1. Overview – Nokta and the Legend series

Nokta Mühendislik is a Turkish manufacturer based in Istanbul that has earned a firm place among the leading metal detector brands within just a few years. The first Legend appeared in 2022 and was Nokta's entry into simultaneous multi-frequency technology – an area previously dominated by Minelab and XP. The detector impressed with solid value for money, was developed further through numerous firmware updates and won a loyal user base.

The Nokta The Legend 2 builds on this foundation, but goes a clear step further technically. For the second generation, Nokta developed completely new hardware: new search coils of the LD family, a revised control unit with an extended display and backlit keypad, a new carbon fibre shaft and a more powerful battery. The software was rewritten from scratch and now offers faster signal processing, 99 instead of 60 target IDs, a new relic mode and the option of wireless firmware updates via smartphone or laptop – a feature the predecessor still lacked.

2. What's in the box

3. Technical data

4. SMF technology: simultaneous multi-frequency explained

SMF stands for Simultaneous Multi Frequency – a method in which the detector transmits and evaluates several frequencies at the same time instead of switching between them sequentially. Nokta has used this technology since the first Legend and has rebuilt the implementation for the Legend 2 on a completely newly developed hardware and software platform.

Why simultaneous multi-frequency brings advantages

Different metal objects respond with different strength to different frequencies. Low frequencies (4–10 kHz) penetrate deeper into the ground and are better suited to larger or deeper objects. High frequencies (20–40 kHz) respond more sensitively to small and thin objects such as gold jewellery, silver coins or aluminium alloys. A simultaneous multi-frequency detector covers this entire spectrum in a single pass – without compromising by choosing one operating frequency.

Single frequencies for specific applications

In addition to simultaneous multi-frequency, the Legend 2 provides five single frequencies (4, 10, 15, 20 and 40 kHz). The 40 kHz frequency is particularly relevant for gold prospecting in mineralised ground, as it picks up the finest gold particles with higher sensitivity. The 4 kHz frequency, on the other hand, is suitable for deep searching for larger objects on highly conductive ground such as salty sea sand.

SMF on difficult ground

On sand saturated with sea water or heavily mineralised fields, single-frequency detectors tend to produce increased background noise and false signals. Simultaneous multi-frequency allows a more differentiated evaluation of the ground signal and filters out conductivity interference better. The result is a quieter search and – in practice – more usable depth in difficult conditions.

5. The new LD search coils

For the Legend 2, Nokta has developed a completely new family of search coils – the LD series. These coils are not compatible with the previous model, as both the connector and the coil electronics have been revised. All LD coils are fully waterproof (IP68) to 5 m and work exclusively with the Legend 2.

Coils included

Optionally available

6. Search modes & user profiles

The Legend 2 offers five factory-preset search modes tuned to typical scenarios. Each mode can be extended with up to three individual user profiles, so a total of 15 personal configurations can be saved – considerably more than on the predecessor.

User interface and menu navigation

Nokta has fundamentally revised the menu structure of the Legend 2. All relevant settings are visible at a glance without hidden submenus – a weakness of the predecessor that was often criticised. The backlit display allows searching at dusk and at night; the same applies to the backlit keypad and the optional coil light.

7. FerroCheck™ and the discrimination system

FerroCheck™ is Nokta's name for a real-time iron analysis function shown on the display as a separate bar or indicator. The system evaluates incoming signals for their ferromagnetic content and thus helps to identify modern iron items such as bottle caps, nails or foil more quickly – without completely discriminating or ignoring the signal.

The advantage over simple iron discrimination: FerroCheck™ shows the iron characteristics of a signal before you decide whether to dig. This makes it easier to assess borderline signals – such as an old iron fitting next to a coin. In practice this means fewer unnecessary holes and a lower risk of passing over valuable finds.

Extended notching

The Legend 2's discrimination system allows both individual target IDs and whole ranges of target IDs to be masked. With 99 target IDs available (compared with 60 on the predecessor), the resolution is finer and identification accuracy higher. The bottle cap filter can be adjusted in steps and tuned to local conditions.

