Ok. So by now most of you know that I take my shovels seriously. I truly believe that there really is "a shovel for all scenarios".
@Juxtatarot - I'm glad you reached out. I've been really worried about your shovel collection since you posted that picture, but I didn't want to say something because you've been so nice around here in terms of me whining and crying about running. So now, I appreciate your cry for help and am willing to provide the best guidance I can.
As those in northern climes realize, there are different types of snow. There is the nice, light powdery snow that is fun to frolic in - this is the snow you
really want if you have to shovel. Easy on the back, pushes easy - really a joy to shovel.
The second type of the snow is the heavy, wet show. This is the sack breaker...the back breaker...the ultra of snow shoveling. You'll use every muscle in your body, and then some, for this shoveling job.
And then there is the mix of the two. Sometimes you get that light snow that lands on a warmer surface, so you get a little wetness there but it still makes it easy to shovel.
And the final ####-YOU scenario: a layer of ice that comes down first, and then the powdery stuff that lays so gently there that it fools you. You think you have an easy shoveling job in front of you but after one pass you realize: I'M GONNA BE OUT HERE ALL ####### DAY. #### YOU WINTER YOU ####### PIECE OF CRAP.
The point is, you need to be prepared for anything. I know you guys think I am some shovel buffoon, and that's ok. But I'm prepared for all scenarios here. Where you laugh at ME...well....I'm really laughing at YOU. So our goal here today is to turn
@Juxtatarot into one you laughs at these other non-prepared shovel wankers.
Shovel #1
This shovel will do it all. The steel blade is perfect for all scenarios. This is the workhorse. Has a hardwood handle. Is a little heavier than most shovels but that weight is what gives you the power to dig into less-than-ideal snow scenarios. If I'm buying only one shovel, this is the guy.
Shovel #2
The 24" width is awesome for pushing lots of snow quickly, especially when you get that light powdery snow. The aluminum blade also gives you enough edge to get through slushy or icy surfaces. This shovel is designed to push snow - not lift it. You're moving a lot of snow quickly with this guy - you aren't out there creating snow forts or anything with this one. If you need to shovel fast in the morning so you can get to work, this is it.
Shovel #3
WARNING: This shovel is for powdery snow only. This is a nice lightweight snow shovel, and is usually a complement to your snow shovel collection. Easy on the back and arms, and you can usually work quickly with this shovel. If you can only buy one shovel, this is NOT IT. This is a luxury to have. I own three of these.
Shovel #4
Now I'm going to take you to an area where I'm not sure you are ready, but this shovel is what I like to call the: "It Will Do A Lot of Sheeit" shovel. Lightweight aluminum, so its easy to work with but has enough OOOOMF in the blade to cut through some light ice. This is also an ALL-SEASON shovel. You can scoop mulch with this. You can clean your garage and use this as a man's dust pan. You can scoop sarcasm from message board non-believers. This is the shovel you get when you are ready to go "Next Level.
Shovel #5
The ice-buster. This shovel is the backbone of all shovel collections. Is multi-faceted and ready for anything. When you have that hard layer of ice underneath, this shovel is a must for that scenario. Can also be used in all 4 seasons. If I remember, you may already have one of these. If so, you are one step ahead already.
Hope this helps. I know it is overwhelming, but should make you feel confident when you walk into that store. Don't get seduced by the ergonomic handles - they are made to look sexy and all, but snow shoveling is supposed to be back breaking and painful work. Plus, those curvy handles just look dumb.
I think you probably still have my cell number from Carmel, so if you start to panic at the store take a pic and text it to me and I can work you through it. Good luck!