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Reviews For: Begali Expedition

Category: Keys & Paddles

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Review Summary For : Begali Expedition
Reviews: 28MSRP: 295
Description:
A no-frills high performance paddle, rugged enough to be tossed into the bags of a DX expedition, but equally at home in any shack. Jet black titanium oxide finish, solid silver contacts, racing bearings and micro-threaded adjustments make this key a bargain.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.i2rtf.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00285
WU7X Rating: 2022-01-20
Expedition vs. March R3a, both exactly what I wanted Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Let's be a bit honest up front, every CW op is different in his/her skill set and expertise. I've been playing with CW for over 30 years and have 134 entities confirmed on LOTW. But I don't consider myself a really good op. I can send 20-25 wpm, but only copy coherently in my head at half that speed. That is why I am enrolled in CW Academy right now. Goal is 25/25 minimum. To reach my goal, I wanted some great equipment.

I recently picked up a Begali Expedition off QRZ (thanks Mike). I've used it exclusively with my KX3. This is a great combination. This summer I hope to be putting out SOTA/POTA contacts with it.

I also own a March R3a. The March is plugged into my IC7610. I now have both paddles set up the way I like them. They have a lot of differences but i don't judge one better than the other.
The biggest difference I can note is that the March feels slightly "looser" when sending than the Begali. both are rock solid on the table. Both send beautiful (I think) CW. The Begali is easier to set the point spacing and the paddles just feel perfect in their location. It is going to work just as I want it to when out in the field.
The March is a work of art in comparison with it's brass build and magnificent engraving. I would not want to take it camping. The March feeds my need for all things steampunk. It looks and plays right in the shack. The Begali is a diamond in a lump of coal; not too pretty to look at, but operates so smoothly. Both are making my error rate drop in comparison to the BY-2 I used for over 20 years.
Both of these paddles should keep me happy for a long, long time.
KC0TRK Rating: 2021-07-23
Incredible! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
As I begin the learning curve to learn code again, I looked for a better product to help me. Previous attempts with cheaply made keys have always ended in failure. If one thinks about the act of keying, the instrument(s) used does make a difference! My new Expedition is no exception. One touch will make a difference in one's attitude towards the art. One is investing in their future in the hobby. No wonder many collect keys as functional art! Topping the manufacturing expertise is the care and professionalism of customer service! Well done, Begali's!
VA7MN Rating: 2021-01-29
Top notch! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is my second Begali paddle. I also have a Simplex Palladium. I can only reiterate everyone's praises over Begali's legendary customer service. The key is a serious instrument for those more interested in performance than showing off. However, it does look mighty impressive sitting on the desk. This is a high performance instrument and will push you to up your game and skills. The price is a bargain considering the quality of the item. If you want one, just DO IT!
W7ASA Rating: 2020-12-04
Absolutely Superb - Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This Begali Expedition is absolutely superb!

The customer communication from Bruna at Begali is so refreshing: a very gracious lady. My callsign was engraved very tastefully & exactly where I wanted it; even the packing boxes it was shipped in were quality material and contained many small 'extras' along with 'thanks' for buying a Begali. It's so good to have such a family business who care about their customers and who strive to do the very best in everything.

The paddles themselves, as has been mentioned, are build like fine 'instruments', rounded edges, PRECISION fit & finish. The tactile feed back when sending is subtle, yet definite. I've used bugs for decades, preferring them to paddles, but as speeds increase over 30 wpm, in becomes a LOT of work for me to send good code on a bug. With the Begali , no problem at all. I can turn my keyer up to 35 - 40 WPM and and it's nearly effortless sending. The paddles do not move on my operating desk and soon I find myself sending as if this were my 'old favorite' rather than my new Christmas gift.

If you have been considering a Begali: do it! Think of "one-key-for life", then buy top quality ONCE. An investment in top quality means that you'll have a key that will never limit you and last well into the next century. Who knows: maybe my great grandson will be a ham? If so, I hope for my Begali to be his.

