Which Sand Scoop?

[janiece]

Which sand scoop do you use and why did you choose it? I went to the beach yesterday and definitely see the need for a sand scoop for both wet and dry sand. I want to make sure I make a good choice the first time so I'd appreciate your input and insights.

Thanks!

['E']

Hey Janiece, I hunt strictly in the dry sand, I have a long handled (3 ft) scoop & it works great, Buster just got a heavy duty scoop for the water which I'm sure he'll post about, you definitely need a scoop for beach hunting, saves so much time & back ache Good luck to you!!

[bdahunter]

One scoop for dry sand (an open mesh basket style to allow the drysand to quickly drain) and one scoop for wet sand (solid bucket with holes just smaller than a dime so you can wash the sand out).
Wet sand scoops and water scoops are essentially the same, heavy duty construction for the hard digging that goes with packed wet sand. Dry scoops are lighter duty, less expensive, lighter weight and suited only for the dry loose sand. Wet sand will quickly wear out a drysand scoop.
There are hybrid scoops available but most don't suit either purpose well being a compromise design. There is one that is stainless steel but it's pretty heavy and expensive that is the best comprise I've seen yet, about $200.
Check out what the sponsors carry and then post a few pics of the ones you like, we can guide you from there.

Cheers,

BDA

[Buster]

Janiece, "E" and BDA have it very well covered..A good scoop is the way to go...It is so much easier with one...I was using the little scoop for the longest time.."E" kept telling me to get a longer scoop like the one she has...Well she was right on that.I finally broke down and got one...I don't have to bend down and my back is feeling better...I guess you can teach an old dog something new...As was said, check with the sponsors...They will help with any info you need..Buster.......

[Bryan Jon]

I need to get a scoop as well! I have been putting it off for too long.

[EBCIII]

I have one but have not used it at the beach. I got lucky and got mine from a member of the site at a great price. I really think that for the beach you gotta have one. Good luck to you with the choice and on finding one you like.

I also agree check in with the sponsors, Beale.

[Zman]

Janiece,

I agree with the others, the long handles are the way to go. I have a handheld one thats nice, but a couple of hours of that and my back and knees are killing me.

Good luck.

[GStiles]

I was looking at beach scoops just about a year ago at this time. Based on a lot of feedback, the long handled really is the way to go. Not only does it save your back when digging, but you can drag it behind you which leaves a trail to tell exactly where you've been. This is a useful technique to find the "lane" in the sand where all the finds have been deposited. You can also create you own grid on the beach.

For me, I only hunt the beach once per year (on my vacation), so I did not see the need to spend a ton of money on some of the really high end models (and there are some very nice ones that will cost you a bunch). The model I choose was the RTG BEACHMASTER WATER SCOOP (Model #700) that I found here:
http://www.windycitydetectors.com/scoops.htm

One of the features I would recommend is to get a scoop that has reinforcement on the back (as this model does), otherwise there is the possibility that when you step on the back of the scoop to dig you could simply crush the wire basket in the back.

My experience with the scoop has been great. It does a fanstastic job of quickly cutting through the dry sand. In the wet, my pinpointing was not up to par, so though the scoop did a good job, I was not so great at recovery.

Good luck with your hunt for a scoop and your treasure hunting on the beach!

George

[Floridabill]

I have two long handled scoops, one is aluminum light for the dry wet sand, and the other is heavy duty out in the water.

Quite a few guys like the one I have. It is a great digger and especially if the bottom is hard, a lot of scoops are rounded..

[Maui Mike]

Aloha Bill, whats the model called of that scoop, where and how much? Mahalo Mike