What Makes the Nokta Simplex Ultra Stand Out
The Nokta Simplex Ultra represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the original Simplex+. Released in 2023, this detector packs professional-grade features into a sub-$400 package that’s turning heads in the metal detecting community.
What immediately catches attention is the fully waterproof design up to 10 feet (3 meters). Unlike many competitors that claim waterproofing but fail under pressure, the Simplex Ultra delivers genuine submersible capability. This means you can take it beach hunting, shallow water detecting, or even snorkeling without worry.
The standout feature is the built-in wireless module. Unlike other detectors that require expensive aftermarket solutions, the Simplex Ultra comes ready for wireless headphones right out of the box. The package includes both USB-C charging and traditional battery options, giving users flexibility in how they power their hunts.
Technical Specifications That Matter
Operating at 12 kHz frequency, the Simplex Ultra strikes an excellent balance between depth and sensitivity to small targets. The 11-inch DD search coil provides substantial ground coverage while maintaining the ability to pinpoint smaller objects like coins and jewelry.
With 4-tone audio ID and 3 search modes (All Metal, Field, and Park), the detector adapts to various hunting environments. The iron volume control is particularly useful for trashy areas, allowing you to hear ferrous targets at reduced volume while maintaining full volume for valuable finds.
The LCD display is bright and easy to read in direct sunlight, showing target ID numbers, depth indicators, battery life, and current settings. At 2.5 pounds with batteries, it’s lightweight enough for all-day detecting without fatigue.
Performance in Real-World Conditions
Beach Hunting Capabilities
The beach mode on the Simplex Ultra is genuinely impressive. During testing at both saltwater beaches and freshwater lakes, the detector maintained stability where many others struggle. The ground balance system automatically adjusts to mineralized sand, preventing false signals that plague lesser detectors.
In wet sand conditions, the Simplex Ultra performed consistently at depths of 8-10 inches for coins and larger targets. Small jewelry items like gold rings were detectable at 4-6 inches, which is respectable for a detector in this price range. The waterproof design means you can hunt in the surf zone without hesitation.
Park and Relic Hunting
In parks and historical sites, the Simplex Ultra’s discrimination capabilities shine. The 4-tone audio system makes it easy to distinguish between trash and treasure. Iron targets produce low tones, while coins and jewelry generate higher-pitched signals that are satisfying to hear.
During a test hunt at a 1950s-era park, the detector successfully identified wheat pennies at 6-8 inches depth and silver coins at 7-9 inches. The iron discrimination effectively filtered out most bottle caps and pull tabs while still detecting valuable targets.
Field and Farm Hunting
For agricultural land detecting, the Simplex Ultra’s adjustable ground balance proves invaluable. Farm fields often contain mineralized soil that can cause false signals, but the manual ground balance feature allows you to tune out interference.
In plowed fields, the detector consistently found hammered coins and relics at impressive depths. A test in a medieval site yielded several artifacts at 10-12 inches, demonstrating the detector’s capability in challenging soil conditions.
Comparison to Competitors
VS Garrett Ace 400
The Garrett Ace 400 has long been considered the benchmark for entry-level detectors at around $250. While the Ace 400 offers good performance, the Simplex Ultra surpasses it in several areas:
– Waterproof capability (10 feet vs. weatherproof only)
– Wireless headphone compatibility
– Better discrimination in mineralized soil
– More advanced ground balance options
The trade-off is that the Ace 400 has a slightly better build quality feel, but the Simplex Ultra’s features outweigh this minor advantage.
VS Minelab Vanquish 440
The Minelab Vanquish 440, priced around $350, is perhaps the closest competitor. Both offer waterproof designs and similar frequencies, but the Simplex Ultra edges ahead with:
– Better target separation in trashy areas
– More intuitive menu system
– Included wireless headphones option
– Superior battery life options
The Vanquish does have Multi-IQ technology, which is excellent, but for most hobbyists, the Simplex Ultra’s performance is more than adequate.
VS Fisher F22
The Fisher F22, another popular entry-level choice at $200, is outclassed by the Simplex Ultra in almost every aspect. The F22 lacks waterproofing beyond basic rain resistance, has fewer features, and doesn’t perform as well in mineralized soil.
Who Should Buy the Nokta Simplex Ultra?
