Brandon Carmichael
FLORIDABrandon has spent nearly two decades in the field of Metal Detecting & Treasure Hunting. His passion for history began while working as a volunteer for 6 years with the Central Gulf Coast Archaeological Society in Saint Petersburg, Florida. Brandon participated in local digs and oversaw the cataloging & storage of the artifacts at their local Science Center.
In 2002, he moved to Missouri to attend Bible College and quickly began researching the local history of the Ozark Mountains, which ultimately lead him to the old Treasure Net forums in 2005. He made many life-long friends in the hobby over the years; from those prior days on the forums, attending small group relic hunts in the Midwest, to finally moving back to his Home-State of Florida in 2009 and attending the Florida Hunt Events year after year.
His first metal detector was an old White’s IDX Pro, which was gifted to him by a Treasure Net Member while in college. He continued to learn his machine and use it to relic hunt for the next 15 years. In 2020, he decided that it was time to graduate to a modern detector. After a lot of prior research, he came across Nokta Detection Technologies (previously, Nokta/Makro) and decided upon purchasing the waterproof Anfibio Multi.
Little did he know, only 8 short months later, his Anfibio Multi would assist him in finding the oldest relic of his years spent in the hobby… an 1783 Spanish 2 Reale from a homesite/mill site. That find not only changed his mind set about being able to recover actual historical “treasure”, but it encouraged him to upgrade again to the Nokta Legend in the Summer of 2022 to also begin saltwater beach hunting. His first Legend proved to be such a great machine, that a second Legend was again purchased in the Fall as a backup to let friends & family borrow and enjoy the hobby with him.
While attending Florida Hunt 9 in May of 2023, he was graciously asked by Dilek to consider joining the NOMADS USA & Global Team and representing Nokta both online, as well as attending metal detecting events around the country. Little did she know, he had already had his sights fixed on the company and his heart’s desire for several years had been to represent the company, in any way possible. He is excited to be in this role with Nokta, and is looking forward to watching the company continue to grow in the industry.
Brandon Carmichael
Florida
Chris Desousa
Massachusetts
Elisha Barnette
Kentucky
Jason Robito
MassachussetsI have been metal detecting for thirty plus years. Throughout the years I have come to understand and respect the importance of practicing good metal detecting ethics as well applying the best tools I can obtain that enables one to find what other machines have left behind.
Nokta/Makro is the only metal detector manufacture that offers me top notch build quality and performance right out of the box without modifications. Nokta/Makro is also one of the only manufacture of metal detectors that has indeed discovered the pulse of what detectorists want in a machine by communicating with customers on a direct basis and then applying what is asked for. I am humbled and proud to be a member of the Nokta/Makro Nomad USA team.
Stephen Patterson
SOUTH CAROLINAMy name is Stephen Patterson, and I live in South Carolina. I joined the Nokta NOMAD team in January 2024. I have been metal detecting since 2015, and have been using Nokta Detectors since the fall of 2019. Ever since I first used one of these detectors (Anfibio Multi), I was super impressed. The quality of the build and the performance of the Nokta line is top-notch. I used the Simplex for a couple years as well as the PulseDive, finding many bucket listers with them on land and under the water. I was also blessed with finding a small gold nugget in the Arizona desert with the Nokta Gold Kruzer. In 2021 I began coordinating metal detecting events at the Lost Dutchman’s Gold Camps throughout the United States. This has been one of my favorite things about metal detecting: meeting new people and teaching them how to become a better metal detectorist. Nokta has been there to sponsor each of the events at these gold camps. I am honored that Nokta would allow me and my YouTube channel teammates (Southern Relics) to represent them at these events.
Stephen Patterson
Southern Relics
Nokta NOMADS USA
Adam Kearley
United KingdomAdam first picked up a metal detector as a child and learned the basics from his Dad. He then spent many years away from the hobby pursuing other interests until returning to it nearly 30 years later after watching a good friend’s YouTube channel.
