If your considering a Simplex

[Reelfoot Relics]

wow

I've owned my simplex for 5 months, I've hunted more days than not since I got it and the lower shaft is still fine. It does flex but hasn't broken or shown any signs of breaking. I read of these issues in my research BEFORE I purchased it and decided on the simplex anyway. I hope people considering the Simplex don't think this shaft is going to fold up on there first hunt. I would still recommend the Simplex to anyone.

 

[Gauntlet]

I've owned my simplex for 5 months, I've hunted more days than not since I got it and the lower shaft is still fine. It does flex but hasn't broken or shown any signs of breaking. I read of these issues in my research BEFORE I purchased it and decided on the simplex anyway. I hope people considering the Simplex don't think this shaft is going to fold up on there first hunt. I would still recommend the Simplex to anyone.

Lets say you've detected ONE day over the halfway mark of 5 months. That's roughly 76 days. I looked at your post history, and didn't see many in the way of finds. You've been detecting 5 months, and this is your very 1st detector. You're certainly entitled to your opinion.

If you're happy in the fact is simply "hasn't broken yet", then that's fine. I'm happy you're pleased with your purchase.

I simply expect a little more than that from mine.

YMMV.


ETA: Your Simplex lower has also yet to see the heat of summer.

 

[Solong]

I have owned my simplex 1 1/2 yrs and never had a problem with the shaft, I’m 5’ 10” and even though I do use the Sp24 coil most of the time, I do go back to the stock coil for the beach and never even thought it was flimsy.

I just looked up how long I had mine, thinking they may have made a bad batch of lower shafts. But I bought mine November 2019.

 

[Gauntlet]

I have owned my simplex 1 1/2 yrs and never had a problem with the shaft, I’m 5’ 10” and even though I do use the Sp24 coil most of the time, I do go back to the stock coil for the beach and never even thought it was flimsy.

I just looked up how long I had mine, thinking they may have made a bad batch of lower shafts. But I bought mine November 2019.

What ever the problem is, they're doing nothing to make it right with consumers, short of offering to SELL them a part to resolve the issue. That's my entire point of this thread.

I've not made the 1st comment regarding any other aspect of the Simplex. I haven't even turned it on yet, so I can't speak to anything else.

Those who own one, look at the measure lines on the side of the shaft, then look at yours. notice how much of the lower shaft that leaves inserted into the mid shaft? About 4", so it's not like it's stretched-out to where there's only an inch of the lower mated to the mid shaft. The 5th line is just protruding the camlock.

There's no way anyone can possibly convince me this should be acceptable.

 

[jmaclen]

I owned a Simplex for over a year. Great detector for the money even though the stock lower shaft paired with the 11” coil is a joke. I sent Nokta Makro a video showing the flex of the lower shaft just after purchasing my Simplex compared to the lower shaft flex of a Vanquish 440, Nokta Makro Gold Kruzer and the XP Deus. Dilek did respond to me saying that N/M hoped they had a remedy. They sent me one of the first lower shaft inserts that they later added to the upper end of all of the lower shafts. It helped with the flex a little. They also made the carbon fiber lower shaft available for purchase at a very reasonable price (less than $30 US). So, do I like the stock lower shaft for 11” coil…..No. Do I think the Simplex is a piece of pooh……? No. Has Nokta Makro done nothing about it……No. Will they fix it just for you Gauntlet after hundreds of people or more have complained for the last year and half…….probably not. Your complaint will be added to those of many others. That ship sailed months ago just like the Vanquish inability to handle more than moderate mineralization which Monte Berry and I reported to Minelab soon after the Vanquish was released. Unlike Nokta Makro, Minelab basically ignored us…….

Also, I owned a Compadre many years ago. Fantastic detector for the money and for what it did well. Is it 1/4 the actual detector that the Simplex is for $100 US less MSRP……….No.

Basically, the Simplex is almost as good as an FTP F70/F75/T2 in many ways depending on soil conditions and it is more feature rich in others. It is what FTP should have done years ago as far as waterproofing, wireless audio, collapsable shaft system, internal rechargeable batteries and updated features.

