The Nokta Makro Simplex has been getting a lot of hype and publicity for its price and what it is offering to the metal detecting community. This post takes a deeper look at the Simplex to see its all just hype or something worth using.
The Nokta Makro Simplex is one of the latest single very low frequency (VLF) metal detectors to hit the market under $300. Packed of full of features the Simplex is a 100% waterproof machine with a collapsible shaft, wireless options, vibrating hand grip, large VDI that includes 5 search modes, flashlight, and more.
We Tackle the Nokta Makro Simplex Questions You Want Answered.
This post will go into greater detail and answer the questions (below) that are on everyone’s mind regarding the Nokta Makro Simplex.
- Is the Simplex wireless?
- How many search modes does the Simplex have?
- Is the Simplex a single or multi frequency machine?
- Does the Simplex have a Target ID number display?
- Is Simplex waterproof?
- How much does the Simplex cost?
- Can you update the Simplex Firmware?
- What kind of search coil comes standard with the Simplex?
- How much does the Simplex weigh?
- How does the Simplex compare to the Garrett Ace 400?
I recently did a review of the Minelab Vanquish Series of metal detectors and how they stacked up against to Garrett’s Ace Series and it got a lot of attention. In this article, I didn’t compare the Simplex against the Minelab Vanquish because they are not comparable in my opinion.
Instead, I will be comparing the New Nokta Simplex against the Garrett Ace 400. I picked the Ace 400 because of the technical specifications that seemed to be a close match to the Simplex. But first, lets get introduced to the Nokta Makro Simplex a little more.
Is The Nokta Simplex Wireless?
This is the latest trend happening in the metal detecting world. In fact, its been happening for a couple of years now and Nokta is no stranger to this. They have built wireless into the Nokta Simplex and for the higher end version you get wireless headphones which is great for the price.
How Many Search Modes Does The Simplex Have?
The Nokta Makro Simplex has 5 searchmodes
- All Metal
- Field
- Park 1
- Park 2
- Beach
Is The Nokta Simplex a Single Frequency Metal Detector?
The Nokta Simplex does not use multiple frequencies. It is a single frequency VLF machine just like the Garrett Ace 400. The Simplex uses 12 kHz as its operating frequency.
Does The Nokta Simplex Have a Target ID Display?
Yes the Simplex uses the number scale similar to what Garrett uses (0-99).
Is Nokta Simplex Waterproof?
The Nokta Simplex is waterproof down to 10 ft. This is a big difference for this line of detectors. This is the first of its kind to be fully waterproof (submersible) at the price I see it being advertised for.
How Much Does The Nokta Simplex Cost?
This is where things get really interesting. Its hard to believe that they are offering this machine for this price but I’m seeing it advertised for $299 MSRP and $399 MSRP on Kellyco’s web site. Check out the Kellyco links below for more information about the price.
Nokta Makro Simplex+ Metal Detector
For $100 more you get wireless headphones.
Nokta Makro Simplex+ Metal Detectorfrom: Kellyco Metal Detectors
Can You Update The Nokta Simplex Firmware?
The answer is yes. This firmware update feature has really taken hold ever since XP introduced this feature many years ago. Many companies are now following their lead including Nokta.
Does The Nokta Simplex Use a DD Search Coil?
Yes, Nokta is providing an 11 inch Waterproof DD search coil with every Simplex.
How Much Does The Nokta Simplex Weigh?
The Simplex comes in at just under 3 lbs (2.9 lbs) which includes the weight of the search coil. The Simplex will be easy to carry around even for the young treasure hunter.
How Does The Nokta Simplex Compare to a Garrett Ace 400?
I’ll break down many of the features and compare them together in a few tables that will give you an easy to read comparison.
Search Mode Comparison
| Nokta Makro Simplex | Garrett Ace 400 |
| All Metal | All Metal |
| Field | Jewelry |
| Park 1 | Custom |
| Park 2 | Relics |
| Beach | Coins |
The Garrett Ace 400 clearly has the edge regarding search modes. Having a custom search mode is something definitely missing from the Simplex. but the Simplex offers a beach search mode that the Ace doesn’t. Will it work in web sand? That is the question I would like to see answered. Most VLF (single frequency) metal detector are horrible in wet sand. I expect the Simplex to be no different. In dry sand it will probably do just fine like the Ace.
Price Comparison
Just to be clear I am comparing the price of the Simplex and Wireless Headphone Pack (WHP). This is their high end option. I’ll put link to Kellyco below the table for both machines
| Nokta Makro Simplex | Garrett Ace 400 |
| $399 MSRP | $399.95 MSRP |
from: Kellyco Metal Detectors
Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector
from: Kellyco Metal Detectors
Waterproof Comparison
This is the feature that hurts Garrett in my opinion. The Simplex if completely waterproof down to 10 ft. Where as the Ace 400 is not.
| Nokta Makro Simplex | Garrett Ace 400 |
| Fully Submersible down to 10 ft. | Coil is Waterproof Only |
Operating Frequency Comparison
I don't think either the Simplex or the Ace 400 wins in this comparison. Both frequencies are good for this range of machines but for what its worth I will include the comparison below.
| Nokta Makro Simplex | Garrett Ace 400 |
| 12 kHz | 10 kHz |
Battery Comparison
| Nokta Makro Simplex | Garrett Ace 400 |
| Built in chargeable Lipo Battery | Requires 4 AA Batteries |
Weight Comparison
There is no comparison for the category because both machines weight the same at 2.9 lbs. Both machines are light enough that most owners should have no problems swinging it around for hours.
Is The Nokta Simplex Better Than The Garrett Ace 400?
Until we see the Simplex in action we won't honestly know. All we can do is compare the tech specs and based on what we know today for this single frequency machine it will give the Ace 400 a run for its money. There are 3 factors that set this machine apart from the Ace 400.
- Wireless
- Waterproof (fully submersible)
- Firmware Updates
It will come down to these 3 factors. Customers are looking for wireless now more than ever. Once you go wireless you will never want to go back to wired headphones.
Waterproof machines have so many more advantages in crappy weather conditions and it opens up the owner to more water detecting options. You don't have to run for cover at the first sight of rain and being able to fully submerse the machine in water sets this machine apart from the others.
Finally, having the ability to update the firmware is a great feature. If Nokta discovers a problem they can quickly push out an update and its FIXED simple as that. Plus, if newer updates enhance the machine and make it better, customers are going to want this feature to update their machine and make it better.
I my opinion, I think the Nokta Makro Simplex should do pretty well for this line of metal detectors if its all the hype its supposed to be. Its has some really nice features for an entry level machine and the price is certainly appealing.
Need More Info on The Nokta Simplex?
Here are two videos that will show you more about the Simplex and what it has to offer.
The first one is a really great Simplex review by TheHunterGT. He shows you everything and I mean everything about this metal detector to include air testing and I will admit I'm pretty shocked by what I am seeing.
The second video is more of Nokta's sales pitch to create some hype but they do show some of the features the Simplex has to offer.
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