This is the ultimate review of the best sand scoops for metal detecting.
If you have ever gone metal detecting at the beach, you know how frustrating it can be to unearth items.
While your average trowel can get the job done, it’s not exactly the most practical choice when you throw moving water into the mix. That’s where sand scoops come in.
The best metal detecting sand scoop can make quick work of finding items. It takes the hassle out of digging with hands and can unearth metals in no time.
Of course, not all sand scoops are made the same.
If you want to get a tool that’ll serve you well for years to come, you need to choose one that’s built to last. Take a look at our list below to see how these tools stack up.
Top 5 Metal Detecting Sand Scoops 2023
1. CKG Beach Sand Scoop – Best Sand Scoop Overall
2. Garrett 1600970 – Best Sand Scoop for Durability
3. SE Prospector Series – Best Sand Scoop for Affordability
4. CKG Sand Scoop – Best Sand Scoop For Versatility
5. National Geographic Sand Scoop – Honorable Mention
Below is a list of the best sand scoops for metal detecting.
1. CKG Beach Sand Scoop – Best Sand Scoop Overall
Take one look at this CKG scoop, and you’ll know that it’s built to last. The entire unit is made out of stainless steel. This includes the curved handle.
One unique aspect of the scoop is the holes. They are located on every surface of the scoop to sift sand quickly. That’s not all. The holes are also countersunk. This reduces clogging from compressed sand or shells.
The overall build quality of this scoop is top-notch. Thanks to the handle holder, it’s a versatile tool that meets the mark in every aspect, making it the best sand scoop for metal detecting.
- Made of stainless steel
- Weighs less than 2 pounds
- Can be used with a long handle
- Countersunk holes
- No plastic or rubber grip
2. Garrett 1600970 Sand Scoop – Best Sand Scoop for Durability
Garrett is no stranger to creating some solid metal detecting gear. This scoop is no exception. It’s solidly built and has some unique features that stand out.Rather than using traditional holes, this model uses a grid-like net. Each individual square is cut out of a stainless steel sheet. This improves durability quite a bit without sacrificing performance, making it one of the best metal detecting scoops out there.
When you consider this scoop’s numerous rivets, you know that it’s built to last. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a tool that can serve you well for years to come.
- Steel construction
- Contoured grip
- Metal net design
- No handle anchor point
3. SE Prospector Series Sand Scoop – Best Sand Scoop for Affordability
Looking for an affordable scoop? Check out this unit from SE. It’s a plastic tool that’s more than capable of withstanding the saltwater.The scoop is molded out of a single piece of thick plastic. This helps to improve rigidity a bit while maintaining a lightweight profile.
The only caveat we have is that there are far fewer holes than other models. The holes are slightly bigger than the previous options and are located on two sides of the scoop.
If that’s not a deal-breaker, this isn’t a bad buy. It’s cost-effective and does its job relatively well. Definitely one of the best sand scoops for metal detecting.
- Very lightweight
- Made of molded plastic
- Large enough to hold about 3 quartz of sand
- Grip is not contoured
- No option to use a handle
- Not as many holes as other options
4. CKG Sand Scoop – Best Sand Scoop For Versatility
Here’s another quality option from CKG. Like the other CKG scooper, this is very well-built. The metal components, such as the handle and stick anchor, are welded onto the scoop for added durability.The thing we like about this particular model is that it can be used underwater without any issues. The smaller footprint is great for diving, making it one of the best sand scoops for metal detecting in different environments. Alternatively, you can use it to sift through shell-laden sand by the shore.
The well-placed holes and stainless steel construction make it a good option for any environment. For this reason, it’s worth taking a look at.
- Made of thick stainless steel
- Removable rubber grip
- Top hole for a handle
- Can be used in many different environments
- On the smaller side
- Sharper edges
5. National Geographic Sand Scoop – Honorable Mention
From the famed National Geographic brand is this plastic scoop. Made from plastic, this set will do just fine on wet beaches.It’s nicely designed and has holes on every side for efficient sifting.
