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Reviews For: March Magnetic Paddle R3a

Category: Keys & Paddles

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Review Summary For : March Magnetic Paddle R3a
Reviews: 90MSRP: 250. and up
Description:
Handmade Brass Paddle with Excellent "Feel"
Product is in production
More Info: http://sites.google.com/site/marchmagneticpaddles/
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
45904.9
WA6KYR Rating: 2005-01-27
Comfortable touch Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
There have been plenty of reviews here.
I would like to say something new.
I have had this paddle for a number of weeks.
I like it a lot. It has a nice feel to the finger pieces that does not photograph.They are carved ergonomically. It is a very
likeable paddle. Enjoy it when you get one.
Richard
K8MW Rating: 2004-05-27
Worth The Wait Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Although it took a year to get, the R3a paddle is well worth the wait. I ordered it after Dayton 2003 and picked it up at Dayton this year (2004). After a day or so of use and fine tuning, I became very comfortable using the paddle. Like many others, I like close contact spacing and this paddle is a natural for that. I used a Bencher paddle for 20 plus years and thought it was just fine until I used the R3a. The keying is smooth and it doesn't move around on the desk like the Bencher did. Mike appears to be a real perfectionist. His workmanship is superior. I highly recommend the March R3a CW paddle.
N2ARQ Rating: 2004-04-24
Comparing the March and Schurr Profi 2 Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I have been a Ham for about 26 years and a former Navy radioman having served aboard a Cruiser and Destroyer in the early 1950’s. I rarely use a straight key anymore and have sold my “Bugs” so have been using various make iambic paddles these past years. This leads me to the point of this review....and that is to compare the March R3a Magnetic Paddle and the Schurr Profi 2.

The Profi 2 is a nice unit, well made, looks good and can hold a close spacing adjustment without having to constantly reset it. It is easy to use and good for those like me, who like very close contact spacing. The metric threads on the contact screws also allow for very accurate adjustment. The spacing between the finger pieces and their height from the desktop is comfortable for your hand position. When I bought the paddle several years ago from Marshal Emm at Morse Express he said I would have no regrets concerning my purchase, and he was right.

I received my March paddle about 4 months ago and was really impressed by the unique look and fine workmanship evident in its construction. The finger piece spacing is similar to the Profi but in addition they are also height adjustable since they can pivot by loosening the single screw on the contact arm. The March uses magnetic repulsion instead of springs to achieve the desired return force of the paddle arms. I like a light touch, so have set the magnets as far out as possible. The threads on the contact screws are coarser compared to the metric on the Profi so it took a little care to get close contact spacing. No matter how you adjust the March, there is more movement or flex in the arms compared to the Profi due to the construction or geometry of the unit. This, as far as I’m concerned is not a complaint. As a matter of fact, this flex is what gives the March paddle a personality that is different and much more to my liking when judged against the Profi. The Profi has very little give in the arms, so when you send, no matter the return force or contact spacing, your fingers are pushing against an unyielding structure. The March has some give or flex without being sloppy, and I find it softer with a pleasing cushion effect on the fingers as compared to the Profi or any other paddle that I have ever used.. That is why I’m more comfortable using the March and it is now my primary paddle.

Last but not least is Mike March himself. He lives in Virginia, custom makes the paddles, and is very easy to do business with. I called him on several occasions regarding some custom finger pieces and to obtain some advice with respect to paddle adjustments and he was more than willing to spend time with me to make sure I understood some of the nuances of his unit.

Both the March and the Profi2 are great paddles but you have to understand that each has its own distinct feel and I’m happy to own both of them.

Ron N2ARQ
W4WQ Rating: 2003-02-09
Work of Art Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
After losing out an an eBay auction for one of these jewels, I went to the March Paddle webpage and was unhappy to discover that Mr. March has a sizable waiting list and is not accepting further orders for a while.

While reading the Richmond (Virginia) Amateur Radio Club "FROSTFEST" vendors listing, I discovered that Mr. March was going to be there.

