Nokta Makro Simplex Metal Detector Review

Nokta Makro Simplex+ Review (Best for Beginners)

The Nokta Makro Simplex+ is an easy-to-use metal detector perfect for all skill levels. This detector can be used right out of the box. I have personally used this metal detector for over two years and have had great success.

I live in an area with very high soil mineralization, which is difficult for some metal detectors. The Simplex+ has a setting on it to help eliminate soil mineralization. This detector is simple enough for my kids to use, too!

Nokta Simplex + a great metal detector
Nokta Simplex + a great metal detector

Highly Recommended
Nokta Makro Simplex+

The Simplex is one of those metal detectors that provides exceptional value. High end features at an affordable price. Start finding treasures immediately with easy intuitive settings
➕ Selectable modes for easy accurate use.
➕ 12 hour rechargeable battery
➕ Family friendly and durable
➕ Perfect for beaches and playgrounds

The 4 Key Factors to Consider When Getting a Metal Detector

1. How You’ll Use the Metal Detector

It is important to consider how you will be using your metal detector. If you are searching for a specific meal type, like gold, or a specific treasure like artifacts, you may want a specific metal detector. The Simplex+ is considered an all-purpose metal detector, meaning it does not have programming for one single type of material.

The Simplex collapses down to a nice size for transporting
The Simplex collapses down to a nice size for transporting

2. Ease of Use:

The second consideration is how easy or difficult the metal detector is to use. Some detectors are made for advanced detectorists, while others are made for users of all skill levels.

If you get a detector that is far above your skill level, you may find yourself frustrated with the device and give up before you learn how to properly use the detector. The Nokta Makro Simplex+ was designed for all skill levels: from entry to advanced.

3. The Type of Metal Detector

There are 2 main types of metal detectors: Very Low Frequency, or VLF, and Pulse Induction, or PI. VLF detectors are the most common. The bulk of detectors on the market operate on this technology. VLF detectors have single or multiple frequencies that are used for detecting metals. Most range from 5 kHz to 25 kHz, with some being higher or lower, or offering multiple frequencies.

PI metal detectors are different in that they operate by sending pulses into the ground and receiving the results inside the search coil. These do not have frequencies like VLF, but rather PPS or Pulses Per Second.

The Nokta Makro Simplex+ is a VLF metal detector operating at 12 kHz, adjustable (can be moved up or down slightly to balance out electromagnetic interference).

4. Customer Service, Brand Reputation, User Reviews

Research is very important before purchasing any new product. Check the brand reputation before even considering a big purchase like a detector. There are many manufacturers of metal detectors that are well known and offer superior quality products.

Customer service reviews are also important, in the event you have an issue with your detector. Poor customer service is not necessarily a deal breaker, but it may be something to consider.

User reviews are one of the best ways to find a new metal detector. These reviews come from people who have used the detector in the field and have real-world experience with the device. Check multiple websites, as some reviews on sites like Amazon are paid for. You want to try and find honest reviews about the product you are researching.

For more information about choosing the right metal detector, click here: https://metaldetectingtips.com/guide-to-buying-a-metal-detector/

Nokta Makro Simplex+: A Winning Combination

As I stated, I have used Simplex+ in the field for over two years. This detector quickly became my favorite detector. It is simple to use, has great features, great identification speed and accuracy, and good durability and battery life.

Ease of Use and Setup

Once your Nokta Makro Simplex+ is out of the box, it can be turned on and used. This model has 5 different search modes: Field, Park 1, Park 2, Beach, and All Metal. Each mode is programmed to be the best option for most of these locations. Keep in mind, they do not have to be used exclusively as they are set up.

I use beach mode when searching the mountains of Northeastern Utah due to the mineralization in the soil. This mode helps filter out the hot rocks and massive amounts of minerals that typically cause difficulties with metal detectors.

When the detector is turned on, the large LCD screen with backlight turns on and shows what settings are currently active. The menu is on this screen, allowing you to change any setting you desire.

Simplex LCD screen and keypad is easy to see and adjust
Simplex LCD screen and keypad is easy to see and adjust

Performance and Features

The Nokta Simplex+ is full of great features. The detector is lightweight, at just about 3 pounds. One of my favorite features of the Simplex+ is the rechargeable battery. This makes it simple to recharge and gets rid of the need for multiple batteries. The software is also updatable when hooked to the computer.

Updates are released on Nokta’s website and help keep your machine functioning properly.

Another feature I really like and found helpful is vibration upon detection. This is perfect for users who are hearing impaired or when you are in an area where you do not want to draw attention. It also features an LED flashlight for low light hunting. The LCD screen backlight can be turned on or off, as can the LED flashlight.

The Simplex has a nice LED flashlight
The Simplex has a nice LED flashlight

Ground balancing on the Simplex+ is a simple process. You simply press the pinpoint/confirm button on the LCD screen while pumping the search coil up and down. This will read the soil conditions and set the ground balance accordingly. The screen also shows a depth indicator which estimates how far below the surface the target is.

