Verdict: the Nokta Legend is a sensible buy if you want one detector for parks, fields, beaches and shallow water. Nokta rates the whole detector IP68 and submersible to 5 m (16 ft). It offers five single frequencies (4, 10, 15, 20 and 40 kHz) plus simultaneous multi-frequency modes, weighs 1.3 kg (3.0 lb) with the coil, and runs up to 20 hours per charge. Skip it if you only hunt dry, easy ground, where a simpler single-frequency detector does the job for less. Also skip it if you want the newest model: Nokta now sells the Legend 2, with a 99-point ID scale and a lighter 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) build.
This review is based on Nokta’s published specifications and retailer listings. Nobody at Metal Detecting Review has used the detector.
Nokta Legend specifications
| Spec | Nokta The Legend |
|---|---|
| Single frequencies | 4, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz |
| Multi-frequency settings | M1, M2, M3, MD, MW, M |
| Search modes | Park, Field, Beach, Gold Field; Beast mode added in software V1.15 |
| Target ID | 01 to 60, with 1, 2, 4, 6, 60 or pitch tone options |
| Ground balance | Automatic, manual, tracking |
| Sensitivity | 30 levels |
| Waterproofing | IP68, submersible to 5 m (16 ft), dust-tight |
| Weight | 1.3 kg (3.0 lb) including the coil |
| Length | 63 to 132 cm (25 to 52 in) |
| Battery | 5050 mAh lithium polymer, USB or power-bank charging, up to 20 hours |
| User profiles | 4 |
| Extras | Vibration, backlit LCD, LED flashlight, Bluetooth, FerroCheck, mineralization indicator |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Nokta’s software notes show that the Legend has kept getting firmware updates. Version 1.15 (May 2024) added Deep Target identification and Beast mode, and version 1.17 (October 2024) revised pinpointing, Beach mode and the iron filter. Updating requires a Windows or macOS computer and a reset to factory defaults afterward.
Which package is which
Nokta lists three current part numbers:
| Package | Nokta part number | Coils per Nokta |
|---|---|---|
| The Legend | 11000838 | 12 x 9 in LG30 DD |
| The Legend WHP | 11000839 | 12 x 9 in LG30 DD, plus wireless headphones |
| The Legend Pro Pack | 11000840 | LG30 12 x 9 in DD and LG15 6 in DD |
Amazon also carries an earlier WHP package. The listing we checked (B09V1RBTSD (Amazon search) , under $700 on October 3, 2026) carries part number 11000831 and describes an 11-inch DD coil with Bluetooth aptX Low Latency headphones. That is a different coil from the current WHP. The current base Legend listing carries part 11000838 with the 12-inch coil and was priced a little higher, still under $700, the same day. That listing’s bullet text gives a 3 m (10 ft) water rating, which conflicts with Nokta’s own 5 m figure. Go by the manufacturer’s specification and check the part number before you buy.
Nokta’s optional Legend coils are the LG15 (6 in), LG24 (9.5 x 6 in), LG28 (11 in), LG30 (12 x 9 in) and LG35 (13.5 x 12.5 in). Nokta lists a different coil family (LD21, LD22, LD28, LD38) for the Legend 2, so don’t assume coils carry over between the two generations.
Legend vs Legend 2
| Spec | The Legend | The Legend 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Search modes | Park, Field, Beach, Gold, Beast | Park, Field, Beach, Relic, Gold |
| Target ID | 60 | 99 |
| Manual frequency shift | 13 channels | 19 channels |
| Battery | 5050 mAh lithium polymer | 6700 mAh lithium-ion |
| Weight | 1.3 kg (3.0 lb) | 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) |
| Keypad backlight | No | Yes |
| Wireless firmware update | No | Yes |
| Waterproofing | 5 m (16 ft) | 5 m (16 ft) |
| Coils | LG15, LG24, LG28, LG30, LG35 | LD21, LD22, LD28, LD38 |
Both use the same five single frequencies and multi-frequency settings. The original Legend still makes sense at a lower price, or if you already own LG-series coils.
