Nokta Simplex Ultra Review: Worth It? (November 2026)

On this page (9 sections)

1. Is the Nokta Simplex Ultra a good detector?
2. Nokta Simplex Ultra features at a glance
3. Nokta Simplex Ultra set and headphone options
4. How does the Simplex Ultra compare with the GO-FIND 44?
5. What does the 16 ft waterproof rating mean?
6. How should you set up the Simplex Ultra?
7. How do you use a metal detector more effectively?
8. Which detector should you choose?
9. Final verdict on the Nokta Simplex Ultra

The Nokta Simplex Ultra is the better all-around choice for waterproof detecting, thanks to its 16 ft waterproof rating, carbon fiber shaft, 11-inch search coil and 6 programs. The Minelab GO-FIND 44 is lighter and easier to pack, but its 10-inch coil is waterproof only to 2 ft.

This Nokta Simplex Ultra review compares the detector with the Minelab alternative for beginners, shoreline users, travelers and anyone choosing between a standard package and a headphone bundle. We checked the stated features and focused on what they mean during normal detecting.

That comparison matters because the two detectors suit different kinds of outings. The Simplex Ultra keeps weight low at 2.6 lb, yet adds a retractable carbon fiber shaft and depth that suit deeper water.

The GO-FIND 44 weighs 2.3 lb and folds away, which suits people who carry a detector in luggage or a backpack.

Set up matters too, since the Simplex Ultra uses an LCD display, battery power and USB firmware updates through a PC. A beginner can learn the 6 programs on land first, then use the same setup in shallow water with more confidence.

The 7 kHz frequency is fixed for this model, so learning its responses matters more than copying settings from another detector.

Choosing well comes down to where you plan to detect most often. Deeper water and a larger coil point to the Simplex Ultra.

Compact travel and simple folding storage point to the GO-FIND 44.

Is the Nokta Simplex Ultra a good detector?

The Nokta Simplex Ultra suits buyers who want one detector for land and deeper-water use. Its carbon fiber shaft retracts to 25 in, the 11-inch search coil covers more ground per sweep than the Minelab's 10-inch coil, and the detector weighs 2.6 lb.

The detector has 6 programs and operates at 7 kHz. That gives you several program choices without requiring a separate detector for each type of outing.

Its waterproof rating is the biggest reason to choose it. The Simplex Ultra is fully waterproof up to 16 ft, or 5 m, while the Minelab GO-FIND 44 has a coil waterproof to 2 ft.

Nokta Simplex Ultra review: who should buy it?

Buy the Nokta Simplex Ultra if waterproof depth, a larger coil and a retractable carbon fiber shaft matter most. It also makes sense if you want firmware updates through USB on a PC.

The 2.6 lb weight is light enough for longer detecting sessions, although the Minelab is lighter at 2.3 lb. Consider the extra features you will actually use rather than choosing only by weight.

Skip it if your main goal is a detector that folds into luggage or a backpack. The GO-FIND 44 is designed around compact travel and requires no assembly.

Nokta Simplex Ultra features at a glance

The Simplex Ultra combines a carbon fiber shaft, an 11-inch search coil and waterproofing to 16 ft. It is battery powered, has an LCD display and comes in black.

The shaft material matters when you carry the detector between locations. A shaft that retracts to 25 in is easier to store than a fixed-length detector, and the carbon fiber construction keeps the design focused on lower weight.

The 11-inch coil also affects your sweep pattern. Keep each pass close to the previous one, move at a steady pace and overlap the edges so you don't leave gaps between sweeps.

For another Nokta comparison, read our Nokta The Legend metal detector review. It helps place the Simplex Ultra in the wider Nokta range.

Nokta Simplex Ultra set and headphone options

The standard Simplex Ultra package does not include Bluetooth headphones. If you want a Nokta Simplex Ultra set with headphones, look for a package that clearly names the headphones included rather than assuming every bundle contains the same accessories.

A headphone bundle can make sense when you prefer audio feedback in a busy area. It can also help when you want to hear faint signals without relying only on the LCD display.

Before choosing a bundle, check 3 things:

1. The exact detector name, so you don't confuse the Simplex Ultra with another Simplex model.
2. The headphones named in the package, because Bluetooth headphones are not included in the standard package described here.
3. The connection method, so the headphones match the way you plan to use the detector.

