Nokta Midi Hoard Waterproof Kids Metal Detector

The Nokta Midi Hoard is a kids metal detector that Nokta recommends for ages 8 to 12 and up: a 15 kHz detector with a 7 inch coil, three audio tones, pinpoint and a three-level depth indicator. It weighs 880 g (1.9 lb), is rated IP68 and waterproof to 1 meter (3 ft), runs on two AA batteries, and the shaft adjusts from 83 to 109 cm (32.5 to 43 inch).

What is in the box with the Nokta Midi Hoard

Nokta's standard contents for the Midi Hoard

• Nokta Midi Hoard detector with 18 cm (7 inch) search coil attached
• Upper and lower shaft (the detector comes in two pieces)
• Quick start guide

Who the Nokta Midi Hoard suits

We like the Midi Hoard because it is designed for children rather than being a shortened adult detector. Nokta recommends it for ages 8 to 12 and up. Simple controls, a manageable weight and waterproof construction make it a genuine introduction to metal detecting.

What the Midi Hoard's features do for a young detectorist

15 kHz: a practical frequency for general recreational detecting, such as a child searching the backyard for coins and small metal objects. It cannot identify every object accurately.

7 inch coil: a sensible size for children, easy to handle and to work around common obstacles. The whole detector weighs 880 g (1.9 lb).

Waterproof to 1 meter (3 ft): a child can search a shallow stream or wet sand, and the detector tolerates going under within its rating. We still recommend adult supervision around water.

Three audio tones: a low tone for iron such as nails, a medium tone for targets like rings, pull tabs and foil, and a high tone for coins and some caps. Children begin learning how target responses differ, but the tones do not identify exact objects.

Pinpoint: when a child knows a coin is under the coil but not exactly where, pinpoint narrows the recovery area. It makes digging quicker and more enjoyable.

Adjustable shaft: 83 to 109 cm (about 32.5 to 43 inch), so it fits a growing child within that range.

Batteries: the Midi Hoard runs on two AA batteries, which is convenient for families.

Where kids can use the Nokta Midi Hoard

Beach and shallow water: the wet sand line, the edge of a swimming beach and a shallow creek are all within the IP68 rating, and the three-level depth indicator helps a young hunter decide which signals are worth digging in soft sand. Nokta says to rinse the detector with tap water after use in salt water.

Parks and playgrounds: coins and small lost jewelry sit in mulch and short grass around play equipment, often next to bottle caps and pull tabs. The two discrimination levels each reject one more target type, and the detector then responds only to the target types shown on the screen. Near fences and metal benches we would start at a lower sensitivity level.

Backyard and sandbox practice: the shortest learning curve happens at home. Bury a few coins and a nail, let a child hear the three tones, and add the Nokta Cool Sand Sifter so finds can be scooped out of sand without digging by hand. Our guide to metal detecting with kids has more site ideas and ground rules for the first hunts.

Nokta Midi Hoard controls and care

Sensitivity has 3 levels and volume 2, both on the same button, and LED indicators show pinpoint and discrimination. The custom LCD carries the depth indicator and a battery indicator. If the detector sits idle for about 30 minutes, an alarm sounds and, after 3 minutes of alarm, it shuts off to save the batteries. When the battery indicator shows empty, it keeps working for a short time before a warning tone and shutdown.

The search coil is not detachable, so don't try to remove it. We would fit the Nokta 7 inch coil cover before sand, gravel or rocky ground to protect the underside of the coil.

One mistake to avoid with the Nokta Midi Hoard

Expecting a kids' detector to match the depth and target ID of a full-size professional detector. Its three-level depth indicator (shallow, medium, deep) is a rough guide, not an exact measurement.

Our recommendation on the Nokta Midi Hoard

We recommend the Midi Hoard to families looking for a genuine, age-appropriate introduction to the hobby. Its strongest points are waterproof construction, simple controls, pinpointing and a light, adjustable design. More options are in our kids metal detectors.

Nokta Midi Hoard specifications

Nokta covers the Midi Hoard with a 2-year limited warranty.

Coil covers and accessories for this detector are in our Nokta Midi Hoard collection.