The Minelab Vanquish and the Nokta Makro Simplex are two of the latest entry-level metal detectors that have hit the market. Both of these machines are priced very similar to each other but each machine is completely different from each other. In this article we are going compare the Vanquish against the Simplex (Vanquish vs. Simplex) and determine which metal detector comes out ahead.
Both The Simplex and Vanquish are VLF Metal Detectors.
Both of these metal detectors are very low frequency (VLF) machines. Unlike pulse induction (PI) metal detectors, VLF metal detectors tend to offer better discrimination against trashy targets and many VLF machines now give the option of configuring tone frequencies, setting separation speeds, and switching between frequencies.
However, target depth tends to be a limitation in VLF machines compared to PI machines. PI machines will punch deeper in the ground but lack the ability to discriminate out good from bad targets. VLF machines tend to be more popular choice. They get plenty of depth and they are easier to use compared to most PI machine. However, in certain conditions like high mineralization, PI machines will perform better than VLF machines.
The Simplex is 100% Waterproof. The Vanquish is Not.
The biggest difference that you will notice up front is that the Nokta Makro Simplex is 100% waterproof and can be fully submersible down to about 10 feet of water. The Vanquish is only water from the search coil up to about 3 feet of water. If the Vanquish control box gets wet it is not waterproof and your day of hunting is probably over if it gets wet.
Waterproof metal detectors offers the user the opportunity to hunt in virtually any weather condition where as machines that aren’t waterproof have to be protected from the elements. Most users tend to run for shelter when the skies open up and a downpour occurs. But with the Simplex, you can hunt all day in the rain without any concern.
The Simplex has a huge advantage over the Vanquish in this category but the Vanquish will make up for it so keep reading but the Simplex has the upper hand in the waterproof category.
Single Frequency vs. Multi Frequency
A couple years of ago Minelab introduced us its Multi-Iq Technology when they gave us the Equinox. This technology has been a big game changer in the metal detecting world. Multi-IQ or in other words “multi frequency”, allows the machine to run in several frequencies simultaneously where as most VLF machines only operate on one frequency. The advantage of this technology is that it gives the user the ability to cover more ground and pick up targets that single frequency machines can’t detect on different frequencies.
This advantage has been bringing old hunted out sites back to life. There are “multi-frequency” machines on the market but they do not offer the simultaneous scan of multi frequencies at the same time like Multi-IQ technology does. In other words, most multi-frequency machines can only hunt in one frequency at a time so that person has to hunt the same ground in every frequency separately when owners of the Vanquish or the Equinox can hunt the same ground in one pass and cover multiple frequencies.
Minelab saw this success and decided to incorporate this technology into their Vanquish series of metal detectors to target the entry level market. This market has been dominated by Garrett for so many years but I think you are starting to see some players, including Minelab and Nokta go after the entry level market. Multi-IQ technology is definitely an advantage for Vanquish over the Simplex.
How Does Each Machine Perform at The Beach?
I wrote about this in my previous article titled “How Well Does The Simplex Perform in Hot Soil and Wet Sand” and you can read it by clicking here. Both machines were tested over wet sand and the results were pretty remarkable. The Vanquish performed like I would have expected it but the Simplex was the big surprise. Most single frequency VLF machines have a hard time over wet sand and they just don’t do very well. However, the Simplex, despite being a little chatty, hit all the targets hard and would have stopped anyone in their tracks going over those targets. I’ll link test video below but even though Simplex surprised me, I would still have to favor the Vanquish in wet sand. Minelab has figured out something that others haven’t with the Multi-IQ technology. It just works.
However, if you do a lot of beach hunting in the surf you obviously aren’t going to take the Vanquish in the surf so this is a situation where the Simplex could be the machine of choice. It all comes down to the type of hunting you intend to do with these machines. For the price you can’t go either way.
Wet Sand Tests For Both The Simplex and The Vanquish.
Which Machine is Built Better?
The advantage for this category has to go to the Nokta Makro Simplex. Both machines are great but the Simplex has been built with the right idea in mind. Nokta created a rugged machine that can handle almost any condition and it can take a beating. To be 100% waterproof, the Simplex has an extra layer of protection from the elements that Minelab chose not to incorporate into the Vanquish.
If you look at Minelab’s point of view, they already built a 100% waterproof machine with the Equinox. From a sales perspective they didn’t need to make the Vanquish waterproof. In the future maybe they will. But don’t be fooled. Minelab’s Vanquish is built pretty well and it is an excellent machine but the user will have pay closer attention to the weather. But regardless, both machines are built well but the advantage here goes to the Simplex.
For The Hearing Impaired.
The Simplex has built in vibration that is felt at the gripping handle that helps those have hearing disabilities. The Vanquish does not have this feature. I have read and heard that the vibration feature is not that significant but regardless, it is a feature that the Vanquish doesn’t have so the advantage here goes to the Simplex.
Vanquish vs. Simplex Who Has a Better Warranty?
If you are looking at purchasing the Simplex then you are getting a 2 year warranty. If you are leaning more towards the Minelab Vanquish you will get 3 years coverage on the control box and coil. I’m not entirely sure why Minelab only singles out the control box and coil.What about the shaft and the arm cuff. If they break will Minelab cover it? If they do, clearly Minelab would have the better warranty so the advantage would go to the Vanquish.
What Are The Configuration Options?
The Simplex is only offered with two options. You can purchase a version which includes wireless headphones or for about $50 less you can opt out of the wireless headphones and use your own wireless headphones.
On the other hand the Minelab Vanquish has 3 configuration options. Their low-end configuration option is their model 440 and it starts out at around $279 and goes up from there. I will provide links (below) that will take you over to Kellyco Metal Detectors so you can compare each machine as well as the price.
- Minelab Vanquish 440 Metal Detector
- Price: $279.00
- Minelab Vanquish 540 Metal Detector
- Price: $369.00
- Minelab Vanquish 540 Pro-Pack Metal Detector
- Price: $499.00
- Minelab Vanquish 340 Metal Detector
- Price: $199.00
- Nokta Makro Simplex+ Metal Detector
- Price: $254.15
You can see the breakout of each Vanquish package by visiting Minelab's website or you can just click here. The 440, 540, and 540 Pro Pack are all broken out so you can compare each of the options.
If you want to see the technical specs of the Simplex you can find that information on Nokta's website or you can click here and I will take you straight over to their specifications page where you can see all the Simplex has to offer.
Vanquish vs. Simplex is There a Clear Winner?
Vanquish vs. Simplex. Both machines counter each other in different areas but the winner really depends on the type of hunting you want to do. If you are a relic and water hunter then the Simplex will probably win the day. However, if you want to cover more ground quickly and hear targets that single VLF machines tend to miss at higher frequencies, then the Vanquish is probably going to be your pick.
Minelab's Multi-IQ technology puts the Vanquish ahead in certain conditions but the Simplex comes right back in others. The Simplex clearly has more "nice to have" features that the Vanquish doesn't but are they necessary? Not really. Its hard to say who has the upper hand but both machines seem to hit their mark as a great entry level metal detectors. Thanks for reading!
Recommended Vendor For Purchase.
If you are ready to jump into an amazing hobby or want to upgrade to a new machine and try the Vanquish or the Simplex, I can’t speak highly enough about Fort Bedford Metal Detectors. If you have questions about either machine reach out to them and talk with an expert. They will help you get started on your journey towards one of these great machines.
Watch The Video Version!
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