Here is a brief overview. If you enjoy searching, digging, or just digging through rocks, this is a must-have tool. That, plus a 3-4 lb brick/stone hammer and gad (Estwing has one and it's amazing too) is the bare minimum you need to successfully dig through the ground to find, well, Whatever you want. This choice is reliable, I have 3, all over 2 years old. One is definitely 10 years old, but now they are pretty boring due to a lot of excavations! Highly recommended, Estwing are still making great instruments! I haven't been disappointed yet!