suggestions for a paddle?

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suggestions for a paddle?

tom-239
  1.. Happy Holidays to all.. Been thinking about purchasing a new paddle. think I might need to spend the "big bucks" for a Schurr Profi? Would like to think I don't have to do that. All my ham career I have been using a Bencher paddle and have been satisified. Really like the looks of the Elecraft-Bencher paddle?                                                                                Any suggestions on what to get??  Thanks.                                                                                                            Tom  km4cu
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Re: suggestions for a paddle?

Jay Schwisow
Tom,

Now this will make a good thread - enough arguing about no-code vs. code.

I highly recommend a Begali paddle as seen as www.i2rtf.com.  This is
assuming cost is not an option.  I have used a Bencher, Vibroplex and
Schurr.  IMHO, I do not believe there is a better paddle made.  I also
believe that very few will disagree with me.

I have met Piero and he has an incredible passion for designing the best
paddles in the world.  It shows.  All of the paddles are great - I
currently own a Signature Edition and a Magnetic Traveler.

Jay - KT5E

tom martin wrote:

>   1.. Happy Holidays to all.. Been thinking about purchasing a new paddle. think I might need to spend the "big bucks" for a Schurr Profi? Would like to think I don't have to do that. All my ham career I have been using a Bencher paddle and have been satisified. Really like the looks of the Elecraft-Bencher paddle?                                                                                Any suggestions on what to get??  Thanks.                                                                                                            Tom  km4cu
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Re: suggestions for a paddle?

Ken Kopp-2
In reply to this post by tom-239
I've used a number of "bugs" and paddles over the last
54 years and my favorite is the new Bencher Hex Key.
It feels good and is  HEAVY! It stays put.  You can save
a bit if you purchase one through Elecraft and you'll get the
logo, too. (:->)  Mine is S/N 0290.  Alas, it isn't available
with a chrome base ... even for an extra fee.

73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
[hidden email]
or
[hidden email]


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Re: suggestions for a paddle?

Dan Romanchik KB6NU
In reply to this post by Jay Schwisow
I second the vote for the Begali paddles. I use a Simplex (the least  
expensive model), and it's a great paddle.

That Bencher Hex Key is a nice paddle, though, too. I'd like to own  
one of each. :)

73!

Dan KB6NU
----------------------------------------------------------
CW Geek and MI Affiliated Club Coordinator
Read my ham radio blog at www.kb6nu.com
LET'S GET MORE KIDS INTO HAM RADIO!


On Dec 17, 2006, at 1:51 PM, Jay Schwisow wrote:

> Tom,
>
> Now this will make a good thread - enough arguing about no-code vs.  
> code.
>
> I highly recommend a Begali paddle as seen as www.i2rtf.com.  This  
> is assuming cost is not an option.  I have used a Bencher,  
> Vibroplex and Schurr.  IMHO, I do not believe there is a better  
> paddle made.  I also believe that very few will disagree with me.
>
> I have met Piero and he has an incredible passion for designing the  
> best paddles in the world.  It shows.  All of the paddles are great  
> - I currently own a Signature Edition and a Magnetic Traveler.
>
> Jay - KT5E
>
> tom martin wrote:
>>   1.. Happy Holidays to all.. Been thinking about purchasing a new  
>> paddle. think I might need to spend the "big bucks" for a Schurr  
>> Profi? Would like to think I don't have to do that. All my ham  
>> career I have been using a Bencher paddle and have been  
>> satisified. Really like the looks of the Elecraft-Bencher  
>> paddle?                                                              
>>                   Any suggestions on what to get??  
>> Thanks.                                                              
>>                                               Tom  km4cu
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Re: suggestions for a paddle?

