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Author Topic: i been eyeing on begali pearl key  (Read 511 times)

N4MJG

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i been eyeing on begali pearl key
« on: September 09, 2022, 01:42:25 PM »

Thinking of owning one of begali pearl  what do ya think ? should I get one or not?? i'll buy the last key not going anymore after this !

73
Jackie
N4MJG
SKCC 7305 SINCE 2005 DIT DIT
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JACKIE GREEN

GRUMPY2021

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Re: i been eyeing on begali pearl key
« Reply #1 on: September 09, 2022, 01:56:58 PM »

I say if you got the $$ you will be happy!   
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KF4HR

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Re: i been eyeing on begali pearl key
« Reply #2 on: September 09, 2022, 03:33:50 PM »

It's all personal preference.  If possible, I'd recommend trying before buying.  I own a Begali Magnetic Classic and Magnetic Traveler Light, like every product Begali makes, both are really nice.  But I slightly favor my original model Schurr Profi.
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W8FN

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Re: i been eyeing on begali pearl key
« Reply #3 on: September 09, 2022, 04:36:33 PM »

I bought a brand new Pearl Pro at Dayton about 10 years ago. I love it. I tried all the paddles they had on display and for me the Pearl had the best feel. Go for it!

73...
Randy, W8FN
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N2SR

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Re: i been eyeing on begali pearl key
« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2022, 05:17:43 AM »

buy two - one for each hand
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Elect a clown.  Expect a circus.

KH6AQ

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Re: i been eyeing on begali pearl key
« Reply #5 on: September 10, 2022, 05:12:34 PM »

Thinking of owning one of begali pearl  what do ya think ? should I get one or not?? i'll buy the last key not going anymore after this !

73
Jackie
N4MJG
SKCC 7305 SINCE 2005 DIT DIT

Have you tried a magnetic return key before? They have a different feel that some like and some don't. To me they feel "sticky." I have owned one and used one other magnetic return paddle as well as the more common spring and long spring types such as the Benchers. In order of preference mine is long spring, spring and then magnetic.
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N4MJG

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Re: i been eyeing on begali pearl key
« Reply #6 on: September 11, 2022, 05:15:57 AM »

Thinking of owning one of begali pearl  what do ya think ? should I get one or not?? i'll buy the last key not going anymore after this !

73
Jackie
N4MJG
SKCC 7305 SINCE 2005 DIT DIT

Have you tried a magnetic return key before? They have a different feel that some like and some don't. To me they feel "sticky." I have owned one and used one other magnetic return paddle as well as the more common spring and long spring types such as the Benchers. In order of preference mine is long spring, spring and then magnetic.
No there is no way I can tried them except simplex basic and spark key only 2 I try then had bruna send to me after I buy them ! I watch pete g0pnm on youtube they are not cheap I know that too as I said I do watch pete on youtube all the key he showed on youtube !
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JACKIE GREEN

K0INN

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Re: i been eyeing on begali pearl key
« Reply #7 on: September 18, 2022, 08:53:13 PM »

I have a Begali Sculpture and a Begali Expedition in addition to the Pearl.  The Pearl makes a very satisfying subtle click that is absent in the other two keys.  I use the Pearl most of the time although I really like all 3 keys.
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W0AZ

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Re: i been eyeing on begali pearl key
« Reply #8 on: September 21, 2022, 08:46:44 PM »

Thinking of owning one of begali pearl  what do ya think ? should I get one or not?? i'll buy the last key not going anymore after this !

73
Jackie
N4MJG
SKCC 7305 SINCE 2005 DIT DIT

I believe the Pearl is the best value in high-end paddles.
I love mine.
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KL7CW

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Re: i been eyeing on begali pearl key
« Reply #9 on: September 23, 2022, 09:31:33 AM »

Try both spring and magnetic return paddles before you buy.  Personally, I used only spring return keys and paddles for my first 57 years as a ham.  I was very pleased with most of them.  Now I also have a few magnetic return paddles.  As others stated, there is a SUBTLE difference in the two.  However, I am personally very satisfied with either, but if FORCED to choose I would probably flip a coin, or possibly choose the magnetic return paddle.  Others would disagree with me.  However, I seem to always adapt to any old paddle or key, and never bothered to take my own key/paddles to other shacks, ships, or maritime shore stations.  For sure some paddles make more noise than others, however this is irrelevant to me personally.  In a nutshell, some high end paddles are sure are nice looking, so might even choose the best looking model !!   WOW CW is still fun for me after 68 years as a ham, and a few more years before that.       Rick  KL7CW
                                 73
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KL7CW

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Re: i been eyeing on begali pearl key
« Reply #10 on: September 23, 2022, 11:05:26 AM »

