Recommend A Long Handle Detecting Shovel

[stateguy]

Can you folks tell me which brand shovel you are using. 
I want something good that not going to break easy

[Dirtshark]

https://www.predatortools.com/products/all-new-model-24-the-phoenix-shovel

I don't have this one, but it is very well regarded. Makes perfect plugs. 

 

[JCR]

What type of ground conditions & what kind of targets. What type of site?

[GB_Amateur]

Here's a general suggestion:

Narrower, pointier tips are better in soil which may contain rocks.

Here's a specific suggestion that may not be popular, but that's fine:

AFAIK the top two high quality brands here in the USA are direct competitors:  Lesche and Predator.  If you look closely at how they are constructed (see photos below) you'll know why I think it's worth paying the extra $10-20 or so to go with Predator.  Note carefully how the handle is attached to the blade:

Predator (my preferred brand):

Now the Lesche:

Don't be concerned with the blade here (both companies make multiple blade styles) but rather how the shaft it welded to the blade.  On the Lesche (lower photo) there is a solid rod which continues past the blade and then interfaces (via another weld) to the (hollow) shaft.  On the Predator (top photo) it's all one connection via a single weld.  Site member phrunt here can relate a problem he had where the transition rod between the blade and shaft on his Lesche bent and he had to get a local welder to reinforce it.

The two models I've photoed are respectively:

https://www.predatortools.com/collections/shovels/products/model-56-spartan-d-handle-shovel

and:

https://www.seriousdetecting.com/product/lesche-sampson-pro-series-shovel-t-handle/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAi8KfBhCuARIsADp-A57nVMbZCQjZDuKLkn8UKo7ospYMHUlhs3LfdEQSi42L6az5PtgMKIkaAoXcEALw_wcB

but again, I'm not showing this to recommend a specific model -- both companies have multiple styles to choose from -- but rather the difference in construction.

Finally, the handle top ends can differ -- T-handle, D-handle, ball handle.  I don't know why I would want the ball type but there must be a reason they make them.  If I want to provide some extra oomph on the downstroke I would want either T- or D-type.  And If you're in wet clay where the shovel, after being pushed into the ground, wants to give you a lot of suction resistance to pull it out the T- and (especially) D-types will be the better choice.

[Rattlehead]

I like the ones from Predator Tools. I have the Phoenix, Spartan and Barracuda. Most of the places I hunt have thick or rocky soil, so the Spartan is my go-to. I rarely use the Phoenix.

[JCR]

Yep, different tools for different application. Fields or manicured lawns. Roots or rocks or sand.

[F350Platinum]

Predator Ranger is my favorite, for a longer T handle the Ultra Eagle.

https://www.predatortools.com/collections/shovels/products/model-65-ranger

The Ranger and Ultra Eagle both have 11" digging blades, longer "reach" into the ground. I also have the Barracuda, with a 9" blade length. The Ultra Eagle is the longest handle shovel they make. I have used them everywhere but the beach, and have never had a complaint about plugs.

Always wipe down your shovel with some WD 40 at the end of the day.

Many are out of stock, believe me nothing beats a Predator. Call them! They are very nice.

Here's mine after 2 years of hunting and digging 2-5 times a week:

[Doc Bach]

All of the ones mentioned so far are great, However some the more popular Lesche models are sold out a lot of the time for some reason?.Another brand option out there is EXCALIBUR SHOVELS.COM.they have a build your own option available with four or five blade options and a choice of either T or D handles and lengths up to 51 inches.They also have a model called THE MERLIN that is a two piece.I recently purchased one 48 inches in total length to carry in my XP 280 Backpack and it fits perfectly.If you swing a Deus and have the pack I recommend it. Or if you are the covert type and like to be on the sly it's a good choice as well.And built like a brick S%*T House!

[jim tn]

Predator Tools, I happen to be using the Little Eagle model currently. Great diggers! HH jim tn

[ksrick]

Model 24 - The Phoenix - Shovel