Nokta Simplex Ultra Review: A Hands-On Field Test

When Nokta announced the new generation of Simplex detectors in early 2023, the community was buzzing. The original Simplex+ had already turned the market on its head, offering features like waterproofing and wireless audio at a ridiculously low price point.

The promise of an even better "Ultra" version had me genuinely excited.

After spending several weeks putting the Simplex Ultra through its paces across my regular permissions, and even on the wet sands of the coast, I can confidently say the hype is justified.

It builds on everything that made the original great and refines it, creating what I believe is one of the best entry-to-mid-level detectors you can buy today. It feels less like a tool and more like a reliable hunting partner.

Best Metal Detector Review

Nokta Simplex Ultra

✓ I Recommend This For...

Anyone new to the hobby who wants a machine they won't outgrow in six months. It's easy to start with but offers the depth to keep you challenged and learning.

If you're upgrading from an older, basic detector, the Ultra will be a massive leap forward in technology and performance without a huge price tag.

Anyone who wants to detect in a wide variety of locations—parks, fields, beaches, and even rivers—and needs one reliable, waterproof machine to do it all.

Someone who already owns a high-end machine but needs a lightweight, compact, and fully waterproof backup for travel or for tackling rough conditions without risking their primary detector.

✗ I Would Avoid If...

If you detect in extreme ground mineralization or hunt for specific targets where the nuances of Simultaneous Multi-Frequency (SMF) are a necessity, you may be better served by a higher-end machine like Nokta's own Legend.

If you have absolutely no intention of ever getting the detector wet or hunting in trashy areas, you might be paying for features (waterproofing, advanced recovery speed) that you'll never use.

If your primary goal is hunting for small gold nuggets in highly mineralized ground, a specialized high-frequency VLF or a Pulse Induction (PI) machine would be a more suitable choice.

While the Simplex is very user-friendly, someone who wants absolutely no menus or settings to adjust might prefer a more basic, non-programmable "turn-on-and-go" detector.

My Final Thoughts

I do recommend the Nokta Simplex Ultra as it offers an incredible combination of high-end features, robust build quality, and user-friendly design at an entry-level price. Its lightweight, fully waterproof construction and advanced settings provide performance that punches well above its weight class. For the price, it delivers exceptional value, making it a fantastic and reliable choice for a wide range of users.

Unboxing & Initial Setup: 9/10

The unboxing experience is straightforward and satisfying. Inside the box, you get the main control box, the 11" DD search coil (SX28) with a cover, a carbon fiber middle and lower shaft, the armrest, and a USB cable for charging and updates.

Assembling it is a completely tool-free process that takes less than two minutes. The cam-locks are firm and click into place reassuringly, and the whole unit feels solid once constructed.

Once assembled, I plugged it in for its initial charge. The built-in Lipo battery is a huge plus; my last detector ate AA batteries for breakfast, and the constant cost and hassle were a real pain. The on-screen battery indicator is clear, and a full charge gives me a solid 12-15 hours of hunting time, which is more than enough for a couple of long sessions.

Powering it on for the first time, the screen is bright, the icons are intuitive, and I was able to cycle through the search modes and get a feel for the settings without even glancing at the manual. It's a testament to a well-thought-out user experience that inspires confidence from the moment you get it out of the box.

Design, Build Quality & Ergonomics: 9/10

My first impression when swinging the Simplex Ultra is how light and well-balanced it feels. At only 1.2kg (2.6lbs), the combination of the carbon fiber shaft and smart weight distribution is a revelation.

I recently spent a solid five hours on a field near Tealing, and when I packed up, my arm felt fine—no ache, no fatigue. With my older, heavier machine, I'd be feeling that session for the rest of the day.

The handle has a comfortable rubber grip, and the whole unit collapses down to just 63cm (25"), making it incredibly easy to transport and store in a backpack.

The build quality is exceptional for this price bracket. The plastics feel durable, the cam-locks are robust, and of course, the signature feature of the Simplex line is its IP68 rating. Knowing I can fully submerge the entire detector up to 5 meters (16ft) gives me incredible confidence.

I’ve been caught in more than one torrential downpour while out hunting, and I never had to panic and run for cover.