Jackie, just one additional thought.  About a decade ago at the Dayton convention, I spent hours in the Begali booth test driving all their paddles and keys.  I liked them all, but also some high end German and Swedish paddles.  For some unexplained reason, I bought an N3ZN paddle made right here in the USA.  It was a bit less expensive than Begali, but that was not a factor for me.  Very fine workmanship in both brands.
         My main point is do you want a heavy paddle which will not slide around the desk and that you do not need to be gentle with, or do you want a paddle which you need to use a more delicate tough with (very close space contacts, etc.).  Some paddles probably weigh twice what others do.
       I really like my N3ZN paddle, but it took this old guy some time to retrain my keying style.  I was used to banging a bug, and even was not gentle with my Kent paddle which I used for decades.  A very good friend and co worker here in Alaska and I used to bring our paddles to work and practice code.  He always had the best of everything, like 20,000 dollar stereo set up, expensive cars and houses, etc.  At that time I just brought my "lowly" Kent paddle for practice.  He was always interested in my "clunky" Kent at work, but never could admit he liked it.
      Fast forward a decade and he had retired to Washington state.  When he died, I flew down and helped his widow dispose of his ham equipment.  I was shocked, that there was not an expensive paddle or key in his shack, just 3 or 4 Kent keys.  It was not a monetary issue !!!
            No idea why.                                 Rick   KL7CW
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N4MJG

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Re: i been eyeing on begali pearl key
« Reply #11 on: September 23, 2022, 03:43:35 PM »

Jackie, just one additional thought.  About a decade ago at the Dayton convention, I spent hours in the Begali booth test driving all their paddles and keys.  I liked them all, but also some high end German and Swedish paddles.  For some unexplained reason, I bought an N3ZN paddle made right here in the USA.  It was a bit less expensive than Begali, but that was not a factor for me.  Very fine workmanship in both brands.
         My main point is do you want a heavy paddle which will not slide around the desk and that you do not need to be gentle with, or do you want a paddle which you need to use a more delicate tough with (very close space contacts, etc.).  Some paddles probably weigh twice what others do.
       I really like my N3ZN paddle, but it took this old guy some time to retrain my keying style.  I was used to banging a bug, and even was not gentle with my Kent paddle which I used for decades.  A very good friend and co worker here in Alaska and I used to bring our paddles to work and practice code.  He always had the best of everything, like 20,000 dollar stereo set up, expensive cars and houses, etc.  At that time I just brought my "lowly" Kent paddle for practice.  He was always interested in my "clunky" Kent at work, but never could admit he liked it.
      Fast forward a decade and he had retired to Washington state.  When he died, I flew down and helped his widow dispose of his ham equipment.  I was shocked, that there was not an expensive paddle or key in his shack, just 3 or 4 Kent keys.  It was not a monetary issue !!!
            No idea why.                                 Rick   KL7CW
 

I have owned 2 begali key S SPARK AND SIMPLEX KEYS   only 2 i have right now and i love it wouldn't matter  to me which one is the best as long i do the  having fun with them
beside2006 or 2007 i was the at booth i don't remembering trying them pearl or or notmain thing is to have fun all it matter to me
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JACKIE GREEN

VE3WMB

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Re: i been eyeing on begali pearl key
« Reply #12 on: September 25, 2022, 09:05:57 AM »

Jackie I have used a Begali Pearl and IMHO it is a very fine key, both to use and to look at.

 I have a Begali Simplex (uses springs) and earlier this year I splurged on a Begali Sculpture with my callsign engraved. The Sculpture was my 60th birthday present and it is a wonderful key. There are other great paddles out there such as Schurr/Schunemann, N3ZN etc but none combine looks and function quite like a Begali, IMHO.

Cheers

Michael VE3WMB / VA2NB
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K2FW

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Re: i been eyeing on begali pearl key
« Reply #13 on: September 25, 2022, 01:39:13 PM »

This guy makes superior CW Keys!

https://www.i1qod.it/index.php#
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W0AAL

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Re: i been eyeing on begali pearl key
« Reply #14 on: October 30, 2022, 10:50:35 AM »

This guy makes superior CW Keys!

https://www.i1qod.it/index.php#

WOW! Nice looking keys.  Didn't see a price list, but would expect to put out some Euros.

I've had a Begali Pearl for several years and absolutely love it.  I did things kind of backwards in CW and trained on the Pearl, before picking up the Spark straight key earlier this year.  The Pearl is definitely enjoyable to operate.  And also,  its just an Italian work of art.  When not in use in the shack, its worthy of placing on the fireplace mantel as a conversation piece - hihi.
« Last Edit: October 30, 2022, 11:03:55 AM by W0AAL »
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