What's the scoop on scoops?

[hoosiermaker]

I took the plunge this morning and called MrBill and ordered my first water detector! What a nice guy he is, and very helpful too with lots of knowledge. Thanks MrBill! I went with the Detector Pro Wader, as it seemed to fit my needs for my first water model. I can't wait to get down to Florida next week and start hunting.
Now, I need a scoop. Here are my needs. I am 6 ft, 200 lbs and have a few minor physical issues with my left wrist, neck and left knee, as I am pushing 50. I would like something that is somewhat light, yet durable. I plan to use it in wet/dry sand and shallow water. I will use it around non-rocky bottoms and would like to be able to use the bottom of my foot on the scoop to dig with when needed. Also, a hand grip half way up would be nice too. What about a rig for dragging/pulling it? Any ideas? Do they make adjustable ones and how do they work? Finally, not that price alone would determine a decision, it would be nice to find one that isn't too expensive.
I half-heartedly searched for a post on this matter to no avail, so if any of you would be so kind as to give me your 2 cents on What model and Where I can order a scoop that would fit my needs, it would greatly appreciated, as I need it to get one ordered asap. Thanks and HH!

 

[Bling]

i take the grip off and poke the handle full of foam pipe insulation to make it float then add a SS dog snap in the grip ,snap it to my belt and drag it behind me.leaves a nice mark so you can see where you have hunted and is no weight problem.

 

[Parkerized]

Check out the 709 mini at Reilly's treasured gold. You pretty much described it. I don't have one,yet, but it looks like my next scoop purchase.

 

[woodwizard]

I use a Nuttall the diamond shape works well in hard bottems,rock and clay.their ad is on page in one of the forums or look on line under diamond head scoop or Nuttall enterprises

 

[Dig]

What part of Florida you coming to?

 

[thinkin2]

Check out the 709 mini at Reilly's treasured gold. You pretty much described it. I don't have one,yet, but it looks like my next scoop purchase.

I have one and while it is okay walking the beach I really don't like it that much. The basket is too small and the diameter of the handle is too small to suit me. It may be okay for some people but I would like a larger basket, especially in the water, and a handle that doesn't feel too small when I wrap my hand around it. I didn't know much of anything about scoops when a I bought it so I should have done a more thorough research job before buying one. This said, it is well built but doesn't suit me size wise. Glad to see you are doing research. If you are only searching sand with no rocks or tough conditions on the bottom then aluminum is much lighter than stainless. Just make sure the handle has a large enough diameter to feel comfortable in your hand and that the grip on the end doesn't twist when you're using it. --Jerry

 

[grumpyolman]

Kellyco carries an 'add-on' bullet proof after market handle that will attach to any round shaft, within reason. It allows rotation around the shaft 360 degree and tilts on another axis 180 degrees with solid stop'lock points. I have one on my Diamond Head and after I have dug a scoop full, I can grab that handle and easily lift the scoop and it's contents for inspection. It's much easier than trying to lift on the round shaft handle itself. Jim

 

[Number9]

And the quest for the "perfect scoop" continues!

One thing to remember... never assume aluminum is lighter. In order to be as strong as stainless the aluminum scoop will need to be twice as thick, even then it will match the weigh of it's stainless counterpart.. With aluminum being a softer metal it will deform easier in rocky sand. That is the reason makers are adding stainless nose caps to the front edge of their aluminum scoops.
The ONLY time aluminum can run with the big dogs, is when it becomes a metal that is used to alloy titanium... such as titanium 6-4, which has 6% Aluminium, 4% Vanadium.
Then it can not only run with the big dogs... it is the leading big dog!

Yeah... I see ya'll grin'n!

 

[tvr]

I went aluminum scoop this year, the stainless got heavy. It's been a few years since I was pushing 50.

RTG = Rielly's Treasured Gold. They sponsor here. This past year I mostly used RTGBB6 in the wet sand and water. In the dry sand I go for the RTG #702. May want to call RGT and ask about welding on a lift handle. I like what Bling did with filling the tube with foam. I drag the 2 pound dry sand scoop, but don't like the resistance of dragging the 4 pound wet sand / water scoop, so I carry it. It picks up wet sand and gets to be a bit more than 4 pounds when dragging. I use a boogey board leash to tie the scoop to my wrist when I am in the water, same for the detector shaft.

Wet sand and water, I personally don't want a scoop smaller than 6 inches in diameter and fairly long. When the sand is soupy or you are in the water, if you don't get it on the first scoop you may have lost your chance. Sometimes get more than one shot, but not always.

One thing I don't like about the 5/8 inch holes is that small jewelry will slip through. It keeps in dimes and bigger. I've been carrying the filled scoop up onto the beach to dump rather than sifting in the water. May go back to the stainless with the small holes for in the water hunting, or put some screening in the RTGBB6.
tvr

 

[Bling]

i use the RTG PRO ALUMINUM MINI WATER SCOOP (#733) weight 3 lb .and love it.you can have a lift handle added for $10 but iv found they just get in the way.iv had the best SS scoops made and find them too heavy for me.

 

[Number9]

To help prevent the handle from slipping in you hand, you can sandblast it.

This will work on most materials,,, even titanium.

If you use your scoop in water, you can also give it a good coat of Johnson's Paste Wax to increase the grip.

And you thought I was just being decorative?

 

[Parkerized]

Check out the 709 mini at Reilly's treasured gold. You pretty much described it. I don't have one,yet, but it looks like my next scoop purchase.

I have one and while it is okay walking the beach I really don't like it that much. The basket is too small and the diameter of the handle is too small to suit me. It may be okay for some people but I would like a larger basket, especially in the water, and a handle that doesn't feel too small when I wrap my hand around it. I didn't know much of anything about scoops when a I bought it so I should have done a more thorough research job before buying one. This said, it is well built but doesn't suit me size wise. Glad to see you are doing research. If you are only searching sand with no rocks or tough conditions on the bottom then aluminum is much lighter than stainless. Just make sure the handle has a large enough diameter to feel comfortable in your hand and that the grip on the end doesn't twist when you're using it. --Jerry

If you want to unload it let me know.Then you could get a full size 709 or one of the bigger ones.Just a thought. I plan on using it on the beach, but have heard the handle diameter complaint recently also.

 

[hoosiermaker]

Thanks everyone so far, for the ideas and suggestions. Keep em coming, the more the merrier, as I am sure many of us could benefit from this topic.
I plan to use your tips and I will report back after I get my,,, feet wet.

 

[thinkin2]

If you want to unload it let me know.Then you could get a full size 709 or one of the bigger ones.Just a thought. I plan on using it on the beach, but have heard the handle diameter complaint recently also.

Thanks, but I'll keep it for now. I plan on getting another one soon but I'll probably keep it as a backup. --Jerry