Nokta Simplex Review
The Nokta Simplex earns its reputation as one of the best value waterproof detectors you can buy under $400. Based on published specs and owner reviews, it is a strong pick for beginners and water hunters who want a simple, submersible machine - though serious relic and gold hunters will outgrow it. Here is where it stands out and where it does not.
Pros
- Fully waterproof to 16 ft (5 m) for the price
- Light, well-balanced carbon fiber build
- Beginner-friendly preset modes
- Free firmware updates keep improving it
- Strong value under $400
Cons
- Single frequency - limited vs multi-frequency flagships
- Arrow depth indicator can be imprecise
- Not a dedicated gold or deep-relic machine
What stands out
The headline is water. The Simplex is fully waterproof to 16 ft (5 m), which puts proper creek, shoreline and shallow-dive capability in a price bracket where rivals are often only rain-resistant. Owners upgrading from older land machines consistently mention how freeing it is to swing without worrying about the water line.
Build and handling draw praise too. The carbon fiber shaft is light and rigid, the whole rig sits around 2.6 lbs, and it retracts to 25" for travel. The color LCD on the newer models, plus LCD and keypad backlighting and a built-in LED flashlight, make it usable at dusk and underwater. Nokta's free firmware updates are a recurring theme in owner feedback - the machine you buy keeps improving.
Where it falls short
It is a single-frequency VLF detector, so it is not built for the deep multi-frequency performance of flagship machines, and it is not a dedicated gold rig. One longtime owner on a detecting forum summed up the Ultra as capable but "a lot like a single freq Legend," which captures the ceiling here.
Early owners also flagged that the on-screen depth indicator uses arrows rather than a precise readout and can be hit or miss; Nokta improved target-ID depth behavior in firmware update V2.76, which is one reason keeping the firmware current matters. A handful of forum users have reported issues like screen freezing that needed a service request, so it is not flawless - but these are the exception rather than the rule.
Real-world use and who should buy
In everyday hunting the Simplex is a true all-rounder: coins and jewelry in parks, relics in fields, and targets along the water line. New users report getting finds in their first sessions thanks to the preset Park and Field modes, which are designed to work without manual ground balancing on most soils. Dialing in settings and depth and skimming the manual shortens the learning curve further.
Buy it if you are new to the hobby, hunt wet ground, or want a dependable backup detector that will not break the bank. Skip it if your priority is maximum depth on deep silver or serious gold prospecting, where a multi-frequency flagship is the better spend. For how the family splits by budget, compare the update support and read the main Nokta Simplex guide.
Specifications
| Brand | NOKTA DETECTION TECHNOLOGIES |
| Color | Black |
| NumberOfItems | 1 |
| Height | 52.0 inches |
| Length | 52.0 inches |
| Weight | 3.0 Pounds |
| Width | 25.0 inches |
| Feature | WATERPROOF metal detectors for adults: The Nokta Simplex Ultra boasts all new aesthetics, enhanced technical performance, and is fully waterproof up to 16 ft (5 m). |
| Feature | FULLY CARBON FIBER: Simplex Ultra is a solid product with its carbon fiber Shaft. The Simplex Shaft is very durable besides its aesthetic appearance. Shaft retracts down to 25'' (63 cm). Great for easy transport, storage as well as diving! |
| Feature | ONLINE FIRMWARE UPDATES: Stay up-to-date with firmware updates (via USB on PC) and get the most out of your detector. |
| Feature | Bluetooth headphones are not included in the package. |
| Feature | Lightweight (2.6 Ibs / 1.2 kg): Well balanced - Enjoy detecting for extended hours without fatigue. |
| Height | 52.0 Inches |
| Weight | 3.0 pounds |
| Feature | Handheld Metal Detector with Vivid COLOR LCD Screen: The high-resolution color LCD screen provides all the essential information you need right before your eyes. Our user-friendly interface ensures effortless access to settings and adjustments, making pinpointing targets hassle-free. |
| Feature | Metal Detector with Accessories: Thanks to the Accessory Package, you can meet all your needs. You will have a nice detection experience. Includes: Premium Digger, Carrying Bag, Finds Pouch |
Source: www.amazon.com
What owners say
Here is what detectorists say about this on public forums:
I used a no frills Tesoro for years but the speaker went out and I can't find anyone I trust to fix it. After a period of mourning, I bought the Nokta ... r/metaldetecting
Hello everyone! I have a simplex Nokta with the stock coil (sp24 is on the way!!). How do I distinguish what I find before I dig? r/metaldetecting
Nokta "Double Score" Detector Forum Simplex Ultra … the ultra was great but a lot like a single freq legend. findmall.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 Simplex still worth buying?
For beginners and water hunters on a budget, yes. It remains a top value pick because it is fully waterproof, light, simple to use and backed by free firmware updates. Advanced users chasing maximum depth or gold will prefer a multi-frequency machine.
What do owners complain about most?
The most common gripes are the arrow-based depth indicator being imprecise and, for a minority of users, occasional screen or software hiccups that a firmware update or service request resolved. Keeping the firmware current addresses several early-model issues.
Is it good for saltwater beaches?
It handles wet sand and the shoreline well for a single-frequency machine, and the waterproof body lets you work the water line and shallows. Very wet salt sand is the toughest condition for any single-frequency VLF, so adjust discrimination and sensitivity per the settings guide.
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