You don't need a bundle simply because it sounds more complete. If you already have a suitable audio setup, the base package may fit your needs better.

How does the Simplex Ultra compare with the GO-FIND 44?

The Simplex Ultra wins for waterproof depth and coil size, while the GO-FIND 44 wins for lower weight and compact storage. Both are battery powered metal detectors, but they target different priorities.

1

Nokta Simplex Ultra Waterproof Metal Detector with: Best for waterproof detecting

9.4/10Our score

• Waterproof to 16 ft
• Carbon fiber shaft
• 11-inch search coil
• 6 programs
• 7 kHz operating frequency

A lightweight waterproof detector with a carbon fiber shaft, 11-inch search coil and 6 programs. Bluetooth headphones aren't included, so check whether your chosen package names the headphones it contains.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Waterproof to 16 ft
• Carbon fiber shaft
• Shaft retracts for transport
• 11-inch search coil
• 6 programs

Cons

• Bluetooth headphones are not included
• Heavier than the Minelab GO-FIND 44

The Simplex Ultra is the stronger pick for changing locations and water conditions. Its shaft retracts to 25 in, and its waterproof rating reaches 16 ft, so it offers more flexibility for shoreline and underwater detecting.

The carbon fiber shaft also gives the detector a different balance of portability and structure. At 2.6 lb, it is slightly heavier than the GO-FIND 44, but it remains a lightweight option for extended sessions.

2

Minelab GO-FIND 44 High-Power Ultra-Light Metal Detector: Best for compact travel

9.4/10Our score

• 2.3 lb weight
• 10-inch waterproof coil
• Folds into luggage or backpacks
• 3 find modes
• Pinpoint mode

A lighter detector that folds for transport and uses a 10-inch waterproof coil. It suits beginners who want compact storage and simple controls, but its waterproof depth is much lower than the Simplex Ultra.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Lighter at 2.3 lb
• Folds into luggage or backpacks
• No assembly required
• Pinpoint mode
• Bluetooth ready

Cons

• Coil waterproofing is limited to 2 ft
• Metal construction rather than carbon fiber

The GO-FIND 44 is the better travel choice if you want a detector that folds into luggage or a backpack. It weighs 2.3 lb, needs no assembly and has a 10-inch coil that is waterproof to 2 ft.

It also includes 3 Find Modes, Pinpoint Mode, Easy-Trak automatic ground tracking and Treasure View LEDs. The LEDs use red lights for trash and green lights for treasure, giving beginners another way to read target information.

The GO-FIND 44's compact shape is useful when storage space is limited. The Simplex Ultra's deeper waterproof rating is more important when water use is part of the plan.

Our Nokta Triple Score metal detector reviews cover another Nokta option for shoppers comparing detector features. You can also read Nokta Triple Score vs Legend when your choice has expanded beyond the Simplex range.

What does the 16 ft waterproof rating mean?

The Simplex Ultra's 16 ft waterproof rating gives you much more underwater depth than the GO-FIND 44's 2 ft coil rating. It doesn't remove the need to follow operating and care instructions after water use.

Plan your outing around the detector's stated depth and the conditions you can manage safely. Water can make targets harder to recover, and slippery ground can change how carefully you need to move.

Use the detector's controls before entering the water so you aren't learning every function while standing in a current. Keep the coil movement slow and controlled, and pay attention to changing ground conditions.

The Minelab remains suitable for shallow shorelines, streams and other locations where the coil stays within its 2 ft waterproof limit. It isn't the equivalent of the Simplex Ultra for deeper water.

For a general metal-detection question, see what metal does not set off a metal detector. It explains why target response depends on the object and the detector conditions.

How should you set up the Simplex Ultra?

Start by adjusting the shaft so the detector feels comfortable with the coil close to the ground. The retractable shaft makes storage easier, but your detecting position still matters more than making the detector as short as possible.

Keep the coil level during each sweep. A steady height and overlapping passes make it easier to compare signals from one section of ground with the next.

Use the 6 programs as a way to organize your detecting choices. Begin with a simple program, learn how the LCD responds to targets and change settings one step at a time.

