Nokta Impact Review
The Nokta Makro Impact is a deep, highly adjustable VLF detector that rewards hobbyists willing to learn its menus. Three selectable frequencies, full ground-balance control and field-swappable AA batteries are its strengths; its age and 4.4 lb weight are the trade-offs. It remains a smart used buy for tinkerers who do not need the newest simultaneous multi-frequency tech.
Pros
- Excellent depth and adjustability
- Three selectable frequencies for different targets
- Field-swappable AA batteries, no charging downtime
- Strong value as a used buy
Cons
- Heavier at around 4.4 lbs
- Selectable rather than simultaneous multi-frequency
- Deep menus steeper for casual beginners
What stands out
The Impact's depth of control is its calling card. You can pick 5, 14 or 20 kHz to match a target or fight mineralization, run ground balance in automatic, manual or tracking modes, tame iron with Iron Audio, and shape the tone pitch to your own hearing. For the hobbyist who likes to understand and adjust every setting, that is exactly the point.
Owners are warm on it. One experienced detectorist described the Impact as a very good detector, calling out the ability to change batteries as needed as a particular plus - you simply carry spare AAs and swap them, no charging downtime on a long hunt.
Where it falls short
The Impact is older-generation hardware. It uses selectable single frequencies, not the simultaneous multi-frequency search that defines Nokta's current flagships, so in the trickiest ground a modern SMF machine can edge it. At about 4.4 lbs it is also noticeably heavier than the brand's newest lightweight models, which matters on all-day hunts. And the deep menu structure that enthusiasts love is more than a casual beginner wants to absorb.
As with any brand, a few owners have reported faults on Nokta hardware that were handled under warranty - worth keeping your receipt and registering the detector.
Real-world use and who should buy
Buy the Impact if you are a hands-on hobbyist who enjoys dialing in settings, you want field-swappable batteries, and you are happy to buy an older model (often used) for the depth and adjustability it offers. Skip it if you want the lightest, newest, run-it-out-of-the-box multi-frequency experience - Nokta's current lines deliver that better. For the full specs and lineup context, see our Nokta Impact overview, and check the Impact price before you buy.
Specifications
| Brand | Nokta |
| Color | Black |
| Height | 10.0 inches |
| Length | 21.0 inches |
| Weight | 4.41 pounds |
| Width | 5.0 inches |
| Feature | Operating frequency: 5Khz - 14Khz - 20Khz |
| Feature | Weight: 4 lbs (1.8 Kgs) including search coil and batteries |
| Feature | Ground balance with 3 options: automatic, Manual, tracking |
| Feature | Iron Audio (Fe volume): turns off or adjusts the volume of the low iron tone |
| Feature | Audio tone: changes the frequency of target and Threshold tones (150Hz - 700Hz) |
Source: www.amazon.com
What owners say
Here is what detectorists say about this on public forums:
Forums · Metal Detectors and Treasure Hunting. Nokta "Legend" Forum. The newest metal detecting technology from Nokta/Makro. findmall.com
I recently purchased a Nokta Makro The Legend metal detector and after only a few uses it now seems to be defective, my Legend is constantly ... treasurenet.com
The Nokta Impact is a very good detector, I like the Impact for the ability to change batteries as needed, and it is 'less-featured' Stumbling, ... metaldetectingforum.com
Where to buy
This model shows up under several Amazon listings and bundles. Prices change often - compare the current options:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Nokta Impact a good detector?
Yes - it is a respected, highly adjustable VLF machine. Owners praise its depth, control and the convenience of swappable batteries, with the main caveats being its age and weight.
Is the Impact good for beginners?
It can be, but its deep menus and many settings suit a hobbyist who enjoys adjusting things. A true beginner may prefer a simpler, lighter Nokta model.
Does the Impact run multiple frequencies at once?
No. It offers three selectable frequencies (5, 14, 20 kHz) that you choose one at a time, which is different from the simultaneous multi-frequency used on Nokta's newer models.
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