If you’re having trouble finding smaller items like coins, you can use the included trowel. The trowel lets you dig a bit deeper into the sand to find deeper objects without any issues.
Is this the best sand scoop for metal detecting? Definitely not, but all in all, it is a good scoop to try out.
It’s not as tough as a stainless steel model, but the included trowel is great for finding harder items.
- Made of molded plastic
- Comes with a plastic trowel
- Holes on all sides
- Light and portable design
- Can’t be used with a long handle
- Trowel can be a bit flimsy
What Makes a Sand Scoop So Special?
When you’re looking for metals in normal soil with grass, the tool of choice is much different. The goal in those locations is to be discrete and leave no trace of your activities behind. To do that, you must take advantage of a digging tool to create a small plug that you can swiftly replace after you’ve found the item. The grass on top of the soil helps to retain its shape, making the process as simple as putting a replacing a puzzle piece.
In sandy environments, you don’t have that luxury. You see, most of the sand you’re walking on at the beach is uncompacted. It’s loose sand with pores between the individual grains. This is why beach sand feels so airy and is very easy to move with the changing winds.
Sand doesn’t hold its shape as dense soil does either. Thus, finding items can be a bit of a challenge. Those items can be displaced as the sand moves. Plus, there’s the issue of the shore coming in and out.
Metal detecting sand scoops eliminate many of those challenges. They act like your average scoop or bucket. However, they have integrated holes to sift the sand through. Much like a cooking sieve, the soft sand will fall through the holes and leave your metal treasures behind.
Things to Consider Before Byuing the Sand Scoop
Like any other metal detecting tool, quality can vary pretty dramatically from manufacturer to manufacturer. These tools come in a range of sizes and designs to suit anyone’s needs. Before you purchase the first sand scoop, you see, there are few things to consider.
Material
The material used on your sand scoop will have a huge effect on durability. There are a few different material options available. Typically, you’ll see these tools made out of plastic, aluminum, or stainless steel.
Obviously, plastic is going to be as durable as metal. But it has one distinct advantage. It doesn’t corrode. The biggest issue you’re going to face with your tools on the beach is corrosion. Saltwater is an electrolyte that conducts ions. This results in a faster rate of corrosion than you’d see with freshwater.
Aluminum is a nice lightweight option, but it oxidizes and can degrade in quality the more it’s exposed to saltwater. With plastic, corrosion is a non-issue. But, the material will break down faster. For the most durable sand scoop possible, stick with stainless steel.
Grip
When it comes to grip, it’s all up to personal preference. Most units will have some kind of contoured grip to make sifting through the sand a bit more comfortable. Some just have a standard handle. There’s no right or wrong choice here. Just choose a product that’s comfortable and efficient.
Hole Size
We’re not talking about the size of the hole the scoop can make. The hole size refers to the individual holes that sand is going to fall through.
Larger holes are great because the sand is sifted very quickly. However, the large size also makes it difficult to find smaller items on the beach. If you’re looking for small nuggets or jewelry, you need to make sure your scoop is capable of catching those items before they fall through!
Versatility
Not all sand scoops require you to get down on your knees! Many top-of-the-line models are designed with versatility in mind. In addition to a robust handle and grip, they may have an anchor to hold an optional handle.
The versatile design is perfect for those with physical limitations. Instead of dropping your gear and bending over, you can sift the stand from a comfortable standing position. Make sure that you’re examining the handle anchor. It should be the right size to fit standard wooden handles safely and securely.
Conclusion
Finding treasures on the beach can be an enjoyable endeavor. Many prospectors have seen some great success unearthing long-lost treasures swept in by the ocean.
The best metal detecting sand scoop can make treasure hunting much easier. Instead of wasting time digging through soft sand by hand, you can simply sift metal objects out in one swift move.
All of the scoops we recommended are made with beach sand in mind. The best sand scoops for metal detecting are built tough and perfectly capable of standing up to the rigors of ocean water. Pick one up and add it to your arsenal of metal detecting tools. You won’t regret it!
