Scoop suggestions

[FollowTheBeep]

So here's the deal. I'm taking a vacation to Topsail Island, NC from central, IL at the end of the month and plan on doing a large amount of searching the beach. I've only been beach detecting once before and now I know that I need a scoop. I would like to keep the cost low since trips to the beach are few and far between but I also want a long handle to save my back a bit of stress. I will be searching in dry and wet sand but no water detecting greater than ankle depth.

I'm having difficulty deciding between three RTG models: #700 (galvanized with a reinforced screen), #733 (aluminum), and # 790 (stainless steel). All are comparable in size and price but I do like the idea of the screen for better sifting but not fond of galvanized in saltwater.

Any input would be appreciated.

Also, is adding a handle a good idea,?

 

[GeorgeinSC]

I have the 700. It is only five inches in diameter. It works pretty good on the dry sand and OK on the wet sand but it is not the scoop for use in water more than ankle deep. The small scoop requires more work to get the target. I prefer a much large scoop. But if one is only going to use it occasionally a 5 inch scoop will suffice. I rinse the scoop well after each use and once it dries I spray it down with silicone spray to keep it from rusting.

 

[GeorgeinSC]

A handle saves your back. I would not try to scoop with one of those hand held ones.

 

[FollowTheBeep]

I have the 700. It is only five inches in diameter. It works pretty good on the dry sand and OK on the wet sand but it is not the scoop for use in water more than ankle deep. The small scoop requires more work to get the target. I prefer a much large scoop. But if one is only going to use it occasionally a 5 inch scoop will suffice. I rinse the scoop well after each use and once it dries I spray it down with silicone spray to keep it from rusting.

Are you able to step on the 700 in wet sand without fear of it collapsing the screen?

 

[Mudflap]

I know you wanted to save some cash but go ahead and look at the Stealth at http://www.stealthscoop.com/index.html . I have 2 and love them. I've used aluminum, plastic and galvanized over the years and have settled on stainless. No metal degradation and sturdy too.

 

[KinTN]

I know you wanted to save some cash but go ahead and look at the Stealth at http://www.stealthscoop.com/index.html . I have 2 and love them. I've used aluminum, plastic and galvanized over the years and have settled on stainless. No metal degradation and sturdy too.

Lifetime no questions asked warranty on Stealths and you wont find nicer people to deal with.

 

[FollowTheBeep]

They look very nice but when I only get to a beach about every four years, I can't justify the price. I'm trying to keep it around a $100.

 

[Ugly-J]

Stealth scoop is the way to go. I've beat the hell out of mine and it just keeps on digging. I use it at the lake,rivers,beach and sometimes turf. So don't think of a scoop as just a beach tool only. The first deep ring in the surf will pay for it.

 

[GeorgeinSC]

Yes. It is sturdier than it looks. I have been able to bend the handle just a little when I got into the heavy wet Shell/sand mix.

 

[mudpuppy]

Since you only do this kind of hunting occasionally, yes, get something capable but economical, 3' handle...sub $100...dont expect miracles or deep holes in the surf and adjust your hunting style accordingly...I have a small bucket El'Cheapo and use it on the dry for light shallow and fast work...its held up admirably, and in fact I've employed it again today in a few sand totters...I would never attempt to wade or dig deep with it, I dont even know the brand, it works fine as intended and has unearthed plenty of gold....

When it comes to scoops, the old 'knife to a gun fight' saying applies...you see noobs out there with everything from vegetable collanders to home made drilled coffee cans...Gold waits for and is no respector of nobody..In this pic, this is the wrong scoop for the job, but its what I had with me on that day, and it was better than nothing...
Mud.

 

[dobbratacus]

My two cents. Get the best, strongest, sturdiest scoop you're willing to drag around. I think my parents used a phrase about being to poor to buy cheap. Meaning if you buy cheap, you end up buying again. Buy the best the first time and you'll have it forever. Buy cheap and you won't spend the time you need to eventually find something worth finding. Detecting is a numbers game. The more targets you dig, the higher probability that you're gonna find something you want. Get something that won't dig past a couple of inches and you're better off playing lotto scratch games at the beach.

 

[dewcon4414]

Get one of those scoops off free bay that is a copy of a SS StarvR scoop. Then go to tractor supply and buy a HOE, cut the handle off put a hard wood dowel in it and you are in business. No more than you use one ........ it will last a life time too. Otherwise..... a good RTG designed for the wet sand.

 

[mudpuppy]

Heck, just take the ice scoop out of a hotels ice machine and return it when you are done...If you hunt early every morning, nobody will even miss it!
Mud

 

[PSS1963]

Since you only do this kind of hunting occasionally, yes, get something capable but economical, 3' handle...sub $100...dont expect miracles or deep holes in the surf and adjust your hunting style accordingly...I have a small bucket El'Cheapo and use it on the dry for light shallow and fast work...its held up admirably, and in fact I've employed it again today in a few sand totters...I would never attempt to wade or dig deep with it, I dont even know the brand, it works fine as intended and has unearthed plenty of gold....

When it comes to scoops, the old 'knife to a gun fight' saying applies...you see noobs out there with everything from vegetable collanders to home made drilled coffee cans...Gold waits for and is no respector of nobody..In this pic, this is the wrong scoop for the job, but its what I had with me on that day, and it was better than nothing...
Mud.

Mud, what is that stuff in your pic that looks like orange yarn?

-pete

 

[mudpuppy]

Pete,
Those are the roots of the dune grass...they catch a lot of stuff, especially chains, fishing lures, pays to give them a sweep.....I found this big 14k chain in the spot I took that pic several years ago after such a blowout..with that same scoop come to think if it...It woulda looked good on you, being a diver and all, had a small ruby and small emerald and a diamond on the cross...32" of 6mil Figaro...hung down nearly to my belly button! Yep, sold it!
Mud

 

[FollowTheBeep]

I decided on the #733 aluminum scoop with an added grip. I think for the amount of use it will get, it should last a lifetime. Thank you all for the input.

HH