Nokta Simplex Ultra Waterproof Metal Detector with Carbon Fi

The Verdict

Some metal detectors make you choose between land hunting and water hunting. The Nokta Simplex Ultra tries to be both, and for the most part, it pulls it off. This is the latest iteration in Nokta’s Simplex line, and the headline upgrade here is the carbon fiber shaft and the fully waterproof design that extends to the control box — not just the coil.

What’s actually in the box

Nokta doesn’t skimp on accessories. You get the detector with the 11-inch DD search coil, wireless headphones (they pair via the built-in 2.4GHz transmitter), a USB charging cable, and a padded carry bag. The shaft collapses down to about 24 inches, so it fits in a backpack or overhead bin. The whole unit weighs in around 2.9 pounds, and the carbon fiber shaft is the reason — it’s noticeably lighter than the older fiberglass version when you’re swinging it for an afternoon.

How it performs in the field

The Simplex Ultra runs at 12kHz, which puts it in the sweet spot for coin shooting and relic hunting. It finds US quarters at 8-9 inches in mild soil, and the 11-inch coil covers ground efficiently without feeling unwieldy. The LCD screen is bright and readable in direct sunlight, which matters more than you’d think when you’re out at a park at noon. The backlight kicks in automatically in low light, which is a nice touch.

The waterproofing is the real story here. The entire unit is IP68-rated to 10 feet, so you can submerge the control box without a second thought. I’ve seen people use this in saltwater surf (with the included saltwater mode), and the discrimination settings handle wet sand reasonably well. You’re not going to get the depth of a dedicated beach machine like the Equinox 800, but for a detector in this price range, it’s genuinely capable.

What buyers consistently praise

The Amazon reviews at 4.4 stars with 220 ratings tell a consistent story. One buyer noted, “Took it to the beach and found a silver ring in 20 minutes. The preset modes actually work — no fiddling with settings.” Another long-time reviewer mentioned, “I’ve owned three detectors before this. The carbon fiber shaft alone is worth the upgrade. You don’t realize how heavy metal detecting is until you swing a lighter machine.”

The battery life is another recurring positive. Nokta claims 15 hours on a charge, and in practice, that holds up. It charges via USB-C, so you can top it off from a power bank in the field. That’s a practical detail that separates this from older models that used proprietary chargers.

Where it falls short

The included wireless headphones are the weakest link. They work fine for basic audio, but the tonal separation for different metal types is muddy compared to a decent wired set. You can plug in wired headphones via the 3.5mm jack, but then you lose the wireless convenience. Also, there’s no vibration mode, which is a real miss for water hunting. If you’re in rough surf and can’t hear the tones, you’re blind. That’s a legitimate complaint from several reviewers.

The build quality is good, not great. The shaft is carbon fiber, but the control box housing and battery door feel a bit plasticky. It’s durable enough, but if you’re rough on equipment, you might want a protective cover.

Who should buy this

This is the right detector for three types of people: beginners who want one machine that does land and water without a second purchase, hobbyists upgrading from a toy-level detector who want a real feature set under $300, and beach hunters who don’t want to spend $800+ on a dedicated saltwater machine. If you’re a serious relic hunter chasing deep silver in mineralized soil, you’ll hit the limits of this unit quickly — consider spending more.

FAQ

Is this detector good for saltwater beaches? Yes, with the saltwater mode enabled. It handles wet sand and surf up to 10 feet deep. Expect some chatter in heavy black sand, but it’s manageable with sensitivity turned down.

Does it come with a warranty? Nokta offers a 2-year warranty on the Simplex Ultra. Register it online after purchase — it’s painless and worth doing.

Can you use it in freshwater lakes and rivers? Absolutely. The IP68 rating covers full submersion, and the ground balance adjusts automatically in freshwater.

The Verdict

Buy it if you want a do-everything detector that goes from your backyard to the ocean without compromise, and you’re willing to swap the stock headphones for something better. Skip it if you need maximum depth in mineralized soil or want vibration feedback for loud water environments.

The Nokta Simplex Ultra earns a 4.2/5. It’s not perfect, but it’s the best sub-$300 waterproof detector on the market right now, and the carbon fiber shaft makes it a joy to swing all day.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.