Will an Evolution 360 take the strain?

[Resurgam]

Well, it's probably been asked a thousand times but will a good stainless steel sand scoop take the back strain out of beach detecting?

Over the last eighteen months, an old disk injury has returned to haunt me and my lower back and hips have been playing up after long hours detecting on the beach. I tried a long handled spade and it just seemed to accentuate the problem. Ibuprofen and rub jell keeps the worst of the pain at bay but it's not curing the problem.

I am presently awaiting the results of some blood tests and x-rays to see if there is any damage to the lower spine and hips. My doc seems to think that the problem may be arthritis.

In the meantime, I was wondering if a good scoop would reduce the strain on my lower back whils beach detecting. The evolution 360 looks like being a good investment but I was wondering if there are any others that are just as good and perhaps a wee bit cheaper.

[mrix]

I have been using the Evolution 360 Scoop myself recently and it really is a quality well made piece of kit, I have also the optional Stainless steel shaft and Handle grip
Yes the downside is they can be heavy and most of the time I drag mine around but as for digging and sieving the sand it works so very well and I would not want to be without it at the beach.
Cheers
mrix

[Resurgam]

Thanks for the replies folks. I have also seen an aluminium scoop advertised and appreciate that it may be lighter but will it be quickly rotted by the salty environment of the beach?

[Koala]

If you are think about using it at Talacre I doubt you will be able to use at most spots. Pretty hard packed with rocks mixed in.

[Resurgam]

Yes, Talacre would be the first place to use it but in areas where I know there to be less contamination with the stones and hardpack.

[Rhoco71]

We lightened the 360 scoop on it last revision by changing the hole pattern slightly.

It is now one of the lighter scoops for this size in 2mm material.
Some of the lighter ones are 1.2mm / 1.5mm but not as strong as our range.

We have considered ally scoops but in our experience they just aren't strong enough to cope..

[Digiffys]

I've had a couple of evo scoops and I've said so many times there amazing and just a work of art 100% recommend. I've broken a few wooden handles though and at one point was looking at a solid fibreglass one which I think would definitely hold up. If you look at that usual auction site and check out post hole digger I think you'll get two handles and the digger for a pretty decent price.

[Resurgam]

We lightened the 360 scoop on it last revision by changing the hole pattern slightly.

It is now one of the lighter scoops for this size in 2mm material.
Some of the lighter ones are 1.2mm / 1.5mm but not as strong as our range.

We have considered ally scoops but in our experience they just aren't strong enough to cope..

I like the look of the Evolution 400 pro ( if I have the name right ) it looks more robust and I imagine that it would stand up to my regular beach far better than anything else that I have seen advertised.

All I need now is a hundred or so quid to get me one. Having just bought a new Big NEL coil for £180 plus, I am a bit strapped for cash. We pensioners don't get much pocket- money you know.

Stand by for my order next month.

[Rhoco71]

The 400 is the name that Crawfords gave our Pro scoop, this is the largest in the 3 scoops we do.

Our middle size scoop is the Type R which is more or less the same as the Pro but slightly smaller and lighter and has hexagonal holes.

This one is probably our best seller..

[Resurgam]

Perhaps it would be better for me to call in at Crawfords and have a look a all three models.

Many thanks for your input and assistance.

[mrix]

Hello all, please remember we do have many of Evolutions products on our very own MDF Shops auction at some of the best prices you will find over the net, here is a list of Scoops

Direct link - Evolution Pro Scoop Type R Sand Scoop

Direct link - Evolution 360 Scoop

Direct link - Original Evolution Scoop

[Resurgam]

Many thanks for the reminder.

[Allthegearnoidea]

?

Over the last eighteen months, an old disk injury has returned to haunt me and my lower back and hips have been playing up after long hours detecting on the beach. I tried a long handled spade and it just seemed to accentuate the problem. Ibuprofen and rub jell keeps the worst of the pain at bay but it's not curing the problem.

I am presently awaiting the results of some blood tests and x-rays to see if there is any damage to the lower spine and hips. My doc seems to think that the problem may be arthritis.

Hi Resurganm it's not a direct answer to your question but have you tried visiting a Chiropractor ? After having tens of years of pain through rugby wear and tear they have sorted me out I only wish i found them earlier.

[Resurgam]

Well, I visited a local chiropractor for a quick chat and he said it would cost me £35 a session and I was a bit doubtful as to weather he may perhaps complicate an existing injury.

I did visit my gp and she arranged for me to have some ex-rays to check out the lower spine and hips and some blood tests to ensure that I hadn't knackered up my liver by taking too many Ibuprofen tablets.

Got the results of the tests today and the liver is fine but gp said the ex-rays show mild arthritis of the lower spine and hips. Strangely, like toothache, the back discomfort has eased today but I think that is down to changing my beach digging technique and rationing the amount of time spent digging. At the end of the consultation she said that I had to remember that I wasn't 21 any more.
Well, at 71, I don't need much reminding of that!

Of all things, I used a shovel and dig and drag technique. Pinpoint target, drive shovel blade into the sand with foot, pull handle like a lever and as the blade lifts the sand drag it back. It took a lot of the stress of my back and I also kept it down to two hours.

From what I have seen and heard, the investment in a sand scoop is going to be a good way to progress.

I have taken your advice on board but will hang on a little longer and see how it goes over the next couple of months. Anyway; what is it that a chiropractor will actually do? Not torture; I hope?

[Allthegearnoidea]

Most of the pain comes from nerve endings jammimg and muscles tightening up to protect an injury/wear and tear on your spine and yes it will get worse with age.The Chiropractor will hopefully adjust your spine to release your nerve endings and then retrain your muscles to return to where they should be, muscles have memory apparently.

I know its sounds hokus pokus and £35 a session is a fair amount of dough particularly as at the start you will probably have to have multiple sessions in a short period of time but IMO the pain relief is well worth the money.

I would like to add that I am not a Chiropractor