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Garrett ATX (PI) vs Nokta Simplex Lite (VLF)
For newcomers to metal detecting, choosing between Pulse Induction (PI) and Very Low Frequency (VLF) technology feels like picking a first car: affordability versus capability, simplicity versus versatility.
After testing 2025’s top entry-level models, I’ll cut through the hype and reveal which tech truly suits your gold prospecting or treasure-hunting goals.
Contender 1:
Nokta Simplex Lite (Entry-Level VLF)
Ideal for: Coin shooting, jewelry hunting, and trash-laden parks .
- Depth & Gold Size:
Detects coins/jewelry up to 8 inches deep, but struggles with sub-0.5g gold flakes. Its 12 kHz frequency excels on coin-sized conductive targets but misses tiny gold .
- Weight & Design:
1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) with a collapsible carbon shaft—light enough for all-day swings .
- Soil Handling:
Automatic ground balance handles moderate mineralization. In iron-rich soils, manually adjust sensitivity to reduce chatter.
- Water Use:
Fully waterproof (IP68) to 10 feet (5 meters) Perfect for freshwater beaches and rainstorms .
- Discrimination:
VLF’s killer feature: 5 search modes (e.g.,Field, Park, Beach, All Metal) with notch discrimination to reject bottle caps and nails.
- Price Range:
$150–$200 (with bundled headphones)
> Real Talk: The Simplex Lite is the Swiss Army knife of starters. Its backlit screen and USB charging remove beginner friction, though gold prospectors will want more sensitivity.
Contender 2:
Garrett ATX (Entry-Level PI)
Ideal for: Saltwater beaches, gold fields, and highly mineralized soils.
- Depth & Gold Size:
Hits targets 14+ inches deep, including tiny gold flakes (0.1g+). Its pulse induction ignores mineralization, unlocking depth VLF can’t touch.
- Weight & Design:
Heavier at 2.3 kg (5.1 lbs). Ergonomics matter here—budget extra for a bungee support harness.
- Soil Handling:
Unshakable in black sand, salt flats, or iron-heavy grounds. No ground balancing needed.
- Water Use:
Fully submersible to 10 feet. The go-to for surf hunters .
- Discrimination:
PI’s Achilles’ heel: Minimal trash filtering. Digs everything—from nails to nuggets.
- Price Range:
$1,200+ Even entry-level PI costs more than premium VLF .
> Real Talk The ATX dominates in extreme conditions but demands patience. You’ll dig 20 pull tabs for every gold ring.
Comparison of Metal Detectors
Key metrics for beginners (2025 models):
Feature |
VLF ModelNokta Simplex Lite |
PI ModelGarrett ATX |
|---|---|---|
| Best Use Case | Parks, yards, dry sand | Saltwater beaches, gold fields |
| Depth | 6–8" (coins) | 12–14"+ (nuggets) |
| Weight | 1.2 kg (light) | 2.3 kg (heavy) |
| Soil Handling | Good with auto-balance | Excellent (no adjustment) |
| Gold Size (minimum detection) | 0.5g+ | 0.1g+ (tiny flakes) |
| Water Use | Waterproof (rivers/lakes) | Submersible (surf) |
| Discrimination | Advanced (notch filters) | Minimal (dig all) |
| Price Range | $150–$400 | $1,200–$2,500 |
Source: Amazon marketplace (2025)
Which Wins for Your Needs?
- Choose Nokta Simplex Lite if: You hunt parks/backyards, want trash filtering, or have a budget under $400. It’s 2025’s best all-rounder for casual hobbyists.
- Choose Garrett ATX if: You chase gold flakes, hunt saltwater beaches, or tackle iron-infested relic sites.
Prepare for higher cost and weight.
> Pro Tip: Many beginners quit metal detecting within a year due to a perceived lack of success, difficulty in learning the equipment, and the time commitment. Start with easier tech, such as the VLF to build confidence, develop your knowledge and skills of metal detecting, before upgrading to a PI type detector for specialty hunts.
Essential Accessories for Both
- Pinpointer: Garrett Pro-Pointer AT (saves 60% target-recovery time).
- Digger: Lesche hand trowel for plug-cutting.
- Headphones: Wireless models reduce cord snags (critical for PI’s deep signals).
The Verdict
For most beginners, the VLF detector (like the Nokta Simplex Lite) offers the best balance of price, features, and fun.
Reserve PI tech (like the Garrett ATX) for niche scenarios like ocean hunts.
Remember: your best finds come from the ground you cover and the time spent swinging your metal detector, not just the tech.
> Got questions? Drop them below!
Check out more metal detecting posts:
When you are ready to start your gold prospecting adventure, you'll find more resources to help you find more gold here:
DISCLAIMER - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The links to products are affiliate links that help support this blog and my other channels.
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