pryan67
Forum Supporter
If you are going to go with a folding shovel I would choose a genuine military issue. I have a couple that I keep in my car in case I get stuck but I think that they are a little wide for detecting. Most copies are junk and will bend. I use an 18" Sampson for detecting.
Let me add to my comment above.
I use a Lesche Sampson T-Handle 31" long and built like a tank! They also make an 18" version.
If you want to go for price you might look at the Compact Shovel at Lowes. Listed at $9.98. These are similar to the shovels you see in tons of youtube videos by pondguru, The Hoover Boys and others.
Hope this helps!
I purchased one thinking it would be a good little digger. Two hours in my first hunt, it bent. The handle never truly locks down and if you are going through some tough dirt or roots, it will snap back and bite you.
Better known as a POS shovel ! LoL