A keen interest in videography along with his rekindled love for metal detecting combined to create his own successful YouTube channel: D-Tekt Sussex.
Searching the fields, parks and beaches of Sussex in the UK, Adam loves to find old coins, relics and jewellery and enjoys passing on his knowledge and experiences through his weekly videos.
He is incredibly proud to have been chosen to join the ranks of the Nokta Makro Nomads field team. It really is an honour to work with such an innovative, user-focussed and forward-thinking company!
When not metal detecting, Adam plays trumpet and cornet in various orchestras and bands, manages a charity fundraising team and enjoys working out at his local Crossfit gym.
Stephen Pettican
United KingdomMy Favourite Type of Detecting
The smaller fields are always the most overlooked. There’s a little field, about three acres, less than a mile from my front door. There’s no known historical activity there, yet it has produced some incredible finds for me and my fellow detectorists — Roman, Medieval, Georgian, and Victorian pieces, all in great condition and easy to identify.
There’s only one old path running through the field on historical maps, following the road from the nearest Roman settlement. This spot is roughly a mile away from where that road would have been. Was it once a marketplace? A camp? Who knows! Unfortunately, this field will soon be lost to housing development — more homes are being built nearby.
So my advice is: don’t overlook small paddocks, little fields, and small spinneys. You never know what was happening there hundreds, if not thousands, of years ago. I’ve made a few videos in this field where I’ve found Roman coins and artefacts, Medieval relics, and even something from the Iron Age (verified by the FLO).
That’s why small holdings are my favourite — I always go for the smaller fields, even on large farms.
Detecting Abroad
I’ve only detected in the UK so far, but I’ve always wanted to detect in Austria. I had a friend living there who was having great success with Roman finds. The invitation to join him was always open, but I could never find the time — and sadly, he’s moved to the Philippines now. A real missed opportunity!
Go-To Detector
My go-to machine is the Nokta Legend (MK1), and I’m still running version 1.11 — I haven’t updated it. The machine runs beautifully, and I hardly ever miss a target. My motto is simple:
“If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!”
If it’s there, the Legend will find it.
Most Meaningful Finds
For me, the most meaningful finds are always lost wedding ring recoveries. I’ve been on several recovery hunts, and nine times out of ten, we find what we’re looking for. I’ve recovered three wedding rings from beaches, woods, and gardens — plus other jewellery, phones, watches, and keys.
There’s nothing better than finding something precious and handing it back to its owner. That’s the best feeling in this hobby.
Experience with Nokta
I’ve been using Nokta equipment for many years now. I’ve never had any major problems with any of the machines — and if something does come up, it’s always sorted quickly and professionally.
Customer service is top-notch. Nokta really looks after their users — it’s one big family, and you can’t beat that.
Social Media
I run a small but growing YouTube channel, and I’m also active on TikTok and Facebook.
Content Style
I always like to add a bit of humour to my videos — a good laugh and a joke go a long way. I keep things real: what you see is true metal detecting. Everyone loves the great finds, but the bad ones are just as interesting to me. They help tell the story of what happened on the land.
Fun Facts
I always have a good time out detecting — laughing, joking, and chatting with others. Half the time I’m talking to everyone in the field instead of actually detecting!
I’ve been part of the LP Metal Detecting community for many years and have met so many amazing people through this hobby — including the Nokta team at rallies. I often chat with them, sharing feedback and ideas.
I also make custom detecting trophies from steel for some YouTube channels and Facebook users who’ve done well — just a fun way to give back to the community.
Sebastiaan Hoogenberg
NetherlandsHey! I’m Sebastiaan Hoogenberg from the Netherlands, I’m 41 years old and just married with my beautiful wife Marieke known here as “The Makro Lady” and we have both a daughter (both 11 years). I have been searching with the Metal Detector for almost 5 years now.
