Need new shovel

[IDXMonster]

The Sampson 31".

Totally right for how tall he says he is and the concern about a fairly inconspicuous shovel being preferred. Even though I now mostly use the Predator Barracuda, the shovel that the OP needs is the Sampson 31. However, they can be hard to source for some reason, price was around 60-65$ last time I looked.

 

[Martin_V3i]

Totally right for how tall he says he is and the concern about a fairly inconspicuous shovel being preferred. Even though I now mostly use the Predator Barracuda, the shovel that the OP needs is the Sampson 31. However, they can be hard to source for some reason, price was around 60-65$ last time I looked.

Worth every penny.

 

[Rustyrelic]

The rootslayer holds up well. Best mid size digger I’ve used

 

[hotrod53]

I have a predator with the serrated edges and about a 36" handle. As a 63-year-old guy with a bad back, I can't imagine up and down with a handheld shovel as I did for so many years. The predator doubles as a heavy-duty walking stick, and if I ever had to defend myself in the woods, not much would be better than a predator shovel, it's like a gladiator's weapon...lol

 

[Prairie-JB]

I agree, made mention would like a predator Hurricane for Christmas and Santa was great and brought one, quality is awesome little hefty at 60 but will keep outa parks and mainstream but hoping to use in some rougher wooded or field areas, good for protection as well I expect

 

[elrodcod]

I have my eye on the Predator Little Eagle. It's about $85 with the shipping. Then I spotted the Root Assassin on Lowes website that would cost about half of that. Ahybody use one.

 

[Scg4090]

Idk about the root assassin personally, but I've heard many that like them. I have the predator Phoenix and it's worth every penny. It's pretty bomb proof and I really like the curved blade.

 

[Cherry Picker]

I finally built my own. I took a Predator and cut the foam handle off. I found an old aluminum handle for a swimming pool net and it fit like a glove inside. I walk around with it and it looks like a walking stick but does a fair job of digging deep targets without having to bend down.

 

[rreahard]

I finally built my own. I took a Predator and cut the foam handle off. I found an old aluminum handle for a swimming pool net and it fit like a glove inside. I walk around with it and it looks like a walking stick but does a fair job of digging deep targets without having to bend down.

I really like that!

 

[Magicmantx]

I realize this thread is several months old but, I use the predator barracuda. Been using it for a few years now. I have worn the blade down to about the size of 31" lesche blade. The teeth are just about gone if and when I need a new shovel, it will hands down be a predator model. Cheap and digging tools should not be in the same sentence IMO. They work don't get me wrong, but for longevity, the pricier models will be the best route. Good luck with your decision!

I have been detecting on and off for about 5 years. While I did spend the $ to get a good Lesche hand digger I cheeped out on a shovel. I have used a little Harbor Freight d handle shovel and it actually worked ok and has held up but digging around roots it is fairly useless. I just couldn't bring myself to spend over 100$ on a shovel. After watching a thousand YouTube videos and tiktok's seems as I was the only person without a good shovel so researching this subject to death I finally decided on the Predator tools Baracuda. I should have it next week I hope. Even turning loose of 34.00 for shipping was an ordeal. I'm cheap what can I say. When a good day detecting brings me 5-6$. It will only take me 25 trips or so to pay for it unless the shovel will help me find more $ then I'm good LOL. Since I'm getting all spend here I might as well buy a new detector if I could just make up my mind. Manticore DeusII or Equinox 900. There is way too much thinking to do in this hobby.

 

[cellrdwellr]

I have been detecting on and off for about 5 years. While I did spend the $ to get a good Lesche hand digger I cheeped out on a shovel. I have used a little Harbor Freight d handle shovel and it actually worked ok and has held up but digging around roots it is fairly useless. I just couldn't bring myself to spend over 100$ on a shovel. After watching a thousand YouTube videos and tiktok's seems as I was the only person without a good shovel so researching this subject to death I finally decided on the Predator tools Baracuda. I should have it next week I hope. Even turning loose of 34.00 for shipping was an ordeal. I'm cheap what can I say. When a good day detecting brings me 5-6$. It will only take me 25 trips or so to pay for it unless the shovel will help me find more $ then I'm good LOL. Since I'm getting all spend here I might as well buy a new detector if I could just make up my mind. Manticore DeusII or Equinox 900. There is way too much thinking to do in this hobby.