The Simplex+ is fully waterproof up to 16 feet. This is a great feature as it can be used in shallow water or on beaches. This model features 6 sensitivity levels, an adjustable notch filter, and 3 audio tones. It comes with a waterproof 11” Double D search coil and has an adjustable shaft. Nokta Makro offers a 2-year warranty on the Simplex+.

To learn more about the Simplex+, read the user manual here: https://www.noktadetectors.com/wp-content/file-download/simplex/simplex-user-manual-en.pdf

Discrimination and Identification

Discrimination on Simplex+ allows you to filter out certain metal types. If you are in an area with a lot of junk targets (like old homestead sites, campsites, etc.), you may want to filter out tin foil or soda pull tabs. To filter out lower conductive ferrous debris, I set the discrimination to reject the first four notch segments. Sometimes this must be adjusted up to the fifth notch level.

Discrimination can be manually or automatically set. For automatic notch discrimination, you will swing the search coil over the metal you wish to eliminate, then press confirm. You can also do this manually, where you move the arrows along the LCD screen and add or subtract the metal ranges you want to notch out. 

Target Identification is simple on this model. The LCD screen will show different numbers corresponding to different metal types when a target is found. For example, a buffalo nickel comes up between 22 and 24, a wheat penny comes in at 69, gold, silver, copper, titanium, quarters, and dimes will come up as higher numbers, usually between 50 and 100. While using this detector, my family and I were able to uncover what turned out to be native silver!

Battery Life and Durability

The Simplex+ has a great battery life, at around 12 hours. There are factors that will diminish this such as the backlight on the screen, LED flashlight, and use of wireless headphones. I have personally had this detector out over a weekend of camping, where we would detect for 3 or 4 hours in a row, several times a day, and have not had to charge it until I got home.

The battery should be plugged in and fully charged when you open the metal detector for the first time. The charging time is approximately 3 hours.

As for durability, the Simplex+ is a durable machine. It is fully waterproof as I mentioned, so it is great for beach detecting. If you are detecting in an area with a lot of rocks, you may want to purchase a search coil cover to protect the coil. While it is durable, it will wear a hole in the coating eventually if used on rocky areas too long.

Simplex display with battery and mode
Simplex display with battery and mode

Customer Service and Reputation

Nokta Makro is one of the best metal detector manufacturers today. They are known for quality products and good prices. As for their customer service, they are fantastic! They are responsive, kind, and knowledgeable.

Metal Detecting Tip: Are you looking for more details about the Simplex? Download the user manual 👉 Nokta Simplex User Manual

Comparing Simplex+ to Other Great Metal Detector

The Simplex+ is one of many great metal detectors on the market today. Nokta Makro, Garrett, Fisher, Minelab, and XP are just a few of these. 

Nokta Makro SimplexGarrett ACE 300Minelab Equinox 800
Who it’s Best ForBeginners, budget usersBeginners, intermediateIntermediate, advanced
Price Range$200-$350$250-$400$900-$1100
Search Modes456
Frequency12 kHz (single)8 kHz (single)Multi-frequency
Battery LifeUp to 12 hours20-30 hours (4xAA)12 hours (recharge)
User Reviews4.7 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.7 out of 5 stars
Amazon Link for More 👉Simplex +ACE 300NOX 800

Bang For Your Buck

As far as the price goes, you will struggle to find a metal detector in the price range of the Simplex+ with all the advanced features this model has. Nokta Makro created this detector to appeal to everyone, even those on a budget. Some detectors are very expensive and only some people can afford them. This detector is more budget friendly than some.

Things I Love About the Nokta Makro Simplex+

  • Great battery life
  • Easy to use
  • LCD screen with backlight
  • LED flashlight
  • Vibration upon detection
  • Waterproof up to 16 feet

Why I Recommend the Nokta Makro Simplex+

I have recommended this detector to many people. My father-in-law purchased one after I told him about mine. He absolutely loves it! This model is so easy to use, regardless of skill level.

Some detectors have a steep learning curve but Simplex+ makes things so much easier. The built-in search programs are great for when you do not want to spend time adjusting the machine. They are ready to use right now.

Shortcut link to Amazon to read reviews and check current prices 👉 Nokta Makro Simplex

I also recommend this detector because it works so well in mineralized soils. I have tried 4 or 5 different metal detectors in the soil where I live and at some point, they all give false readings or overload and shut down. The Simplex+ has been great at filtering out mineralization and giving accurate target readings.


If you’d like more articles about metal detecting check out the links below.

Malory Ericksen discovered metal detecting in 2015, initially unearthing nails and pull tabs in Idaho. The finding of an old railroad tie cemented her passion for the hobby. Now in Utah, she delights in uncovering historical treasures, driven by her love for history.

Read Malory’s complete bio 👉 About Malory Ericksen

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