"The Expert’s Choice": our new column kicks off with the Nokta Simplex BT

Our expert reviews the Nokta Simplex BT

Today marks the debut of "The Expert’s Choice", DetectorShop's new column featuring quick reviews of some of the most popular metal detector models. This new YouTube space caters to our detecting enthusiasts, providing them with firsthand insights from our expert Leonardo Ciocca about the strengths and weaknesses of leading models currently on the market.

We begin with the Nokta Simplex BT, considered the natural successor to the Nokta Simplex Plus. It is a VLF "entry-level" metal detector with a single frequency, suitable for both beginners and more experienced researchers.

Weighing just 1.2 kg, the Nokta Simplex BT features a carbon fiber shaft that ensures both rigidity and lightness. Well-balanced, it excels in our mechanical test.

The detector comes with a generous 11-inch DD coil equipped with a coil cover, perfect for use in all types of terrain. Designed with excellent ergonomics, it doesn't require a high expenditure of energy even during long search sessions. Among its standout features are:

integrated speaker
frontal LED flashlight
vibrating handle
wired headphones connector
embedded lithium batteries

and the ability to update software. One of the Nokta Simplex BT's strengths is its waterproofing up to 5 meters deep in both fresh and saltwater.

It boasts a graphical active matrix display with good visibility even in modest lighting conditions (thanks to the backlighting). The rubber buttons are easy to press, and all main functions are neatly and accessibly displayed on the screen (a very useful feature for updates).

The detector also excels in search versatility and ease of setup, quickly adapting to any condition and terrain. The software offers 5 search modes, all customizable, with various discrimination parameters available to cover a wide range of needs (consulting the video guide will easily help to configure your metal detector).

In terms of power, despite being a relatively inexpensive model, the Nokta Simplex BT offers impressive depth (exceeding 35 centimeters on coin-sized targets in lightly mineralized soils). For more experienced users who can discern different sounds, its performance can be even higher, thanks to a sensitivity that often surprises. Even in highly mineralized soils, the Simplex BT performs well. Moreover, when it comes to identification and discrimination capabilities, this Nokta model is equipped with a scale of 99 values (from maximum ferrous to maximum non-ferrous). With fairly good identification stability (especially for shallow targets), discrimination capacity also yields good results.

These are the strengths of the Simplex BT, which, in terms of value for money, remains an excellent machine. But, raising the bar of our expectations, what are the things that could be improved?

Firstly, it lacks a no-motion mode, which detects targets without having to move the coil (a feature particularly requested by those conducting "military" searches and who frequently navigate tight spaces like tunnels or trenches). Additionally, a Bluetooth headset is missing from the standard package (as found in previous models).

Overall, however, the Nokta Simplex BT passes our tests with flying colors, confirming itself as a highly interesting machine for anyone looking to get into this hobby. With a very reasonable price, it offers high performance and ease of use that, from mechanics to software, ensures both enjoyment and results.

Watch the video...