|
New to Ham Radio?
My Profile
Community
Articles
Forums
News
Reviews
Friends Remembered
Speak Out
Strays
Survey Question
Operating
Contesting
DX Cluster Spots
Propagation
Resources
Calendar
Classifieds
Ham Exams
Ham Links
List Archives
News Articles
Product Reviews
QSL Managers
Site Info
eHam Help (FAQ)
Support the site
The eHam Team
Advertising Info
Vision Statement
About eHam.net
|
|
You can
write your own review of the March Magnetic Paddle R3a.
|
KT5D
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Jun 2, 2006 20:31
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Excellent instrument
|
Time owned: 3 to 6 months
|
|
I was fortunate to win the ebay auction for a March R3a prototype paddle, thereby circumventing the long wait from the bottom of Mr. March's list. The black base with the reverse engraving looked nice in the ebay photo but is even more impressive in person. The function of the paddle is on par with the Begali Graciella although the feel is quite different. Setup is more tedious than the Begali but once adjusted, it stays. As noted by other reviewers there is flex in the arms but unless one really smacks it, this is no problem. It is a very comfortable key at 25-30 wpm, faithfully following my fingers along and allowing only me to insert mistakes, which I tend to make depending upon how sleepy I am or how rare the DX is. It is rather expensive, as is the Begali, but worth the money especially if one intends to hang onto them, which I intend to do with both.
|
|
N0XB
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Jun 1, 2006 19:44
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
My favorite now!
|
Time owned: 3 to 6 months
|
Well, I wanted to have this key for a while before writing my eHam review. It's been about 12 weeks since it arrived, after waiting for about 14 months. Worth the wait, I guess, is the bottom line! I've literally used it every day since I got it, and I have to say it's now my favorite paddle...before my Schurr Profi and my Begali Magnetic.
At first I was a little concerned about the fact that courser (than the Schurr) adjustments for the magnets would make it difficult to adjust but that's just not a factor. The adjustment is easy and holds it's positioning perfectly over time. The knurled set nuts hold the adjusters securely and I can detect no change in my settings over time.
The base is solid brass, nice and heavy to keep the paddle right there on the desk.
I got mine with ebony fingerboards, and of course Mike has a varied selection of boards to choose from. I like the fact that the fingerboards are adjustable for height as well, and makes for a very custom fit.
The finish is very nice, with jeweling on the magnetic arms and the top bit. Very attractive and I get lots of positive comments.
The touch is very soft and very light. I like to have a responsive yet light touch and the R3a is very nice to operate.
It's really worth the wait, in my opinion. Remember that good things all take time, and the reward is the life-long paddle you'll own.
Thanks, Mike. Nice work. It's my favorite paddle.
Larry, N0XB
|
|
W0SJS
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Nov 13, 2005 19:51
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Best Ever
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
|
Like many of you I had about an 18 month wait for my March R-3a's. My first impressions when setting them up and making a first few QSOs was that unlike any other paddle I had used to date, expensive commercial or custom make, the March paddle is 100% precision giving it a firm precise feel. Additionally, I like the attention to detail both asthetically and functionally - which is also unlike any paddles I have yet used. After a few days the Vibroplex, North American Telegraph and Brown Brothers were carefully put away for safe keepting as the March R-3a is in a class by itself and anything less just did not measure up or feel right!
|
|
NZ0R
|
Rating: 5/5
|
May 23, 2005 00:18
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Great key
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
|
I feel bad for having stumbled onto Mike at Dayton this weekend only to find out that everyone else has to wait 18 months to get one of these fine pieces of equipment. He doesn't bring many to Dayton (there were only 4 when I got there relatively early on Friday) but he does bring some. It's a good way to skip the waiting list. Look for him in the Flea Market.
|
|
CIGARSMOKER
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Mar 27, 2005 14:13
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Art and Engineering combined
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
|
I own several hand made high-quality paddles/keys. These include the Begali Graciella and the CT Deluxe made by Anothy Welsh - both beautiful and excellently made products with a wonderful feel and fine controls. The March is truly a cut above. The craftsmanship, fit, finish, and feel cannot be improved upon. This is a paddle to be kept, used and admired for the ages. I feel truly lucky to own one. Expensive and worth every penny. You will forget what you paid and revel in the beauty and function.
|
|
WA2SI
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Feb 12, 2005 05:30
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
On a scale of 1 thru 5, an easy 6 and then some!
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
I really don't think I can add any superlatives that have not already been stated. The summary line says it all. Re. the workmanship, you see various descriptions of "flawless" workmanship on many high-end paddles...but Mike's product is truly flawless.