I search a lot on salt beach, water … and if I’m not there then in a park, grass, field etc. My first time I came in contact with a Nokta Makro machine was the Makro Racer 2….great machine! After that I had a different brand of metal detector for 7 months, but always kept the Racer 2 there … but I still grabbed more and more towards the Racer 2. Then I sold the other machine and bought a Nokta Impact instead… in the meantime I had started a YouTube Channel “The Dutch Metal Hunters” to record the hunts. During this period, I was also approached by Kooistra Metaaldetectors and because of them my channel got a huge boost (and still).
Then I used the Multi Kruzer, Anfibio and recently also the Gold Kruzer (I am currently using the last 3 and I really love these machines!) The reason why I love the Nokta Makro machines so much? These metal detectors speak my language …. I understand what they want to say. I have already made beautiful finds with the Nokta Makro machines. And now I was asked if I wanted to join team Nomads for the Netherlands. What an honor!
Federico Cini
ItalyI started a long time ago with metal detecting trying to always use more performing and complex equipment in use, I opened a YouTube channel later, to explain the use of such equipment and any tricks of the trade …. one day a dealer makes me try a metal detector that just came out, the Makro Racer… nice metal detector I liked immediately for the precision and speed in detecting the target but a little less for the depth of detection which I was looking for desperately in that period. With the arrival of the Racer 2, the performance changed and my feeling of having a performing metal detector in my hands was fulfilled.
A new world opened up at the arrival of the Nokta Force Relic: super-performing metal detector with precision on small objects and a good depth of detection… hence a love for these metals … the Impact came out I took it on the fly for testing and I still have it, excellent stability and precision… very good depth on my land … the only disadvantage is the weight but still well balanced; now I also own the Anfibio Multi of the Nokta Makro home …. I have already established a great feeling strengths are the depth and precision but all added are my favourite metal detectors … I always hope for new releases to see what this house will pull out of the hat… another point that I want to mention is the professionalism and speed with which this brand solves any issues or possible defects… an extremely attentive brand to the needs of the detectorist…
Antonella Docci + Federico
ItalyWelcome to all of you.
I’m Antonella Docci also known as LadySeeker on social media.
Since 11/25/2023, with great joy and enthusiasm, I am the first Italian woman to join the Nomads Nokta group.
My experience as a researcher began 8 years ago with a simple entry level where I poured all my curiosity for history and research. Living near the sea, my research often took me to land and beaches until the fateful 09/27/2020 where at one of the Nokta MetalDetector meetings I was lucky enough to meet Federico Cini, expert and only Italian Nomads tester who, in addition to opening up a technical world to me on this wonderful hobby he became my life partner, making me fall in love (as well as with him) with Nokta products, specifically the Anfibio Multi which at the time was the machine that often accompanied him on his outings.
Since our move to the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines I have refined my research techniques by entering into symbiosis with Nokta equipment, making important discoveries which, by collaborating with museums, have added a part of history lost to all of us.
I love to imprint moments of emotions and transform everything related to this splendid hobby into images. From here, just over a year ago, the LadySeekerRRS page was born where moments of healthy passion for research are illustrated. Currently, together with Federico, we manage various groups on Facebook of Italian MetalDetectors and beyond, as well as a channel on YouTube where we use our experience to raise awareness by testing and researching new Nokta products, including helping people to make the best use of not only the last born. I am proud to be part of a team at such a high level and to be able to use Nokta machinery that makes every search full of enthusiasm and great satisfaction with seriousness and excellent results.
Thank you all.
Antonella ❤️
Andrew Pitcher
AustraliaWhat’s The Coffee Bush Kid’s Favorite Type of Metal Detecting?
I love coin and relic hunting the most. There’s nothing quite like digging up a piece of history and wondering how and why it ended up where it did. It doesn’t have to be valuable to spark my interest — from buttons and buckles to fascinating Gold Rush finds, each piece tells its own story.
Do You Detect Only in Australia, or Have You Explored Other Countries as Well?
I’ve detected all across the UK, and I absolutely love attending the UK rallies. Their finds reporting system is the gold standard — it makes discovery such a joyful and exciting experience, knowing that something you’ve just unearthed might end up in a museum or lead to a great bit of research.
