VaromorusSoil Sampler Probe 36" Stainless Steel Tubular T-Style Handle with Footsteps.

Durable, perfect size. Has some issues in Rocky soils but as expected. Great product!

Before purchasing I had read quite a few of both the positive and negative review. I was ready to pay attention to how much force and what angle to apply it. I have taken 6 samples around my yard and have not had any issues.I will say that this extra depth model requires soil to NOT be hard pack...really that seems like common sense. I make sure to press straight down on the foot step and the handle keeping pressure in line. The cut out isn't paper thin, but could be bent if you do not pay attention.Overall I'm very satisfied with the product and find it useful for soil testing and checking my depth of soil moisture.

I will note that you do have to use this tool with a bit of care. The large cut channel will bend if forced into hard pack ground. Mine bent slightly but I was able to bend it back into shape because I was not forcing it too much when I felt it start to give. I found that down at a very slight angle seemed to help, however too much angle and you can have issues when pulling the sample out. I was that the top portion was hollow, figuring that would be solid metal to put weight behind the push reducing the need for any force, however that would be a solid piece of stainless steel and I would imagine the cost and weight would be negative factors.

I wanted a probe that would go deep enough for mature trees to check moisture levels with a separate meter. I didn’t particularly like paying this much, but on arrival it seems very well built. Not sure why some reviews show it bending, it would take a heck of a lot of force to bend this thing. So far it has proven quite useful. I am sure over time the sting of the cost will fade.

Very light and great quality

Ultimately it did the job of taking 9 core samples. However, the metal is so soft that it bent under any sort of pressure. Even though one should be able to stand on it, if the tip isn't in the ground all the way it will bend easily. Would I buy this again, no. I would pay more for a more repeatable product.

I have a small lawn area that would turn into a pond in the winter. The soil was so dense with clay that there was very little drainage. I used the probe to extract soil to a depth of about 9" which I then filled with a good organic potting medium. The soil sampler probe worked great for this.

Have been looking for a good one for awhile. And also that doesn’t break the bank. Good price and really good quality. Other ones typically would have already bent or twisted. The foot steps really help and are very sturdy!