How it compares with current alternatives
The original version of this page compared the Legend with the Minelab Equinox 600, which Minelab has since replaced. Here are current rivals, with Minelab’s US list prices from October 3, 2026:
| Model | Waterproof | Weight | Frequencies | Target ID | Stock coil | Price band |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nokta The Legend | IP68, 5 m | 1.3 kg (3.0 lb) | Multi plus 4, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz | 01 to 60 | 12 x 9 in DD | Under $700 (part 11000838) |
| Minelab X-Terra Elite | IP68, 5 m | 1.3 kg (2.9 lb) | Multi-IQ; 15 kHz in Park and Field | -19 to 99 | V12X 12 x 9 in DD | $450 to $500 |
| Minelab Equinox 700 | IP68, 5 m | 1.27 kg (2.8 lb) | Multi-IQ plus single frequencies | -19 to 99 | EQX11 11 in DD, ML85 headphones | $700 to $750 |
| Minelab Equinox 900 | IP68, 5 m | 1.27 kg (2.8 lb) | Multi-IQ plus 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz | -19 to 99 | EQX11 11 in and EQX06 6 in DD, ML85 headphones | $900 to $1,000 |
| Garrett ACE Apex | Coil and lower stem only; control box rainproof | 2.5 lb | Multi plus 5, 10, 15, 20 kHz, Multi-Salt | Digital ID | 6 x 11 in DD | $350 to $400 |
The X-Terra Elite costs less but offers fewer single-frequency choices. The Equinox 700 and 900 cost more but include wireless headphones (and the 900 includes a second coil). The ACE Apex is the cheapest of the group, but its control box is not submersible. Detailed matchups: Legend vs X-Terra Elite , Garrett ACE Apex vs Nokta Legend , Vanquish 440 vs Legend and Legend vs Manticore .
Who should buy it
- Mixed-terrain hunters who move between parks, fields, beaches and shallow water. The full 5 m rating and the choice of five single frequencies are the reasons to pay for it.
- Upgraders from a single-frequency starter, who will use manual and tracking ground balance, recovery speed and tone settings.
- Owners of LG-series coils who want a second or replacement Legend body.
Skip it if you hunt only dry parks (a cheaper detector covers that), if you want the lightest option (the Legend 2 and Minelab rivals are 1.2 to 1.27 kg), or if you want built-in wireless updates.
Before you buy
- Confirm the Nokta part number on the listing: 11000838, 11000839 or 11000840 for current packages.
- Check which coil is included (LG28 11 in on some older WHP stock, LG30 12 x 9 in on current packages).
- For underwater use, Nokta lists separate Nokta Waterproof Headphones; don’t assume the Bluetooth headphones in the WHP package can go under.
- On a used unit, ask for the firmware version (Nokta’s latest listed is V1.17) and check the charging and headphone ports.
FAQ
How deep is the Nokta Legend waterproof?
Nokta rates The Legend IP68 and fully submersible to 5 meters (16 feet). Nokta sells separate Nokta Waterproof Headphones for underwater use; don’t assume the Bluetooth headphones in the WHP package can go under.
How long does the Nokta Legend battery last?
Nokta quotes up to 20 hours from the built-in 5050 mAh lithium-polymer battery, charged by USB or a power bank. A waterproof replaceable spare battery is sold as an accessory.
What frequencies does the Nokta Legend use?
Five single frequencies (4, 10, 15, 20 and 40 kHz) plus simultaneous multi-frequency settings that Nokta lists as M1, M2, M3, MD, MW and M.
What changed in the Nokta Legend 2?
Per Nokta’s comparison chart, the Legend 2 moves to a 99-point target ID, adds a Relic mode, uses a 6700 mAh lithium-ion battery, weighs 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) and uses a new LD coil family instead of the original LG coils.
Sources
- Nokta The Legend product page: specifications, package contents, coils, comparison chart and software update notes
- Minelab X-Terra Elite technical specifications and product page
- Minelab Equinox 700 technical specifications and product page
- Minelab Equinox 900 technical specifications and product page
- Garrett ACE Apex product page and Garrett FAQ
- Amazon listing: Nokta The Legend, part 11000838
- Nokta The Legend WHP, part 11000831 (Amazon search)
- Amazon listing: Minelab Equinox 700 (Minelab’s stated single-frequency count)
See Also
If you are weighing this model, also compare it with Garrett Ace 11 8x5-Inch Coil Review: Who It’s For and What to Expect, Garrett AT Pro Review: Is the Price Still Worth It?, and SUNPOW OTMD12 Pinpointer Review: Backup or Main Tool?.
For broader context before you decide, Garrett AT Pro vs. AT Max: Which Detector Should You Choose? and Koss UR-30 Headphones for Metal Detecting Review help round out the trade-offs.