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Reviews For: Kent Twin Paddle Key

Category: Keys & Paddles

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Review Summary For : Kent Twin Paddle Key
Reviews: 133MSRP: 149.95
Description:
RA Kent Dual Paddle Keyer
Product is in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
141334.8
K3IVB Rating: 2002-10-08
Try it, you'll LIKE it! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I like playing with all kinds of paddles and have owned most high-end models including two of the sought after V22 paddles both of which I sold, but will always have a Kent in my shack. The Kent paddle for what it costs is a real bargain. It uses quality sealed bearings put together with all brass parts and a steel base. The feel of a paddle is a personal choice and everyone is different, also true with the spacing of the finger pieces. Kent uses the average spacing design for the finger pieces which I personally find a perfect fit. The design lets you set the spacing down to next to nothing! Holding that setting is easy because the contact point is domed making for a perfect contact point without alignment problems. The feel is a very solid one, no mushy feel on these paddles with arms that refuse to flex. Paddles costing more than twice as much don’t have the feel or integrity of the Kent. When you know just what is involved in making a quality set of paddles, and being a machinist for 30 years I believe I do, then you understand why Kent is still selling paddles world wide years later. You can buy them factory direct as a kit from across the pond and still beat the price of lesser made paddles in this country costing much more. Buying them as a kit lets you modify them to your liking if you want; you can use a different base materials such as brass, aluminum, wood, bronze etc. This also holds true for the finger pieces along with configuring them to different spacing distance if desired. I have owned or used just about every paddle under the sun, my two favorites are the Kent and the Schurr Profi. Neither of these paddles requires a vacuum pump and hermetically sealed container to keep dust particles from spoiling the mirror finish which is needed for the extremely expensive high-end paddles that don’t come close to the feel and simple design of the Kent. It’s funny when one thinks of it; you see a real shiny object like some of the latest homebrew paddles being offered and think, wow, they must be really good and worth all that extra money, when in reality unless the plating is true gold so you can melt it down and sell it someday the Kent is still a better paddle costing much less. Try it, you’ll LIKE it.
KM5M Rating: 2002-09-04
THIS IS THE ONE TO OWN. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
As a CW-only ham for over 38 years, I believe I'm qualified to recommend the Kent double-paddle squeeze key as the best CW appliance in the world. This is the only one that has a mechanism that provides that light, crisp, consistent, repeatable feel that all CW ops seek. It's also the only one that has the most useful range of adjustments. Consider it a Bencher with a perfected mechanism. If you don't have one, GET ONE. You won't need to look further for that "perfect" key.
KZ9G Rating: 2002-07-08
Initial Review is Good! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I've made several QSO's after purchasing this key about two weeks ago, and have generally good feelings about it's operation and quality. The only drawback thus far is that it arrived with two small scratches about 2 mm long on the top of the brass block, just behind and between the ball bearing races. Other than that, it seems machined well and brushed nicely, and presents itself well. It's operation is smooth and precise - rather inviting! It actually has improved my sending ability, and I'm pleased about that. Overall, it's a step up from the Bencher I've used for the last 20 years. But, the Bencher will still stick around the shack. More to follow later, say in 6 months or a year.
W7DZN Rating: 2002-06-13
Follow up and adjustments Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
This is a follow up to a previous review I posted here. In that I mentioned a few tweaks that needed to be done and now I have a few more.

The spacing between the finger pieces was too wide for my liking and gave me trouble sending. I had thought about making some thinner finger pieces or otherwise modifying the paddles but as I was looking them the other day I realized that the backstops for the levers were adjustable. Loosening two setscrews accessible on the top of the paddles allows the backstop plungers to be moved in or out. I backed the contacts off and positioned the plungers forward so that the finger pieces were angled together putting the finger pieces closer togther. This spacing is much more to my liking now.

I also found that the plastic finger pieces were angled slightly away from the brass levers adding a small amount mushiness to the action. I considered adding another screw or perhaps gluing the finger pieces to the levers but what I wound up doing was removing the finger pieces,deburing the levers, carefully heating the finger pieces with a heat gun, and holding them as the cooled so that they would have a slight curve toward their backside. This eliminated the gap and the mushiness.

