Nokta AccuPOINT Review: The Pinpointer of the Future? (Review, Unboxing, Testing +)
Among us detectorists the introduction of a new gadget is always met with excitement and a lust to read about it on hobby-detecting.comš. Over the winter we havenāt exactly been blessed with too much new detecting technology from the producers, but we arenāt left completely empty-handed! We are of course talking about the Nokta AccuPOINT Pointer, the latest offering from our beloved Nokta. We will look at the AccuPOINT, exploring its operational modes, technical and design aspects, display features, settings and specifications, to determine if it truly is the pinpointer of the future. It certainly looks the part!
First Impressions
Straight out of the box, the Nokta AccuPOINT presents itself as a robust tool built for the demanding hobbyist.
Its ergonomic design immediately stands out, promising ease of use during long treasure hunting sessions.
Included in the package are the pinpointer, a holster, a cable to attach to the holster, a charging cable, a reserve interchangeable tip, and a comprehensive user manual.
The initial setup is straightforward, allowing users to quickly jump into action.
Technical Aspects and Specifications
The Nokta AccuPOINT doesn’t shy away from showcasing its technical advancements. With a frequency operation of 20 kHz (yes, it is adjustable!), it promises to deliver unparalleled sensitivity and precision in detecting a wide range of metals. The device is waterproof up to 3 meters, making it a versatile companion for adventures in various terrains, including underwater.
And yes, the AccuPOINT is a recharge-based pinpointer with an integrated battery! This means no more need of purchasing new batteries for your pinpointer, like we are used to. It also very conveniently uses an USB-C port for charging, just like most mobile phones, tablets and smaller laptops that are being produced today. How convenient!
Battery life is a standout feature, with the AccuPOINT boasting up to approx. 25 hours of operation on a single charge. This endurance is facilitated by its rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery, ensuring that detectorists can spend more time searching and less time charging.
There is also the possibility to connect to Bluetooth headphones from the same manufacturer, Nokta, if you have this.
I would like to emphasize a bit on the design of the pinpointer tip. Firstly, it has the design of having a small tip making it able to “dig” a little bit while searching. But most importantly, this tip is interchangeable!
This makes it convenient for cleaning and when you have worn your tip you could just replace it with a new one!
As we all know, the tip of the pinpointer is commonly the most worn-down part of it, so having the ability to raplace this is really appreciated.
Modes of Operation
The AccuPOINT offers three distinct modes of operation designed to cater to various detecting environments and user preferences:
- Vibration Mode: Ideal for noisy environments, or if you want the pinpointer to stay quiet during your search.
- Audio Mode: Provides clear and distinct tones that vary in pitch based on the proximity to the target.
- Combined Mode: Uses both audio and vibration alerts.
Switching between modes is seamless, thanks to the intuitive interface, allowing users to adapt on the fly to changing conditions.
Display and Settings
One of the most innovative features of the AccuPOINT is its LED display.
This high-resolution screen provides crucial information at a glance, including battery level, sensitivity settings, and detection mode. The display is designed to be easily readable in direct sunlight, a much-appreciated feature among outdoor enthusiasts. For me personally, it seems like the addition of this screen is the standard for future pinpointer technology!
A clear, easy-to-read battery indicator ensures that users are always aware of their device’s power status, helping to avoid unexpected power loss during detecting. The AccuPOINT also has a power save mode which extends its battery life by reducing power consumption when the device is not actively being used, ensuring that the pinpointer is ready when needed without constant recharging.
We also have the ability to adjust the pinpointer sensitivity from 1 through 9, with the last two being the āboostedā sensitivity option for that extra depth.
Another huge technical benefit is the ability to discriminate away iron and to switch between one and two tones! What an amazing possibility to have in a pinpointer, right? This can be very useful for when you are detecting a heavily iron-infested site.
One thing, as previously mentioned, is the frequency of the pinpointer. The base frequency is at 20kHz, and if you are running equipment with the same frequency, you could tune the pinpointer frequency a bit up or down to avoid any interference. Convenient, right?
Customization is of course one of the best selling points of the AccuPOINT. Users can adjust the sensitivity settings through a simple menu, tailoring the device’s responsiveness to specific conditions. Additionally, the pinpointer includes a “Stealth” mode, which reduces the LED brightness for discrete night hunts.
Performance in the Field
In practice, the Nokta AccuPOINT lives up to its promises. Its pinpointing accuracy is exceptional, allowing users to locate targets with minimal disturbance to the surrounding area. The responsiveness of the device to various metals is impressive, detecting small items with ease.
The most responsive part of the device is at the tip, as can be expected. This was tested using a tiny old silver coin, known as a āscaleā because of its similarity to a fish scale:
The pinpointer perfectly could perfectly well locate this small coin in an air-test. Impressive!
The build quality is evident when used in rugged conditions. The waterproof feature is promised to be up to three meters which is yet to be tested, so stay tuned!
Criticism
Despite the Nokta AccuPOINT Pointer’s innovative features and the excitement it has generated within the metal detecting community, it has not been without its criticisms. Some users and reviewers have commented about several aspects that they believe could limit the device’s practicality and long-term reliability. Because a new invention will always bring scepticism, right?
One of the AccuPOINT’s most discussed features is naturally its LED display. Commenters argue that while the display provides useful information at a glance, it is prone to becoming dirty or scratched during regular use, especially in rugged outdoor conditions. This could render the screen difficult to read, potentially diminishing one of the pinpointer’s key selling points. Additionally, the necessity of maintaining a clean screen to ensure visibility could be seen as a hassle by users who prefer a more straightforward, low-maintenance tool.
The AccuPOINT’s reliance on a rechargeable Lithium Polymer battery, while cost-effective over time, has also been criticized. The need to charge the device regularly can be seen as a limitation, especially for users who spend extended periods in the field or those who forget to charge it before an outing. Unlike devices that use replaceable batteries, which can be easily swapped out on the go, the AccuPOINT requires access to a power source for recharging. Linked to the charging issue is the concern over battery longevity and failure. Lithium Polymer batteries, for all their advantages, have a finite number of charge cycles before their capacity diminishes. Once the AccuPOINT’s battery begins to fail, it could become a significant inconvenience and expense to replace.
The AccuPOINT’s customization options, including adjustable sensitivity settings and detection modes, have been labeled by some as overkill. Maybe the average simple user may not need or want to navigate through various settings, preferring a simpler, more straightforward device? There have been comments about adding unnecessary complexity to what should be a simple tool.
Is It Really the Pinpointer of the Future?
The Nokta AccuPOINT Pointer is a formidable tool that significantly enhances the metal detecting hobby. Its thoughtful design, combined with cutting-edge technology, customization features, an amazing screen and so much more provides a user-friendly experience without compromising on performance. Whether you’re an accustomed treasure hunter or just starting out, the AccuPOINT is definitely worth considering.
But back to the question: Is the Nokta AccuPOINT the pinpointer of the future? Based on its innovative features, robust build, and exceptional performance, it certainly makes a compelling case. The AccuPOINT not only meets the high standards set by its predecessors but in many ways, surpasses them, setting a new benchmark for what enthusiasts can expect from metal detecting equipment.
Want to read more about Nokta products? Look no further than here!
As usual, Iāll be very happy if you leave a comment below with your thoughts or wishes for future articles, and if there are any questions do not hesitate to fire away in the comment section! Maybe you have some critique or other thoughts about the pinpointer?