Nokta Pointer Review: Affordable Yet Reliable for Treasure Hunters

In this review, we explore the Nokta Pointer, an affordable pinpointer from a reputable Turkish manufacturer. This device has been a trusted choice in the treasure hunting community for several years, boasting a strong track record among users. The Nokta Pointer is lightweight, making it easy to carry during long treasure hunts. Its submergibility adds versatility, allowing users to search in wet environments without fear of damage. Reliability is a hallmark of this device; it performs consistently, helping treasure hunters pinpoint valuable finds efficiently.

The backstory

In 2015 Nokta, the Turkish company introduced the upgraded version of its time-proven pinpointer – Nokta Pointer. The previous version was called Nokta Rs Pinpointer, while the name of the new device is Nokta Pointer.

Unlike its predecessor the new pinpointer has obtained bright and noticeable appearance, as well as some technological innovations were added. Though the device doesn’t offer some extraordinary functionality, this is a reliable and not expensive pinpointer for everyday use.

Frequency11.6 kHz
Metal DetectionAudio Alert and/or Vibration
Sensitivity AdjustmentManual
Coil Interface BlockingYes
Dimensions9.4″ x 1.9″ (24 x 4.8 cm) including the hard-shell digger case
Detection Tip3.7″ (9.3 cm)
Weight8.3 oz (235 gr) including the battery & hard-shell case
Working Temperature-4 °F / +122 °F (-20 °C / +50 °C)
Battery9V Alkaline Battery
Battery Life+30 hours
Warranty2 Years
Best Choice No. 1
Nokta Waterproof Full Set Pointer Pinpointer Detector
  • Nokta pointer can be used on land and under the sea.It has been designed to meet…
  • 11.6 kHz frequency.
  • Metal Detection Alarm: Audio and/or vibration.Adjustable: 4 levels of…
  • Size:9.4 x 1.9 x 1.9 inches (24 x 4.8 x 4.8cm)

Last update on 2024-11-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / Source: Amazon Affiliates

The review

The Nokta Pointer is a popular choice among treasure hunters, known for its practical features and ergonomic design. While its primary color is black, the device includes an orange cap on the battery holder and bright detection tips, making it easier to find if misplaced. This attention to visibility is especially useful during outdoor adventures.

Design and Features

For those who occasionally forget their pinpointer, the Nokta Pointer features a lost alarm function. After five minutes of inactivity, it emits audio signals and blinks its LED, shutting off automatically after another five minutes to conserve battery life. This feature can save users from losing their device in dense brush or during long treasure hunts. The device operates on a single 9V battery, with an impressive runtime of approximately 30 hours, making it reliable for extended outings.

Though the Nokta Pointer boasts an ergonomic shape, some users may find the button placement on the battery holder cap inconvenient. The buttons are designed to be easy to press, but their location can sometimes be awkward during operation. Additionally, turning the device on and off requires pressing and holding the button for a couple of seconds, which may be perceived as a delay.

Functionality

Equipped with two replaceable hard-shell protection cases, the Nokta Pointer is designed for various soil types. These include a standard case and a scraping blade case, which can be particularly useful when digging in tough or rocky ground. The scraping blade helps users efficiently unearth treasures without damaging the pinpointer.

The pinpointer features a 360° detection tip, allowing for effective detection of metal objects from any angle, whether they are above, below, or at the edges of the active zone. This circular magnetic field makes it easier to locate targets in challenging positions, enhancing its usability. Additionally, it offers flexible sensitivity adjustments with ten levels, starting at a default sensitivity of level five. A short button press cycles through sensitivity levels, while a long audio signal indicates when the maximum or minimum levels are reached. The ability to adjust sensitivity is crucial when detecting small or deep targets, making the Nokta Pointer adaptable to different conditions.

Sensitivity and Alerts

Users can choose from three alert modes:

  • Only vibration
  • Only audio
  • Both modes (audio + vibration)

This customization enhances the user experience, allowing each treasure hunter to select their preferred method of notification. The vibration mode is especially useful for discreet searches, such as in crowded areas or when trying not to disturb wildlife.

The Nokta Pointer is also equipped with a LED flashlight, making nighttime treasure hunting or working in low-light conditions more manageable. To activate the flashlight, simply press both buttons at the same time. This feature is invaluable for those who prefer early morning or late evening hunts, as it illuminates the search area without requiring additional equipment.

Durability

With an IP67 protection class, the Nokta Pointer is dust- and waterproof, submergible up to 1 meter. This means it can withstand rain and splashes without concern, making it suitable for various environments. However, it is important to note that it is not intended for underwater treasure hunting, unlike some competing models like the Garrett PRO-Pointer AT or Teknetics Tek-Point, which are specifically designed for submerged use.

The device also features coil interference blocking, which mitigates the impact of the magnetic field created by the pinpointer on nearby devices, ensuring accurate detection without interference. This feature enhances the performance of the Nokta Pointer, especially when used alongside metal detectors.

User Feedback and Considerations

Many users appreciate the Nokta Pointer for its reliability and ease of use. The non-slip grip ensures that it remains comfortable during extended sessions, while the compact size (around 25 cm in length) makes it easy to carry in a pocket or attach to a belt. Users often report that the Nokta Pointer performs well even in challenging terrains, thanks to its robust design and sensitivity settings. The device’s ability to detect coins as deep as 10 cm (approximately 4 inches) further highlights its effectiveness.

Additionally, users often highlight the device’s battery efficiency, noting that it can last through multiple treasure hunting trips before needing replacement. The Nokta Pointer has a rugged exterior designed to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, making it suitable for professional and amateur detectorists alike. Many treasure hunters appreciate the device’s quick response time, which allows for efficient searches and minimizes the chances of missing valuable finds. The device’s ability to remember the last sensitivity setting is another convenient feature that saves time during subsequent uses.

Finally, the device’s design includes a bright color scheme that aids visibility, even in thick brush or sandy environments, ensuring that it remains easy to find when not in use.

Conclusions

This is a good pinpointer, but not the best one. Its main disadvantage is that the buttons are located on the battery holder cap, while the device advantage is its reliability and affordable price.

The Nokta Pointer stands out as a dependable tool for treasure hunters, offering a blend of durability, functionality, and user-friendly features. With its practical design and thoughtful details, it remains a strong contender in the pinpointer market.

However, the above mentioned is not enough to compete with other pinpointers on this market, since each metal detector manufacturer produces its own pinpointer model (for example, Minelab Pro-Find 35), plus lots of Chinese copies of these devices on the market.