Lou W7DZN
N3DPL Rating: 2002-06-13
Poor workmanship Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I purchased one of these a while back and immediately returned it to its source when I took it out of the box. The key is probably designed and works well but the machining workmanship was completely unacceptable - rough finish and sharp edges all over and an internal thread cut too close to the edge of the part. This was over a year ago so I hope the manufacturer is paying more attention to workmanship details by now. This is not an inexpensive paddle and for that price it should work well, feel good, and look good. Mine didn't and it went back. Save up more money and buy a Profi.
G4UCJ Rating: 2002-05-15
Good key-BUT... Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I had a Kent TP1 for 6 years and it bashed through nearly 20000 QSO's without too many problems. Mine was an old style with the "bent" arms, and this sometimes caused a problem when using very small contact spacing (ie it took on a mind of it's own). I gather the newer ones were much better in that respect. I have to agree that it is built very solidly and has seen contest and pile up action. The brass is tricky to keep looking it's best but it is worth it. I purchased mine 2nd hand for £45 complete with the matching keyer, so it really was a bargain. I did find it tricky to send at high speeds (over 30wpm), but that may be ham fisted op trouble!! I have converted to a G4ZPY single paddle and find that much easier as it requires a lighter touch and is quieter when sending (most of my operating is done while the XYL is asleep!). Overall a fine key but, as with everything, it's not perfect.
W8KQE Rating: 2002-04-13
Incredible precision! Solid feel! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I've been operating a lot of CW since 1977, and i've never come upon any other paddle that feels as precise as the TP-1, especially in its price range! Adjustments are very easily made with 2 brass contact screws, using your fingers rather than an allen key wrench. Going from a Bencher to this is akin to going from a Yugo to a Porsche! If you like CW, you are going to LOVE it after using this ergonomic and well crafted precision tool!
KM0U Rating: 2002-04-11
Superb Instrument! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I was influenced enough by the write-ups here that I bought a Kent TP-1. I am really glad I made the purchase. I used to use a Bencher BY-1 which I would have rated a 5 until I used the TP-1. The Bencher is a 3 by comparison.
There aren't enough superlatives to describe the quality of workmanship and ease of operation of the TP-1. The contacts can be adjusted to less than paper thin, operation is smooth, no wiggle, no loose feeling, just a Gibraltor solid piece of equipment. The price is not much different from what a BY-1 costs and you'll have a much better piece of equipment. I purchased mine from Les at wavehunter.com. If you're serious about CW - try some of the other paddle keys but buy the Kent TP-1 - you will be as impressed as I am.
I also have a MFJ 564C - spend your money on something else.
NY2PO Rating: 2002-04-09
ROCK SOLID PADDLE Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Am very pleased with this well built paddle. I looked into the Kent as the Bencher paddle was frustrating me in that it felt somewhat 'loose' or perhaps sloppy mechanically. The Bencher is a good paddle but I must say that the Kent paddle is superior in all aspects of operation.
The Kent paddle is extremely well made with machined brass fittings and an internal bearing race that is constructed with a high degree of craftsmanship at the expense of visual beauty. What it lacks in looks is more than compensated in it's excellent feel and handling. Am able to operate longer periods of time with this paddle. When you adjust it just right (find the sweet spot), it is very tight and no discernable movement of mechanism is noted.
All in all, a good solid performer with a solid feel, which makes our hobby more enjoyable.
KG9HV Rating: 2002-04-02
Great British paddles Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have owned Benchers, Vibroplex, etc over the
past 8 years. I bought the Kent TP-1 paddles
because I saw good reviews here and these guys
are telling it straight. These paddles are rock
solid and a joy to use. The craftsmanship is
excellent and you can adjust each paddle with
a touch of your fingers. No allen wrenches like
the Bencher. If you love cw, get these paddles
and you will love it even more. There are no
better paddles for $150 and they are worth every
penny...I'm thinking about buying another one.