ESTWING Geo/Paleo Rock Pick - 25" Geologist Tool with All Steel Construction & Vinyl Cushion Grip - GP100, Blue

Very nice and light weight! Very good for gem mining.

I just received this pick and I was surprised to find that it was much smaller than I expected. The product dimensions are listed at (as of this review) 36" by 18" by 3", and one of the reviewers claimed that they could use it as a walking stick?! The actual dimensions are 26" by 13.5" by 2.25" (the box was smaller than said dimensions as well). Having noted that point, I think I'm going to really like this pick. I'll update this review once I've had a chance to use it in the field--hopefully my rating will go up to a 5 star. My impressions are that it is well constructed and seems like just about the perfect size for close-quarters digging. If you're going to dig a big hole in flat ground, then this pick is a little too short. If you're digging into a wall or will be digging while kneeling, this should be perfect.Update (5-15-2014)After spending a weekend rockhounding with this, I love it (thus an increase to 5 stars). If I was only able to bring a single tool for any rockhounding trip, this would be it. Here are some notes:-It can completely replace a standard pick except in the case where you are digging in a smaller hole--the head of this pick is pretty long, so it can be difficult to maneuver it in a tighter place.-It is very effective as a pry bar. I noticed zero flex when applying some pretty heavy loading.-It holds its edge well. After taking a serious pounding this weekend, the tip is definitely duller than when I started, but it could be much worse.-The shovel is incredibly convenient-The handle is very tough. So far there's no damage to the handle--I think it might actually hold up in the long run.

This item is awesome extremely tough I am a big guy 240 if I can't make it up a embankment I just bury my paleo pick in the ground pull myself up and I'm 62 and the pick is actually light .I recommend this Paleo Pick to any rock hound

Ever felt the difference between a well-balanced golf club and a poorly-balanced one? How about a fishing rod and reel combo that just feels like an extension of your arm? These tools are like that. Without even trying you can hit your target with either of these. They are short enough to keep them light and intuitive to wield, and yet heavy enough to wield effectively. These are great tools that are easily my favorite go-to companions for breaking up tough rocky soil for the first time.

Great product well worth the price

What an engineered piece of equipment. This is the epitome of a high quality tool. As a field scientist and earth scientist, Estwing is a typical go to brand of tools. This is only my initial review of first impressions.Packaging was great and the item was very secured in transport. Important with an item can be dangerous if mishandled. The quality of the Estwing geo / paleo Pick is superb. If you’ve handled a lot of tools in your experience it becomes easy to tell a good brand almost instantaneous. Estwing is one of those brands to the newbie.This pick is not light weight and it’s not meant to be light in weight. It has some heft to its high quality and durable finish. To give an idea of the quality, I still have one of my original Estwing hammers used for busting rocks and splitting layers, I’ve had it in use for 20 years, actually more. The handle and hammer is still going good.You don’t have to be a scientist to use this brand. So if you’re looking for a long usage, highly durable with ultimate quality, get this pick. You might dig up some gold, fossils or just breaking up some ground for your next relic recovery. This pick and brand is second to none.

I bought my first one eight years ago and just bought one for my fiance. These things are magical!! They literally coax the ore right out of the ground!! Beware sunstones and petrified wood and moss agates and limcasts and Holly Blue, we're coming for you!!

Great product