Joe-aa4nn
In reply to this post by tom-239
If I say Shurr Profi II like new for $275.00 is that big bux?
Plus $10 shipping to lower 48.  Sorry, no original box.
Pix on request.
de Joe, aa4nn
------------------------------------------------------------

  1.. Happy Holidays to all.. Been thinking about purchasing a new paddle.
think I might need to spend the "big bucks" for a Schurr Profi? Would like
to think I don't have to do that. All my ham career I have been using a
Bencher paddle and have been satisified. Really like the looks of the
Elecraft-Bencher paddle?
Any suggestions on what to get??  Thanks.
Tom  km4cu

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New Begali Paddle out soonly, was Suggestions for a paddle?

Tom Hammond-3
In reply to this post by Jay Schwisow
Fellas:

Begali has a new (all stainless steel) "Sculpture" paddle coming out
sometime soon. Not cheap (ca. $550), but BEAUTIFUL!  Has carbon fiber
finger paddles.

73,

Tom   N0SS

At 12:51 PM 12/17/2006, Jay Schwisow wrote:

>Tom,
>
>Now this will make a good thread - enough arguing about no-code vs. code.
>
>I highly recommend a Begali paddle as seen as www.i2rtf.com.  This
>is assuming cost is not an option.  I have used a Bencher, Vibroplex
>and Schurr.  IMHO, I do not believe there is a better paddle
>made.  I also believe that very few will disagree with me.
>
>I have met Piero and he has an incredible passion for designing the
>best paddles in the world.  It shows.  All of the paddles are great
>- I currently own a Signature Edition and a Magnetic Traveler.
>
>Jay - KT5E
>
>tom martin wrote:
>>   1.. Happy Holidays to all.. Been thinking about purchasing a new
>> paddle. think I might need to spend the "big bucks" for a Schurr
>> Profi? Would like to think I don't have to do that. All my ham
>> career I have been using a Bencher paddle and have been
>> satisified. Really like the looks of the Elecraft-Bencher
>> paddle?
>> Any suggestions on what to
>> get??  Thanks.
>>                                                         Tom  km4cu
>>_______________________________________________
>>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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Re: suggestions for a paddle?

Chris G3SJJ
In reply to this post by tom-239
Tom, have a look at this. It is new on the market and pricy, but it is
gooood. Smooth as velvet.

http://www.chevronmorsekeys.co.uk/

Chris G3SJJ


tom martin wrote:
>   1.. Happy Holidays to all.. Been thinking about purchasing a new paddle. think I might need to spend the "big bucks" for a Schurr Profi? Would like to think I don't have to do that. All my ham career I have been using a Bencher paddle and have been satisified. Really like the looks of the Elecraft-Bencher paddle?                                                                                Any suggestions on what to get??  Thanks.                                                                                                            Tom  km4cu
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Re: New Begali Paddle out soonly, was Suggestions for a paddle?

Tony Morgan-2
In reply to this post by Tom Hammond-3
I ordered one.
It was shipped out a couple of days ago.
I'll let everyone know when it gets here!
73,

Tony W7GO


----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Hammond" <[hidden email]>
To: "Jay Schwisow" <[hidden email]>; "tom martin" <[hidden email]>
Cc: <[hidden email]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2006 12:32 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] New Begali Paddle out soonly,was Suggestions for a
paddle?


