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write your own review of the Begali Pearl.
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VE2JA
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 7, 2009 19:02
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Amazing Pearl
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Amazing product. The key was packed in such a way that it was praticly impossible to damage it. (from Italy to Quebec city, Canada) and within 10 days. The key has a very nice presentation and is a piece of art (palladium base). Now using it is something else. The fingers are flying over the paddles. Useless to say how it is confortable to work with the key. Have many cw keys ( 8 now) and I will for sure get an other model for 2010. When I received the key, I was like a kid at 67 years old. To complete the story, bought at the same time the CW Machine. That was the cherry on the cake.
Extra service from Begali. Many thanks to Bruna and Pietro.
Excuse my English, it is not my native language.
73. Michel, VE2JA
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IK6BAK
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 31, 2009 13:22
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Outstanding precision instrument !
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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A true jewel, precise, reactive, stable ...
It is a great help to perform a high standard in cw.
The best key ever used in many years of radio.
'73 de ik6bak - Eliseo
HSC VHSC SHSC
www.morsekey.net
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W7TEA
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 6, 2009 16:36
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Beautiful!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I am setting up a station in second QTH recently acquired. We plan on spending significant time there--at least that's my rationale for ordering a second Begali paddle. I have enjoyed a Signature for three years and have begun to believe the Pearl is even better. The action is crisp and sure. The paddle and base are just beautiful. I chose the palladium base with gold bearing block. I just wish my fist were a match to this magnificent unit.
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K0RO
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 2, 2009 22:34
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A Joy to Use
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I was recently given a Begali Pearl and feel as though I have stepped into a whole new world. The simple summary is this: I rarely use my keyer messages for calling CQ anymore, but prefer to send them, effortlessly and without strain, with the Pearl.
If you've not used a paddle of this caliber one of the first things that will strike you are the rigid finger pieces and levers. I realized only after using the Pearl how much I had come to compensate for the flex in my existing paddle, which also uses magnetic return. The spacing between the finger pieces is also a little bit wider than on many US-made paddles, and I found I much preferred that.
It has taken a little bit to get used to the adjustments. One sets the gap and then the magnetic resistance; that is all. I do notice that I may have to readjust the gap as a function of contraction and expansion of the metal due to changes in temperature in the shack. Running a fairly tight gap of .030, temperature differences can make a difference; spacing that is spot-on at 68 degrees may have become too close by 75 degrees. However, it is simple and quick to adjust so it is no matter, and I do not consider this a drawback.
I used the Pearl during Field Day and was never fatigued. I think the key differences I found in very practical terms are that it allows for very accurate high speed keying, and it is so set up that I have experienced no fatigue or arm discomfort, as I have with other paddles.
Finally, the paddle is beautiful. I have told my friends that this is so typically Italian: it doesn't have to look this good in order to function as it does; however Pietro seems determined that if a product is to leave his shop it will make a positive aesthetic impression as well as work flawlessly. Now the only problem is I want to start a Begali collection!
Bruna is wonderful to work with, was very patient and ensured that what I received is what I expected, and that it came in a timely fashion and extremely well packed.
As I said, the bad news is I'll want more.
73,
Art, KØRO
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W2PA
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Rating: 5/5
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May 3, 2009 15:21
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Solid, beautiful
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I had the pleasure of using a new Begali Pearl (and also a Contour) paddle in a CW contest this past weekend, and compared it to the others I’ve used over the years. As with other Begali keys it has a solid feel with no “play” or looseness whatsoever. The newly designed mechanism is precise and the adjustments stay where you set them. This enables very close spacing. The base is heavy and the paddle stays in position, even with the kind of keying I do, using perhaps more hand movement than others. Once I got it adjusted the way I like (which didn’t take long), I was able to send comfortably at high speed without having to get used to it. The combined feel of the magnetic action and the stopping characteristics of the contacts give just the right amount of tactile and aural feedback. The slight clicking sound is just loud enough (a bit louder than my Graciella), even at very close spacing, and sounds rather like a tap dancer.
As with Begali’s other paddles, the workmanship is of the highest quality and the design is visually clean, with most of the works hidden from view. I believe as much thought goes into the aesthetic design as the mechanical.
Judging the operation of a keyer paddle (its feel) is, to a large degree, a matter of personal preference. For me, this one feels as good or better than any paddle I’ve ever used, including others from Begali. I prefer the finger pieces to be a certain distance from the base, since I tend to manipulate the paddle with the pads of my finger and thumb, rather than the tips as some others do. If the ends are too close to the edges of the base, I tend to occasionally hit the base with my fingers. The Pearl gives a bit more space than either the Contour or my Graciella, and so I found that it feels better to me. But if you prefer to use your finger tips, you’ll notice no difference at all.
73, Chris, W2PA
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