Predator tools Hurricane

[aj0421]

Hello,
Yesterday I attending the Joe DeMarco memorial hunt here in NJ and local Predator tools was there selling their products. I have been wanting to try one of their curved blade shovels so I asked if he had any Hurricane shovels as there was not one on display. He said "You are lucky I think I have one more in the truck". Out he comes with a box.

Question is: Have any of you had any issues switching from a flat bladed traditional shovel to a curved blade shovel? Did you have to compensate for the way the curved blade digs inward to avoid hitting targets like with a larger plug? Thanks for any input or thoughts.

Aaron

 

[hoser]

Never used one but have watched the vids on YT. It looks like a very viable digger. My thoughts on it are when you are in the more difficult ground the curve would be great for digging as it is easier at prying clumping type of soil. Also the prying action would pop out a plug a lot better. Just my take on it.

 

[aj0421]

Thank you! I watched those videos as well and that is what lead me up to trying one. I am hoping it makes a nice clean plug like the videos with the ease of popping them out.

 

[Diga]

I haven't used the curved shovel, but I do use the curved Predator Raptor hand tool:

Since using it, I wouldn't want to go back to using this type:

 

[too_pointer]

My personal favorite https://bigboyshobbies.net/lesche-hand-digger-with-sheath
too_

 

[aj0421]

My personal favorite https://bigboyshobbies.net/lesche-hand-digger-with-sheath
too_

Thanks! They had all their hand diggers too but I waited too long before I decided to go back and get one that they left to go home.

 

[Rattlehead]

I tried the Phoenix for a while and just didn’t care for the curved blade. It’s probably good in softer ground without a lot of gravel or roots, but we don’t have many spots like that around here. I prefer the pointier straight blade on my Spartan.

 

[oldkoot]

I have the model 24 Phoenix shovel by Predator tools and I love it best shovel I have ever used, also have the Lady bug which I use in manicured lawns, the Phoenix I carry with me when I am out detecting for Nuggets, I do wish the Phoenix was a little longer than it currently is though, I also have and use the model 85 hand digger and Raptor hand digger

 

[atomicbrh]

Hello,
Yesterday I attending the Joe DeMarco memorial hunt here in NJ and local Predator tools was there selling their products. I have been wanting to try one of their curved blade shovels so I asked if he had any Hurricane shovels as there was not one on display. He said "You are lucky I think I have one more in the truck". Out he comes with a box.

Question is: Have any of you had any issues switching from a flat bladed traditional shovel to a curved blade shovel? Did you have to compensate for the way the curved blade digs inward to avoid hitting targets like with a larger plug? Thanks for any input or thoughts.

Aaron

Mrs. atomicbrh and I make Kydex sheaths for hand diggers and pinpointers which involves measuring a large variety of diggers from many different manufacturers to make molds. It is no trouble making a mold for the Predator. We cannot say that about some of the other manufacturers out there simply because there is so much variation in their diggers. Variations to the point it is almost impossible to make a sheath that will fit every digger they produce. A lot of it has to do with the heat of the weld drawing the blade(even the tip of the blade) in a variety of directions. It is of no consequence to the detectorist but it sure is tough on the person trying to make a well fitted sheath.

 

[aj0421]

I have the model 24 Phoenix shovel by Predator tools and I love it best shovel I have ever used, also have the Lady bug which I use in manicured lawns, the Phoenix I carry with me when I am out detecting for Nuggets, I do wish the Phoenix was a little longer than it currently is though, I also have and use the model 85 hand digger and Raptor hand digger

Very good to hear since the Phoenix and Hurricane share the same blades. I haven't had it out yet but hoping the longer length it has over my Gravedigger tools shovel clears my twig and berries for I have ball tapped myself a few times and the handle also gets caught in my jacket pocket.

 

[aj0421]

Yesterday I had my first outing with the Hurricane shovel. I like the lighter weight over my Gravedigger shovel. I will have to get use to the curve blade as my plugs resembled a dirt ice cream cone when I pop them out. This is a little bit of a hinder as I found myself having to break the plug up more than before to find my target. I am going to have to angle my shovel a little differently before I step on it to create my plugs.