Vy 73 de Bert
WA2SI
FISTS #9384
QRP ARCI #11782
|
|
WA6KYR
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Jan 27, 2005 19:21
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Comfortable touch
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
There have been plenty of reviews here.
I would like to say something new.
I have had this paddle for a number of weeks.
I like it a lot. It has a nice feel to the finger pieces that does not photograph.They are carved ergonomically. It is a very
likeable paddle. Enjoy it when you get one.
Richard
|
|
AB2EZ
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Sep 18, 2004 10:22
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Update on a fine paddle
|
Time owned: more than 12 months
|
Hi!
I have owned and used a March R-3a paddle since February of 2000. I am beginning to build a small collection of hand-made paddles.
I just wanted to update my early (first impressions) review of several years ago.
If you can get one of these paddles, it is a pleasure to own and to use. I am a 25 WPM operator
(Logikeyer K-3), and I like to send near-perfect code. That is my objective, rather than going to higher speeds. The R-3a makes that easy to do. It has an excellent feel, nice spacing of the finger pieces, and it holds its adjustments very well over time and over room temperature changes. I like close spacing and a light touch.
I also agree that Michael March is a pleasure to do business with.
Best regards
AB2EZ
|
|
K8MW
|
Rating: 5/5
|
May 27, 2004 10:39
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Worth The Wait
|
Time owned: 0 to 3 months
|
|
Although it took a year to get, the R3a paddle is well worth the wait. I ordered it after Dayton 2003 and picked it up at Dayton this year (2004). After a day or so of use and fine tuning, I became very comfortable using the paddle. Like many others, I like close contact spacing and this paddle is a natural for that. I used a Bencher paddle for 20 plus years and thought it was just fine until I used the R3a. The keying is smooth and it doesn't move around on the desk like the Bencher did. Mike appears to be a real perfectionist. His workmanship is superior. I highly recommend the March R3a CW paddle.
|
|
N2ARQ
|
Rating: 5/5
|
Apr 24, 2004 14:26
|
Send this review to a friend
|
|
Comparing the March and Schurr Profi 2
|
Time owned: 3 to 6 months
|
I have been a Ham for about 26 years and a former Navy radioman having served aboard a Cruiser and Destroyer in the early 1950’s. I rarely use a straight key anymore and have sold my “Bugs” so have been using various make iambic paddles these past years. This leads me to the point of this review....and that is to compare the March R3a Magnetic Paddle and the Schurr Profi 2.
The Profi 2 is a nice unit, well made, looks good and can hold a close spacing adjustment without having to constantly reset it. It is easy to use and good for those like me, who like very close contact spacing. The metric threads on the contact screws also allow for very accurate adjustment. The spacing between the finger pieces and their height from the desktop is comfortable for your hand position. When I bought the paddle several years ago from Marshal Emm at Morse Express he said I would have no regrets concerning my purchase, and he was right.
I received my March paddle about 4 months ago and was really impressed by the unique look and fine workmanship evident in its construction. The finger piece spacing is similar to the Profi but in addition they are also height adjustable since they can pivot by loosening the single screw on the contact arm. The March uses magnetic repulsion instead of springs to achieve the desired return force of the paddle arms. I like a light touch, so have set the magnets as far out as possible. The threads on the contact screws are coarser compared to the metric on the Profi so it took a little care to get close contact spacing. No matter how you adjust the March, there is more movement or flex in the arms compared to the Profi due to the construction or geometry of the unit. This, as far as I’m concerned is not a complaint. As a matter of fact, this flex is what gives the March paddle a personality that is different and much more to my liking when judged against the Profi. The Profi has very little give in the arms, so when you send, no matter the return force or contact spacing, your fingers are pushing against an unyielding structure. The March has some give or flex without being sloppy, and I find it softer with a pleasing cushion effect on the fingers as compared to the Profi or any other paddle that I have ever used.. That is why I’m more comfortable using the March and it is now my primary paddle.
Last but not least is Mike March himself. He lives in Virginia, custom makes the paddles, and is very easy to do business with. I called him on several occasions regarding some custom finger pieces and to obtain some advice with respect to paddle adjustments and he was more than willing to spend time with me to make sure I understood some of the nuances of his unit.
Both the March and the Profi2 are great paddles but you have to understand that each has its own distinct feel and I’m happy to own both of them.
Ron N2ARQ
|
|
If you have any questions, problems, or suggestions about Reviews,
please email your Reviews Manager.
|
|
|
|
|
