Apex Pick Badger 24-Inch Hickory Handle with Three Super Magnets

The Apex Pick Badger 24-inch has a 10-inch x 3.5-inch head that fits into tight bedrock crevices and fractures where full-size picks bind. The compact head geometry lets you work narrow targets in hard-rock claims and dry-wash channels without the tool catching on the crevice walls. The 24-inch hickory handle balances swing control with enough leverage for prying loose material, and at 4 pounds the Badger is light enough to pack all day on foot-access claims. Three super magnets pull ferrous targets and black sand directly from cracks without a separate scoop.

The three super magnets embedded in the Badger's head pull black sand and ferrous targets directly out of bedrock crevices when you scrape the pick face across the crack. This eliminates the need to scoop material into a separate container before processing, speeding recovery on iron-rich placers. The magnets are embedded in the head casting so they stay secure under prying loads, and the magnetic pull is strong enough to hold small nuggets and concentrates while you reposition the tool. Prospectors working desert dry washes and Sierra bedrock claims use the magnets to clear crevices faster than a non-magnetic pick.

The 24-inch handle gives enough reach for most surface crevices and shallow bedrock fractures, but prospectors working deeper cracks often step up to the Badger 30-inch or 36-inch for the extra leverage. The 24-inch length is optimized for tight-access targets where a longer handle would bind or make the tool awkward to swing in confined spaces. If you're working crevices deeper than 18 inches or need more prying leverage on hardpan, the longer Badger models carry the same 10-inch head with extended handles. Browse the full range at apex picks.

The Badger's handle is hickory selected for impact resistance and flex under prying loads. The wood grain provides better grip than smooth plastic or metal handles when your hands are dusty or wet, reducing hand fatigue during multi-hour crevicing sessions. Hickory is a traditional prospecting-pick material because it balances strength with enough flex to prevent the handle from snapping under sudden side loads. The 24-inch length keeps the tool compact for backpack carry while providing sufficient leverage for prying loose material from bedrock fractures and hardpan layers.

The Badger works for metal detecting recovery in hard-packed soil or rocky ground where a standard digger won't penetrate, but its real strength is bedrock crevicing and mineral recovery. The compact 10-inch head fits into tight targets, and the three super magnets help pull ferrous trash and iron relics out of holes without a separate scoop. Detectorists working old homesteads with rocky foundations or desert washes with caliche layers use the Badger to break through hard layers a trowel can't handle. For more recovery techniques, see our metal detecting shovels, diggers & picks collection.

The Badger 24-inch weighs approximately 4 pounds, light enough to pack all day on foot-access claims without the fatigue that comes from carrying heavier full-size picks. The 24-inch handle keeps the overall length compact for backpack carry, making it easy to transport on remote claims. Prospectors working remote claims often carry the Badger as a primary crevicing tool because the weight-to-capability ratio beats larger picks when you're hiking miles to the site. The 10-inch x 3.5-inch head provides enough working surface for effective crevicing while keeping the overall tool manageable for extended field sessions.

The Badger's head is 6mm thick, which is thick enough to pry loose material and wedge cobbles without bending, but thin enough to slip into hairline bedrock cracks. The head construction is built from tough materials designed to handle prying loads without failure at stress points. Our team has used the Badger on Sierra bedrock and desert caliche without bending the head, but like any prying tool, using it as a lever against a fulcrum thicker than the head can cause permanent deformation. The 6mm thickness strikes a balance between durability and the ability to access narrow crevices.

Yes, all Apex Picks including the Badger 24-inch are manufactured in the United States. Apex developed the Badger series after working with professional prospectors to identify the gap in the market for a compact, durable crevicing pick with advanced features like embedded super magnets. The USA manufacturing ensures consistent quality control and access to domestic customer support for warranty and technical questions. Serious Detecting stocks the full Badger handle-length range, and every pick ships with the manufacturer warranty backed by Apex's USA facility.

Yes, the Badger series is available with zero magnets, one magnet, or three magnets as customizable options. This SKU (GC1035-6-24-3M) comes with three super magnets installed, but if you prefer a non-magnetic version for working around sensitive electronics or don't need the magnetic recovery feature, the zero-magnet and one-magnet configurations are available. The magnet count affects the price, so prospectors who don't work iron-rich placers can save by ordering a lower-magnet configuration. Check the full range at metal detecting hand diggers & gold picks.

The Apex Pick Badger 24-inch is backed by Apex Picks, covering defects in materials and workmanship. Serious Detecting is an authorized Apex dealer, so your purchase is backed by direct support from Apex's USA facility for warranty claims. Our 30-day return policy covers fit and function, and because this tool exceeds $99, it ships to your door completely free.