 

[Gauntlet]

I owned a Simplex for over a year. Great detector for the money even though the stock lower shaft paired with the 11” coil is a joke. I sent Nokta Makro a video showing the flex of the lower shaft just after purchasing my Simplex compared to the lower shaft flex of a Vanquish 440, Nokta Makro Gold Kruzer and the XP Deus. Dilek did respond to me saying that N/M hoped they had a remedy. They sent me one of the first lower shaft inserts that they later added to the upper end of all of the lower shafts. It helped with the flex a little. They also made the carbon fiber lower shaft available for purchase at a very reasonable price (less than $30 US). So, do I like the stock lower shaft for 11” coil…..No. Do I think the Simplex is a piece of pooh……? No. Has Nokta Makro done nothing about it……No. Will they fix it just for you Gauntlet after hundreds of people or more have complained for the last year and half…….probably not. Your complaint will be added to those of many others. That ship sailed months ago just like the Vanquish inability to handle more than moderate mineralization which Monte Berry and I reported to Minelab soon after the Vanquish was released. Unlike Nokta Makro, Minelab basically ignored us…….

Also, I owned a Compadre many years ago. Fantastic detector for the money and for what it did well. Is it 1/4 the actual detector that the Simplex is for $100 US less MSRP……….No.

Basically, the Simplex is almost as good as an FTP F70/F75/T2 in many ways depending on soil conditions and it is more feature rich in others. It is what FTP should have done years ago as far as waterproofing, wireless audio, collapsable shaft system, internal rechargeable batteries and updated features.

That small "plug" fix they came up with was to remedy wobble, not flex. There was excessive clearance where the shafts mate, which allowed for the wobble. The plug has an expanded head, which closed the tolerance to help eliminate wobble.

That did zero for the weak shaft. Zero, and they know it.

Instead of an actual fix, which would have been a replacement shaft free of charge, they took the cheap way out, and did a half-fix. No care given to correcting their mistake, yet they pat themselves on the back for acknowledging others who admit theirs (paystreak).

I hope for the sake of all these folks purchasing the Legend, they don't suffer the same customer "service" the Simplex owners got.

ETA: You know how there's now a warning given on many products? There needs to be a disclaimer in the ad for this detector that states "you need to spend another $35 to replace the lower shaft upon purchase".

I'd at least have known what I was buying, and required to buy.

ETA2: Also, still no reply from N/M, so yeah.....they don't care.

 

[jordanmills]

Thanks for the info Cal. I'm a bit different, I guess. Having to spend money on something new in order to "upgrade" it to the way it should have came, just leaves me feeling a bit "taken".

No different than when Garrett came out with the ATP, and charged people to upgrade the faulty camlocks.

Nokta should just replace the lowers and up the price, at least you'd be getting what you paid for, and not some wobbly noodle. I honestly can't wait until a 100* day this summer. I should set it on the picnic table and time lapse video the shaft turning into an "L".

No sir, I wont pay extra to get the quality I should have gotten to begin with. I wouldn't buy a new car with 4 flat tires only to have to buy new ones.

I'll either make a shaft myself, or just use it in the water, either way, not another penny of my money.

ETA: I have a Tesoro Compadre that was less than half the cost of the Simplex. The shaft is aluminum, and has no flex.

I've had mine out in the Texas sun for hours and it hasn't acted at all melty or soft. An extension would probably be nice (I'm 6'3") but I don't have any trouble with heat softening.

 

[Gauntlet]

I've had mine out in the Texas sun for hours and it hasn't acted at all melty or soft. An extension would probably be nice (I'm 6'3") but I don't have any trouble with heat softening.

And that's great! I'm happy for those of you who either got what you paid for, or are OK with settling for less quality.

Look at (a portion of) their warranty:

https://www.noktadetectors.com/warranty-policy/

Warranty Policy
1. Nokta Makro Detectors warrants to the end-user customer that Nokta Makro products will be free from defects in material and workmanship for the periods specified in paragraph 2

2. Nokta Makro Detectors warranty periods are as follows:
a. Electronic system boxes, search coils, shafts and handles are under warranty for a period of 2 years from the date of purchase.
b. All Nokta Makro branded lithium batteries and accessories not listed in paragraph ‘’2 a’’ are under warranty for a period of 6 months from the date of purchase.

I've requested assistance from them.

Crickets

 

[Solong]

I stood it up on the coil, and measured from the floor to end of arm cuff. 51"

I know I have at least 3-4" of the lower shaft into the mid shaft.


I'm either going to find something to put in it for stiffening, or try shooting some expanding foam in it, then silicone an inch of the end to prevent waterlogging the foam.

I just measured mine. I’m at 53”. You definitely have more flex than mine.
It must be a manufacturing difference.

