Nokta Legend vs Legend 2: What’s Changed & What to Expect
Metal detectorists always want to know: when a new version drops, is it worth upgrading, or is the older model still “good enough”? With the Nokta Legend (original / renewed/2023 version) and the new Nokta Legend 2, there are enough differences to make that decision interesting. Below I’ll break down the specs, user experience, strengths & limitations, and help you decide which one might suit your hunts best.
Overview
- Nokta Legend has been Nokta’s flagship simultaneous multi-frequency detector since launch, offering excellent depth, discrimination, and flexibility.
- Nokta Legend 2 builds on that success with expanded target ID resolution, more RF channels, wireless updates, lighter weight, and accessory/coil changes.
Key Spec & Feature Comparisons
- Target ID: Legend has 60 IDs; Legend 2 has 99 for finer separation.
- RF Channels (Freq Shift): Legend has 13; Legend 2 has 19 to combat EMI.
- Show ID in Pinpoint: Legend: No; Legend 2: Yes.
- Keypad Backlight: Legend: No; Legend 2: Yes.
- Battery: Legend 5050 mAh Li-Polymer; Legend 2 6700 mAh Li-Ion.
- Wireless Update: Legend: No; Legend 2: Yes (firmware over the air).
- Bonephone (bone-conduction) compatibility: Legend: No; Legend 2: Yes.
- Weight: Legend ~3.0 lbs; Legend 2 ~2.6 lbs (1.2 kg).
- Coils: Legend uses LG-series (LG15, LG24, LG28, LG30, LG35); Legend 2 uses LD-series (LD20, LD22, LD28, LD38).
| Feature | Nokta Legend | Nokta Legend 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Search Modes | Park, Field, Beach, Gold, Beast | Park, Field, Beach, Gold, Relic |
| Single Frequencies | 4, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz | 4, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz |
| Multi Frequencies (SMF profiles) | M1, M2, M3, MD, MW, M | M1, M2, M3, MD, MW, M |
| Frequency Shift (Manual) | 13 channels | 19 channels |
| Auto Noise Cancel | Yes | Yes |
| Ground Balance | Automatic / Manual / Tracking | Automatic / Manual / Tracking |
| Show ID in Pinpoint | No | Yes |
| Target ID | 60 | 99 |
| Number of Tones | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 60 | P | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 60 | P |
| User Profiles | Yes (4) – Each profile has 4 modes | Yes (4) – Each mode has 4 |
| Backlight / Auto Backlight | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
| Keypad Backlight | No | Yes |
| Flashlight & Vibration | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Clock / Time Tracking | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
| Mineralization Indicator | Yes | Yes |
| Mute function | Yes | Yes |
| FerroCheck | Yes | Yes |
| Battery Indicator / Charge LED | Yes / — | Yes / Yes |
| Battery | 5050 mAh Lithium Polymer | 6700 mAh Lithium Ion |
| Software Update | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless (OTA) Update | No | Yes |
| Bonephone Compatibility | No | Yes |
| Waterproofness | Up to 16 ft (5 m) – IP68 | Up to 16 ft (5 m) – IP68 |
| Keypad Type | Rubber Keys | Membrane |
| Search Coils | LG15, LG24, LG28, LG30, LG35 | LD20, LD22, LD28, LD38 |
| Weight | ~3.0 lbs | ~2.6 lbs (1.2 kg) |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
Performance & User Experience
- Depth & Separation: Legend 2’s 99-point target ID and extra EMI channels help pull good targets out of trashy sites with steadier IDs.
- Beach / Wet Ground: Both handle wet, conductive sand; Legend 2’s refinements aim for more stability and confidence in ID.
- Ergonomics: The weight drop (~0.4 lb) and membrane keys on Legend 2 make long sessions easier on the arm and simpler to operate with gloves.
- Uptime: The 6700 mAh Li-Ion pack and charge LED give more time swinging and clearer status in the field.
- Updates & Accessories: Wireless firmware updates and bone-conduction compatibility make the Legend 2 more future-proof and flexible.
Who Should Pick Which?
Choose the Nokta Legend 2 (order here for $999) if you:
- Often hunt in trashy or EMI-heavy sites and want more granular IDs.
- Prefer lighter rigs, wireless updates, and the newest coil ecosystem (LD series).
- Want longer runtime and quality-of-life upgrades (keypad backlight, charge LED).
Stick with the Nokta Legend if you:
- Already own the 2023 upgraded version and are happy with its performance.
- Detect mainly in average ground and want to maximize value.
- Prefer the existing LG-series coil selection you already have.
Conclusion
The Nokta Legend remains one of the best values in the industry. The Nokta Legend 2 raises the bar with a 99-point ID scale, more channels, wireless updates, a bigger battery, lighter build, and new LD coils. Both are excellent—your choice comes down to whether you want the proven reliability of the Legend or the sharper, more feature-rich experience of the Legend 2.