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Ultimate Review of The Best Beach Sand Scoops in 2023

Best Beach Sand Scoop

I’m an old hand at metal detection, and over the years, I’ve realized that treasure hunting is more than having the best metal detector.

Of course, treasure hunting is impossible without a detector, but if you want to recover your treasure effortlessly, you need to have metal detecting accessories, also referred to as your “bag of tricks.”

See, nothing is more embarrassing or inconvenient than hitting the road, only to realize that you don’t have the right tools for a type of terrain, ground conditions, weather conditions, or even retrieval methods you’re dealing with.

When it comes to your bag of tricks, few are as handy as a beach sand scoop. This is particularly true if you’ll be hunting on the sandy beaches or in the water.

While a detector will identify the target’s general location, you’ll need a scoop to dig it up. Using a beach scoop is as simple as sifting through the sand until your target appears.

Now, I’ve seen some detectorists bring a shovel with them or even use their hands to scoop the sand. Not the best idea!

See, there’re numerous reasons I prefer to use a sand scoop over other tools.

Using a beach scoop is faster, for starters, as it makes it possible to pick up and filter huge chunks of sands in a few seconds.

Using a sand scoop is safer, considering you never know what the sand contains. There could be broken glass, sharp rocks, syringes, fish hooks, and other sharpies that could pierce your skin.

Finally, using a sand scoop is easier on your back as many scoops flaunt extended handles, which allow you to dig into the sand without bending over. These scoops are particularly handy for senior detectorists and anyone with back or knee problems.

But the market is filled with plenty of sand scoops, available in different shapes and sizes. Finding the best beach sand scoop can be challenging.

Fortunately, we’ve compiled a guide reviewing the best beach sand scoops in the market.

Quick Comparison Table!

CKG Hexahedron

4.8

4.8/5
RTG Pro Scoop

4.6

4.6/5
RTG Straight Handle

4.5

4.5/5
CKG Carbon Fiber Scoop

4.3

4.3/5
National Geographic Scoop & Shovel

4.0

4/5

The Best Beach Sand Scoops For The Money

Best Beach Sand Scoop for the money

#1 Hexahedron Sand Scoop - EDITOR'S CHOICE

4.7/5
4.2/5
4.8/5

Our top pick, the CKG Hexahedron Scoop, could have fetched a higher price tag but worth the value for what it offers.

Flaunting a steel construction, it’s the perfect option for detectorists who need a super reliable and sturdy scoop.

It doesn’t skimp on the performance, either and handles even the harshest beach conditions.

Features and Benefits

Material

Part of the reason we choose this scoop as our editor’s choice is the choice of material.

Steel, unlike other materials, is desired for its ultimate durability, including anti-corrosion benefits.

I like that I can use CKG in salt water and rinse it with water without worrying about the scoop developing or showing signs of rust.

And that’s not all!

The steel construction is super heavy duty that I can even hunt at the beach in both dry and wet sand with no bending problems.

Dimensions

This specific model is on the smaller side, coming with a modest dimension of 9.85” (L) х 5.12” (W) х 4.95” (Н).

I feel the size is both a benefit and a drawback.

Let me explain why.

Comparing it to other competing scoops, I’m afraid that CKG won’t get the volume of material I need to make it efficient in the water.

On the plus side, though, the modest size means it’s just right for it to fit into my pouch when I’m not using the long handle.

It’s so portable that I don’t even have to take it out of my car when I’m done with it.

The lightweight design (1.6 pounds) makes it easier to wield, and I don’t experience fatigue even after extended use.

Handle

The scoop’s handle is short, which can be a bit unwieldy, especially if you’ve large hands.

It also means you might have to get on your knees when hunting, which can be frustrating.

Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about the short length since you can rig the scoop with a longer handle.

It sports a 1.14″ hole that can receive a carbon fiber, wooden dowel, or whatever handle you fancy.

Sifter Holes

I’m a big fan of the smaller 7-mm sifter holes.

I usually face the challenge of my hunts falling off after I pick them up with other sizes.

But the CKG’s smaller holes guarantee that I don’t miss anything, including the smaller jewelry.

