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write your own review of the Bencher Mercury Paddle.
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KR4WM
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 27, 2008 07:27
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Easy to send code with
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have a real "N2DAN" Mercury paddle, #0048. I have to say that I've used dozens of other keys in pursuit of the "perfect feel", and this is as close as it gets. The WBL key is pretty dog-gone good too, but I don't own one. I have Vibroplex keys, Bencher, an Elecraft Hex Key (actually feels the same as the original Mercury- so no real difference there). What I keep plugged into my radios is what works best for me- the N2DAN Mercury and the Elecraft (Mercury) Hex Key. I don't own a Bencher Mercury, so I'm not totally qualified to comment, but if it's anything like the two versions I have, it's a winner! BTW, I actually saw the eBay auction where the original Mercury sold for $5K! It's true! But I'm no fool; if someone wants to give me $4500 plus a Bencher Mercury key for my N2DAN Mercury, we'll talk business! BTW, it's not in the machining, it's not in the look, it's in the feel of the key, and the Mercury is tops! I -am-, however, thinking about putting the cool Begali metal fingerpieces on mine (just for decoration).
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K3EY
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Rating: 2/5
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Jun 26, 2008 20:06
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Over Rated
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Looks pretty ends there. Being a journeyman machinist since 1971 I feel I am qualified to make these statements and feel they are dead on accurate.
The Mercury started the home brew paddle craze and went from a few now obsolete paddles to the top end like Begali for best for construction techniques.
My personal favorite for feel and construction is the Schurr Profi, and I owned them all, ever last one.
The maker of the original Mercury Steve was a nice guy, I talked to him myself a few times but his paddles only due to his death have become revered.
You can buy a N3ZN that is made better and has a lot better feel by a guy who is an amateur machinist and yet his paddles blow the Mercury away on all levels. The Mercury original or Bencher are way over rated for reasons that defy logic. True believers are cultic and just not rational.
Like a crow seeing shiny objects is how some laymen rate paddles.
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AE5I
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 26, 2008 18:15
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Absolutely wonderful!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I am absolutely, totally pleased with my Mercury key! Mine was made late in 2007 by Bencher and I just don't see what they could improve about it even if they doubled the price.
The fit, finish and feel are flawless and it's solid as a rock when in operation. Never feels like it's going to slip or slide.
The adjustable magnetic tension allows you to get the holdback tension exactly like you want it. There are no tools needed for adjustment. Everything is adjustable by hand.
There is absolutely no slop in the levers. Firm, fluid action that is a pleasure to use.
If I could only keep one iambic key, the Mercury would be it. No question. Wouldn't even have to think about it! I can't believe that I had an opportunity to buy an original Mercury for $300-400 back in the 90s and didn't do it... Oh, well. I can't believe that I sold a '59 Les Paul Special for $100 back in the 60s either... Live and learn.
I really can't imagine that anyone who ever buys a Mercury would be disappointed in it. I recommend it without reservation.
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K6JPA
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 26, 2008 21:08
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Beautiful!
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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Beautifully finished in chrome. I can't find a flaw anywhere in the finish. Obviously much care went into the manufacturing of this paddle. It rivals the performance of the top domestic and overseas competition. Has a nice solid feel and will not move around, regardless of how heavy handed the operator uses it. Holds it's settings quite well. Overall, I'm very impressed.
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W8RZ
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 12, 2003 01:32
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Outstanding!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I am the proud owner of #0191 & even though I sometimes think about throwing up at what I spent on it, it was totally worth it. I was able to acquire it while Steve was still alive (boy,what a real character) & the man really knew his craft. In the brochure that Bencher had printed up a few years ago, they had mentioned that someone once sold one on ebay for around 5 grand! As much as I like having one of the"originals" I would have no problem whatsoever parting with this one for even 4k even though I know that nobody in their right mind would offer that to me! Still, it's nice to know that these things are the real McCoy & that they really are a one of a kind. Congrats to everyone who bought one either from the late N2DAN or from Bencher. It is dynamite & really is way above the rest.
73, Dan. W8RZ
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WY6N
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Rating: 5/5
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May 22, 2003 01:28
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THE BEST KEY EVER
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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HELLO I HAVE AN ORGINAL MERCURY . I USE IT DAILY FOR FIFTEEN YEARS AND STILL USE IT DE WY6N
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AH6RH
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 30, 2002 05:00
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Awesome!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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If you're serious about CW, you'ld be hard pressed to find a key better than the Bencher Mercury paddle. This review is on S/N 1052, which took about two months to fulfill the back order I placed just after Dayton 2002.
The attention to fine detail goes beyond the fabulous mirror-like chrome finish to the mechanical aspects as well. It's very heavy, so the key won't "walk" across the table top when you QSO.
When you place your fingers on the plastic paddles, there's an absolute rigid, secure feel that just pivots at the pivot points. There's no play or bounce in the paddle -- unlike the spring and pivots on the BY-1 key. No wobbling of the left/right paddles or sloppy feeling here.