8. Battery, runtime and firmware updates

Battery and runtime

The Legend 2's integrated lithium polymer battery has a capacity of 6,700 mAh – considerably more than its predecessor. Nokta states up to 33 % longer runtime. Nokta makes the exact number of hours dependent on the operating mode; in practice, several full days of searching are possible under normal conditions without recharging. A new charge indicator LED on the front shows the charging status even without activating the display. Charging is via USB-C.

Wireless firmware updates

A major step forward compared with the predecessor is the option of installing firmware updates wirelessly – via a smartphone app or directly via a laptop browser. On the Legend 1, a USB cable to a PC was still required. Nokta has shown in the past that it actively develops its detectors via software; the first Legend received numerous updates that clearly improved the detector over time. The wireless update function of the Legend 2 considerably lowers the threshold for regular updates.

9. Ergonomics, shaft and build quality

With a total weight of only 1.2 kg, the Legend 2 is one of the lighter professional multi-frequency detectors on the market. The full carbon fibre shaft contributes to this: it is stable and torsion-resistant while being lighter than comparable steel constructions. The shaft extends from 63 cm to 145 cm, making it suitable for users of any height. The adjustable armrest snaps into place with a single click.

The control unit sits at the upper end of the grip and lies well in the hand. The keypad is backlit, which is a real advantage in poor light – early in the morning, in the evening or in wooded areas. The same goes for the optional coil light of the LD coils, which makes searching at dusk possible.

The rotatable search coil – another new feature – allows better adaptation to tight terrain, such as along walls, tree stumps or rubble. The full IP68 certification to a water depth of 5 m applies to both the control unit and all LD search coils, allowing use under water or in heavy rain without restriction.

10. In the field – strengths and limitations

11. Market positioning

The Nokta Legend 2 positions itself in the upper mid-range and competes directly with the Minelab Equinox 900 (approx. EUR 1,500) and the XP DEUS II (from approx. EUR 1,300). Compared with the Equinox 900, the Legend 2 offers much better value from the start with two search coils and Bluetooth headphones included; the frequency spectrum is wider on the Equinox, and its user interface is considered more beginner-friendly. Compared with the XP DEUS II, the Legend 2 is cheaper and the overall package more accessible for beginners – the DEUS II scores with its wireless coil system, true stereo audio multi-processing and more extensive coil range.

Within the Nokta range, the Legend 2 replaces the Legend 1 , which is now available at reduced prices. For detectorists already familiar with the Legend 1, switching to the Legend 2 is a clear technical step forward – especially thanks to the new search coils, the extended target ID range and the improved software platform.

In the context of the overall market, the Legend 2 stands out above all for its value for money: no other multi-frequency detector in this price class comes with two search coils and Bluetooth headphones as standard while also being fully submersible to 5 m and offering 99 target IDs and five search modes including a relic mode.

12. Rating

13. Conclusion

The Nokta The Legend 2 is a well-thought-out upgrade that consistently addresses the weaknesses of its predecessor. Nokta has not only revised the hardware, but also redeveloped the software from the ground up: faster signal processing, 99 target IDs, a new relic mode and wireless firmware updates are not cosmetic improvements but substantial extensions of the feature set.

What makes the Legend 2 particularly interesting is the combination of technical performance and a scope of delivery that is unmatched in this price class: two high-quality search coils of different sizes and aptX™ low-latency Bluetooth headphones are included from the start. This allows immediate use in a wide variety of situations without further investment.

For experienced detectorists who want a modern multi-frequency detector with good iron analysis, solid depth and wide flexibility, the Legend 2 is a very serious option. Beginners benefit from the revised menu structure and Nokta's active firmware support, but should expect a certain learning period.

If, on the other hand, you are looking for the most extensive wireless ecosystem, the widest frequency spectrum or a mature stereo audio system, you are better off with the XP DEUS II – at a correspondingly higher price. The Nokta Legend 2 finds its place between these high-priced detectors and affordable entry-level models: it offers professional equipment at a price that is a much more convincing argument for many detectorists.