Nokta Makro Mini Hoard is the first totally waterproof metal detector for children. It will be a good device for children aged 4 to 14. From this article, you will find about its operation frequency, search coil, if it will work for beach hunting, can it detect bottle caps, and what makes this metal detector different from its elder brother – Nokta Makro Midi Hoard.
Contents
Review
This is a perfect device for your child to start enjoying the world of metal detecting. Nokta Makro Mini Hoard this is all your child needs to go treasure hunting. Children can use the device wherever they want – on the beach, in the water, on a playground, or in the field.
With Mini Hoard you will find all that it is possible to find. For example, coins, jewelry, gold, silver, iron, copper. This is a quite durable metal detector. It can be submerged up to 1 meter deep.
This way, your little treasure hunter will be able to go beach hunting safely, and it won’t be an issue if the device suddenly falls in the water. After a day full of adventures, you should wash the device under the running water, of course.
| Model | Nokta Makro Mini Hoard | Nokta Makro Midi Hoard |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal Age | 4 – 8 yrs. | 8 – 12+ yrs. |
| Operating Frequency | 15kHz | 15kHz |
| Audio Tones | 2 | 3 |
| Sensitivity Setting | 3 Levels | |
| Pinpoint | Yes | Yes |
| Discrimination | Iron Discrimination | 2 Levels |
| LED Indicator | Pinpoint & Discrimination | Pinpoint & Discrimination |
| Depth Indicator | 3 Levels | 3 Levels |
| Battery Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Shut-off & Alarm | Yes | Yes |
| Search Coil | 15 cm (6″) | 18 cm (7”) |
| Display | Custom LCD | Custom LCD |
| Weight | 780g. (1.7lbs.) | 880g. (1.9lbs.) |
| Length | 63 cm – 90 cm (25” – 35”) | 83 cm – 109 cm (32.5” – 43”) |
| Battery | 2 x AA (not included) | 2 x AA (not included) |
| Warranty | 2 Years | 2 Years |
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The shaft
The metal detector weighs 780 g (1.7lbs), while Midi Hoard is a bit heavier (880 g /1.9l bs). This weight will be convenient to carry even for little children. The device has an armrest to make the metal detecting process more comfortable.
There is a base you can use when you put Mini Hoard aside, a telescopic shaft which length can be adjusted from 63 cm to 90 cm (25” – 35”).
The coil
The device package set includes 6 “search coil with a protective case. Due to its operating frequency of 15 kHz, the search coil provides a perfect detection depth on any soil type.
Waterproofness
Another advantage is that Mini Hoard is completely waterproof and can be submerged up to 3 meters deep (3 ft).
Battery
The device uses 2xAA Batteries as a power supply. They are stored in a leakproof unit, and they are protected from water ingress.
Search modes
Mini Hoard is very easy to use since its menu has only two buttons. It has a button for precise target location (PinPoint function) and two search modes: All Metal / Discrimination Mode. The right button is used to turn the device on/off, while the left one turns on a Pinpoint function.
For better visual reception, Mini Hoard is equipped with a special technical menu where the settings are organized using two graphic smilies (a sad and a happy one). When using this understandable infographic, the kid can understand right away when there is a valuable non-ferrous target under the coil that should (be dug out immediately (alone or with your help).
Also, it is easily seen when there is some rubbish under the coil, a ferrous target, for example, which can be skipped without digging it out.
For instance, a sad smiley with its thumb down means there is an iron object such as a nail under the coil. While the happy one with its thumb up, says there is some valuable target there – gold or silver (non-ferrous metals), for example.
You will also be able to detect the target depth, which is displayed in three segments. Also, the battery charge indicator will tell you when the device will turn off, and you won’t be able to continue the search.
Pros
- Lightweight
- It has simple pictograms understandable for kids
- Waterproof when submerged up to 1 meter deep for a short time
- Portable
- It has more advanced settings if compared with a previous version
Cons
- No (considering the price)
Nokta Makro Mini Hoard vs Nokta Makro Midi Hoard
The manufacturer has designed two models: for kids aged 4 to 8 and from 8 to 12. The older device model Midi Hoard is very much similar to Mini Hoard, but it has more tones, more discrimination levels. It is a bit longer and heavier due to the elongated shaft and larger search coil.
The device package set includes several special accessories: 4 colorful stickers for the control unit and shaft (2 in pink and 2 in blue color) designed for a girl and a boy; and a set for beach hunting, which consists of a black plastic scoop and a small shovel.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusions
Nokta Makro Mini Hoard is a completely waterproof metal detector for children on the market. This device demonstrates the best characteristics among all similar ones.
We wrote very detailed posts about best metal detectors for kids, but the models mentioned there, are a far cry from this device.
If you’ve started thinking about getting such a device, Nokta Makro Mini Hoard is a good choice (the best one probably), but don’t forget about another important accessory – a shovel for digging. Otherwise, you’ll have to help your kid yourself. We wrote about the best shovel items in our post here. You are welcome to read it.