Nokta Simplex Lite vs Ultra
Buy the Simplex Lite if you want the cheapest way into the Simplex family for casual land hunting; buy the Simplex Ultra if you want full waterproofing to 16 ft, more features and room to grow. Both share the same light body and simple menu - the Ultra adds capability, the Lite trims it to hit a lower price.
At a glance
| Factor | Simplex Lite | Simplex Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Position in range | Entry / budget | Mid, all-rounder |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Features | Pared back | Fuller feature set |
| Water hunting | Basic | Fully waterproof to 16 ft (5 m) |
| Build | Light, same family body | Carbon-fiber shaft, color LCD |
| Best for | Beginners, tight budgets | Land-and-water, growing hobbyists |
Nokta Simplex Lite
The Lite is the budget pick. It keeps the Simplex platform and the light, easy-to-swing body but strips features to reach the lowest price in the line. For casual coin and relic hunting in parks and fields it does the job, and forums regularly recommend it as a solid first detector. Read the full Simplex Lite review for detail.
Nokta Simplex Ultra
The Ultra is the fuller machine: fully waterproof to 16 ft (5 m), carbon-fiber shaft, color LCD, built-in LED flashlight and free firmware updates. One owner summed up the appeal simply - they have the Ultra, it is brilliant, and it has found loads of interesting bits. If you will hunt water and beaches or want advanced settings to grow into, the extra cost is justified. See the Simplex Ultra review and settings guide.
Final recommendation
If your budget is tight and you will mostly hunt dry land, the Simplex Lite is the smart buy. If you want one detector that handles land and water and will not feel limiting as your skills grow, pay up for the Simplex Ultra - and if wireless audio matters, look at the WHP bundle. Both are single-frequency; if you need multi-frequency, that is the Legend tier.
Specifications
| Brand | NOKTA DETECTION TECHNOLOGIES |
| Color | Black |
| Height | 11.40944880726 inches |
| Length | 22.83070863813 inches |
| Weight | 2.6 pounds |
| Width | 5.11023621526 inches |
| Color | black |
| NumberOfItems | 1 |
| Height | 9.448818888 inches |
| Length | 9.448818888 inches |
| Weight | 2.645547144 pounds |
| Width | 24.803149581 inches |
| Height | 52.0 inches |
| Length | 52.0 inches |
| Weight | 3.0 Pounds |
| Width | 25.0 inches |
Source: www.amazon.com
What owners say
Here is what detectorists say about this on public forums:
Nokta Simplex lite or Ultra Gear. I've got the ultra, it's brilliant and have found loads of interesting bits. First nice find on Nokta Simplex ... r/metaldetecting
I've seen many recs for nokta simplex as a good intro. Is Lite an ok model or really need to go for ultra? r/metaldetecting
The light is 10 times better than the carrot, discrimination abilities, and most of all NO 9 volt batteries. Come on Nokta make it happen. 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 Simplex Ultra worth the extra money over the Lite?
If you will hunt water or beaches, or want more features and settings to grow into, yes. For casual dry-land hunting on a tight budget, the Lite is enough.
Do the Lite and Ultra share the same body?
They share the same light Simplex family body and simple menu. The Ultra adds a carbon-fiber shaft, color LCD and full waterproofing; the Lite is pared back.
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