Looking for a reliable waterproof metal detector that actually works on both land and in the water? We recently took the Nokta Simplex Ultra out for a spin, and honestly, it holds its own in a bunch of different environments.
Right away, the full carbon fiber build and waterproofing (down to 16 feet) set it apart. The 11-inch search coil, paired with that bright color LCD, makes it way easier to figure out what you’re looking at when you’re out in the field.
- 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).
- 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!
- ONLINE FIRMWARE UPDATES: Stay up-to-date with firmware updates (via USB on PC) and get the most out of your detector.
At just 2.6 pounds, it’s light enough that your arm won’t be screaming after a long hunt. Some folks have managed to pick up tiny gold flakes almost 10 inches down in wet sand—pretty impressive for the price.
The shaft collapses to just 25 inches, so you can toss it in the trunk or a backpack without a second thought. Updating the firmware is as simple as plugging it into your computer, too.
That said, the interface isn’t the most intuitive if you’re used to barebones models. A few people ran into battery charging headaches, but most found the lithium battery lasted plenty long for all-day hunts.
Bottom Line
The Simplex Ultra is a solid pick for both newbies and seasoned detectorists who need something waterproof.
With its carbon fiber build, respectable depth, and that easy-to-read color display, it’s a practical tool for all kinds of treasure hunting.
Curious to see what you might find? Check out the Nokta Simplex Ultra here and see what’s hiding just below the surface!
Overview of Nokta Simplex Ultra Waterproof Metal Detector
Putting this detector through its paces in different conditions, you notice right away it’s engineered for both comfort and performance. It doesn’t weigh you down, even if you’re out wandering for hours.
The carbon fiber shaft is a big deal here. Not only does it keep the weight down to 2.6 pounds, but it’s also tough enough to take a beating. And when you’re done, it collapses down so you’re not wrestling with it in the car.
Waterproofing up to 16 feet opens up a lot of possibilities. Streams, shallow water, soggy ground—no problem. With an IP65 rating, you don’t have to baby it when things get messy.
The color LCD is sharp, but you’ll want to spend a little time getting familiar with the icons and menus. Firmware updates are painless—just a quick USB connection and you’re set.
Battery life is decent, though if you’re planning a marathon session, bringing a backup isn’t a bad idea.
Advanced Waterproof Capabilities
We tried the Simplex Ultra in all sorts of wet conditions, and that IP65 protection rating really does its job. Rain, splashes, shallow water immersion—it shrugged them all off during beach and creek hunts.
IP65 means dust stays out and water jets won’t fry the electronics. It’s great for puddles, wet sand, and even a little rain.
But it’s not invincible—don’t expect to go deep diving with it. Full submersion is fine only up to a point, so if you want to hunt underwater for extended periods, you’ll need something with a higher rating.
Key Protection Features:
- Sealed controls keep moisture out
- Coil is fine with water immersion
- Carbon fiber shaft doesn’t rust, even in saltwater
The waterproofing held up in wet sessions, but if you’re dreaming of serious underwater treasure hunts, you might want to look at other options.
Durable Carbon Fiber Construction
The shaft material makes a real difference, especially if you’re out for hours. The Simplex Ultra’s full carbon fiber shaft feels sturdy yet lightweight—it’s just 2.6 pounds.
Key Construction Benefits:
- Durability: Handles regular trips outdoors and bumps in the trunk
- Portability: Collapses to 25 inches—super easy to stash
- Balance: Won’t leave your arm aching
The retractable shaft is smooth, not flimsy, and it keeps its shape even after months of use. The lightness is a blessing for long hunts, though the black finish does pick up scratches if you’re rough on your gear.
High-Resolution Color LCD Display
The color LCD is honestly one of the best parts of the Simplex Ultra. It’s bright, crisp, and readable even under harsh sunlight.
Display Quality Benefits:
• Clear text and icons—no squinting necessary
• Bright colors make settings easy to spot
• Touch interface works even with gloves (mostly)
You get target ID, depth, and battery all at once without it feeling like a jumbled mess. The bright screen is a real upgrade if you’re used to old-school displays.
Downside? It does chew through battery faster than basic screens, and it’s part of why this model isn’t the cheapest. The menu system takes a little getting used to, but once you know where things are, it’s pretty smooth.
Lightweight Design for Extended Use
Weighing in at just 2.6 pounds, the Simplex Ultra is easy to swing all day long. That carbon fiber shaft keeps things light but still feels solid.
Weight Distribution Benefits:
- Balanced design = less arm fatigue
- Comfortable grip means you can hunt for hours
- Easy to maneuver over rough ground
After a few hours, you really notice the difference compared to heavier detectors. Most people say they can hunt for ages without getting sore.
The shaft collapses down for storage, which is handy. Only thing—underwater, the light weight can make it a little floaty in strong currents, so keep that in mind.
Stay Updated with Online Firmware Updates
Staying up to date is easy: just plug the Simplex Ultra into your PC with a USB cable and download the latest firmware from Nokta’s site.
Manufacturers push out updates now and then, so you might get better target ID or new features down the road. The whole process is quick and doesn’t require you to be a tech wizard.
Update Benefits:
- Improved detection algorithms
- Bug fixes and tweaks
- Sometimes even new features
You can also back up your settings, which is handy if you like to tinker. Only catch? You’ll need a PC—no mobile-only option yet.
Real-World Performance and Depth Detection
We put the Simplex Ultra to work in different terrains, and it’s got legit depth. Targets buried as deep as 10 inches? No problem. Someone even pulled a gold flake out of wet sand at that depth.
