Best Sand Scoop + Handle Recommendations?

[abcoin]

I'm looking at getting a new sand scoop and I'd love some recommendations.

I realize that "best" has different meanings for everyone, so here's my situation:

• I mostly hunt sandy salt-water beaches in the warmer months, though I'm trying to get more into river hunting for old coins/relics. I want a scoop that can handle both environments.
• I've used a couple of cheap aluminum scoops that bent/broke easily. As a result, I want the next scoop and handle that I buy to be rock-solid. I don't want to have to worry about buying a replacement for a long, long time. If the price is high, I'll pay it.
• I travel a fair amount, so a handle that break down and easily fits into a suitcase would be great.

I've been looking hard at Xtreme scoops, particularly the stainless steel Surf Master Plus with the three-piece travel handle. I'm open to other suggestions if you feel there's something better out there, though. Thanks!

(I realize I'm not comparing detectors here but figured this forum was the best place to post this since I'm asking for comments on specific brands/makes of scoops.)

[Joe D.]

T-Rex stainless steel Scoop won't break, just pick your size! My scoop is 9 years old! And a Steve G carbon fiber handle! He has a two piece, and most likely can make it a three piece, if he doesn't already! He can do custom orders! Titanium scoops are the most expensive but lightest! Xtreme scoops have a great hole design, but im not familiar with how those welded rods hold up!🍀👍👍

 

 

[Steve Herschbach]

[F350Platinum]

If you have the bucks, Xtreme is the best. Get titanium. 🙂

[Joe Beechnut OBN]

I like the Xtreme, but not the Titanium. And the only reason, once it goes out of warranty and if it cracks or breaks it will cost you major bucks to get it welded. SS you can get it welded just about any where for a quarter of the cost of the Ti. Strength wise both will be as strong as you will ever need. Me I would have a extra handle for the scoop, when you get digging in the rocks, something has to give sometimes and a travel handle will be the weak link. I would go get one of those post hole digger handles from Lowes for 18 dollars as a back up.. they maybe up in price more now, I got two of them last year for friends.

 

I have had two travel handles over the last 17 years, one was sold aluminum.. Bill Babbs.. and the other a Fiber glass.. neither broke, both were two piece. But I hate rocks and will stay away from places like that if I can.

[abcoin]

27 minutes ago, Joe Beechnut OBN said:

I like the Xtreme, but not the Titanium. And the only reason, once it goes out of warranty and if it cracks or breaks it will cost you major bucks to get it welded. SS you can get it welded just about any where for a quarter of the cost of the Ti.

I've been thinking about the long-term repairability, too, so that's a great point.

I also usually just go out for a few hours at a time, not a full day, and I only water hunt part of the year. If I was going out for full days at a time or year-round, I'd probably spring for the Titanium. 

[cudamark]

I have the titanium scoop from Xtreme. I've used it for about a year now and find it's the best one I've ever had. Shows no wear yet and hasn't had a problem of any kind. If it costs a bit more to weld repair in the future, I'll just bite the bullet and do it. I have one of Steve's two-piece travel rods for it too. He made me a custom one and so far it's working great too after a couple of trial and errors ones. I also have two stainless Sunspot Stealth scoops, one 720 and a 920ix. Both have been modified to handle rocky and coral situations better. I added a thick stainless keel strip to the 720 with a slight extension to dig in heavy rock. The 920 got a pointed extension for better crevice recoveries in coral and smaller rock. No offense Joe D. but I've broken a T-Rex sccop. Not enough gusseting for my use. Some of my friends have used a Motley scoop with good results, but, I haven't tried one myself. Xtreme would be my recommendation unless Chuck is back making the Stealth scoops again. He sold the company years ago, that company sold it to someone else, and then they discontinued making them. My understanding is that Chuck is having them made again in Brazil. Haven't heard any feedback yet from users, and I don't know what the price is.....especially now with tariffs maybe in place.

[F350Platinum]

You can pay less for a Dune Titanium at Serious Detecting 🤔 SteveG makes shafts for them, too.

I haven't been able to break mine, even dug in a gravel parking lot with it yesterday 😅 

Your digging arm will thank you in the long run 🤔

[Joe D.]

20 hours ago, cudamark said:

No offense Joe D. but I've broken a T-Rex sccop. Not enough gusseting for my use. 

I can't be offended, I have T-Rex skin!😏👍👍