I got up bright and early this morning to make the 90 mile trip from my QTH to Richmond and arrived at the ham fest about 30 minutes after the doors opened. I searched for 10 minutes to find Mr. March's table and he told me that he only had one paddle left that was available for sale, It was an R3-A, Serial #0283, which was crafted on 8 February 2003. He had brought 2 of them and had already sold the first one.

I bought it on the spot, I was already aware of the quality and effort that goes into making these paddles. As soon as I got home from Richmond, I wired the connecting cable to it and put it on the air.

Bottom line, the R3-A is a winner. It is truly effortless to use and and makes my CW "sing". I am very pleased to now have one of my own!!
W7IS Rating: 2003-01-28
Work of Art Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have serial #279 with jeweled top and ebony finger pieces. I was doubtful about how well this key would perform. But all that was put to rest soon after I finished adjusting it properly. This key reminds me of how the old world craftsmen produced brass clocks in the 1800's. Now I understand why one of the other posters on here said that he liked using the key so much it made him late for work in the mornings! The contact assembly is so solid that the normal contact slap is hardly audible. The first thing I did before I made any adjustments was to back everything off so I could be sure it had free travel in the pivots. Its a very critical adj to get each arm to pivot freely with no play. But once its locked in should never need attention again. I prefer a larger spacing in the contacts and if the adjustment screws were fine threaded it would make changing those settings easier. Its not really a complaint as I can adjust them just fine. But someday it would be nice if he switched over to fine threaded adjustment screws. I've been using using speed keys and keyer paddles for over 45 years and the March key is presently my key of choice. This key performs as well as it looks. A real work of art. I cant imagine anyone not being happy with the purchase of one of these keys. As an added bonus the magnetic repulsion mode allows adjustment for the perfect feel.
AC4UR Rating: 2002-10-25
Very smooth. Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have been using #200 for over a year and am still pleased with the smooth operation. The adjustments stay in place just as the paddle stays put on your desk. I recently readjusted the tension and found the paddle is even better. I think this is one piece of gear I will keep for quite some time. Does anyone know how to get the spell check to work?
VE6SH Rating: 2002-08-09
Excellent Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Like many, I was introduced to the March key at a hamest(Dayton). Had to wait to get on the "list", but it was well worth it once the finished product is received. By far the best key I have ever used-makes CW effortless!The quality of construction is superb.
4X1BD Rating: 2002-07-06
Superb Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I received my March paddle on July 1st and have since been using it every day with my Elecraft K2 tranceiver. What a combination! A great rig for CW with a superb CW paddle. I have used a variety of paddles before, but nothing has made sending CW smoother and more effortless than the R-3a. The finish of this brass key is beautiful and the obvious attention to detail in construction no doubt contributes to its ultra smooth performance.
AD5X Rating: 2002-05-20
WOW!! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I was fortunate enough to get to Mike's Dayton space in time to purchase one of his paddles. Besides picking up the paddle, I also had a great eyeball QSO with him. In any case, this is the best key I've ever used. The "feel" is superb. Whatever the waiting time is, it is worth it!

Phil - AD5X
WH6CMI Rating: 2002-04-29
Absolutely wonderful Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I brought my R3a paddle home yesterday, and hurried to wire up the contacts and attach it to the keyer. Wonderful piece of equipment, but take your time and set it up to you preferences. It has a very wide range of adjustments that may be made. From pretty tight to a very light touch. I finally settled for the lighter feel and very close contact setting… I think I will enjoy this key for a very long time.

Living in central western Maryland, I was fortunate enough to be able to drive down to Mike’s QTH in Winchester, VA to receive the paddle. I found him to be very personable and enjoyed hearing a couple of key “war stories”. He showed me an early rendition of the present day Bencher, and spent some time describing how he made the R3a’s. Heck of a nice guy.

Unlike others that have reviewed the paddles, I have only used a Bencher and the Heathkit paddles with built in keyer. I thought the Bencher was a great setup, that is until I had the opportunity to log a couple of QSOs with the R3a.

I got mine in Hammertone gray iron base with the ebony paddles. Both conservative in appearance and beautiful at the same time.

If you haven’t treated yourself in a while and enjoy a well engineered and lovely piece of equipment, get on the waiting list for a R3a. A configuration for anyone, and sure to please!

73,

Joe