> Fellas:
>
> Begali has a new (all stainless steel) "Sculpture" paddle coming out
> sometime soon. Not cheap (ca. $550), but BEAUTIFUL!  Has carbon fiber
> finger paddles.
>
> 73,
>
> Tom   N0SS
>
> At 12:51 PM 12/17/2006, Jay Schwisow wrote:
>>Tom,
>>
>>Now this will make a good thread - enough arguing about no-code vs. code.
>>
>>I highly recommend a Begali paddle as seen as www.i2rtf.com.  This is
>>assuming cost is not an option.  I have used a Bencher, Vibroplex and
>>Schurr.  IMHO, I do not believe there is a better paddle made.  I also
>>believe that very few will disagree with me.
>>
>>I have met Piero and he has an incredible passion for designing the best
>>paddles in the world.  It shows.  All of the paddles are great - I
>>currently own a Signature Edition and a Magnetic Traveler.
>>
>>Jay - KT5E
>>
>>tom martin wrote:
>>>   1.. Happy Holidays to all.. Been thinking about purchasing a new
>>> paddle. think I might need to spend the "big bucks" for a Schurr Profi?
>>> Would like to think I don't have to do that. All my ham career I have
>>> been using a Bencher paddle and have been satisified. Really like the
>>> looks of the Elecraft-Bencher paddle? Any suggestions on what to get??
>>> Thanks. Tom  km4cu
>>>_______________________________________________
>>>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
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>_______________________________________________
>>Elecraft mailing list
>>Post to: [hidden email]
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>>Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>>http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>>Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>
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RE: suggestions for a paddle?

Ron D'Eau Claire-2
In reply to this post by Chris G3SJJ
The special keys with carbon-fiber paddles, beautifully-machined and
polished parts, precision bearings, etc., are wonderful!

They are a delight to see,

beautiful to caress,

amazing to look at,

...and totally *unnecessary* to send absolutely perfect CW at any speed you
are going to us on the Ham bands and do so all day long with ease.

It's not necessary to spend a lot of money on paddles to be a first-class CW
operator. Those keys are a hobby of their own for those with the money to
spend on them and the desire to do so but, unless you're out to set a new
human speed record in Morse, quite unnecessary.

It's sort of like buying a Ferrari just to drive to the local supermarket
for a few groceries. (BTW, Bengali advertises itself as the "Ferrari of CW",
so I believe the comparison is apt, Hi!)

Elecraft's Bencher paddles look like a good balance between cost and good
design. I don't own a pair because my Scotia magnetic paddles that I picked
up at a Ham auction 30 years ago are still FB, as are my KXPD1 set that
travel with my KX1. Elsewhere, a key that has a connection with CW history
is the Vibrokeyer made by one of the oldest bug (mechanical semi-automatic
key) manufactures still in business: Vibroplex. They range from $160 and up
(http://www.vibroplex.com/vibrokeyer.html)

If you are still building CW skills, I would recommend a double-paddle -
what's often called "Iambic" paddles. That's because you then have the
opportunity to learn Iambic or "squeeze keying" if you want. They work just
as well as any other paddle in normal mode, so there's no penalty getting
them and you have that flexibility. I highly recommend learning Iambic if
you want to be proficient on paddles. I used it for 20 years and found
Iambic a joy that let me send traffic for hours on end with hardly a break,
and do so virtually effortlessly. The downside for me was that doing so
ruined my fist for using a bug. I couldn't do both because the virtually
automatic finger response needed to form letters is totally different. When
I left the keyer to return to using a bug I had to invest weeks in practice
to learn to send making my own dashes and proper spaces again, not to
mention my tendency to squeeze the key at odd moments, Hi!

I switch back and forth now, using my KXPD1 paddles with my KX1, but I'm
careful to use the KXPD1 paddles in normal mode (no squeezing) so I don't
lose my "bug fist".

Four things that make for superior CW sending skills are:

1) Paddles that feel comfortable and which hold their adjustment. That is,
parts don't keep falling off or coming loose, Hi. Years ago a lot of very FB
ops built their own paddles by mounting two war surplus 'straight keys' back
to back on a vertical support. Whatever you can operate easily works FB.

2) Adjust the paddles correctly. No matter what sort of key you use -
paddles, straight key, bug - this is important. Some excellent tips can be
found at:
http://www.morsex.com/misc/keyadj.htm

3) Paddles that sit stably on the table or desk top. I mount my keys on a
thin (1/8" thick) piece of hardwood, usually oak, using flat head screws on
the bottom, then I cover the bottom of the wood "base" with woven plastic
non-skid available in most stores designed to keep things from slipping on
table tops. The non-skid stuff is almost everywhere out here in the west in
"earthquake" country, but I'm told it's available just about anywhere in
hardware and housewares stores. Just ask for thin non-skid matting. I attach
it to the bottom of the wooden base with some double-sticky tape. I've found
that if I wipe a smooth, polished table surface with a cloth moistened with
a tiny amount of cleaner to remove the surface oils, the key will actually
stick there, and no amount of lateral force will move it short of destroying
the key itself, yet it can be lifted straight up easily and with no damage
to the surface whatsoever!