The closure distance is adjusted with locking thumbscrews. No need for an allen wrench, screwdrivers, or other tools for adjustment. Just your fingers.
The tension on each contact is provided by two magnets with spacing and tension that's also adjusted with locking thumbscrews. You can set the tension stiff by placing the magnets close to each other, or far apart for a very, very soft tension.
The magnetic tension gives a different feel. You feel resistance until the magnets "give", then the resistance practically "melts" to nothing. Release the paddle, and the magnets pull the paddles back to the original idle position.
The spacing of the contacts can be made ever so small, and the magnetic tension set ever so light, that if you turn the key on it's side, the gentle tug of gravity on the plastic paddle and lever will cause the key contact to close. In the meantime, I've had to temporarily add more spacing and tension, until I get used to such a precision key.
And I couldn't use just any old cable for a key of this quality. I found at Radio Shack a premade 1/8-inch gold stereo phone to twin RCA phono connector cable, with 6 feet of cable. (P/N 42-2551) I cut off the RCA connectors, dressed and tinned the ends, squeezed the cable into the cable entry hole in the bottom rear of the key, and soldered in the bare wires to the key. The molded cable strain and connector now makes the cable look 100% professional -- matching the finish of the key.
That's pretty much it. One might question and have second thoughts about spending around $500 for an iambic paddle key. But once you've placed it in your hands and called CQ with a key of this smooth precision, it's hard to use anything else!
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K1JD
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 5, 2002 17:01
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Excellent Paddle!!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I had grand expectations for the Bencher Mercury paddle having used an original (borrowed) N2DAN for several months. I can't tell the difference, even down to the soft metallic sound they both make while being used. Bottom line is I'm very pleased with this paddle and with Bencher's commitment to preserve Steve's design and quality standards.
Some observations to contrast the Bencher Mercury with the excellent and highly regarded WBL V22 that I've enjoyed since 1999 - Both are beautifully made and mechanically tight, with no annoying play in directions other than that required to close the contacts. This is important! So many paddles are disappointing in this regard. The WBL's linear spring action feels great as does the non-linear magnetic "spring" of the Bencher. I would describe the Bencher feel as slightly "sticky" for lack of a better description. Subjectively, I prefer the Bencher and have used it exclusively since SN1048 arrived a few months ago. The WBL is on loan to a pal but not for sale.
Suggest you consider this paddle if looking for world class precision and stunning good looks. Expensive, but when it's sitting on your desk you won't be sorry.
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W9GB
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 31, 2001 12:45
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Presentation quality
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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The dedication to quality and craftsmanship of the original Mercury paddle by N2DAN has not been lost by Bencher Inc. This is the N2DAN design from his estate. Accept no substitutes.
The Mercury Paddle by Bencher is from the N2DAN designs and molds and continues the quality and craftsmanship that N2DAN created.
I was privileged to own S/N 1006 (Bencher started their serial numbers at 1000) and was very impressed with the time that Bencher took in assuring the ovrall quality met or exceeded the original production runs.
While it is a joy to operate, visually, the paddle is quite stunning on the desktop (or mantle). Definite presentation quality.
The contacts on the Bencher are Rhodium plated for "lifetime corrosion free operation"
It's the most beautiful paddle that I own.
Other paddles that I use Vibroplex Iambic, Kent TP-1 and others.
Greg
w9gb
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N6EV
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 24, 2001 20:59
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Resurrection of the greatest paddle!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Anyone worried that the dedication to quality and craftsmanship designed into the original Mercury paddle by N2DAN might be lost in the Bencher Inc. version of the Mercury can rest assured that they have come through with their promises. The Bencher Mercury Paddle truely deserves the Mercury name and continues the quality and craftsmanship that N2DAN was famous for.
I feel privileged to own S/N 1001 (Bencher started their serial numbers at 1000) and am very impressed with how stable the key is at high speeds. This paddle comes alive with very small contact spacing. The heavy, rock solid paddle can be adjusted such that the lightest touch sends effortless CW. Truely a joy to operate.
Visually, the paddle is stunning. The "Chrome so deep you could swim in it" effect that N2DAN was famous for has been reproduced for Bencher by the same people that do the chrome work for Harley Davidson! I searched every millimeter of the paddle and have not found a single flaw, blemish or imperfection in the chrome. The finish is truely mirror like. All of the Bencher Mercury paddles are hand made by a single individual at Bencher, again, continuing the spirit of craftsmanship that N2DAN inspired.
The contacts are Rhodium plated for "lifetime corrosion free operation" per the information sheet. The base is chrome plate brass and is 4" in diameter. Paddle overall height is approximately 2.5". Center of the paddles is 1.5" above table position. Key weight is approximately 3.5 lbs (I don't have an accurate scale).
It's one of the best paddles I've used. Other paddles that I own and were used for comparison include the W9WBL V22, Shurr Profi, Jones Key Brass, Vibroplex Iambic, Brass Racer and the original Bencher paddle, amoung others. I'm not affiliated with Bencher. Just a very happy customer and QRQ CW operator.
FISTS #1407. Paul N6EV
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