Stainless Steel or Aluminum Scoops?

[silverman]

Does anyone feel strongly for either stainless steel or aluminum scoops? I'm new to beach detecting, and plan to use a long handled scoop for sand and shallow water detecting, and just don't know if one is superior to the other. All opinions are appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Chi Town Bruce]

But, rather go SS steel in water, even as a travel scoop, two piece.

 

[Dig]

stainless steel is the way to go for longevity...but it is heavier than aluminum by far. I have two scoops one steel and one aluminum...I use both but prefer the steel

 

[Gulf Hunter]

I like my heavy stainless in the surf, or deep water, works kinda like an anchor, holds me in place. In the wetsand, I lean more towards aluminum, as the stainless will wear you out, unless you buy one of the lighter ones. My stainless weighs 11lbs. Can you imagine how much it weighs, with a lode of wet sand in it, LOL?

 

[silverman]

11 lbs! Wow. Thanks for all of your input. I will look for a SS one then.
Thanks again

 

[ashmonkey]

if your going to get some serious use out of it, stainless every time. after 30 years of digging, i like the best quality digging tools i can afford,same has to be said of headphones

 

[therick]

n/t

 

[gamiller]

I like my heavy stainless in the surf, or deep water, works kinda like an anchor, holds me in place. In the wetsand, I lean more towards aluminum, as the stainless will wear you out, unless you buy one of the lighter ones. My stainless weighs 11lbs. Can you imagine how much it weighs, with a lode of wet sand in it, LOL?

I would agree with Gulfhunter my ss failed my aluminum hasnt yet

 

[gamiller]

Common sense would dictate stainless steel , but as the picture above shows if not welded correctly even stainless will fail

 

[kaptainkosmic]

this is the scoop that i use. its made of stainless steel yet its relatively lite, the scoop itself weighs 3 #'s, 5 #'s with handle.

its tuff!!!

[attachment 129417 sandaugersjerkedoutofmarlbyrev.cscoopnodamagetoscoopsideviewresized.jpg]

it sifts well, and has been very durable!

[attachment 129416 bellyofthebeastresizedRevC.jpg]

[attachment 129415 rightfrontquarteringviewresizedRevC.jpg]

hope this helps!

steve

 

[#1RAMROD]

OK have to ask what are the auger looking things?

 

[kaptainkosmic]

the augers were attached to pvc tubing about 5 ft long with a bolt. on the other end was a t fitting they are then screwed down into the bottom and boats are then tied to them. they are very popular here in michigan.
speedboat in center is moored with one and if you look to the very right hand side between the people you can see a good profile of the t.

[attachment 129427 depositors.JPG]

anyway these were broken off the pvc because the bottom was really dense marl and the users didn't know there strength. they are pretty easy to identify, and we usually just pass them by. however i wanted to see how strong the scoop was. so when anyone in the group found one i would go over dig down just deep enough to hook the top flange and then jerked it out. they hold the bottom really good. didn't even phase the scoop edge as you can see. this does not mean scoop is indestructable, if you put it on the tracks the train will smash it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

steve

 

[#1RAMROD]

OK thanks for the info, never seen anything like that in my neck of the woods but it looks store bought and us redneck usually don't do that! LOL

 

[Dig]

Is that a sunspot Kaptain???

 

[#1RAMROD]

LOL if you put a .. -*NAME*- on either side of the name would that stop the $#%^&^??

 

[RJinTennessee]

I built a scoop out of aluminum 9 years ago, no failures to date.I honestly believe aluminum will take the abuse if designed and welded correctly.Design and workmanship is the key.I have worked in welding and metal fabrication for 24 years. Just my opinion...

 

[EZrider]

I like the best of both worlds. I love this scoop!!!!! Built like a brick sh-t house.

 

[Chi Town Bruce]

n/t

 

[nanwate7]

affect the stainless quite as much. Mine has a titanium handle. I don't lift the whole thing while it's full of wet sand, just dump it off to the side, and kick around with my foot. Then I can scrape the whole mess back into the hole after I have isolated the target.