Beginners
The Simplex Ultra is arguably the best choice for beginners due to its combination of ease of use and advanced features. The automatic ground balance and preset search modes mean you can start detecting immediately, while the more advanced settings allow for growth as skills improve.
The learning curve is gentle but rewarding. New users can stick with factory presets while gradually exploring the advanced features like manual ground balance and iron volume adjustment.
Experienced Detectors on a Budget
For experienced hunters who don’t want to spend $1000+ on a high-end detector, the Simplex Ultra offers professional features at a hobbyist price. The wireless capability, waterproof design, and advanced settings make it suitable for serious detecting without the premium price tag.
Travel and Backup Detector
The lightweight design and durable construction make the Simplex Ultra an excellent travel companion or backup detector. It’s easy to pack in luggage and won’t cause distress if checked as baggage.
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Simplex Ultra
Coil Selection
While the included 11-inch DD coil is versatile, consider adding a smaller coil for trashy areas. The Nokta 5-inch coil (sold separately for around $90) dramatically improves target separation in parks and old home sites where multiple targets are close together.
Audio Settings Optimization
Experiment with the iron volume settings in different environments. In clean fields, you might want full iron volume to avoid missing any potential targets. In parks, reducing iron volume to 2-3 can make hunting more pleasant while still alerting you to significant iron objects.
Battery Management
The USB-C rechargeable battery provides 15-20 hours of use, but the option to use traditional AA batteries is invaluable for extended trips. Always carry spare batteries if you’re heading to remote locations.
Ground Balancing Techniques
While automatic ground balance works well in most situations, learning to use manual ground balance can significantly improve performance in highly mineralized soil. Take time to practice this feature in your local conditions.
Accessories Worth Considering
Wireless Headphones
The included wireless module works with any Bluetooth headphones, but Nokta’s MUDS wireless headphones ($129) are specifically designed for detecting. They’re waterproof, have excellent battery life, and the audio quality is tuned for metal detecting signals.
Digging Tools
A quality digging tool is essential. The Lesche Digging Tool ($60-80) is the industry standard, offering durability and precision. For beach hunting, a sand scoop like the RTG Sifting Scoop ($40-60) saves time and effort.
Pinpointer
While the Simplex Ultra has decent pinpointing capabilities, a dedicated pinpointer like the Nokta PulseDive ($179) or Minelab Pro-Find 35 ($150) can speed up recovery time significantly, especially in sandy or muddy conditions.
Common Issues and Solutions
False Signals in Wet Sand
Some users report false signals in wet saltwater sand. This is typically resolved by using the salt mode and ensuring proper ground balancing. If problems persist, slightly reducing sensitivity can help.
Battery Life Concerns
While most users get excellent battery life, heavy use of the backlight and wireless features can drain the battery faster. Adjust screen timeout settings and consider using wired headphones for extended hunts.
Target ID Inconsistencies
Like all detectors, the Simplex Ultra can sometimes give confusing target IDs, especially on deeply buried or oddly oriented targets. Learning to trust the audio tones often proves more reliable than the visual ID.
Long-Term Durability
After six months of regular use, the Simplex Ultra shows excellent durability. The control box remains watertight, buttons function smoothly, and the shaft connections stay tight. The only common wear item is the coil cover, which can be easily replaced.
Nokta offers a 2-year warranty, which is competitive in this price range. Customer service responsiveness varies by region but is generally considered good compared to other manufacturers.
Is the Nokta Simplex Ultra Worth It?
At $399, the Nokta Simplex Ultra delivers exceptional value. It combines features typically found on detectors costing $600-800, including waterproofing, wireless capability, and advanced discrimination. The performance matches or exceeds detectors in higher price brackets in most hunting scenarios.
For beginners, it eliminates the need to upgrade quickly, as the features will remain relevant as skills develop. For experienced users, it offers a capable backup or travel detector without breaking the bank.
The only significant drawbacks are the learning curve for advanced features and occasional inconsistencies in target ID, both of which are minor compared to the overall package.
Final Recommendation
The Nokta Simplex Ultra is highly recommended for anyone serious about metal detecting, regardless of experience level. It strikes an ideal balance between features, performance, and price that’s difficult to match in today’s market.
Whether you’re hunting beaches, parks, fields, or historical sites, the Simplex Ultra delivers reliable performance that will keep you detecting for years to come.