Excal straight shaft and sand scoops?

[Steelhead]

Ok i just bought an Excal and its on its way. Now i'm wondering if the Babbs straight shaft is worth it. Looks great, but i would appreciate any opinions on it. Also, any suggestions for sand scoops?

Thanks,
Brent

 

[MK_(MO)]

.The excal is a great machine but it takes some learning. I'd use it for a while before you decide to buy a straight shaft. Swing carful as the lower shafts for the excal are junk and break without much effort. The excal is very heavy out of water and I think the straight shaft helps with this.
I built my own straight shaft a few years back. I liked it a lot better than the original.
Never used a sand scoop
Good luck
mk

 

[Harold in NC]

I have a Mark of west Central fla. Shaft, it's like the Babbs shaft but the weight is more towards the back and it seems to be a lot easier to handle, their are quite a few people useing his shaft, i had a stroke last year and i got one of his shafts and it's a lot better for me, but it's your choice hope you make the right one. as far as scoops, babbs scoops are good. Then so is treasure scoops. com, treasure coast scoops are all stainless steel and they almost last forever, i've had one since i started and still useing it.
hope some of this info will help you. HH Harold in Fla.
Oh Mark's email is Aqua-Sov@verizon.net.

 

[NamVetLesTreasureSeeker]

Hey Steelhead, Congratulations on your purchase of the Excal! It is my favorite detector, and I have (3) Excals & 1-CZ-20, which is also a great water detector. But, the Excal's have the built-in iron mask, which is really great in iron trash/hot rocks. What state are you located in? I'm in Wilmington, Delaware, and I have one of Treasure Coast Scoops Model TS-111 for sale. It is used, but solid stainless steel, the bucket has 1/2" holes, diameter of bucket is 5" wide, and length is approx. 9" at bottom from the duckbill. I modified mine with a better bicycle handle grip, so that you know where the front of the scoop is at all times. This is especially nice in dark water, where you can't see the bottom portion of the scoop.
KellyCo sells this scoop for $120, plus $20 shipping, and I believe Treasure Coast Scoops now sells this one for $110, plus shipping from Fla. I am selling mine for $90, plus actual shipping insured UPS to your door. If interested, call me anytime, day or nite up til 2am.est. (I'm a niteowl), and i'll be glad to answer any questions if you have any. My ph# is (302) 354-5661. I cannot post a picture, do not have the technology. Whatever you decide, best of luck, hh