I really like that!
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.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 goneif 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!
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!!!
You will love it. I've got the Barracuda and the Sampson for different sites and they're both fantastic in my opinion.
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.
I've been hunting parks this winter with a D handle short shovel. Is the Excalibur that good?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
Hey Mark, just saw this, sorry.