You will LOVE it, I've had mine for probably 3-4 years and it's still going strong. I did lose some length on the blade from wear, but definitely has plenty more miles on it. If and when it wears out, I'll purchase the same exact shovel, that's how impressed I am with it. I bought cheap bicycle brake pads from amazon as foot pads. Not necessary, but the bare metal can be slippery when wet. I paid like 10$ for 2 pairs of pads, and one set has lasted over a season already, so I'm absolutely satisfied with that purchase. I'm on the fence for a new machine as well. I'm waiting probably a year or so to see which holds up the best. I have concerns with the D2, and I'm not entirely sure minelab has fixed the water intrusion issues yet, only time can tell. Pretty sure I read somewhere minelab has improved the gaskets, and I think the 700,900, and manticore, all attained an IP rating. I dont think the 600 & 800 achieved an IP rating. If your not hunting in the water this may not be a concern to some though. Anywho, good luck with your decision, and enjoy your new shovel!!!

 

[Dave_e]

"...I finally decided on the Predator tools Baracuda."

You will love it. I've got the Barracuda and the Sampson for different sites and they're both fantastic in my opinion.
Well worth the $. They make target retrieval so much easier which makes detecting more enjoyable.

 

[Magicmantx]

My Barracuda came in today. Hopefully be able to use it this weekend. Looks really good and super light. I did take it outside and dug a plug in the yard. Impressive how well it cuts a nice plug easily.

 

[Magicmantx]

Finally got in a full day with the Barracuda. Crazy that I waited so long to take the plunge and get a good shovel. It makes a huge difference. If your on the fence I highly suggest you don't wait.

 

[NorthwestrnWIMD]

Check out Excalibur Shovels. A buddy of mine hand crafts them. You won't be disappointed.

https://www.excaliburshovels.com/

Yep i agree. 5 year warranty and if it breaks after the warranty I hear he will fix it and send it back if you covert the shipping fees.

 

[Surf Master]

Preditor tools , Model 35 - Piranha 40 inches , say goodbye to Sampson 31 RIP

 

[rogueaviation]

I tried three or four different hardware store shovels. Two or three years ago I got tired of stooping and breaking and flexing and dull shovels and went with an Excalibur. I got it in orange and a longer length, back before the XL was an option I ordered a custom length.

It's the best $100 I've probably ever spent on a tool, and I've got a few toolboxes around the hacienda here, so that's saying something.

It does the job. Every time. Frozen ground. Frozen Great Lakes beaches. Roots. Rocks. Riverbanks. Busting through whatever they used to put in parking lots that's below the local park.... That Excalibur will rise to the occasion.

Seriously....during the zombie apocalypse, it's gonna be me, and the Excalibur. 👍👍👍🤣🤣🤣

--Matt

 

[markinmichigan]

I tried three or four different hardware store shovels. Two or three years ago I got tired of stooping and breaking and flexing and dull shovels and went with an Excalibur. I got it in orange and a longer length, back before the XL was an option I ordered a custom length.

It's the best $100 I've probably ever spent on a tool, and I've got a few toolboxes around the hacienda here, so that's saying something.

It does the job. Every time. Frozen ground. Frozen Great Lakes beaches. Roots. Rocks. Riverbanks. Busting through whatever they used to put in parking lots that's below the local park.... That Excalibur will rise to the occasion.

Seriously....during the zombie apocalypse, it's gonna be me, and the Excalibur. 👍👍👍🤣🤣🤣

--Matt

I've been hunting parks this winter with a D handle short shovel. Is the Excalibur that good?

Mark in Michigan

 

[uncabill]

Detector shovels should have a triggered coil spring in an extendable handle to enable the ancient seeker to rise once more. I'm working on it.

 

[rogueaviation]

I've been hunting parks this winter with a D handle short shovel. Is the Excalibur that good?

Mark in Michigan

Hey Mark, just saw this, sorry.

I really like the Excalibur because it cuts a nice plug super fast. Mine was ordered a little longer than normal as well, so there's a little extra reach to keep the bending over to a minimum. The soil where I'm at is mostly still sandy, but when you're in the woods it does help to have something that goes through roots pretty good. I must be really hard on the equipment, cause I broke a couple handles, then went to a USGI e-tool, but that was just too short.

--Matt