmethylene plastic scoop but never heard what happened.

 

[Dig-It-Scoops]

Nice videos Joe. I see you have a AT-Pro. I have been hearing a lot of good things about them. how do you like it?

 

[Dig-It-Scoops]

I tried a bent handle but I couldn't get used to it. I probably didn't give it enough time. I like about 10 degrees but my brother likes 20. He scoops strait down and I go in at an angle. I think it has a lot to do with the way you like to dig.

 

[Dig-It-Scoops]

I can see the points David and Bigscoop have made. It seems like the 20 degree is preferred by most water hunters and less by drysand hunters. I have one of the miller scoops that came with my CZ-20 when I bought it. I never tried it because I thought it was too heavy. Maybe I will try to put a ring handle one one of my PVC scoops. Thanks for the advice everyone.

 

[OBN]

Thank You DIS............Wanna sell that Miller? I need a backup for the Bay here in Maryland. I have found the Miller good in calm waters, not ruff or the dry sand..like you said to heavy.

The AT Pro was a loner from Gary Storm so I could test the Gray Ghost Amphibians on it, Sea Hunter and Infinium which both I had were tested also. I did not use it beyond the work bench. I had an experienced AT Gold hunter do the field testing with his own machine. I know he does well both land and water, but he does use the CZ20 more in the water then the AT Gold but prefers the AT Gold over his MXT on land.

 

[Dig-It-Scoops]

Ya I could possibly sell the miller, what do you think it's worth?

 

[OBN]

Last one I paid 85 plus shipping, and that was a good deal 2010. I have seen them for sale, Brand New for 159.oo plus shipping. Shipping is the killer....This is At a little shop in New England, Streeters. Maybe best if I make you an offer then pick it up on my next trip to Jersey...if you decide to sell.

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