This device is the lowest cost FissureMan manual suction dredge offered. This is absolutely the best hand dredge deal for your money if you are on a strict budget or just wish to try your luck in a stream while on that two week vacation with the family.
DESCRIPTION
This simple and inexpensive device is designed to be a single stroke unit, however it may also be used as multi-stroke hand dredge when desired. Unlike other dipsticks that mimic this device's operation with a possible one or two suction stroke capability by incorporating an internal nozzle extension, there is no nozzle extension within the PICKERSTICK PLUS. Internal nozzle extensions subtract from the additional space available within a narrow piston body for collection of significant amounts of material. Additionally, there is more working distance for the piston to travel without an internal nozzle extension allowing that much more material to be gathered per load. These two points alone work out to equal more material per load on one or multiple suction strokes than any sub-par mimic device might provide.
But that's not all!
This updated design pumps and directs the excess water from each suction stroke out the back of the piston handle on the compression stroke through a filter screen on the diversion check valve at the inlet port. With this unique new feature added, there is less resistive back pressure from the water with no material lost through the handle while pushing the piston back down for the next suction stroke. With no water ejected from the nozzle on the compression stroke the material to be suctioned next will not be moved from it's original location and possibly lost to the flow of the surrounding water. Additionally, with back pressure relieved, there is less forward or positive pressure placed on the previously collected material within the cylinder and will produce no loss of the material already collected within the dredge body. The end result is more efficient material collection than the original PICKERSTICK model. This action may be viewed and compared on the DIY video provided on this web site.
To address any concern regarding "getting soaked" when using this design, this unit has a simple dual purpose fitting included that is used to divert the flow of excess water away from and behind the operator. If you are worried that this might not be enough splash insurance you can always add a length of inexpensive hose or tubing to the end of the handle to keep the water directed completely away from you. When not in use as a water diversion mechanism, the diversion fitting may be placed on the end of the 1/2" nozzle to assist accessing material at a more comfortable working angle from under or below over hanging structure such as boulders or tree roots.
The piston seal material is not composed of rubber or other similar O-ring materials that require the use of silicone lubricants. These lubricants may be used if you prefer however in this case they are not necessary. With the PICKERSTICK PLUS water is the only lubricant you really must have and there will be an ample supply of that free lubricant where you are going!
OPERATION
To collect: Pull back on the handle and material is collected - continue pulling until the piston exits at the top of the piston tube.
Alternatively, compress the piston back down after each suction stroke and repeat the suction pull again and again until the body is as much as half to two thirds full - then pull the piston out the top of the body. You will have collected as much as 1½ to 2 cups of material at this point. This method collects more material per load by far than any other similar design using a single collection stroke prior to cleanout.
NOTE: The piston stroke length will shorten as material accumulates within the piston body during this method of operation. The actual suction force developed will not diminish from first stroke to last nor does the collected material significantly increase the needed force to suction additional material into the body.
To empty: Turn the piston body upside down and the collected material easily slides right out into your pan, bucket or processing equipment.
To continue: Reinsert the piston into the body and begin again.
This device combines attributes from some of the earliest hand dredge designs and incorporates more of the useful features from these early hand dredge designs along with additional features of recent FissureMan design into one simple device. All without the inherent mechanical encumbrances of vent holes, indicator lines, skinny o-ring seals, silicone lube maintenance, material loss, etc. etc. etc.
FEATURES:
- Slim, rugged piston body
- 45° angled piston handle
- Material retention mechanism
- Multiple suction stroke capable
- No vent hole or indicator lines to monitor
- Easy, open top access for material removal
- Works above or below water
- Simple and easily replaceable wide surface piston seal
- Two additional piston seals provided at purchase
- Three detachable nozzles (1/2", 3/4" & 1" diameters)
- Internal nozzle mechanism to eliminate deep rock plugs (1/2" diameter nozzle only)
- Requires no silicone lubricant maintenance
- Light weight - 1lb. 10oz. - ready to go to work
- Extremely affordable for those on a budget
- PROUDLY - MADE IN AMERICA
This device's intent is to be provided as an inexpensive, feature rich sniping tool offering the largest count of useful functions within one simple device.
This product easily lends itself to special order variations such as different user lengths, alternative nozzle
configurations, etc. Just inquire if you have a specific need!
What you can expect to receive:
PICKERSTICK PLUS
34" Manual Suction Dredge
1.625" OD body
Three 6" nozzles - 1/2", 3/4" & 1" ID
Two additional replacement seals
One water diversion/collection fitting
One piston valve override fitting
Price: $21.00
