Simplex Ultra packs waterproofing, carbon fibre and low weight for £299.95

Yes — the Nokta Simplex Ultra is worth buying at £299.95 if you want a waterproof, lightweight detector with modern convenience features and a strong user rating of 4.4/5 from 223 reviews. It sits at an attractive point for UK detectorists because the current price is also the all-time lowest recorded, which makes it easier to justify than many mid-range rivals.

What do you get for £299.95?

The headline features are practical rather than flashy. Nokta has given the Simplex Ultra a carbon fibre shaft, which should matter to anyone who spends long sessions on rough ground or in a ploughed field and wants less fatigue from the rod itself. At 2.6 lbs / 1.2 kg, it is clearly aimed at all-day use, and that low weight is one of the strongest selling points here. The detector also includes Bluetooth aptX, so wireless audio support is built in, and firmware updates can be done online via USB on a PC, which is useful for keeping the machine current without replacing hardware.

The big draw, though, is the waterproof design. Nokta positions the Simplex Ultra as a waterproof detector for adults, and that matters in the UK where wet grass, muddy stubble, and winter conditions are part of normal detecting. For beach users and those who regularly hunt in rain-soaked fields, waterproofing is not a luxury feature; it is part of basic usability.

How does it perform in the field?

The data provided does not include operating frequency, ground balance type, discrimination modes, coil size, battery type, runtime, or target ID accuracy, so those areas cannot be judged here without guessing. What can be assessed is the overall package: the Simplex Ultra looks designed for straightforward, extended detecting rather than technical complexity. The lightweight build and carbon fibre shaft suggest good handling, especially for newcomers who do not want a heavy machine, and for experienced users who value comfort over gimmicks.

In practical terms, the best use case is likely general-purpose detecting on land where portability and weather resistance matter. If you want a detector that feels less tiring than bulkier alternatives, the 1.2 kg weight is a real advantage. If you are chasing highly specialised performance metrics, however, the missing published details make it harder to compare on raw technical capability alone.

Is the build quality good?

The carbon fibre shaft is the main build-quality talking point. Nokta describes it as durable as well as good-looking, and that aligns with what detectorists tend to value: a shaft that does not flex excessively, does not feel cheap, and survives regular transport. Combined with the waterproof construction, the Simplex Ultra appears aimed at reliability in real use rather than just shelf appeal.

That said, the product data does not provide waterproof depth rating, coil construction, or battery specifications, so the build assessment must stay within those confirmed facts. The key positive is that the machine is clearly engineered for field practicality, not just marketing.

Is it good value for money?

At £299.95, it is not the cheapest detector in the comparison set. The Hazlewolke Professional is £179.99 and the Minelab Vanquish 340 is £199.00, both also rated 4.4/5. But those alternatives are cheaper for a reason: the Simplex Ultra brings a more premium-feeling package with carbon fibre, Bluetooth aptX, firmware updates, and waterproofing. It also compares closely with the Nokta Makro Simplex+ at £274.75, meaning the Ultra asks for a modest premium over an established sibling.

Because the current price is at the all-time low, value is better now than it would be at any higher point. If you were already considering the Simplex Ultra, this is the best time shown by the data to buy it.

How does it compare to alternatives?

Against the Nokta Makro Simplex+ at £274.75, the Simplex Ultra appears to be the more refined version in the range, with the carbon fibre shaft and Bluetooth aptX standing out as the most visible upgrades in the provided data. Against the Minelab Vanquish 340 at £199.00, the Simplex Ultra costs more, so the question becomes whether you want Nokta’s waterproof, lightweight, updateable platform and are happy to pay the extra. Against the Hazlewolke at £179.99, the Simplex Ultra is clearly the more expensive option, but the cheaper detector’s headline spec set does not automatically make it the better long-term buy.

Should you buy it?

Buy it if you want a waterproof, lightweight detector with a premium shaft and modern conveniences, and you are comfortable paying £299.95 for a mid-range machine with a strong 4.4/5 rating. Skip it if you need hard technical specifications before buying, or if your budget is tighter and you would rather start with the cheaper Minelab or Hazlewolke options.