4) Practice. Just like driving a racing car: doing a superb job is 99%
driver skill based on practice and 1% is the car.

Ron AC7AC

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Re: suggestions for a paddle?

Ken Rice
In reply to this post by tom-239
If you're willing to pay more than $100 for a paddle, it's hard to beat a
Begali Simplex at $150-$170 depending on details.

If you get the Simplex, spend the extra $15 for gold contacts, IMO.  They
are a permanent solution to contact problems.

Being a single-paddle guy, having cut my teeth on the Vibrokeyer, I have the
simplex mono.  It's better than the Vibrokeyer in that once it's adjusted it
STAYS adjusted.

It's easy to set the Simplex for reliable operation with the barest
perceptible movement of the paddles.

It's the only key I like better than my old 1960s Vibrokeyer.  I make fewer
errors on the Simplex Mono than on any other key that I've used.  My only
regret is that I waited so long to get one.

Just one aging gomer's opinion.

73,
Ken
K3VV
Coopersburg, PA
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Re: suggestions for a paddle?

zeke7237
In reply to this post by Dan Romanchik KB6NU
I'm with Dan .. I think the Simplex is about the best value/quality
combo around!

de w1rt/john

On 12/17/06, Dan KB6NU <[hidden email]> wrote:

> I second the vote for the Begali paddles. I use a Simplex (the least
> expensive model), and it's a great paddle.
>
> That Bencher Hex Key is a nice paddle, though, too. I'd like to own
> one of each. :)
>
> 73!
>
> Dan KB6NU
> ----------------------------------------------------------
> CW Geek and MI Affiliated Club Coordinator
> Read my ham radio blog at www.kb6nu.com
> LET'S GET MORE KIDS INTO HAM RADIO!
>
>
> On Dec 17, 2006, at 1:51 PM, Jay Schwisow wrote:
> > Tom,
> >
> > Now this will make a good thread - enough arguing about no-code vs.
> > code.
> >
> > I highly recommend a Begali paddle as seen as www.i2rtf.com.  This
> > is assuming cost is not an option.  I have used a Bencher,
> > Vibroplex and Schurr.  IMHO, I do not believe there is a better
> > paddle made.  I also believe that very few will disagree with me.
> >
> > I have met Piero and he has an incredible passion for designing the
> > best paddles in the world.  It shows.  All of the paddles are great
> > - I currently own a Signature Edition and a Magnetic Traveler.
> >
> > Jay - KT5E
> >
> > tom martin wrote:
> >>   1.. Happy Holidays to all.. Been thinking about purchasing a new
> >> paddle. think I might need to spend the "big bucks" for a Schurr
> >> Profi? Would like to think I don't have to do that. All my ham
> >> career I have been using a Bencher paddle and have been
> >> satisified. Really like the looks of the Elecraft-Bencher
> >> paddle?
> >>                   Any suggestions on what to get??
> >> Thanks.
> >>                                               Tom  km4cu
> _______________________________________________
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RE: suggestions for a paddle?

Darwin, Keith
Well, I have the Kent paddles.  They are definitely better than the Bencher BY series.  Very stable, no flex, easy to adjust.
 
I'd like to try the Begali but I find I'm using a straight key and bug 90% of the time these days.  My paddles are packed away at this point.
 
I've found CW is a LOT more fun if I do the sending rather than having some electronics box do it for me.
 
- Keith N1AS -
- K2 5411.ssb.100 -
 
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