The Collins Dictionary defines the word “legend” as follows: When you refer to someone as a legend, it means that they are very famous and admired by many people. That’s a definition that certainly includes the Nokta metal detector – it means both famous and universally admired.
There are multi-frequency (MF) detectors and there are simultaneous multi-frequency (SMF) detectors. Both have their followers, so which is best? It depends entirely on where you regularly look and how you look, not forgetting other aspects of fun. These will include consideration of after-sales support, accessories such as probes, warranty repairs, and even dealer reputation.
MF detectors offer operators a range of frequencies from 4kHz to 81kHz, depending on make and model. What MFs don’t do is generate multiple frequencies at once, unlike SMF. Because MFs transmit one selected frequency at a time, their electronic target analysis systems are less complex and therefore less expensive to manufacture. This is usually reflected in their much lower price. Many seasoned MF aficionados prefer to tune their detectors to the frequency that best suits the type of target they are looking for… eg gold, minted silver, copper, and even iron objects.
Nokta Legend is a real SMF that transmits 4kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz, and 40kHz synchronously. Why? Straight. SMF is a catch-all system. Lower frequencies penetrate deeper into the ground/wet sand, while higher frequencies – although slightly less so – are more sensitive to small gold objects. A single MF frequency option is also available to the user.
At a price of around PLN 3,835 along with “promotional offers” that include additional probes and other accessories, it is hardly surprising that the Legend is so highly regarded. Don’t be fooled, this is a technologically advanced detector with features usually only available on the market for detectors worth over PLN 7,000. What makes it stand out is that it has an average price.
From a commercial point of view, it’s a damn strong mix. Nokta placed the Legend electronics in the same housing as the Simplex+ model. The build quality and architecture are typical of a Turkish manufacturer. The model is solid and based on the experience gained in the production of other detectors. As sailors say about yachts: “If it looks good, it will sail well.”
Where we have garbage and iron, a small probe should be used, and anyone who searches the shoreline knows what I’m talking about. Beach seekers often avoid cluttered areas like the plague. Other tough guys work in these conditions, pushing the capabilities of their devices to the limit.
Large-diameter probes are not my ideal choice in cluttered areas, due to one major disadvantage: vulnerability to “target masking”. In the case where we have two objects – one garbage and the other, e.g. a gold ring – both entering the field of work, and the garbage object is often the stronger signal of the two and “masks” gold. Some areas were not only loaded to the brim with garbage and all sorts of metal objects but also lost jewelry. Not surprisingly, these places are almost impossible to search with large-diameter probes, and I mean the 11-inch Legend probe as well. As you might expect, many Seekers steer clear of littered areas. The key to unlocking the loot is a probe with a small diameter of no more than six inches. The likelihood of two targets falling into the small diameter of a small probe is much less likely.
I hope the 6-inch NM probe (LG15) will stand out, as does the elliptical 9.5″x5″ (SP24) used in my Simplex+.
It’s obvious that electronics and water are a poor combination. So, if you’re taking your expensive metal detector anywhere near water, especially salt water, it needs to be waterproof to survive accidental submersion. The Legend is fully resistant up to three meters. For diving maniacs, you can buy headphones for diving on a cable. Same as Simplex+.