Pros

Cons

#2 RTG Pro Mini - Best for No-Bend Hunting

4.6/5
4.3/5
4.6/5

It’s easy to get deceived by the scoop’s name- but make no mistake, RTG Pro Mini is not a mini by any means.

While it’s probably the largest on the list, but even then, it’s not that large.

RTG is a full-length, anodized aluminum sand scoop that is up to the task for any task at the beach.

Features and Benefits

Material

While it will cost more to get this scoop, the good news is you won’t be replacing it anytime soon.

It may not have CKG steel’s strength, but it’s unlikely it will waste away in front of you when exposed to saltwater or other elements.

The anodized protection layer offers corrosion-resistant benefits to maintain your scoop’s integrity.

RTG’s aluminum construction doesn’t skimp on the performance either, and it won’t limit where you can take your hunting.

Though the scoop is meant for light-duty tasks, it’s still tough enough to support up to 240-pounds. So, you can use your feet to drive the scoop deep into the rocky or wet beaches without the worry of it bending or snapping.

Shaft

RTG’s greatest selling point is the 40″ shaft, which is set at a 20-degree angle.

The benefit of the extended shaft is you no longer have to bend when digging, a useful feature for seniors or detectorists with bad backs or legs.

For such a long handle, we thought it would be easy for the bucket to break off from the shaft, as it usually happens with enthusiastic detectorists.

We were surprised to learn that the handle is actually TIG welded by hand to the bucket. The welding seam is stronger than the original material and near-perfect, so you can have confidence that your one-piece isn’t going to be a two-piece anytime soon.

Lightweight Design

RTG might come with a long handle but still lighter than most tools out there.

It’s easier to wield, and at 3.29 pounds, you should have no problems hunting for extended periods without feeling fatigued.

Huge Bucket

CKG was an awesome sand scoop, but one of its biggest flaws was the small bucket.

With the RTG, the volume should be the least of your concerns.

That’s right.

This option provides a 5-inch diameter and a 9-inch-long basket that can hold a lot of sand. This way, you can get your treasure within the shortest period when collecting using this metal detector.

Pros

Cons

#3 RTG Straight Scoop - Best Aluminum Scoop

4.4/5
4.5/5
4.5/5

Third, our list of the best beach sand scoops is a lightweight aluminum scoop, perfect for light and medium-duty tasks.

For the price, you get a fair deal of quality out of this buy. Yes, it’s expensive but having a cheap purchase that will break multiple times is expensive too.

But is it the right beach scoop for your needs?

Features and Benefits

Material

We all know the weight-reduction benefits of aluminum.

But then again, aluminum and saltwater don’t mix well. Welcome to the age of anodizing aluminum.

RTG Straight flaunts an anodized aluminum shaft and bucket, weathering the harsh elements, including corrosion.

The corrosion-resistant benefits will do you right in the harsh terrains of saltwater conditions.

Aluminum is sturdy too, and unlike plastic, I found that I could take my hunting to a lot of different terrains, including the rocky beaches.

Shaft

RTG’s shaft is extended, though not as long as the RTG Pro we saw earlier.

Nonetheless, at 36 inches, it’s lengthy in the grand scheme of things, a useful feature for those who prefer hunting without bending.

Seniors and detectorists with bad backs and limbs will find joy in using the scoop as they won’t have to struggle to reach their targets.

Also, the length, the shaft, has another useful feature, which helps ease use.

The rubberized handle makes it easier for users to grab the scoop with greater firmness, even when working under inclement. It also helps with better driving the scoop into the scoop, especially in the hard grounds such as the rocky beaches.

Basket

The heavy-gauged 5/8” bucket is 5” by 7” in size.

At first, I was afraid the basked would be too small, but it’s not. Many users find it big enough to scoop up your goods in the least time.

The holes are the perfect size to let the sand out fast and not let your finds slip out.

Even better, you can hunt in confidence, knowing that the shaft will never break from the bucket as it has been welded on. How’s that for durability?

Pros

Cons

#4 CKG Carbon Fiber Handle - Best for Professional Use

4.3/5
4.5/5
4.3/5

If you’re in search of a beach sand scoop that will cater to all your hunting needs, you can’t go wrong with this option.