73 de Ray / W7ASA ..._ ._

JA7WTH Rating: 2020-06-30
My 4th Begali key Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Begali Expedition had safely arrived at my place just on Schedule. This new key is my 4th Begali key, Simplex, Intrepid, Blade and Expedition. All the keys were sent to me nicely packaged and so meticulously made keys, I really love those.
Bruna e-mailed me when she shipped it out, and it took 6days to deliver to Japan, a bit longer than usual. We are now in the Covid-19 pandemics and I know Brescia is near the epicenter in Italy. When I opened the Begali page, I found the big letters,” Finally we are back !! “ I instantly pushed the Paypal button ! While in Japan, it’s a bit difficult to purchase Begali keys, but Paypal system makes it so easy and Bruna assisted me so kindly every time. Thanks Begali and stay safe.
Hiroshi, JA7WTH
WA3ZKI Rating: 2020-05-19
The Begali Experience Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Already having two Begali keys (Simplex models) I decided order a third, the Expedition. In corresponding with Bruna I was told that because her section of Italy was near the epicenter of COVID-19 virus in that country the business was temporally suspended and she would keep me informed of the time when it would reopen. About two weeks later Bruna e-mailed me that they were again up and running but they were having difficulty with their carrier and this could involve further delays in getting the key to me. Days later Bruna e-mailed me again that the Begali company was going to send it to me using a different, but more expensive carrier. She further indicated that I would not be charged for the difference in shipping as they were eager to provide their customers with the most timely and efficient service. The key arrived safe and sound at my doorstep at precisely the time it was promised.
This is not the first time that I have received such excellent treatment from the Begali family. When I bought my first key I mistakenly discarded the plastic cover for the Simplex and, after informing them of my mistake, I was sent a replacement cover free of charge. I cannot praise highly enough my experience with the Begali family.
Oh, about the Expedition key; having 2 Begali keys I was anticipating great expectations from this as well. Needless to say this key has exceeded my already high expectations and I join others in their plaudits for its exceptional quality and performance.
Alan, WA3ZKI
VE3IQL Rating: 2019-12-13
A beautiful Best of the best Begali Expedition Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
After a great back and forth email conversation with Bruna, I ordered the Expedition and it arrived in Ontario 6 days later. Around $20 duty. It's a fantastic key. I had been away from morse code for quite a few years, and when I sat down with this key, it made it really comfortable. A beautiful piece of craftsmanship to say the least. Bruna answered my emails very fast and with lots of patience.
I can understand why Begali get's rave reviews! Thank you Bruna... I would certainly purchase another Begali..
GARICE10601 Rating: 2019-01-21
A Work Of Art! Time Owned: N.A.
Bruna is truly an artist! This Paddle is beautiful and works perfectly out of the box! Had it engraved with my call, making it uniquely mine! Delivery was nothing short of amazing! It arrived in Georgia from Italy in about a week! He must know someone in Customs! Hesitate no more. Begali keys are the best on the globe! Thanks Begali and Thanks Bruna!
N6MMA Rating: 2017-11-13
An Instrument, not a Tool Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Bought it, took 12 days to get here. Waiting for a Begali to arrive makes time stand still, in this day and age. Exceptional packaging. When set up with feeler gauge for gap, the amount of motion perceived at the paddles is imperceptible to me. You hint at touching it, and it's sending, there is no lag time. It is built like a fine instrument, the adjustment is so micro fine.

The jack on the paddle requires you pay attention and seat the plug with tip all the way in firmly, do that you get all dit and dahs. It would not be fair to compare a Bencher to this, due to price point. The Turtle finish on my Expedition is fantastic, just be sure to wipe it down with silicon, don't use spray, protect the contacts, spray on a cloth, then wipe silicon on. Failure to maintain like a fine firearm made of steel will result in rust from salty hands or salty air. Get the Professional finish if you do salt air, and tropical or humid activations.
YB2TJV Rating: 2017-10-24
The Best paddle ever Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Owned this for two months ago, this is the best and smoothest keyer I have, less mistake when sending code.. highly recommended
de Dani, YB2TJV