Key Features & Technology: 9/10

The Simplex Ultra is packed with technology that genuinely enhances the detecting experience. The biggest upgrade for me is the expanded Target ID scale (0-99) and the full range of notch discrimination.

On an old Victorian park site littered with iron, the hunt can be a mess of low grunts and pops. With the Ultra, I can easily notch out those ferrous signals.

The ability to set custom Tone Breaks is also a game-changer, letting me hunt almost entirely by ear, which feels more intuitive and connected to the environment.

Furthermore, the inclusion of adjustable Recovery Speed is a massive advantage. I had a real "aha!" moment with this at a trashy site I know well. I cranked up the recovery speed to its highest setting, and suddenly, a sweet, high-pitched signal rang out from a spot I'd previously dismissed as iron.

The detector was processing the signals so fast it could clearly distinguish a silver sixpence that was nestled right beside an iron nail. In a cleaner pasture, I slow the recovery speed down, and I feel like I'm punching deeper into the earth. Having this level of control makes me feel like I’m tuning the detector to the specific site, not just using a generic preset.

In-the-Field Performance Review: 8/10

In the field, the Simplex Ultra is a fantastic performer. The 15kHz frequency is a great "do-it-all" frequency, providing excellent sensitivity to small, low-conductivity targets like hammered silver coins while still achieving impressive depth.

I was hunting on a pasture with known Roman activity and pulled a small bronze coin from a solid 7 inches down. I remember the signal wasn't a loud scream, but a soft, repeatable "peep."

Target separation is superb. I often test my detectors on a "nail board" I've made, and the Ultra can easily pick out a small coin placed less than an inch from a rusty iron nail.

Its performance on my local wet sand beach at Broughty Ferry was also impressive. My old machine would scream and false constantly on the wet sand, which was incredibly frustrating. With the Ultra, I switched to Beach Mode, did a quick manual ground balance, and it ran beautifully smooth with minimal chatter.

It correctly identified modern coins in the wet stuff and punched down to a surprising depth. While it's not a simultaneous multi-frequency (SMF) machine, its dedicated Beach Mode is so effective it makes beach hunting a genuine pleasure rather than a technical challenge.

Metal Detector Review Score

Nokta Simplex Ultra

Overall Score

9

/10

Detailed Review

Unboxing & Initial Setup

9/10

Design, Build Quality & Ergonomics

9/10

Key Features & Technology

9/10

In-the-Field Performance Review

8/10

User Experience & Learning Curve

10/10

My Final Verdict

9/10

My Final Thoughts

The Nokta Simplex Ultra is best for ambitious beginners and intermediate hobbyists who want a powerful, all-around machine they won't quickly outgrow. Its intuitive design is easy to learn, while its advanced settings offer plenty of room for growth and fine-tuning as skills develop. This versatility makes it an excellent primary detector for anyone who enjoys hunting across varied terrains like parks, fields, and beaches.

User Experience & Learning Curve: 10/10

This is where the Simplex Ultra truly earns a perfect score. Nokta has created one of the most intuitive and easy-to-learn detectors ever made.

The menu system uses simple icons that make sense instantly. There are no confusing abbreviations or complex menu trees to get lost in.

However, the beauty of the Ultra is that the advanced settings are there when you're ready for them. As you gain experience, you can start experimenting with recovery speed, tone breaks, and manual ground balance to squeeze every last bit of performance out of the machine.

This creates a fantastic learning pathway. It’s a detector that a complete beginner can grow into, rather than grow out of. The addition of keypad backlighting and a built-in flashlight are thoughtful touches that show Nokta listens to its users, making those late evening hunts much more manageable.

My Final Verdict: 9/10

The Nokta Simplex Ultra is a phenomenal metal detector, and an incredible value proposition. It successfully bridges the gap between entry-level simplicity and high-end features.

The build quality, ergonomics, and core performance are all excellent. It's lightweight, completely waterproof, and packed with adjustable settings that allow it to excel in a huge range of conditions.

While it lacks the Simultaneous Multi-Frequency technology of more expensive detectors, its performance as a single-frequency VLF is at the absolute top of its class. For the price, you simply cannot find another machine that offers this combination of power, features, and build quality.

It's the detector I would confidently give to a friend starting out, knowing they would have a fantastic and rewarding experience. It provides a reliable and fun experience for almost any detectorist, and I have no hesitation in recommending it.