I purchased two shovels to use while detecting

[mtdoramike]

I finally had to come to the realization that I am not getting any younger and getting up and down off the ground is getting harder and harder for me. So I decided to try using a shovel or long handled digger to minimize the up and down effort. The first one I ordered was the Dr. Otek 3 piece shovel. First off let me say that I LOVED this shovel, the ability to shorten the handle by removing a section is great. It's solid as a rock, but and there is usually a but, it weighed in at well over 4 pounds, which is quite heavy for us older folk. The price was around $45.00 and worth every cent.

My second foray into digger shovels was the CKG carbon fiber handle shovel, which weighs in at under 2.5 pounds with a (D) handle instead of the t handle like the Dr, Otek. The spade was shaped the same. To me, this will be my shovel due to the less weight. The price was roughly the same as the Dr. Otek.

 

[angelskii]

CKG carbon fiber is the better option, especially as we age. Lightweight is so important when you're out detecting all day. The lower weight will save your back from extra strain.

 

[oldkoot]

I finally had to come to the realization that I am not getting any younger and getting up and down off the ground is getting harder and harder for me. So I decided to try using a shovel or long handled digger to minimize the up and down effort. The first one I ordered was the Dr. Otek 3 piece shovel. First off let me say that I LOVED this shovel, the ability to shorten the handle by removing a section is great. It's solid as a rock, but and there is usually a but, it weighed in at well over 4 pounds, which is quite heavy for us older folk. The price was around $45.00 and worth every cent.

My second foray into digger shovels was the CKG carbon fiber handle shovel, which weighs in at under 2.5 pounds with a (D) handle instead of the t handle like the Dr, Otek. The spade was shaped the same. To me, this will be my shovel due to the less weight. The price was roughly the same as the Dr. Otek.

Really interested to know how the Carbon fiber holds up to digging, Less weight is always great but will the Carbon fiber shaft withstand the digging and prying we sometimes do when Metal detecting

and I know we should not pry with our shovels but how many times have you or any of us been out detecting and ended up leaning back on our shovels to pry out a plug I know I have and I am sure I am not the only one that has

 

[mtdoramike]

Really interested to know how the Carbon fiber holds up to digging, Less weight is always great but will the Carbon fiber shaft withstand the digging and prying we sometimes do when Metal detecting

and I know we should not pry with our shovels but how many times have you or any of us been out detecting and ended up leaning back on our shovels to pry out a plug I know I have and I am sure I am not the only one that has

Most all shovels steel handle or carbon fiber will not last prying out a root. But most all shovels can pry out a plug, if they can't, they aren't worth a dime. A shovel carbon fiber or other wise is only a tool and like all tools the user must learn the tools limitations. I'm quite pleased with it. I not only use it to dig a plug, but if I must get down on my knees, I use it to help me get back up. So for $46.00 with free shipping from Amazon, I'm happy with it.

 

[MuddyMo]

^ Exactly, you can break a backhoe if you if you have no common sense.

 

[RichW]

I just bought the CKG, nice little shovel.

 

[mtdoramike]

But I also don't want to slight Dr. Otek's three piece shovel. It is built like a tank and should last for many a plug and even a root or three. But the weight was the main issue with it, had it not been for the weight issue, It would have been my shovel.