Through these events, I’ve made many friends in the UK, and I’ve found the metal detecting community there to be incredibly supportive.
What’s Your Go-To Detector These Days?
My go-to detector is the Nokta Legend, mainly paired with the LG15 coil, closely followed by the LG24 coil. When I’m not swinging the Legend, I might be using the Triple Score or the Gold Kruzer.
As a frequent hunter of dump sites here in Australia, the LG15 really shines — it gets into those tight spots and separates the treasure from the trash beautifully.
What Has Been Your Favorite or Most Meaningful Find So Far?
I’ve found the odd gold sovereign or two in the coffee bush here in Australia, but nothing compares to the feeling of finding my first Roman Denarius in the UK.
It was my first time detecting overseas and my first permission there. Holding something nearly 2,000 years old was both amazing and humbling. After going through the proper export process, it now takes pride of place atop a little Roman column in my display cabinet.
Why Did You Choose to Become a Nokta Nomad?
I was delighted to accept the offer to become a Nokta Nomad. The Nokta team has always been incredibly supportive, and I genuinely enjoy using their machines.
As someone who’s been in this hobby for quite some time, I’m really looking forward to giving back to the detecting community — helping others on their journey and sharing what I’ve learned along the way.
What Kind of Content Do You Enjoy Creating the Most?
All of the above, really! I’ve been guilty 😂 of doing everything — finds videos, tutorials, humor, skits, and gear reviews. You’ve got to keep it light and not take yourself too seriously.
My favourite content is when I’m out digging with mates and sharing the finds. If people can have a good laugh and learn something from what I do, then my job here is done.
Fun Facts or Personal Quirks
I definitely don’t take myself too seriously. I’ll often slip into whatever accent I’ve heard on a show or movie lately, or suddenly burst into song — usually with improvised lyrics to fit the moment or the find.
You might also catch me playing the mandolin or launching into an “engineering thesis” about my latest discovery. There’s never a dull moment when I’m out detecting!
Stacy Pink
AustraliaHello from Melbourne, Australia. I am Stacy Pink.
I started detecting 3 1/2 years ago at the age of 63. I have been retired since I was 60. For about 3 years now I have been detecting with my “Red Racer” – Makro Racer 1. And I still use my Red Racer now. Last year I acquired an Anfibio Multi. (Friend was selling after only 4 months of having it) so I bought it to have as a spare. Many have told me I should be using the Anfibio. However I was so attached to my faithful old Red Racer that I just kept using it. I mainly specialise in coins and relics. Especially pre decimal (pre 1966) coins here in Australia. I grew up with those pre decimal coins so they have a special meaning to me. I look forward to detecting rivers and creeks with my new Scuba Dive when I go camping in my motorhome soon. I will also be taking my Gold Kruzer to the Golden Triangle at first opportunity.
Paul Connell
Australia
Liz (Digging Canuck)
CanadaMy name is Liz and I live in southern Ontario Canada. After retiring from law enforcement I began searching for a hobby that would get me outdoors. I stumbled upon metal detecting and have been addicted ever since. I detect mainly in city parks but also accompany friends on their private farm field permissions. In the winter I venture into the woods where the fallen leaves keep the ground from freezing. It’s a must in Canada during our harsh winter 🙂
I am both humbled and thrilled to be a Nokta Nomad and get the opportunity to represent and promote an amazing organization. Nokta is a forward thinking company that is continually innovating its product line. They value the end user and provide exceptional customer service. Nokta is the perfect fit for me.
Over the years I have used almost every brand of metal detectors. I currently use the Simplex Ultra and Legend detectors. Nokta products are built to withstand all kinds of environments and are packed with features that other brands charge much more money for.
I invite you to join my treasure hunting journey on my YouTube channel “Digging Canuck”
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Liz (Digging Canuck)
Hamilton’s Own Treasure Hunter
