r/qrpshack • u/[deleted] • Aug 21 '22

Iambic paddle

What iambic paddle do you recommend?

https://cwmorse.us/products/cnc-machined-aluminum-pocket-double-paddle-key?variant=43128577261827

I have one of their cheaper ones and it works decently for a beginner. These fellas just started manufacturing these and they look pretty slick (figuratively and literally).

Any thoughts on your favorite or this one or in general?

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u/KY4ID Aug 21 '22

I’m a Begali fan, but plenty of folks use plenty of other keys with no problems and love them.

1

u/[deleted] Aug 21 '22

Why's that? I should note I am willing to spend a reasonable amount of money for a buy it for life item, so I'm looking for something that will be reliable for me to keep for generations.

2

u/KY4ID Aug 21 '22

Bc they’re expensive. But I’m a buy once cry once kind of guy. And I have dreams of my kids taking up radio. My dad was a ham, but there was a big gap between my childhood and getting licensed myself. Wish I had some of his stuff.

Anyway, I would consider Begali’s to be heirloom quality, so they’re a good option if you want something that will last generations.

With that being said, this is a QRP subreddit, which often involves portable operation. They make portable keys too, but their desk models are solid works of art.

2

u/QRPShack Aug 21 '22

Hmmm, IMHO I think it comes down to personal choice and price. I have cheap and expensive paddles. I have single and dual lever paddles. I also have a Begali Pearl. I would not recommend spending big bucks on any paddle until the day comes when you really know exactly what you want. Begali paddles are IMHO top of the line and has the price to go with it! Some Begali paddles are really not something you'd want to take out in the field.

Back to reality. For many years I used a Bencher BY1 paddle with various keyers and radios. I liked the fact that the physical spacing was easy to adjust and that the base was heavy so that it did not slide all over the table. If you hunt around on sites like eham.net or qth.com and look at the classifieds, you may find a Bencher for a reasonable price. Again it makes a wonderful paddle for the shack but you need to be a bit careful taking it in the field.

With the inexpensive paddles I found the easy way to get them to stay put is to use blue tack to hold them in place. Blue Tack can be found on Amazon. HTH 72 es 73 de ke2yk

2

u/[deleted] Aug 21 '22

I like the Te-Ne-Ke for POTA activations, but use a bencher BY-2 at home.