The Le Trap Sluice Box is a popular box among prospectors because of its versatility, lightweight construction, and rigid durability.
Below you’ll find a review of the Le Trap Sluice Box along with a comprehensive overview of its aspects and features. Also, be sure to use the table of contents to easily navigate to the sections of this post that are most beneficial to you.
Le Trap Sluice Box Review And Features
Table of Contents
*Disclosure: Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, to help you make the best choice for you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
What Is A Le Trap Sluice Box?
The Le Trap Sluice Box is a lightweight, multi-purpose gold mining box patented in Canada and made in the USA. When shipped, the box is configured as the “bank robber” and can be used as a highbanker sluice. Or, it can be converted into a stream sluice by cutting the back panel (the closed end) off at the head of the box, once converted it is known as the “river robber”.
Click Here To Purchase Or For More Information
Le Trap Sluice Box Dimensions
The Le trap sluice box measures 46″ long and 15″ wide rim to rim. The interior is about 13″ wide when measuring in between the bottom of the pan. It is 4″ deep with riffles designed in a two-step pattern. This riffle design eliminates the need for carpets and mats while still capturing very fine flour gold or nuggets. The riffles also make this sluice box very easy to clean.
The Le Trap sluice box only weighs 4 lbs. It is formed from a single piece of high-impact ABS green plastic which allows for it to be super light yet very rigid and durable making it portable and ideal for backpacking moving from location to location.
How To Use A Le Trap Sluice Box
The le trap sluice box functions like any other sluice box, what’s different about a le trap sluice is that it is possible to convert it from a box that can be used as a highbanker into a river sluice.
Once you identify an area with potential for finding gold, which will require research and investigation, you’ll want to follow the basics of using a sluice box outlined below:
1. Place the sluice parallel in a shallow area, at least two inches deep and that has a good flow of water. You do not want whitewater flowing through the sluice, as you will more than likely lose material due to the fast flow of water.
2. Ensure that the bottom of the sluice is angled slightly lower than the gate of the box. Adjust the angle as needed to ensure that the water is not flowing too quickly over it. Set the slope at one inch of drop for every foot of the boxes length as a general rule.
*If you convert it into a “river robber” you may need to weigh it down to keep it in place by running board from edge to edge with rocks on top of it. Or, create a “rock brace” by positioning a few rocks around the outside of the trough.
3. Most prospectors recommend classifying the materials before running it through the sluice. To do this, accumulate material from the area you want to search in buckets or troughs. Next, run it through a coarse screen to remove larger rocks and unnecessary materials.
4. After classifying, begin to slowly add the material to the front of the box. Eventually, you will need to check what has accumulated within the riffles. Keep in mind, most gold will accumulate near the top riffles of the box. Carefully lift the box keeping it horizontally level as you remove it from the water.
5. Identify any larger pieces of gold and remove them using tweezers. Next, carefully wash down all parts of the riffles and box into a bucket.
6. Finally, process the material using a pan to recover valuable gold and minerals.
How To Cut A Le Trap Sluice Box To Convert It From The Bank Robber To The River Robber
The Le Trap Sluice box is also known by a couple of other names: The “Bank Robber” and “River Robber”.
The product is shipped as the “Bank Robber” and is designed like a highbanker sluice box. You can leave it as is, or convert it into a stream sluice box by cutting the closed end off at the head of the trough.
- Use a marker to define your “cut-line”. We recommend leaving the top of the back panel running from edge to edge intact to help reinforce stability.
- Use a Dremel or any other fine tooth blade to carefully cut the back panel out, creating an opening for water to flow through at the head of the trough.
After cutting an opening for water to flow through from the head of the sluice box you have successfully converted you Le Trap from the Bank Robber into The River Robber.
Why Is A Le Trap Sluice Box Different?
The Le Trap Sluice Box is different from other sluice boxes for a few reasons.
- It is made from a single sheet of ABS plastic.
- The riffles incorporate a two-step ramp design.
- It does not require or use carpet, matting, or miner moss to function properly, like other sluices.
- The clean lines the lack of removable parts or carpets allow for quick and easy clean up.
- It can be permanently converted into a stream sluice.
Le Trap Sluice Box Compared To Other Sluice Boxes QUICK REVIEW
| Sluice Box Brand | Sluice Box Image | Sluice Box Key Features | More Info Or Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Le Trap Sluice Box | | Made from a single sheet of ABS plastic, measures 46″ long X 15″ wide, Two-Step riffle design, No removable parts or carpets, Ships as highbanker sluice that can be converted into stream sluice, Weight: 4 lbs. | BUY NOW |
| Royal Folding Backpack Sluice Box |  | .063″ Aluminum Body, Wide Flare Opening, 50″ Long X 9″ Wide, Deep V Ribbed Black Rubber Matting, Weight 7.25 lbs. | BUY NOW |
| Keene A52 High Production Hand Sluice |  | Made In USA, 50” Long X 10” Wide, .063” Aluminum,custom made, Double Ribbed Carpet, Easily Converts With Power Sluice, Weight 12 lbs. | BUY NOW |
| Stansport Aluminum 50" Sluice Box |  | Light-Weight Aluminum Construction, Removable Riffles, 50" version is foldable, Weight: 8 lbs. | BUY NOW |
| Keene A52S Super Sluice Box |  | Adjustable Legs With Tilt And Swivel, Super Classifier Screen, Deluxe Riffle-Board, 50" Long X 18" Wide, Weight: 18.5 lbs. | BUY NOW |
| Royal Compact 30" Sluice Box |  | .063” Aluminum, 30” Long x 7” Wide, 5 Zinc Coated Steel Riffles, Removable Flare Stores In Pan, Weight: 3.7 lbs. | BUY NOW |
Click Here To Purchase Or For More Information
How A Le Trap Sluice Box Is Made
Le Trap Sluice Box Final Review
The Le Trap Sluice Box is a tried and tested sluice box trusted by long-time prospectors. It does an excellent job of capturing fine flour gold and nuggets in the two riffle ramp design. Because of its simple design, it also does a great job as a cleanup sluice for concentrate too. With it only weighing four pounds it is super easy to transport and carry into hard to reach destinations. If you do not already have a Le Trap Sluice Box it is worth investing in one to start or add to your prospector arsenal.
Click Here To Purchase A Le Trap Sluice Box Or For More Information
Additional Sluice Box Parts And Equipment
There are a few other tools that are handy to have around and will make prospecting with a sluice box a little easier. Gold mining equipment like pans, digging tools, magnets, tweezers, metal detectors, and dredges are all items to consider or carry with you when using a sluice box or highbanker. Additional parts like miners moss, riffles, classifying screens, and stands are all a part of a prospector’s tool bag.
We hope this overview of the Le Trap Sluice Box has been helpful to you.
Happy Prospecting! And remember, you can’t find the gold if you never look for it. Get out there and go find it!