Travel Scoop

[Dirty_Coins]

I'm headed to Cancun in February. I'd like to bring my Excal but my scoop with handle is too big and wont fit in my bag. Are there any recommendations for a decent travel scoop? I'm looking at the small RTG travel scoops or would I be just as well off with a handheld? I'm not going to go more than knee deep because I am intimidated by the ocean.

I've never hunted salt water before, any other advice would be appreciated!

 

[tvr]

Several years back I got one of the RTG #733trv scoops; the 5 inch diameter travel scoop, and found myself taking many scoops for nearly every target recovered. I was not real happy with it. Then I went to the #RTGBBtv6; the 6 inch diameter travel scoop and was much happier. I still use the #RTGBBtv6 for trips where I fly and need to put the scoop in a suitcase. I wish the holes were slightly smaller. I find that some of the soda and beer can tabs can fall through the holes some times.

I did two things to the scoop to make it more to my liking:
-sprayed the handle with spray on truck bed liner. This helps in two ways; my hands and shirt don't get all grey from the aluminum surface oxidation; and the grip on the handle when pulling up a load of sand is much better.
-a body board leash that I recovered from a broken body board found on the beach is used as a leash for the scoop. Not important if there isn't much water movement, but when the water is moving a lot, it keeps the scoop from getting swept out of reach and maybe gone forever.

I'd recommend taking along a pair of pliers and a screw driver so that you can take the scoop apart at the joint each day. If you do that, it doesn't get stuck. I had one trip where I went 4 days without taking it apart. When I had to pack up to leave, it was stuck solid. Fortunately I was at a larger resort on that trip and their maintenance department had a big vice and large channel locks that gave us enough force to work things loose.

With the Excal; if you don't have a knob guard, I'd recommend getting one. I think it is too easy to knock the knobs without a guard. Not as much of an issue just working the sand, but when the water starts pushing you and the equipment around a little, it is just too easy to bump things; also provides protection when in transit.

 

[Dirty_Coins]

Great info, thanks a lot! Ya, I already lost a knob almost right after I bought the dang thing - a knob guard sounds like another must have. I still have to get around to fixing it, until now I have just been switching from pinpoint to all-metal with a death grip pinch.

I am having a good look at that RTG 6" travel scoop. So that fits right in your suitcase ok? Everywhere I look they mention the handle is 40", obviously that's assembled. Are the two parts about 25" each or so?

 

[MattBullSummerville]

I got one from Barry out of MS here on the forum, great 2 piece stainless steel scoop. Sent him a message. I'll post who he got it from and a picture when he responds.

 

[Ruslan]

you just have any scoop 6-8 "and TRAVEL HANDLE, it is desirable Carbon Fiber TRAVEL HANDLE

 

[tvr]

Scoops with a detachable handle will fit a suit case if you have a travel handle. At some point I probably will get a carbon fiber travel handle for one of the other scoops; until then, the RTG gets packed for flying. It is just a hair under 24 inches on the long side. Picture isn't the best, but it gives you an idea. I do need to respray with the bed liner.

 

[Ruslan]

look Stavr CARBON FIBER TRAVEL Handle 32mm(1 1/4") 125cm(48") assembled length http://www.ebay.com/itm/251723249968
or STEALTH “Travel Handle” http://www.stealthscoop.com/travel-handle.html
http://metaldetectingstuff.com/products/travel-handle-carbon-fiber-upper-portion-s50

 

[Dirty_Coins]

Thank you both for the input. I went ahead and bought the RTGBBtv6. The handle is also a great idea but its actually more expensive and at least now I'll have a backup scoop.

If I find anything worthwhile I'll bump the post. Thanks again!