When it comes to “SMF” (or simultaneous multi frequency) there have been a limited number of players over the years. The Fisher CZ line of detectors, Minelab (Sovereign, Explorer, etc), Whites (with the Vision/V3i) and recently XP with the Deus 2. Am I missing any? Comment below if so…
Over the past few years, while several traditional names have sadly faded, Nokta/Makro (now combined) have decided to wade…no, DIVE headfirst into the competitive world of hobby metal detecting. Their releases have been fast and furious and for the most part, very good! Machines like the Racer, Multi Kruzer, and just a while back the Simplex (which users describe as an AMAZING bang for the buck).
Nokta is based in Turkey and if there’s a good place to test a detector for old/ancient finds that place would be one heckuva pick. Luckily for the rest of the world, the advancements seen in Nokta’s line of machines also translate into performance for the rest.
Enter “The Legend”…Nokta’s first foray into SMF. First released in February of 2022, the legend continued Nokta’s theme of a LOT of detector for the money. They designed it to go head-to-head with Minelab. Minelab has been a pioneer in the realm of multi-frequency and they also hold a lot of patents that have prevented many companies from spending the resources for developing SMF (Simultaneous Multifrequency).
This article is not being written to debate the patent issues…I ain’t nearly smart enough! However, I do believe in healthy competition.
So, that brings me back to “The Legend”. Waterproof, SMF or selectable single frequencies (As a general rule of thumb, high frequencies find low conductors better and low frequencies find high conductors better), rugged design, software upgradeability (more on that later), rechargeable, small flashlight built in, vibrate function, etc. I’ll list the company spec list below.
As Nokta was preparing to charge into the multifrequency world, another established name was also prepping a new machine. That was XP. The original Deus has a cult-like following and word has it the Deus 2 is even better in many ways.
Currently, you are looking at a 3 way (companies) battle for your dollars if you want a SMF. Granted, Minelab has several new models that are also considered competitors. At the time of this writing, the XP Deus 2 costs around $1500.00, The Minelab Manticore costs around $1600.00, the Minelab Equinox 900 is around $1099.00…and the Nokta Legend? $699.00. (all these in US dollars).
I am behind the times…I don’t own any of the “new” detectors mentioned above so I’m relying on research. However, there is no doubt at all that The Legend is a bargain when it comes to features per dollar. Another interesting aspect is that Nokta seems to constantly accumulate user feedback and utilize it in improving their firmware.
I guess the real question is…how does the overall performance of The Legend compare to the other big names, regardless of price? Only time will tell. If you have feedback, please feel free to share!
| Operating Frequencies | Multi(3), 4kHz, 10kHz, 15kHz, 20kHz, 40kHz |
| Audio Frequencies | 100Hz – 1200Hz Adjustable |
| Search Modes | 4 (Park / Field / Beach / Gold Field) |
| Custom User Profiles | 4 |
| Audio Tones | 60 |
| Tone Volume | Yes |
| Tone Break | Yes |
| Tone Frequency | Yes |
| Adjustable Threshold | Yes |
| Notch Filter | Yes |
| Ground Balance | Automatic / Manual / Tracking |
| Pinpoint | Yes |
| Frequency Shift | Yes |
| Noise Cancellation | Yes |
| Vibration | Yes |
| Sensitivity Setting | 30 Levels |
| Target ID | 01-60 |
| Search Coil | The Legend WHP: Waterproof DD Search Coil 28cm / 11″ (LG28) The Legend PRO PACK: Waterproof DD Search Coil 28cm / 11″ (LG28) Waterproof DD Search Coil 15cm / 6″ (LG15) |
| Display | Custom LCD |
| Backlight | Yes |
| LED Flashlight | Yes |
| Weight | 1.4 kg (3.0lbs.) Including The Search Coil |
| Length | 63cm – 132cm (25″ – 52″) Adjustable |
| Battery | 5050mAh Lithium Polymer |
| Warranty | 3 Years |
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