A feature-rich waterproof detector at its lowest-ever £379.95

Is the Nokta Simplex Ultra WHP Waterproof Metal Detector with Wireless Headphones worth buying? Yes — if you want a modern, waterproof detector with wireless headphones, a lightweight build, and a price that is currently at its all-time low of £379.95. The 4.6/5 rating from 124 reviews also suggests this is a well-liked machine rather than a gamble.

First impressions: what you get for £379.95

At £379.95, the Simplex Ultra WHP sits above budget entry-level detectors like the Minelab Vanquish 340 at £199.00 and the Hazlewolke Professional at £179.99, but it adds a more premium-feeling package. The headline extras are the wireless headphones, the 28 cm / 11" waterproof DD coil (SX28), and the carbon fibre shaft. That combination matters because it points to a detector designed for longer sessions, wet ground, and cleaner signal handling than cheap all-purpose machines.

What are the key features that actually matter?

The most practical feature here is that it is a waterproof metal detector for adults with a fully waterproof design, making it a better fit for beaches, wet fields, river edges, and muddy winter detecting than non-waterproof rivals. The DD search coil is a sensible choice for UK conditions because DD coils generally handle mineralised ground better than basic concentric setups, and the supplied 11" coil gives a useful balance between coverage and target separation.

The carbon fibre shaft is another real-world benefit. At 2.6 lbs / 1.2 kg, the Simplex Ultra WHP is light enough for extended sessions, and the shaft material should help it feel more rigid and less tiring in hand. That matters more than flashy marketing when you are covering a ploughed field at 6am for several hours.

The wireless headphone package is also a proper upgrade, especially with Bluetooth aptX Low Latency support included in the box. Lower latency is important because detector audio needs to feel immediate; laggy audio can make target response feel disconnected. Nokta also includes LCD backlight, keypad backlight, and LED flashlight, which is genuinely useful for early starts, dusk sessions, or underwater work.

Firmware support via USB on PC is another plus. Detectors evolve, and online updates can extend useful life if Nokta improves performance or adds refinements later.

How does it perform in the field?

Based on the feature set, the Simplex Ultra WHP looks aimed at versatility rather than one specialist role. The 11" waterproof DD coil should give decent ground coverage while still being capable of separating targets reasonably well in trashy areas. For UK pasture, stubble, and wet ground, that is the sort of coil size many detectorists actually use most often.

The biggest strength is likely to be usability: light weight, wireless audio, waterproofing, and backlighting all reduce friction in the field. For newcomers, that makes the machine easier to live with than cheaper models that feel basic or awkward after a few hours. For experienced users, the package is attractive because it removes a lot of the common upgrade pain points in one go.

Build quality: does it feel like a proper upgrade?

The carbon fibre shaft is the standout build feature, and it should give the detector a more substantial feel than plastic-heavy alternatives. Combined with the waterproof construction, the Simplex Ultra WHP looks like a machine intended for regular use rather than occasional hobby outings. The 1.2 kg weight is a major part of that appeal, because a detector can have good specs on paper but still be tiring in the field.

Is it good value for money?

At £379.95, value depends on what you need. Against the Nokta Makro Simplex+ at £274.75, this Ultra WHP version is clearly the pricier option, but the added wireless headphone package, updated generation features, carbon fibre shaft, and all-rounder positioning justify the step-up for many buyers. Against the Minelab Vanquish 340 (£199.00) and Hazlewolke Professional (£179.99), it is much more expensive, so it is not the budget pick.

That said, the price data shows £379.95 is the all-time lowest, highest, and average price recorded, so there is no current premium being paid relative to its short-term history. If you want this model, now is a sensible time to buy.

What are the downsides?

The main warning is simple: this is not a cheap detector. If your budget is closer to £200, the Vanquish 340 or Hazlewolke will leave money in your pocket, even if they do not offer the same feature set. Also, the price data provided shows only 1 data point over about 1 week, so long-term pricing confidence is limited. Finally, the listing data does not provide operating frequency, ground balance type, discrimination modes, battery type, or runtime, so buyers who want those exact technical details should verify them before purchase.

How does it compare to the alternatives?

Compared with the Minelab Vanquish 340 (£199.00, 4.4★), the Nokta is the more premium waterproof package with wireless headphones and a lighter, more modern-feeling spec list. Compared with the Nokta Makro Simplex+ (£274.75, 4.4★), the Ultra WHP costs more but appears to add a more complete bundle and updated generation features. Compared with the Hazlewolke Professional (£179.99, 4.4★), the Nokta is the more serious buy for someone who values brand reputation, waterproofing, and a lighter, better-finished detector.

Final take

The Simplex Ultra WHP is worth buying if you want a lightweight, waterproof, wireless-equipped detector and you are happy to spend £379.95. It makes the most sense for detectorists who will actually use the waterproofing and backlit controls, and who want a machine that feels more refined than entry-level rivals. If you mainly want the cheapest route into detecting, look elsewhere; if you want a well-rounded upgrade with useful real-world features, this is an appealing package.