 

[Gauntlet]

I just measured mine. I’m at 53”. You definitely have more flex than mine.
It must be a manufacturing difference.

Yeah, I simply can't imagine everyone who'd bought one just accepted the amount of flex mine has.

That, or the customer base were from in the Wizard of Oz.

Bad parts are produced, and let out in to the real world. I get it. But it's how those inferior parts are dealt with are what matter. When a consumer asks to be made whole, and goes ignored?

That tells me all I need to know. The pics tell the story.

 

[WeDig]

Hey there,
It's Andy From the USA Nokta Repair Center. unfortunately that is how they come. I may suggest you check out the free Item on my site that may help with the wobble.
https://www.wedigmetaldetectors.net/Simplex-Lower-Shaft-Rubber-Plug_p_178.html

But the real fix to this issue is a Carbon Fiber lowershaft for the simplex. I understand you dont think you should have to pay for an upgrade on a new product. Unfortunately that was Nokta's fix to the issue. you may look into a longer middle shaft as well. but if you go to the link above I will send you a free plug for the lowershaft for the simplex all you have to do is pay the shipping. hope this helps. Thanks for your Time.
Andy
Owner
We Dig Metal Detectors
USA Nokta Makro Service Center USA

 

[Gauntlet]

Let me fill everyone here in. N/M warranty claims to "contact the dealer", in this case was Bart @ BBH. Bart referred me to Andy (below). I'd messaged Andy with a link to this thread, just a little while ago, so you both Bart and Andy, thank-you for the prompt replies.

Hey there,
It's Andy From the USA Nokta Repair Center. unfortunately that is how they come. I may suggest you check out the free Item on my site that may help with the wobble.
https://www.wedigmetaldetectors.net/Simplex-Lower-Shaft-Rubber-Plug_p_178.html

But the real fix to this issue is a Carbon Fiber lowershaft for the simplex. I understand you dont think you should have to pay for an upgrade on a new product. Unfortunately that was Nokta's fix to the issue. you may look into a longer middle shaft as well. but if you go to the link above I will send you a free plug for the lowershaft for the simplex all you have to do is pay the shipping. hope this helps. Thanks for your Time.
Andy
Owner
We Dig Metal Detectors
USA Nokta Makro Service Center USA

Please note, my response is purely directed at N/M, and neither Bart nor Andy.

Your reply simply confirms my accusations of N/M not caring about what they produce.

I'm curious as to if they are using the EXACT same shaft, production mold, process, and composition for the lower shaft on the Legend?

If not, why?

If yes, then all you Legend purchasers be prepared to fork-over a little bit extra so you don't have to use this flimsy cheap lower shaft.

This shaft already came with the plug, but thanks for the offer. AGAIN, the plug was their solution to WOBBLE, not the flex, as in my situation.

So there it is folks, straight from the horses mouth.

Enjoy the inferior parts N/M deems worthy to put their name on.

 

[jmaclen]

Let me fill everyone here in. N/M warranty claims to "contact the dealer", in this case was Bart @ BBH. Bart referred me to Andy (below). I'd messaged Andy with a link to this thread, just a little while ago, so you both Bart and Andy, thank-you for the prompt replies.




Please note, my response is purely directed at N/M, and neither Bart nor Andy.

Your reply simply confirms my accusations of N/M not caring about what they produce.

I'm curious as to if they are using the EXACT same shaft, production mold, process, and composition for the lower shaft on the Legend?

If not, why?

If yes, then all you Legend purchasers be prepared to fork-over a little bit extra so you don't have to use this flimsy cheap lower shaft.

This shaft already came with the plug, but thanks for the offer. AGAIN, the plug was their solution to WOBBLE, not the flex, as in my situation.

So there it is folks, straight from the horses mouth.

Enjoy the inferior parts N/M deems worthy to put their name on.

The Legend lower shaft is mostly carbon fiber, rugged and has no flex. I have a Legend and so far it is much better build than the Simplex as it should be based on price. I also owned two different Simplexes and the amount of shaft flex was not the same in the two stock lower shafts.

 

[Gauntlet]

The Legend lower shaft is mostly carbon fiber, rugged and has no flex. I have a Legend and so far it is much better build than the Simplex as it should be based on price. I also owned two different Simplexes and the amount of shaft flex was not the same in the two stock lower shafts.

Thanks for the heads-up. Can't say I'm surprised they'd choose a better design.

LOL, as many people who seem to be flocking to the Legend would make for quite an uprising.