 

[cellrdwellr]

Yesterday I had my first outing with the Hurricane shovel. I like the lighter weight over my Gravedigger shovel. I will have to get use to the curve blade as my plugs resembled a dirt ice cream cone when I pop them out. This is a little bit of a hinder as I found myself having to break the plug up more than before to find my target. I am going to have to angle my shovel a little differently before I step on it to create my plugs.

Thanks for the update, pushing the handle forward slightly should help keep the plugs wider and not so conical. It will take some getting used to, but Predator makes one of the best digging tools on the market IMPO. Good luck out there!

 

[aj0421]

Thanks for the update, pushing the handle forward slightly should help keep the plugs wider and not so conical. It will take some getting used to, but Predator makes one of the best digging tools on the market IMPO. Good luck out there!

Thank you! That is what I found myself doing after a couple digs. Last thing I wanna do is hit another coin! I found a nice looking Octagon shaped button or halve of cuff link with a drilled shank and floral design, will post a picture later.

 

[davemill]

Just finished my first 3-hour hunt with a new Hurricane. Only had to kneel down 4 times to recover 24 targets and 80+ junk. Fabulous shovel: the long T-handle and curved blade do all the work.

I chose the T-handle vs the similar Predator D-handle models because it seemed like it would be less likely to twist up in my hand as I carry everything. My new routine is detector strapped on the left arm, dig with the Hurricane with the right hand, then lean it against my hip or a tree if I need to pull the propointer or hand digger out of a right-side holster. I may refine this over time, but this is pretty efficient for now.

 

[aj0421]

Just finished my first 3-hour hunt with a new Hurricane. Only had to kneel down 4 times to recover 24 targets and 80+ junk. Fabulous shovel: the long T-handle and curved blade do all the work.

I chose the T-handle vs the similar Predator D-handle models because it seemed like it would be less likely to twist up in my hand as I carry everything. My new routine is detector strapped on the left arm, dig with the Hurricane with the right hand, then lean it against my hip or a tree if I need to pull the propointer or hand digger out of a right-side holster. I may refine this over time, but this is pretty efficient for now.

I am really enjoying The Hurricane as well! A lot lighter in those longer hunts than my old shovel. I also switched to their Model 85 (O) hand digger with the bright orange handle. Matches my Garrett carrot nicely!

 

[Surf Master]

Look at the Piranha 35 , you need two foot pads for 1 shovel , bad a--

 

[davemill]

you need two foot pads for 1 shovel

I don't really understand the need for the Predator footpads. My feet are steady on the back of the shovel even when digging with just one hand, and I'm wearing tall boots. So I skipped the two pads @$15. What am I missing.

 

[cellrdwellr]

I don't really understand the need for the Predator footpads. My feet are steady on the back of the shovel even when digging with just one hand, and I'm wearing tall boots. So I skipped the two pads @$15. What am I missing.

Here's a thread I created about footpads:

Predator foot pad option

I was looking around for other options for foot pads, and the idea hit me awhile back to use old bicycle brake pads. Looking around the garage, I only had the small black ones. I found these on Amazon for $7.43 and I had to give them a try: RUJOI Bike Brake Pads Set,V Brake Shoes with Hex Nuts...

metaldetectingforum.com

I agree the pair that predator offers are steep in price. Some may not need them, I didn't use them for years, now that I have them, they aren't coming off. In short, if you ever find yourself on a rainy day with improper footwear, this could save you a little pain

 

[Surf Master]

I don't really understand the need for the Predator footpads. My feet are steady on the back of the shovel even when digging with just one hand, and I'm wearing tall boots. So I skipped the two pads @$15. What am I missing.

When your foot slip's and the shovel lay's open your leg , I figure well worth it , don't ware boots when metal detecting dirt , different strokes for different folks , I don't cut myself short on gear , in my case I want them , it's up to the detectorist if they want the pads's -it's an extra , the shovels have pre -drilled holes for the pads , easy to put on , happy hunting .

 

[matt93]

I own both the Pirhanna and the Barracuda, and both are equipped with foot pads, and you’d have a difficult time prying them out of my hands. So well built and the footpads although seemingly expensive are well worth the extra $ imo