Nokta Midi Hoard Kids Metal Detector

Nokta Midi Hoard Overview

The Nokta Midi Hoard is a single-frequency 15 kHz kids metal detector. The whole detector, control box and coil, is IP68 rated and fully submersible to 1 m (3 ft). The 7 inch (18 cm) search coil is fixed to the shaft, the detector weighs 1.9 lb (880 g), and the retractable shaft runs from 32.5 to 43 inch (83 to 109 cm). Controls stay simple: three audio tones, two discrimination levels, three sensitivity levels, two volume levels, a three-level depth indicator and a pinpoint button, read on a custom LCD with LED indicators for pinpoint and discrimination. The Midi Hoard runs on 2 x AA batteries, with a battery indicator, auto shut-off and a low-battery alarm. Nokta's recommended age range is 8 to 12 and up, and the detector carries a 2-year manufacturer warranty. The box holds the Midi Hoard detector and a coil cover.

Midi Hoard vs Simplex LITE: Which Should You Buy?

The Midi Hoard is Nokta's current kids detector; the smaller Mini Hoard, with a 6 inch coil and a 780 g build, is no longer in Nokta's lineup. Families comparing the two can read our Mini Hoard vs Midi Hoard comparison. The real choice today is between the Midi Hoard and an adult entry detector such as the Nokta Simplex LITE. The Simplex LITE is IP68 waterproof to 5 m (16 ft), has four search modes, automatic and manual ground balance and a 9.5 x 6 inch SX24 coil, and weighs 2.6 lb.

We recommend the Midi Hoard for kids who want their own detector at their own size, with a light 1.9 lb build and controls a child can learn in an afternoon. We recommend the Simplex LITE for teens who have outgrown the Midi Hoard's shaft, for adults starting alongside their kids, and for anyone who wants deeper water capability and adjustable ground balance.

Midi Hoard, Best For:

• Kids ages 8 to 12 and up getting a detector sized for them
• Beach, sandbox, park and creek hunts where the detector may get wet
• Families who want a second detector on the same hunt
• Learning iron versus non-ferrous tones before moving up to an adult detector

Simplex LITE, Best For:

• Teens and adults who need a longer shaft and a larger coil
• Hunters who want four search modes and adjustable ground balance
• Water hunting to 5 m (16 ft)
• A first adult detector that a Midi Hoard owner can grow into

Key Features That Matter in the Field

The three audio tones carry most of the Midi Hoard's target information. Nokta's quick guide groups them like this: a low tone (red LED) for iron objects such as nails and horseshoes, a medium tone (yellow LED) for rings, pull-tabs, lower-value coins and aluminum foil, and a high tone (green LED) for low- and high-value coins, screw caps and some pull-tabs. Pressing the On/Off and Discrimination button once or twice sets one of the two discrimination levels to filter out unwanted targets. Holding the pinpoint button narrows the search: the tone gets stronger and changes as you near the center, and the LED turns green when the coil is over the target. The depth indicator reads Shallow, Medium or Deep, which helps a young hunter decide how far to dig.

We have swung this gear in the field, and we recommend starting a new hunter with discrimination off so every target sounds, then adding a discrimination level once they can hear the difference between iron and a coin. Teach pinpointing early: it saves holes and keeps lawns and parks tidy.

Where the Midi Hoard Works Best and Its Limits

The Midi Hoard is at home in parks, playgrounds, schoolyards, backyards, sandboxes, beaches and creek banks, where its light weight and waterproof build let a child hunt for a whole afternoon. The 1 m (3 ft) IP68 rating covers wet sand, shallow water and rain, not swimming-depth or dive work; for that, see the Nokta PulseDive underwater detector. As a single-frequency 15 kHz detector with a small 7 inch coil, the Midi Hoard is a learning detector for coins, jewelry and relics near the surface, not a tool for deep silver in heavy iron or for hot gold ground. The coil is not detachable. After use, especially in salt water, Nokta says to rinse the detector with tap water, use no chemicals and dry it with a soft cloth.

Accessories That Fit the Midi Hoard

Nokta lists three accessories for the Midi Hoard. The Nokta 7 inch coil cover is the replacement for the cover in the box, which protects the underside of the coil on sand, gravel and pavement; we recommend fitting the cover before the first hunt and replacing it once it wears through. The Nokta DetectoBag 38L backpack and the Nokta universal carrying bag carry the detector and the rest of the family's gear. The Midi Hoard quick guide covers assembly and controls. Keep spare AA batteries in the bag, and add a pinpointer once your young hunter is ready for faster recoveries.

For site ideas and ground rules before the first outing, read our guide to metal detecting with kids, and compare other options in our kids metal detectors collection.

Why Buy the Nokta Midi Hoard from Serious Detecting?

• Free Shipping on Orders Over $99: Your Nokta Midi Hoard ships at no extra cost across the continental US.
• Authorized Nokta Dealer: Showroom in Ypsilanti, Michigan, full 2-year manufacturer warranty and product registration support.
• Help Before and After You Buy: Our staff answer setup, accessory and Midi Hoard questions by phone or email.