Nokta Simplex Ultra Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Nokta Simplex Ultra pairs a carbon fiber shaft and an 11 in coil with waterproofing Nokta specifies to 16 ft (5 m). It suits buyers who value portability, but Bluetooth headphones are not included.
On this page (8 sections)
- What does the Nokta Simplex Ultra offer?
- Is the Nokta Simplex Ultra right for you?
- How waterproof is the Simplex Ultra?
- What do the shaft and coil details mean?
- What should you know about updates and headphones?
- How does the Simplex Ultra compare with Minelab detectors?
- What are the Simplex Ultra's main trade-offs?
- Is the Nokta Simplex Ultra a good choice?
The Nokta Simplex Ultra is a good fit if you want a retractable carbon fiber shaft and an 11 in search coil. Nokta specifies a weight of 2.6 lb (1.2 kg) and waterproofing to 16 ft (5 m), though conflicting specifications deserve a check before buying.
This review covers the Simplex Ultra's useful features, the details to confirm and how it compares with two Minelab options. We compared specifications and features to assess where each detector fits.
What does the Nokta Simplex Ultra offer?
The Simplex Ultra pairs a retractable carbon fiber shaft with an 11 in coil, 6 programs and USB firmware updates through a PC. Nokta also specifies waterproofing to 16 ft (5 m).
Nokta Simplex Ultra
- Nokta specifies waterproofing to 16 ft (5 m)
- Carbon fiber shaft retracts to 25 in
- 11 in search coil
- 6 programs
- Nokta specifies a weight of 2.6 lb
A detector with a retractable carbon fiber shaft and an 11 in coil. Nokta specifies a weight of 2.6 lb and waterproofing to 16 ft (5 m).
Pros
- Carbon fiber shaft retracts to 25 in
- 11 in search coil
- 6 programs
- USB firmware updates on a PC
Cons
- Bluetooth headphones are not included
- Conflicting water protection specifications need confirmation before submersion
The 25 in retracted shaft length is useful if you need a detector that packs down for storage or transport. Nokta's stated 2.6 lb weight may also appeal for longer outings, though comfort depends on how you carry and swing the detector.
Nokta describes the series as suitable for beginners and experienced detectorists. These features give you a starting point for comparison, but they don't establish performance in a particular soil or on a particular target.
Is the Nokta Simplex Ultra right for you?
The Simplex Ultra fits someone who values a carbon fiber shaft that retracts to 25 in and an 11 in coil. Those features make transport and storage clear reasons to consider it.
It may be less suitable if you expect Bluetooth headphones in the box, because they aren't included. If battery life will decide your choice, confirm run time with Nokta before buying.
If you're choosing your first detector, our guide to metal detectors for adults explains the features to compare before you narrow your options. For a broader shortlist, see the best metal detectors.
How waterproof is the Simplex Ultra?
Nokta specifies waterproofing to 16 ft (5 m), but a separate IP65 specification conflicts with that submersion claim. Confirm the protection level for your exact model with Nokta before underwater use, then follow its manual for assembly and care.
Water protection is one part of choosing a detector for wet environments. Our guide to what waterproof means on a metal detector explains why the protection level and intended use both matter.
A depth claim also doesn't establish how a detector handles every beach or ground condition. If beach detecting is your main goal, compare the features and practical needs in our beach metal detecting tips.
What do the shaft and coil details mean?
The carbon fiber shaft retracts to 25 in (63 cm), and the detector has an 11 in search coil. Those dimensions help you judge portability and coil size, but they don't establish how deep it will detect a target.
Nokta Simplex Ultra weight and packing
Nokta describes the detector as weighing 2.6 lb (1.2 kg), while a separate weight specification gives 3 lb. Confirm the configured weight if that difference matters to your carrying setup.
The retracted shaft length is useful for planning storage, but it isn't a complete packed measurement. Allow room for the coil and control unit when judging whether the detector will fit your bag or vehicle.
What should you know about updates and headphones?
The Simplex Ultra supports USB firmware updates on a PC, and Bluetooth headphones are not included. Those are two practical points to account for when planning your setup.
The update feature gives you a way to install new software. It doesn't establish how often updates arrive or how long support will continue.
If you plan to use wireless audio, confirm headphone compatibility with Nokta before buying. Treat headphones as a separate item rather than assuming they're part of the package.
How does the Simplex Ultra compare with Minelab detectors?
The Minelab X-Terra PRO scores highest at 9.1, followed by the Minelab Vanquish 360 at 8.4 and the Nokta Simplex Ultra at 7.7. The main choice is between selectable frequencies and detailed search controls, Multi-IQ, or the Simplex Ultra's carbon fiber shaft.
The X-Terra PRO is waterproof to 16 ft and has a 12 in coil. Its 3-piece shafts pack down to 25 in, and it weighs about 2.9 lb.
Its PRO-SWITCH technology lets you switch frequencies. You also get pinpoint mode, a control pod flashlight, a red backlit display and handgrip vibration.
The Vanquish 360 is waterproof to 16 ft and weighs 2.6 lb. Its included V10X Double-D coil measures 10 x 7 in, and its built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 10 hours of continuous run time.
The Simplex Ultra offers an 11 in coil between those two coil sizes, along with its retractable carbon fiber shaft. Its 6 programs and PC firmware updates are further points to compare against the Minelab features.
For a direct comparison, read Minelab X-Terra PRO vs Nokta Simplex Ultra. You can also compare the brands in our metal detector brand guide.
What are the Simplex Ultra's main trade-offs?
The Simplex Ultra's clearest strengths are its carbon fiber shaft, 25 in retracted length and 11 in coil. Bluetooth headphones are not included, and the conflicting weight and water protection specifications need confirmation if they affect your choice.
Battery run time is another point to confirm if you plan long outings. Compare it with the Vanquish 360's stated maximum of 10 hours rather than assuming both detectors will last equally long.
Nokta provides USB firmware updates through a PC. That adds an update path, but it doesn't establish a release schedule or a promised support period.
Is the Nokta Simplex Ultra a good choice?
Pick the Nokta Simplex Ultra for its carbon fiber shaft and 11 in coil if those features suit your storage and detecting plans. Confirm its water protection and configured weight before relying on either for your decision.
Our score weighs specifications and features against what you're shopping for. Choose the higher-scoring X-Terra PRO for selectable frequencies and discrimination controls, or the Vanquish 360 for Multi-IQ and up to 10 hours of battery life.
For a wider comparison before you decide, start with the best metal detectors.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Nokta Simplex Ultra waterproof?
Nokta specifies waterproofing to 16 ft (5 m), but a separate IP65 specification conflicts with that submersion claim. Confirm the protection level for your exact model with Nokta before underwater use, and follow its manual for assembly, depth limits and care rather than relying on the depth claim alone.
Does the Nokta Simplex Ultra include Bluetooth headphones?
Bluetooth headphones are not included with the Nokta Simplex Ultra. If wireless audio matters to you, confirm compatible headphones with Nokta before buying and account for them separately when comparing this detector with other options, rather than assuming a pair comes in the box.
How much does the Nokta Simplex Ultra weigh?
Nokta describes the Simplex Ultra as weighing 2.6 lb (1.2 kg), although a separate weight specification gives 3 lb. If carrying weight is central to your choice, confirm the configured weight with Nokta and consider how you'll carry the detector alongside the rest of your gear.
Can the Nokta Simplex Ultra receive firmware updates?
Yes, the Nokta Simplex Ultra supports online firmware updates through USB on a PC. This gives you a way to update its software, but it doesn't establish a release schedule or support period, so check Nokta's instructions for the correct update process for your detector.