The 7 kHz operating frequency is a fixed part of this model. Focus on learning the detector's responses rather than trying to copy settings from a different detector.

How do you use a metal detector more effectively?

Good detecting starts with consistent sweeps, careful target recovery and notes about the ground. The detector can indicate a target, but your recovery method determines whether you find it cleanly.

Sweep in straight, overlapping lines. If a signal repeats from more than one direction, mark the spot and check the target before moving on.

Dig a small opening first and keep the soil together. Separate the plug or soil by layers, then return the ground to its original shape when you finish.

Use a handheld pinpointer only if it matches your existing setup and needs. The product data here does not guarantee compatibility between either detector and a separate pinpointer, so confirm compatibility before buying accessories.

Clean the detector after ordinary use according to the brand's instructions. Water exposure makes care especially important, and the Simplex Ultra's waterproof rating doesn't mean every accessory or headphone option is waterproof.

Which detector should you choose?

Choose the Nokta Simplex Ultra if you need waterproofing to 16 ft, a carbon fiber shaft, an 11-inch coil or 6 programs. It is the more flexible choice for users who may move between dry land, shorelines and deeper water.

Choose the Minelab GO-FIND 44 if low weight and compact storage come first. Its 2.3 lb frame, folding design, no-assembly setup and 10-inch coil make it easier to carry, but shallow-water use is the limit.

The Simplex Ultra is also the better choice if you want USB firmware updates through a PC. If you want to explore another software-related Nokta topic, see how to update the Nokta Legend 2.

Final verdict on the Nokta Simplex Ultra

The Nokta Simplex Ultra review verdict is simple: choose it for deeper waterproof use and broader detecting flexibility. Its 16 ft waterproof rating, carbon fiber shaft, 11-inch coil and 6 programs give it a stronger feature set for varied outings.

Pick the GO-FIND 44 when compact travel and the lowest weight matter more than water depth. Pick a Simplex Ultra package with headphones only when the bundle clearly names the headphones included and those headphones match how you plan to detect.

For land use, both detectors can work well, but their daily handling feels different. The Simplex Ultra retracts to 25 in for storage and stays balanced at 2.6 lb, which helps during longer sessions.

The GO-FIND 44 folds for luggage or backpacks, needs no assembly and weighs 2.3 lb, which helps when space is tight.

For water use, the gap is clearer. The Simplex Ultra is fully waterproof to 16 ft, while the GO-FIND 44 coil is waterproof to 2 ft for shorelines and streams.

That difference should guide your choice more than small weight differences if water is part of your plan.

Care also matters after each outing. Rinse and dry the Simplex Ultra as Nokta instructs after water exposure, and check the LCD, coil and connections before the next use.

Keep the shaft extension clean so it still retracts smoothly for transport.

For beginners, the Simplex Ultra offers 6 programs to learn one at a time, with USB firmware updates through a PC to keep the detector current. The GO-FIND 44 offers 3 Find Modes, Pinpoint Mode and Easy-Trak automatic ground tracking, plus Treasure View LEDs for simple target reading.

In short, choose the Simplex Ultra for waterproof depth, coil size and shaft design. Choose the GO-FIND 44 for folding travel, low weight and shallow-water detecting.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Nokta Simplex Ultra waterproof?

The Nokta Simplex Ultra is waterproof to 16 ft, or 5 m. That makes it the better fit of these 2 detectors for detecting in deeper water, but you should still follow Nokta's care and operating instructions for underwater use.

Does the Nokta Simplex Ultra come with headphones?

Bluetooth headphones aren't included with the Nokta Simplex Ultra package described here. If you want a Nokta Simplex Ultra set with headphones, check that the package clearly names the headphones included before ordering.

How much does the Nokta Simplex Ultra weigh?

The Nokta Simplex Ultra weighs 2.6 lb, or 1.2 kg. Its carbon fiber shaft retracts to 25 in, or 63 cm, which helps with storage and transport while keeping the detector suitable for extended detecting sessions.

Is the Minelab GO-FIND 44 a good alternative?

The Minelab GO-FIND 44 is a useful alternative if low weight and compact travel matter more than deep-water use. It weighs 2.3 lb, folds into luggage or backpacks and has a 10-inch coil that is waterproof to 2 ft.