Advice on a shovel purchase

[Mr Magoo]

Hello all. I'm new to the site and new to the hobby. I picked up a Technetics T2 and looking to gear up and need to purchase my first and hopefully last shovel... I'll be hunting primarily in the Central Jersey area. Any advice would be appreciated

 

[John Madill]

Both are lightweight. The orange L'il Digger digs a nice plug but is more noticeable than the 18"Lesche. The short shovel requires a bit of bending but works great

 

[Mr Magoo]

Thanks I was looking at the Lesche seems a bit pricey but it's a one and done thing from the research I've done

 

[Tpmetal]

Predator tools, buy once cry once. They are the only shovels I haven't broken.

 

[HungryGhost]

Lesche or Predator will not let you down ever. BTW I ran a T2 years ago and really enjoyed it. It’s a killer on coins. Welcome to the wonderful world of detecting!

 

[robby4570]

Both are lightweight. The orange L'il Digger digs a nice plug but is more noticeable than the 18"Lesche. The short shovel requires a bit of bending but works great
View attachment 617182

I have the 31 inch version of that Lesche, the Sampson (yeah, it's THAT old... and still goin' strong) 31 Inch T Handle Serrated and LOVE it. I got it in late 2011 or very early 2012

 

[Kansashunter]

If you only want to buy one you will HAVE to buy a Predator. There is nothing better!!

 

[OldManDetectingMetal]

I was more impressed with the pictures of the Excalibur shovels and how they were being made. So far mine has been fine, but all I have to compare them with are garden trowels. To anything like that, they are far superior. I also liked the concept of a shovel that has a handle that is custom to my height because I use it to get up and down as much or more than I use it to dig plugs. Anything under two inches I pinpoint and use my trowel.

 

[John Madill]

I have the 31 inch version of that Lesche, the Sampson (yeah, it's THAT old... and still goin' strong) 31 Inch T Handle Serrated and LOVE it. I got it in late 2011 or very early 2012

I had a bigger Lesche but it was too heavy for comfortable carrying on my belt holder. And the D handle doesn't work on the belt carrier either

 

[robby4570]

I had a bigger Lesche but it was too heavy for comfortable carrying on my belt holder. And the D handle doesn't work on the belt carrier either

Yeah I don't carry mine on my belt, [ swing right handed and carry my digger in my left hand

 

[John Madill]

I have the 31 inch version of that Lesche, the Sampson (yeah, it's THAT old... and still goin' strong) 31 Inch T Handle Serrated and LOVE it. I got it in late 2011 or very early 2012

I had a bigger Lesche but it was too heavy for comfortable carrying on my belt holder. And the D handle doesn't work on the belt carrier either

 

[Piedmont]

I have leshe, predator and Excalibur all fine shovels. In the last two years only Excalibur. Nothing better! Custom everything. Length, color ,handle. Merlin version breaks into two pieces for travel. I’m 5-10 and mine is 34”. Others stock length is 31 and 36. Tell Casey Piemonte Artifacts sent you.

 

[Rattlehead]

Up until about a year or two ago, I had only used Predator and Lesche shovels. They both worked great, but my hunting buddy (Piedmont, who posted above) convinced me to try the Excalibur shovel. The one I got is called The Merlin, and it’s been great! I really like the fact that I can break it down into two pcs and carry it in my motorcycle’s saddlebag.

 

[Mr Magoo]

Thanks for all your feedback. I pulled the trigger on a Lesche 31" double serrated T-handle.... Next up a good pin-pointer...happy hunting

 

[Nutmeg_treasures]

Hello all. I'm new to the site and new to the hobby. I picked up a Technetics T2 and looking to gear up and need to purchase my first and hopefully last shovel... I'll be hunting primarily in the Central Jersey area. Any advice would be appreciated

Look on Amazon for “root slayer” shovels with a saw tooth edges. Cuts great plugs and can get through pesky roots.

 

[Silverspade]

JUst curious, has anyone used the Garrett shovel? How is it?

 

[jimther]

After I lost my Lesche, I bought this Root Slayer, which I like even more. (see link at left)