CKG Carbon, with a carbon construction, is the metal scoop for choice for the hard-core detectorists.

It’s not only light, but it offers an outstanding weight-to-strength ratio.

And that’s not all!

Here’s a review of the scoop.

Features and Benefits

Material

CKG features a combination of stainless steel and carbon, the perfect combo for those interested in more strength for their scoop.

I’m a big fan of the shaft’s carbon construction as it has high rigidity and strength, ideal for demanding locations such as rocky beaches.

The shaft is also corrosion-resistant, a useful feature for detectorists who want a long-lasting tool for the job.

Besides strength, the shaft is also textured for a comfortable grip.

Detectorists will have an easy time driving the scoop into the ground, even with their sweaty hands or in weather inclement.

On the other hand, steel-made buckets mean that no location will be too hard for you to hunt.

I love how the scoop digs deep, even on the hard rocky surfaces, without showing signs of wear or breaking.

Shaft Length

CKG carbon has the largest shaft so far, which comes at a length of 48 inches.

It provides plenty of lengths to get scooping when you’re in the surf.

Additionally, you don’t have to bend low to get your hunts, so you can say goodbye to the backaches.

Lightweight

Thanks to the carbon fiber shaft, you get a lighter shaft of 10.5 oz than you would if you had metal or wood.

For the complete setup, including the steel scoop, you get 2.2 pounds.

It’s not the lightest by any means, but lighter than most all-metal made options, which is a good thing if you’ll be hunting for long periods as you won’t wear out fast.

Sifter Holes

Flaunting small 8mm hexahedron holes, you’ll need to do the shake and wiggle to sift out the sand to reveal your finds.

But you can do it in confidence, knowing that the small items aren’t going to slip in the tide.

Overall, the CKG Carbon is a fantastic scoop, but for the price, you’ll have to dig deep.

Pros

Cons

#5 National Geographic Scoop & Shovel - Budget Option

4.2/5
4.6/5
4/5

If your budget can only stretch so far, and you need a lightweight option, you can’t go wrong with the National Geographic Scoop.

For a budget purchase, many users are impressed by National Geographic’s performance.

While it’s by no means ideal for heavy-duty applications, it will serve well the needs of casual and beginner detectorists.

Features and Benefits

Material Construction

National Geographic is a plastic set- both its sand scoop and shovel.

For the price, you get two tools, one for digging and the other one for scooping.

But how’s their performance?

It’s easy to think the plastic construction is less performance-oriented, but that’s further from the truth.

Let me explain why.

National Geographic utilizes heavy-duty plastic, which doesn’t bend or flex when working in the right conditions, that is, at the beach in the sand.

While it may be metal-based tools, I find the plastic trowel strong enough to dig into compact dirt without breaking.

The plastic is super sturdy and thick but much better for working on the both dry and wet sand.

However, its structural ability can only stretch so far, so it’s good to assess the ground to avoid causing strains on weak points like the handles.

Being a plastic detector, it doesn’t ping or interferes with your detector when you scoop up the sand.

Dimension

The scoop softer lies 7.5 inches tall, while the trowel is 11.5” when fully assembled.

The dimensions are modest, perfect when you need something you can easily stash into your backpack.

You can also detach the handle on the trowel for convenient storage.

And since both are made from plastic, they’re ultra-light and portable.

Using National Geographic is super easy, and you’re likely to feel fatigued even after extended use.

Sifter Holes

The holes are about ¼” wide, so you can be sure that none of your hunts is going to escape, while the larger items like rings, watches, and coins will stay within the scoop as the sand sifts through.

Additionally, the sifter has a half-gallon capacity, perfect when you need to scoop large sand volumes on a single scoop.

Pros

Cons

Best Beach Sand Scoops Buying Guide

Best Beach Sand Scoop buying guide

I shall share everything you need to know about selecting the best sand scoop for your needs in the text below.

I’ve outlined the essential elements to consider in your next purchase.

Factors to Consider when Selecting a Beach Sand Scoop

Scoop Material

The three common types of materials used for sand scoops are:

  • Plastic

Plastic is inexpensive and lightweight.

