Nokta Double Score Review: The Best Value SMF Detector?

I’ve had my hands on the Nokta Double Score for a while now, and it’s time to share my thoughts. When this detector was announced in late 2023, the buzz in the metal detecting community was palpable.

Nokta has a reputation for shaking up the market with feature-packed machines at competitive prices, and the Double Score looked to continue that trend.

It promised simultaneous multi-frequency (SMF) technology, a feature usually found in higher-end models, in a lightweight, waterproof package.

After spending considerable time with it in various conditions, I can say that the hype is largely justified, though it's not without its nuances.

I've taken it from local parks to windswept beaches, and it has consistently surprised me with its performance and simplicity.

Unboxing & Initial Setup: 8/10

Getting the Nokta Double Score out of the box and ready for my first hunt was a straightforward and satisfying experience. The packaging is efficient, with everything securely in its place. Inside, I found the control box, the 12" x 9" (SC30) waterproof DD search coil with its cover, the carbon fiber middle and lower shafts, a USB charging and data cable, and the user manual.

The absence of included headphones was a slight letdown, but at this price point, it's an understandable omission. The inclusion of Bluetooth as standard is a huge plus, allowing me to connect my own low-latency headphones without any fuss.

Assembling the detector is a tool-free affair that takes just a couple of minutes. The shafts snap together with satisfying clicks, and the coil attaches easily. Honestly, after wrestling with some overly complicated machines in the past, the sheer simplicity was a breath of fresh air.

I spent about ten minutes in my garden just getting a feel for the menu system. It’s incredibly simple to navigate using the handful of buttons. I was able to select a search mode, adjust the sensitivity, and perform a noise cancel with no need to even glance at the manual.

For a new detectorist, this ease of setup would be a huge confidence booster, replacing potential frustration with immediate excitement to get out and hunt.

Design, Build Quality & Ergonomics: 9/10

The first thing I notice when I pick up the assembled Double Score is its weight, or lack thereof. At just 1.25 kg (2.7 lbs), it’s a joy to swing.

The use of carbon fiber for the middle and lower shafts contributes significantly to this, and it makes a real difference during long, multi-hour hunts. I remember one specific Saturday when I spent a solid five hours on a stubborn pasture.

With my older, heavier detector, my shoulder would have been screaming by the end, but with the Double Score, I felt like I could have kept going.

The balance is excellent with the stock SC30 coil, feeling neither nose-heavy nor back-heavy. The adjustable shaft means I can get the length just right for my height, and it collapses down to a very compact size for transport and storage.

The build quality feels solid and durable. The plastics used for the control box and arm cuff are tough, and the IP68 waterproof rating is a standout feature. I've had this detector fully submerged in a local stream and have used it in the pouring rain without a single issue.

There's a real sense of security knowing that a sudden downpour won't end my day, and the confidence of knowing I can just rinse it off under a tap at the end of a muddy day is a massive advantage.

The buttons are tactile and responsive, even with my thick detecting gloves on, and the backlit LCD is crisp and easy to read in all lighting conditions. The built-in flashlight is another thoughtful touch that has come in handy more than once when a hunt has extended into the evening.

Key Features & Technology: 8/10

The headline feature of the Double Score is its Simultaneous Multi-Frequency (SMF) technology. This is a genuine game-changer at this price point.

In the field, especially on wet sand and in mineralized soil where single frequency detectors can struggle and give false signals, the SMF on the Double Score provides incredible stability.

I had a real 'wow' moment on a patch of ground notorious for its mineralization; my old detector would chatter incessantly there, but the Double Score ran almost silently.

I can run the sensitivity much higher on the beach than I can with many other machines, which translates directly to more depth and a better chance of finding those deeper targets. The ability to switch to a single frequency of 15 kHz is also a useful option for specific situations, like hunting for mid-conductive coins in less mineralized ground.

Beyond SMF, the Double Score is packed with features that I find genuinely useful. The three search modes—Park, Field, and Beach—are well-thought-out starting points. I find myself starting in the preset mode for my location and then tweaking the settings as I go.

The inclusion of a notch filter and an iron filter gives me the control to quieten down the machine in trashy areas, allowing me to focus on good targets. The adjustable recovery speed is another pro-level feature. I have a favorite spot that’s littered with old iron nails, and by cranking up the recovery speed, I was able to hear the sweet, high tone of a silver sixpence hiding right beside a nail – a target I am certain I had missed on previous visits.

This combination of features gives me a level of control that I would normally expect from a much more expensive detector.

In-the-Field Performance Review: 8/10

Out in the real world is where the Double Score truly proves its worth. I’ve had some fantastic hunts with it.

In a local park that has been heavily detected for years, I switched to Park mode, increased the recovery speed to its max setting of 3, and started pulling out modern coins from between rusty bottle caps and foil. The target separation is impressive for a machine in this class.

The numeric Target ID is generally accurate, and after a few hours, I felt a real connection with the machine.

I was starting to trust the tones and numbers it was giving me before I even put my spade in the ground.

On a pasture field, I switched to Field mode and was immediately struck by the depth. I was hitting small, non-ferrous targets at respectable depths, with clear, repeatable signals.

The real test, however, was the beach. I took the Double Score to a saltwater beach at low tide, switched to Beach mode, and it ran whisper-quiet over the wet sand. The stability of the SMF was on full display.

I managed to find a few modern coins and, to my delight, a small silver ring that gave a crisp, high tone and a solid Target ID.

The vibration feature is excellent for underwater detecting or for those who are hard of hearing, and it’s a feature I’ve used more than I expected, especially when the wind is howling and it's hard to hear faint audio cues. Feeling that buzz in the handle when you hit a good target is a very cool and effective experience.

User Experience & Learning Curve: 9/10

What impresses me most about the Double Score is how it manages to be both simple and powerful. Nokta has done a masterful job of creating a detector that a complete beginner can pick up, turn on, and start finding things with within minutes.

The preset modes are so effective that you could happily use it without ever diving into the settings. The user interface is one of the most intuitive I’ve ever used. Everything is clearly laid out, and there are no confusing sub-menus to get lost in. It just feels... right.

However, for the detectorist who wants to grow, the Double Score offers a clear path. The adjustable settings like sensitivity, recovery speed, and iron filtering provide meaningful control over the detector's performance. This means that as your skills and understanding develop, the machine can develop with you.

I genuinely feel that if I had started with a machine like this, my learning curve in the hobby would have been much smoother.

You’re not going to outgrow it in a few months, which is a common issue with many entry-level detectors. The learning curve is gentle, but the performance ceiling is surprisingly high. It strikes an almost perfect balance between 'turn-on-and-go' simplicity and the advanced features that experienced hobbyists demand.

My Final Verdict: 8/10

The Nokta Double Score is a phenomenal metal detector that punches well above its weight. It brings the power of simultaneous multi-frequency technology to a price point where it was previously unheard of, and it does so without compromising on build quality, ergonomics, or user-friendliness.

It’s a machine that I can confidently recommend to both beginners and intermediate detectorists. It’s simple enough not to be intimidating, yet powerful enough to keep you challenged and rewarded for years to come.

While it may not have all the bells and whistles of a top-of-the-line machine, it has all the essential features that truly matter in the field. The combination of its lightweight, waterproof design, and its stable, deep-seeking performance makes it an incredibly versatile and enjoyable detector to use. For the price, the value proposition is simply outstanding.

The Double Score isn't just a good detector for the money; it's a great detector, period.

It's earned a permanent place in my collection, and that's the highest praise I can give.