Sand Scoops??? Worth it or not???

[Gonzo]

Hello,
You all have been very helpful to me, thanks. So I am back to ask more questions LOL. I finally decided on a Sov GT (Thanks to all who gave me feedback), and am planning to head to the beach again soon, I know its cold, but I love the beach in the winter.
This brings me to my question, I have been looking at sand scoops and they seem very expensive to me. Do you guys use them?? are they helpful or worth the money??
I had just been using a small shovel, but have to put the detector down in the sand and get on my knees to dig, no big deal, but I am curious to see if you folks use them or not, and what you suggest. Is there a less expensive sand scoop??

Thanks in advance for your replays, Gonzo

 

[concad]

Gonzo,

Scoops are definatly worth it. In fact I have two differant scoops right now that I have built and a third is on the way.

I have a stainless steel model heavy duty for digging in the hard rocky riverbed and lake swimming holes, this has knock down handles. The holes in the basket are 1/2" diameter.

The beach scoop is a galvanized wire mesh scoop with a 30" handle.

The scoop I am working on will have both round holes and wire mesh.
The round holes on the bottom and mesh at the top. I have found that round holes dig up the wet surf sand better than the wire mesh. The wire mesh sifts out the semi wet sand better than the round holes, so it will work well in all situations on the beach.

 

[Steve and Bia]

Sand Scoops come in many shapes and sizes but most surf hunters like to use long handled scoops. Depending on the sand and if there is rocks involved; will help decide what scoop to purchase.

A long handled sand scoop is very helpful to me and was well worth the purchase. I have 1 long handled stainless steel scoop and 1 longhandled aluminum scoop. I also have 1 hand scoop. Bia has 1 long handled aluminum scoop and 1 hand scoop.

If you want a good one, call Kevin at Reilly's. Here is his link. http://www.rtgstore.com/ Maybe he can help you decide.

 

[Gonzo]

What is the difference between a sand scoop and a water scoop???

It seems they come as either a mesh unit or a unit with holes in it, which is the best for wet sand???

Also, if you don't mind, how do you carry all this stuff on the beach??? Detector, head phones, scoops, pinpointer, bag for finds. Good thing I have two daughters to carry it all.

So far, they only last about a half hour before they start looking for shells My wife won't even go onto the beach in the cold weather, maybe I'll get a shopping cart, and mod it for sand

 

[Steve and Bia]

What is the difference between a sand scoop and a water scoop???
A Sand Scoop usually refers to dry sand as Water Scoop to wet sand. The difference is durability. Wet sand is heavy and requires a stronger scoop.

It seems they come as either a mesh unit or a unit with holes in it, which is the best for wet sand???
The mesh scoop is not one of my favorites but others swear by them. The scoop cannot withstand repeated foot pressure and prying because I am a bit aggressive with a sand scoop. The upside is the sand pours right through it.

I reccomend a scoop that is solid with 5/8 holes. They are more durable! I like that!

Also, if you don't mind, how do you carry all this stuff on the beach??? Detector, head phones, scoops, pinpointer, bag for finds. Good thing I have two daughters to carry it all.

I dont use a pinpointer but the headphones stay on me at all times. My detector is hipmounted and is also strapped on me until I'm done. I actually carry my 7.2lb RTG Monster Scoop in my left hand and my detector shaft in my right. I use them as crutches when in the water. Max made a holster that consists of a bent steel pin that hooks through the hole of his scoop. I like it!

So far, they only last about a half hour before they start looking for shells My wife won't even go onto the beach in the cold weather, maybe I'll get a shopping cart, and mod it for sand

If that's the case it might be best not to bring them until summer.

 

[Gonzo]

Thanks, I really appreciate your continued help, the scoop's are kinda of expensive and I wanted to get some feedback before I bought.

Water scoop it is, Do you have a handle preference?????

They seem to have multiple angles and handle shapes to choose from.

Thanks again, Gonzo

P.S. If the girls don't dig, then they don't get all those diamond rings I'll be finding

 

[Steve and Bia]

Call Kevin at Rielly's. http://www.rtgstore.com

A straight handle is nice. Aluminum is good. Kevin can really help you more if you call him. He's full of information!

 

[charliediller]

I didnt take time to read the othrs...get a 40 inch handled stainless water scoop,,, if u r serious,,,on dry sand hog down til its outa hole knock that pile down to 1 inch re pinpoint, scoop tergat and 1 cup of sand ,1 violent shake as u pick it up..duh theres the target,,,,in the water,,less theres clay ,,time u pull up,, just target and shells,,,dragging it gives you a reference line as to where u have been,,dry sand or calm clar water,,you dig with your feet so you can risk a thousand dollar machine in a foot of surf thats not waterproof,,,Ok ,,,budget wise,, a 25 dollar mesh galvanized hand scoop,or plastic12 dollar whatever,,will increase your recover time 5 fold in dry sand,,just my take,hh,,cs

 

[Gonzo]

Thanks for the reply,

Dig with my feet??? I don't plan to go a foot deep in the water to search. most likely just along the surf line is as close as I will get. I know I have purchased a non waterproof machine, so I will be careful.
Is it OK to put it down in the sand??

Thanks guys