Plastic sand scoops are preferred by many metal detectorists because they are not conductive and do not interfere with a metal detector.  This allows the user, especially in wet sand conditions, to use their metal detector to determine if the target is in the scoop or still in the sand.

Most plastic sand scoops you find will be hand held sand scoops.  Plastic sand scoops are lightweight and are perfect for travel.  If you are carrying it on a plane you also do not have to worry about it setting off security metal detectors in an airport.  

Plastic sand scoops are great for dry sand although they are not the best option for thick wet sand as the holes tend to be spaced further apart and they do not drain the best.