RTG Pro Aluminum 47" Mini Water Scoop for Beach and Shallow Water Detecting

The RTG Pro Mini scoop has a 5-inch diameter by 9-inch long aluminum bucket with 9/16-inch punched holes on the sides and back. The perforation size clears wet sand and shell fragments quickly while retaining coins, rings, and small targets. The bucket's 9-inch depth provides enough capacity for single-scoop recovery on most beach targets without adding excessive weight to the tool. Detectorists working surf zones and wet sand appreciate the balance between drainage speed and bucket volume on this model.

The RTG Pro Mini's handle is welded at a 20-degree angle to the bucket, positioning the scoop for foot-assisted digging pressure. When you place your foot on the handle near the bucket junction, the angle directs force downward into compacted wet sand or shell layers, reducing the arm strain required to penetrate tough ground. The angled geometry also keeps the handle closer to vertical during the scoop motion, which improves leverage when lifting sand-filled buckets. Beach detectorists working tidal zones find the angled handle reduces fatigue across multi-hour sessions compared to straight-handle designs.

The RTG Pro Mini weighs 3 pounds, making it one of the lighter full-length sand scoops in the RTG catalog. The aluminum construction and 40-inch handle provide 47 inches of overall reach without the weight penalty of steel buckets or stainless-tipped models. Detectorists who cover wide beach stretches or hunt for extended periods appreciate the reduced arm fatigue, while the reinforced aluminum brace maintains structural strength for foot-assisted digging. The 3-pound weight suits detectorists who prioritize portability and don't need the cutting power of heavier-duty scoops.

The RTG Pro Mini is designed for beach and shallow water detecting, not deep wading or surf-zone work beyond knee depth. The aluminum bucket and standard 9/16-inch perforation pattern handle wet sand and surf-line recovery effectively, but the scoop lacks a stainless steel cutting tip for shell-packed layers or rocky substrates common in deeper water. Detectorists working waist-deep water typically choose a heavier-duty setup. For long-distance travel options, explore the Reilly’s Treasured Gold (RTG) catalog for two-piece breakdown handles.

The RTG Pro Mini is backed by a 90-day limited warranty against manufacturing defects. The warranty covers material and workmanship issues but does not cover damage from misuse, abuse, or normal wear from repeated use in abrasive sand and saltwater conditions. Serious Detecting ships the Pro Mini with the manufacturer's warranty documentation, and our customer care team can assist with warranty claims or replacement parts. The scoop is made in the USA by Reilly's Treasured Gold, and build quality reflects domestic manufacturing standards.

The RTG Pro Mini works in dry sand, but the 9/16-inch punched holes are optimized for wet sand and water recovery where dense, heavy sand needs to drain instantly. In fluffy dry sand, tiny coins or split-shot weights can clear the holes safely, but fine dry sand may shake through slower than target-hunting wire mesh screens. For comfort, stability, and maximum target sift speeds across the dry towel line, check out our specialized scoops & diving tools - handle type - standard configurations.

The RTG Pro Mini and Pro Mini Travel share the same 5-inch by 9-inch aluminum bucket, 20-degree angled handle, and 47-inch overall length. The Travel version features a two-piece handle that breaks down at the center for easier packing in luggage or vehicle storage, while the standard Pro Mini has a fixed one-piece handle. The Travel model weighs 3.5 pounds compared to the standard model's 3 pounds due to the additional hardware at the handle junction. Detectorists who fly to beach destinations or need compact storage choose the Travel version, while those who hunt locally and don't need breakdown portability save cost with the fixed-handle Pro Mini.

Rinse the RTG Pro Mini with fresh water after each saltwater session to remove corrosive salt film and sand grit from the 9/16-inch bucket perforations and handle joints. The aircraft-grade aluminum resists rust, but salt crust can degrade welds over time if ignored. Check the reinforced stress brace periodically for structural integrity if you frequently apply hard heel pressure. For deep dives into surf-zone sand clearing techniques and field care secrets, visit our comprehensive metal detecting tips and FAQs handbook.

The RTG Pro Mini ships with an orange rubber hand grip, but the manufacturer notes that grip color may vary based on available stock. The grip's function and material remain consistent across color variations, providing comfortable hand contact and reduced slippage during wet conditions. The orange color shown in product photos is the most common variant, but detectorists should expect potential color differences in their shipped unit. Grip color does not affect the scoop's performance, weight, or durability.