What is the best sand scoop?

[Kent Wilkens]

Hey all. I am wondering what the opinions are on the best sandscoop for detecting at beaches? Most of the beaches I am looking at are ocean salt water, and the sand is pretty well packed down, but there are large sections of dry lighter sand as well. Should you use two different scoops for the two different types of sand? I will also probably be doing some detecting in the water as well.

I picked up an anodized metal hand scoop, but its the sand type with linear slots that smaller rings could pass through.

The one I think I like the best is the stainless steel mesh tyep (not holes punched in) with the medium handle plus the extension handle.

Although I have noticed that the ATX is sensitive enough it can pick up metal on your belt etc if you run the coil too close.

Kent

 

[SoCalBeachScanner]

Hi Kent,

Here in Southern California I use two different sand scoops.

I use a long handle stainless steel scoop with wire mesh for dry and damp sand.

For the wet sand and in the water, I use a stainless steel step-on scoop with a fiberglass handle.

 

[mudpuppy]

Yeah, you need a small fast dry sand scoop, and a 'big dig' for the wet...just exactly like SoCal pictured for you...theoretically, you could use your 'big dig' on both...for sure you cant use your little dry sander in the water though...it will be too frustrating and you will wreck it in short order...

Theres some good finds higher up on the dry, since most beachhunters head straight for the water or wet sand with the heavy gear...I generally start very early am, sweep the high dry fast as possible for fresh drops, then go to the car and change rigs and crawl into the wet to cool off and hunt once the sun comes up...on a big beach its tough duty though, a lot of walking and swinging...a guy has to commit to this type of hunting or you wont like it or last very long...it can be a long time between pings...it takes a solid month of daily routine to build up endurance and learn a beach....I actually HATE it, but it does produce, so every year in season I'm working the sand and surf...probably going back out today, although I really dont want to!...
Mud

 

[Kent Wilkens]

Thanks for the replies Mudpuppy and Socal. Got my stainless steel super scooper with the extension handles, currently just using it dry, no extension, fits nicely in my detector belt where the pick would normally go. It works great but I carry a small shovel in the one hand, use it until I get down to the target, then switch to the scoop once the target is out on the heep. Goes pretty quick for the most part.

 

[pasttom]

Everything said here is right on. Mud you make a good point about the physical conditioning to be able to hunt the beach hard. Kent the bottom line is... go with what works for you!

 

[lawbambam]

I have the T-Rex scoop, it comes in 8" and 9.5" wide and it's very tough. I put a wooden shovel handle on it, it's tough and it doesn't sink. HH