Opinions on Bencher HexKey?

[Mike Markowski]

I was reading the Elecraft web ad about the Bencher Hexkey and am
curious what owners or users of the key think of it.  At 3 years into
hamming, my only experience with paddles is with the Kent Engineers
paddles.  The magnetic tensioning of the HexKey sounds nice, but I've
read reviews saying that the threads for adjustment are too coarse
making adjustment difficult.  I've seen no complaints regarding the
paddles once adjusted.

Sooo, anyone willing to offer opinions - would this be a step up, down,
or sideways from Kent paddles?  Should I save my pennies for something
else or stay put?  If it matters, my top speed is currently 25 wpm - no
speed demon here.

Thanks!
Mike  AB3AP
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[John-483]

I like mine very much. I didn't find it hard to adjust at all. I've been
using a Vibropex for 20 years and feel the Hexkey was a step up. Never used
Kent paddles though. It seems I can send better now with less effort. Maybe
it's just a mental thing because of the cost.

John, k7up
2 k2's & a K1

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[Larry Makoski W2LJ]

Mike Markowski wrote:

>I was reading the Elecraft web ad about the Bencher Hexkey and am
>curious what owners or users of the key think of it.  
>
>Sooo, anyone willing to offer opinions
>

Sure, Mike,

I'd be willing to offer an opinion.  I really like my Hexkey.  I have
serial no. 16, which I bought pre-owned.  (I think this paddle is too
classy to be thought of as used.)  I had no trouble adjusting mine to
the point where I like it; but that may just be me.  I fix cameras and
have to adjust the film plane to within 10/100ths of a mm; so fine
adjustments are a way of life for me.  I've found that you adjust 'em
and leave 'em there.  This key stays put.  I have mine adjusted so that
it feels almost like a touch keyer - no perceptible movement - just how
I like it.

I've never used a Begali or anything as classy as that; but right now? -
this paddle stays on my bench and is going nowhere!

73 de Larry W2LJ
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[nz8j]

Mike,
I've had mine for about 6 months and I've found it to be the smoothest key
yet.. I've had Begali's, Schurr, Kent, March and others.. The Hexkey has
been the most reliable to date in terms of "set and forget".  I set it for a
very light touch and extremely close spacing when I got it and it hasn't
changed yet.  I would recommend it with no reservations.....
73
Tim
NZ8J
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Markowski" <[hidden email]>
To: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Friday, May 05, 2006 10:51 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] Opinions on Bencher HexKey?

>I was reading the Elecraft web ad about the Bencher Hexkey and am
> curious what owners or users of the key think of it.  At 3 years into
> hamming, my only experience with paddles is with the Kent Engineers
> paddles.  The magnetic tensioning of the HexKey sounds nice, but I've
> read reviews saying that the threads for adjustment are too coarse
> making adjustment difficult.  I've seen no complaints regarding the
> paddles once adjusted.
>
> Sooo, anyone willing to offer opinions - would this be a step up, down,
> or sideways from Kent paddles?  Should I save my pennies for something
> else or stay put?  If it matters, my top speed is currently 25 wpm - no
> speed demon here.
>
> Thanks!
> Mike  AB3AP
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>

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[Mike Markowski]

Mike Markowski wrote:
> I was reading the Elecraft web ad about the Bencher Hexkey [...]
>
> Sooo, anyone willing to offer opinions?

Thanks to everyone who responded on the list and to the at least as many
 who responded privately.  Boy oh boy, this will require some
thought...or blindfold & dartboard!  A random sampling of opinions:

"...I prefer the Kent..."
"I like the HexKey a lot...and hated [the Kent]..."
"I've found [the HexKey] to be the smoothest key yet."

and finally

"When it comes to keys, it is 100% personal opinion. In my opinion, you
already have a better key."

Again, thanks very much to all!  I greatly appreciate the time you took
to pass along your opinions.  And now what to do, what to do...  :-)

73,
Mike AB3AP
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[Dan Barker]

Visit a friend that has a Hexkey. Where are you located?

Dan / WG4S / K2 #2456 / Atlanta, Ga.

<snip>
And now what to do, what to do...  :-)
</snip>
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