I thought when I got the model 85 digging tool years back that it was the best hand digging tool ever made. I have really abused it hard over the years and it has taken everything I could throw at it from cutting through nasty roots, prying and even kicking on it to budge rocks.
I actually got the model 85 for Christmas many years back and it got put on the shelf for a while because first, I thought I was happy with my digging tools and second, It didn’t have much of an edge on it and I couldn’t imagine it working any better than what I have.
I started detecting a place that was giving up great finds every time out but the first several inches was gravel just under the grass. I found myself taking my 3 digging tools I used on a regular basis and switching out when they got dull then bringing them home and sharpening them for the next trip out. One day I decided to grab the model 85 and give it a try, I had nothing to lose. The very first hole I dug I fell in love! It cut through the grass like butter and worked great in the gravel, quickly getting down the 6 plus inches I needed to get to the old stuff. I wondered how long it would keep an edge and to my surprise, it never loses its edge. I dug in that place for over 3 years never having to sharpen the digger and never losing its ability to make easy work of what would otherwise be tough ground to dig in with any other tool.
I knew Predator tools carried a few other hand diggers but I had honestly never even looked at them. I knew mine was the model 85 B so when someone talked me out of mine or asked where to get one I just always stuck with the 85. Recently, someone was talking about their model 75 C Crusader so I had to go to Predator tools website and take a look. Although at first glance it looks very similar to the 85 there are a few distinct differences that make it even better than the 85.
The first thing you will notice in person (hard to tell by pictures) is the handle is about an inch and a quarter longer which I absolutely love. The next thing is the grip, it’s this crazy durable like rubber with a texture that I instantly fell in love with. I always thought there was no better grip than the one that comes on the 85 but for me at least, I was wrong. Another distinct difference is there is a removable cap on the end that screws on and off like butter revealing a water tight compartment. The cap is surface hardened to ensure many years of hard abuse. Under the cap you will find a compass. I know no one wants to admit (including myself) that a compass can be handy, I can neither confirm nor deny that I’ve ever been lost in the woods metal detecting but never again!!
The compartment is very handy, I never wear gloves out detecting so I keep a few Band-Aids in there in case I cut my fingers which happens often. I also carry tooth picks to scrape copper coins with and a paper towel to wipe relics off. I would spend the extra money alone just for the grip and added length to the handle so the compartment and compass are just a huge bonus to me!
If you are looking for the best hand digger on the market that will last you a lifetime and more that will get the job done year after year better than anything else out there then look no further than Predator tools. The model 85 will be the best digger you’ve ever had if you’ve never had a Predator tools digger but if you want the best of the best, step up to the model 75 Crusader!
Predator tools builds the best hand diggers and shovels you will ever use! to visit their website click here
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