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write your own review of the Bencher BY-1.
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W9VNE
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 4, 2009 10:56
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top shelf paddle for CW ops
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have owned several BY 1 paddles as well as BY 2 paddles. Still have one of each. I also own Begali and a pair of original low serial number Mercury paddles by N2DAN. I have other lesser known paddles as well. I have been primarily a CW operator since 1952 when I was WN9VNE. The Bencher series of paddles starting with the BY 1 are a legend. I use the BY1 often even though I have more expensive paddles in the shack. Like any key or paddle you have to get used to it. Just like breaking in a new pair of shoes. Some folks seem to try it for an hour and then "dis" it. They are not real CW ops and I would not put much credibility in their reviews. They bring a new level of amateur to the definition of amateur. These paddles have existed for a long time and have out sold the competition. There has to be a reason for that.
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W8KQE
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 4, 2009 07:49
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GREAT paddle! Always come back to it!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I take back my '3 star' review written back in 2001. I own a Kent and a Begali, both fantastic paddles as well, but I always come back to the Bencher BY-1. Properly adjusted, it is absolutely flawless, with great feedback and minimal touch needed. After 'sidelining' my BY-1 for over 2 years, I cleaned and re-adjusted it this morning, and am blown away by how great this CW paddle truly is! Take the time to properly adjust it, and you will be rewarded with effortless sending. To quote a popular SNL saying, this thing is 'LIKE BUTTAH'!
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WA9BXB
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 3, 2009 07:50
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I have used the BY-1 paddles for many years without a hitch.
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I use a pair of BY-1 paddles at my two cw positions. They send flawless cw and never have needed any adjustment. They are a pleasure to use, especially in the cw contests.
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RN3AKK
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 3, 2009 06:43
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WOW!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Bencher iambic is the "Rolls Royce" of iambic paddles. No mods no addition work no bugs.
No iambic key is superb Vibrokeyer for me.
Straight Hi-Mound HK-701 is excellent.
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K4NJK
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 22, 2009 18:19
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Great Paddle
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I’ve owned the same set of black base BY-1 paddles for going on 30 years. They just feel right. The settings stay in place with no need for further adjustment. I purchased a premium brand set of paddles several years ago because I had some additional disposable income and thought I’d move up. The premium paddles are now on the shelf where they look great and I’m back to using the Benchers on a daily basis. Can’t say enough about value and reliability of these paddles. A solid 5 out of 5.
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VE7AYZ
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 20, 2008 19:02
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they are great !
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I have had my paddles for over 3 months. I love them. I set them up when I bought them and haven't had to make any adjustments since then. The shop was out of the black version so they sold me the chrome unit for the same price.
On a single parent income they are affordable and very nice paddles indeed. I will never part with them and recommend them highly.
Sean
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RFDANNY
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 12, 2008 10:49
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Fantastic Paddles
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have used the BY1 and BY2 for many, many years. They are fantastic paddles and truly the queen of the airwaves. I QSO between 25-35 WPM, and I could send all night on the BY1 without a problem. I highly recommend this paddle to anyone who is a serious CW operator.
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K5JZ
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 12, 2008 05:09
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Paddle perfection!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I own two of these fine paddles. They are the best I have used in 35 years of CW. Other paddles visit from time-to-time but the Bencher paddles are family.
73,
George K5JZ
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W4BGN
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Rating: 2/5
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Jun 12, 2008 00:24
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TOO MUCH ADJUSTING
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Got the key today. Could not get the adjustment to suit me. definately a key for someone who has a VERY light touch. The one I received must be bad because no way in the world would it function right...moved the wiring around several times to no avail.
Will be contacting Bencher and trading this for a straight key.
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VA7CPC
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Rating: 4/5
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Apr 6, 2008 18:00
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Good for light-fingered ops
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Instructions for adjusting the Bencher paddle are at:
http://www.morsex.com/misc/keyadj.htm#Bencher
I set my contacts so they'll just pass a sheet of copier paper, and set the spring tension midway (screws halfway out).
Unless you have such a heavy fist that you permanently bend the contact arms, those settings will last for years. Bencher fixed the "fly-apart" problem in 1982, by adding two "locator screws" that hold the paddle arms in place.
Check the shack pictures in a copy of "QST" -- Benchers are used by many very successful hams. There _is_ "compliance" (bendiness) in the arms and fingerpieces. That may bother you if you're heavy-fisted, or send over 30 wpm.
For light-fingered operators sending at normal speeds, they're a "forever paddle". On eBay for about $60, they're the best value around.
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