 

[jmaclen]

Thanks for the heads-up. Can't say I'm surprised they'd choose a better design.

LOL, as many people who seem to be flocking to the Legend would make for quite an uprising.

_____________________________________

I don’t know about “flocking” to the Legend which implies blind following……

I did my homework on the Simplex and the Legend. I knew about the Simplex lower shaft when I first purchased one. I was really surprised by how bad the flex was……and was happy when the carbon fiber shaft was released.

I know about the adjustable iron bias update along with more coil selections for the Legend in the near future. So far, the Legend is well worth $640 US as is the Simplex for $254 US.

I have been using Nokta Makro detectors for 8 years and have enjoyed using every model that I have owned. Quality detectors. However, in the past for me anyway there has always been one or two things about each N/M detector that just didn’t quite meet my needs. Personally I was not bothered too much by the Simplex lower shaft, just like I was not bothered by the inferior Equinox shaft system which was quickly replaced with carbon fiber shafts. If I like a detector a lot I don’t mind upgrading or customizing it. If it doesn’t quite meet my needs, I don’t get upset with the manufacturer, I just sell the detector and move on…….

 

[Gauntlet]

I don’t know about “flocking” to the Legend which implies blind following……

I did my homework on the Simplex and the Legend. I knew about the Simplex lower shaft when I first purchased one. I was really surprised by how bad the flex was……and was happy when the carbon fiber shaft was released.

I know about the adjustable iron bias update along with more coil selections for the Legend in the near future. So far, the Legend is well worth $640 US as is the Simplex for $254 US.

I have been using Nokta Makro detectors for 8 years and have enjoyed using every model that I have owned. Quality detectors. However, in the past for me anyway there has always been one or two things about each N/M detector that just didn’t quite meet my needs. Personally I was not bothered too much by the Simplex lower shaft, just like I was not bothered by the inferior Equinox shaft system which was quickly replaced with carbon fiber shafts. If I like a detector a lot I don’t mind upgrading or customizing it. If it doesn’t quite meet my needs, I don’t get upset with the manufacturer, I just sell the detector and move on…….

I don't think the "blindly following thing needs justification. If it didn't work, the shills would be out of a job. Not to mention those here who attempt to justify this sort of issue with a product. Call it what you like.

Again, it's not my place to tell someone what they should accept regarding their purchase, I'm simply airing my dissatisfaction and showing PROOF of what this company sells.

What they've done with the Simplex, at least the one I've received, is pretty much equivalent to not even including the lower shaft in the package. Now, had they stated that the detector lower shaft needed to be purchased separately, then I'd have known it was an additional 15% cost increase.

At least I'd have known what I was in for, and it would have been honest.

No, instead they toss a worthless piece of plastic into the box in effort to take more money from me. Call it what you like, it's dishonest, plain and simple.

As I've said, if you or anyone else is satisfied with this kind of "quality", that's fine. I'm not. I just as well take $35 and toss it out the window.

If you can look at the pics of my detector, and call that a "quality detector", then I guess we simply have a different definition of "quality".

 

[Gauntlet]

.

 

[GreenMeanie]

Sounds like something that should be included in the BOX?

I spent about $25 for a carbon lower shaft for my Simplex. It was an improvement especially when using the standard coil. With the smaller SP24 the original shaft was ok.

Speaking of shafts, i think cheapness really shines through with the Minelab Equinoxes. They cost up to 4 times the cost of a Simplex and come with the same style awkward, hard to adjust shaft as the $100 Bounty Hunter i started with.

 

[John Madill]

Would have been nice to include it. Off hand i cannot think of any detectors that come with carbon fiber shafts but there probably is some high end detector that does.

I am just about ready to spend $150 for a carbon fiber shaft for an Equinox. Would have been nice if Minelab had included one but they did not.

 

[JimR_TN]

Would have been nice to include it. Off hand i cannot think of any detectors that come with carbon fiber shafts but there probably is some high end detector that does.

I am just about ready to spend $150 for a carbon fiber shaft for an Equinox. Would have been nice if Minelab had included one but they did not.

Love my Equinox... but the build quality is lacking. Mine had the shaft wobble right from the start. And that arm cuff felt so fragile, never broke it but it made me nervous. I fairly quickly purchased a carbon fiber shaft, metal arm cuff and a coil ear stiffener. Kind of a bummer I had to to spend the money but now that I have I am very satisfied with the Equinox.