It’s a popular option because it doesn’t fatigue detectorists even after extended use.

However, plastic scoops are flimsy and should only be used when focusing on the dry sand beaches with loose sand free from shells or rocks.

  • Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is the most durable option and comes with a high price tag, and can be heavy.

It is the perfect option, especially when hunting in or around the corrosive saltwater beaches, as it can withstand the harsh environment.

Stainless steel scoops are also less prone to bending and may be perfect for rocky beaches.

Their weight also helps detectorists plunging deep into the wet sand or mud with your foot’s use.

  • Aluminum

Aluminum is considered the middle of the road, sporting the lightweight properties of plastic and durability closer to steel.

They’re not as sturdy as steel but a great addition to your digging tool selection.

The aluminum scopes work well in dry or wet sand and can even handle sand with shells and smaller rocks.

I found that most metal detectorists prefer aluminum because of its affordability, lightness, and strength.

Sand Scoop Handles

Another crucial element that helps you narrow down your purchase is the size of the scoop’s handle.

There’re normally three distinct handle sizes when it comes to scoops. There’s a short, medium, and long handle.

Each of these sizes has its merits and downsides;

  • Short Handle

The main benefit of the short handle is they allow for more controllability over the scoop. They’re accurate, too,

Their main drawback is you might find yourself bending over more often to use it, which can be an issue if you’ve a bad back or knees.

It’s also annoying to use a short scoop when searching in water because you’ll probably get your hands wet when obtaining your find.

  • Medium Scoop

Scoops with medium handles are a decent compromise between short and long-handled scoops.

They’re heavier than short scoops but not as heavy as the long-handed ones.

While you’ll still have to bend over, the additional length makes it easier to stretch and access the hard-to-reach spots.

  • Long

The long-handle scoops are perfect for anyone who hates getting on their knees to collect a find.

While they’re a bit heavy, they’re great for your back and muscles. They also speed up the process of collecting a find and can access the tricky locations.

While the scoop’s length is a vital element, handle shape is also another important element.

Depending on your detection method, the scoop’s shape can make a huge difference.

The three main handle types are:

  • Standard, straight handle: This is the most common type of handle. It protrudes from the metal sand scoop at an angle or straight out, and it works well for most detectorists.
  • Curved handle: This handle is perfect for detectorists who like to get close to the ground as it allows a smooth scooping motion
  • “Kick” handle: It protrudes out an angle to the basket and curves downwards. It’s a great option for anyone looking for a longer handle for knee-high or waist-high scenarios.

While seemingly subtle, the choice o a handle design can make treasure scoop much better to detectorists depending on their preferences.

Basket and Sifter Construction

Another thing to keep in mind when purchasing a sand scoop is the type of basket and sifter construction.

While the basket shape is generally the same for every scoop, there’re some differences in the mesh patterns.

Scoops for dry sand beaches have wire meshes for recovering small targets.

On the other hand, scoops for handling mud and wet sand have steel coating with holes cut in the metal.

Price

The final factor is the price of the beach scoop.

Scops come in different prices, some as low as $50, while others as high as $150.

The premium options are specifically built for the professional class, while the budget options are ideal for beginners or causal metal detectorists.

Either way, there’s not set the price of much you can get a sand scoop; it all depends on how much you think it’s worth spending on a sand scoop.

Wrap Up: Our Choice

Best Beach Sand Scoop wrap up

There’re numerous reasons detectorists want to have CKG Hexahedron Scoop as their companion on their treasure hunt.

This option is super reliable, thanks to the steel construction, and is ideal for use on any terrain, including rocky beaches.

It also withstands the harsh elements and is less likely to get affected by rust or inclement.

The dimensions are also right for an ergonomic and easy-to-use scoop.

CKG Scoop’s greatest benefit, though, is the small 7-mm holes that ensure you never miss your finding, including the small jewelry.

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Lisa Hayden-Matthews

Lisa Hayden-Matthews

An avid Skier, bike rider, triathlon enthusiast, amateurish beach volleyball player and nature lover who has never lost a dare! I manage the overall Editorial section for the magazine here and occasionally chip in with my own nature photographs, when required.

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