The 7 KHz frequency helps with target separation when things get tricky. Depth readings are on point, though you’ll want to spend a little time learning what the display is telling you.
Performance highlights:
- Finds targets in wet sand and mineral-heavy soil
- Depth readings are usually accurate
- Sensitive enough for small stuff—think jewelry and coins
The waterproofing does its job at the beach. The interface isn’t as simple as some entry-level detectors, so expect a bit of a learning curve with the tones and icons.
Pros and Cons
After a bunch of hunts in different conditions, this detector really holds up. The carbon fiber build and extra features put it a notch above most budget models.
Pros
Sturdy Yet Light: The carbon fiber shaft is tough, but you won’t feel weighed down. The retractable design is a nice bonus for travel.
Waterproof Where It Counts: Up to 16 feet, it’s good for beach and shallow water hunts—no worries about splashes or rain.
Great Display: The color LCD is easy to read, even in sunlight. Target IDs are clear, and the interface is user-friendly once you get the hang of it.
Surprising Depth: Picks up small targets deeper than you’d expect, with sensitivity settings that let you dial it in.
Easy Updates: Firmware upgrades keep your detector current without hassle.
Cons
Takes Time to Learn: The menus and controls can be a bit much at first. Not the best pick if you want something you can just turn on and go.
Occasional Battery Issues: A few units had charging problems that needed warranty service. When the battery’s dead, you’re out of luck until it’s fixed.
Missing Accessories: Some listings mention Bluetooth headphones, but they don’t always show up in the box.
Customer Service Hit-or-Miss: Some folks had trouble getting help when things went wrong, which is frustrating if you need support.
Customer Reviews
Most users rave about how light and accurate the Simplex Ultra is. Beginners say it’s approachable after a few YouTube tutorials, and more experienced folks appreciate the step up from basic models.
What People Like:
- Accuracy: Finds small stuff, even gold flakes deep down
- Usability: Once you figure out the controls, it’s pretty intuitive
- Build: The carbon fiber shaft gets a lot of love
Some reviews mention pairing it with a Nokta pinpointer for even better results.
Common Complaints:
- Some units had battery charging problems
- Customer service can be slow or inconsistent
- Bluetooth headphones sometimes missing from the package
International users also seem happy with the build and performance. The learning curve is there, but most say it’s manageable. In general, hobbyists looking for coins and relics seem pleased.
Frequently Asked Questions
A few questions come up again and again about the Simplex Ultra. Here’s what most people want to know:
What are the main improvements in the Nokta Simplex Ultra compared to previous models?
The Ultra swaps out plastic for a full carbon fiber shaft, making it tougher and lighter. Waterproofing is bumped up to 16 feet.
The color LCD is a big step up from the old monochrome displays. Firmware updates are now possible via USB, so you can keep it current.
The shaft collapses to 25 inches for easy carrying, and the whole thing weighs just 2.6 pounds—pretty impressive for a full-featured detector.
How does the Nokta Simplex Ultra perform in mineralized soils?
At 7 kHz, it handles moderate mineralization pretty well. Ground balance helps cut down on false signals.
Users report it works decently on beaches and in wet sand. With the right settings, it can still pick out small targets in tricky soil.
Super heavy mineralization can still be tough, though. You’ll need to tweak sensitivity and settings to get the best results.
What type of waterproof capabilities does the Nokta Simplex Ultra offer?
It’s rated waterproof to 16 feet (5 meters), so you can fully submerge it for shallow diving or river hunts.
The IP65 rating keeps out dust and water jets. All the seals hold up during underwater use.
The compact collapsed size is a bonus if you’re traveling or diving. Users have had good luck detecting in shallow water, rivers, and even some deeper spots without water damage.
How user-friendly is the Nokta Simplex Ultra for beginner metal detectorists?
The color LCD interface lays out target info and settings in a way that’s pretty easy to pick up. Most folks can get the hang of the basic symbols and readings after watching a couple of how-to videos—nothing too intimidating.
You’ve got both simple and advanced modes to mess with. Beginners can just stick to the basics, while anyone feeling adventurous can dive into the more detailed discrimination and sensitivity options.
Honestly, you don’t need to fiddle with much right out of the box. For most places, it’s ready to go. The learning curve isn’t bad, but it’s a bit steeper than super entry-level detectors like the Ace 250, so expect a little trial and error.
What accessories are available for the Nokta Simplex Ultra?
A Nokta pinpointer is a handy companion for the Simplex Ultra—makes zeroing in on finds way quicker.
The lithium polymer battery that comes with it lasts a decent while, but if you’re planning longer hunts, having an extra battery or two isn’t a bad idea.
There are also different coil sizes and configurations if you want to get more specialized. Carrying cases and shaft extensions are out there too, which can make hauling your gear around a bit less of a chore.
How does the Simplex Ultra compare to other metal detectors in its price range?
The carbon fiber build and waterproofing really set it apart from a lot of the competition. That 16-foot waterproof rating? Pretty rare at this price, honestly.
When it comes to depth and target ID, it holds its own—or even edges out—other detectors in the same bracket. The color display is a nice touch too, definitely easier on the eyes than those basic LCDs you usually see.
Build-wise, it feels sturdy—no cheap plastic vibes. Still, not everyone wants all those features; some folks mention detectors like the Ace 250 are just simpler to use, while the Simplex Ultra can take a bit more time to get the hang of.
