stateguy Posted February 18, 2023 Share Posted February 18, 2023 Can you folks tell me which brand shovel you are using. I want something good that not going to break easy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirtshark Posted February 18, 2023 Share Posted February 18, 2023 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCR Posted February 18, 2023 Share Posted February 18, 2023 What type of ground conditions & what kind of targets. What type of site? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GB_Amateur Posted February 18, 2023 Share Posted February 18, 2023 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rattlehead Posted February 18, 2023 Share Posted February 18, 2023 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCR Posted February 18, 2023 Share Posted February 18, 2023 Yep, different tools for different application. Fields or manicured lawns. Roots or rocks or sand. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F350Platinum Posted February 18, 2023 Share Posted February 18, 2023 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: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Doc Bach Posted February 19, 2023 Share Posted February 19, 2023 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim tn Posted February 19, 2023 Share Posted February 19, 2023 Predator Tools, I happen to be using the Little Eagle model currently. Great diggers! HH jim tn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ksrick Posted February 19, 2023 Share Posted February 19, 2023 Model 24 - The Phoenix - Shovel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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