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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
N5XQ Rating: 2000-05-11
March Paddle-A Work Of Art Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just recently purchased a paddle from Mike. It is truly a visual and mechanical work of art. The paddles are handcrafted with jeweler-like detailing and care. The operation is by far superior to any paddles that I've had experience with. All my other bugs, paddles etc. will now collect dust on a shelf in the shack, and may never see action again. My only regret about these paddles is that I didn't buy and extra set when I ordered my first, and I may do just that in the next year. Get your orders in early though, there is a waiting list for probably the best value, and one of the finest paddles in amateur radio today. Eric, N5XQ
N4PY Rating: 2000-04-26
Fantastic Paddles Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
These paddles are as good as any I have ever used.
The difference with these paddles is that they are also beautiful to look at. They have a very solid feel and are infinitely adjustable with the magnetic "springs". I love just looking at them sitting on my desk.
WA1IVD Rating: 2000-02-28
Grows on you...quickly Time Owned: unknown months.
I bought my paddle from Mike, took it home, wired it and compared it to my Bencher BY-1. The March
seemed a little smoother but close.

Then I carefully adjusted the March to my preference which is close (I am not a banger).

After an enjoyable evening on the air I went back
to the Bencher and found it pretty clunky in
comparison.

The next morning I went downstairs, sent a little CW on the March and wound up late for work. Wow...
VE7VF Rating: 2000-02-27
A superbly made paddle competitively priced Time Owned: unknown months.
I have had the R3A for two months, and am very much impressed by the silky movement and the magnetic control, which was new to me. The paddle action seems to encourage confident sending - it has a lovely feel. I had previously always used spring return paddles of various kinds, commercial and home-made however this March R3A beats them all. Last but not least the price is extremely competitive.
N5NA Rating: 2000-02-19
Very smooth operation. Time Owned: unknown months.
I received my R3a yesterday. Great paddle and beautifully built. When I received it one paddle had a little more vertical play than I preferred but was no problem to adjust. The contacts for connecting the cable to the keyer are solder lugs under the feet which are screwed into each contact post on the top side. The cable is then routed thru a hole in the base and comes out the back. Makes for a very neat installation. The front edge of the paddle finger pieces have been tapered which gives it a very nice and comfortable touch. Operation is very smooth. I’m very pleased and looking forward to years of enjoyment using the paddle.
GI4SNC Rating: 2000-01-20
A superb hand crafted paddle Time Owned: unknown months.
I'd been using an Iambic Vibroplex for a good number of years. Found Mikes paddles on the WEB. Found they were very competitively priced. Went ahead and ordered a set with a larger base than normal as I'm a bit heavy handed. # 0137 arrived and I was really pleased to see the workmanship. Rock steady and a superb action.
Well done Mike.
AA9QE Rating: 1999-11-13
Beautifully Crafted Iambic Paddles. Smooth Feel! Time Owned: unknown months.
This is one great set of paddles. I first saw, and bought them at Dayton 1999. My set has rosewood finger pieces. They are well designed and well made. They have a smooth feel and are easy to operate. They make sending code a joyful task. They are very stable, and can not spring out of the pivot points, like certain big name iambic paddles we all know. They have a heavy, round, thick brass base. They have no springs, they use magnets. Opposite polls attract, and like polls repel. Science is a cool thing! Michael March has used this knowledge to create a wonderful set of iambic paddles. They are beautifully crafted, and are obviously a labor of love.
K1SO Rating: 1999-10-21
A great choice! Time Owned: unknown months.
First seeing the J. M. March Magnetic paddle at Dayton in May 1999. I did some investigations and found that the March was well built and a great value. I have been more than well pleased with the workmanship of my R-3a purchased in June 1999. It is a great choice!
N9VV Rating: 1999-10-21
Delight to use, superb workmanship Time Owned: unknown months.
I just received my March Magnetic Paddles. They were customized with flourescent green finger pieces that really compliment the bright glow of the new brass base. I used a bug for so many years that I was afraid of iambic paddles. I have used the March for a week now and I have got to admit that the finger pieces feel warm and smooth. They are spaced well together and make it feel more like a single lever paddle. I was warned by a buddy that the March might not hold tight settings, but for my personal selection of spacing and return pressure they are solid as a rock. The machining is superb. I have never seen a Hensley so I can't compare, but Mike March has done a first class job on the paddle that I received. The weight is excellent and the paddle sits solidly on the desk. I heartily recommend this key to anyone considering higher end iambic paddles. Check out the pictures at http://www.qsl.net/n9vv/march.html Summary: They are a delight to use and suberbly crafted by Michael March W4FJJ. These should be in your collection for sure! Mike's website is at http://www.qsl.net/w4fjj/
KA9ZBN Rating: 1999-09-18
A first rate magnetic paddle at a reasonable price Time Owned: unknown months.
I found out about the March magnetic paddle three years ago in a ham magazine about various dual lever paddles for iambic keying. This paddle hand crafted by John Michael March of Winchester VA. It is easy to adjust and has fine action. The round base is fairly heavy and will stay in place at the operating position. This well made paddle has red finger pieces that cannot be knocked out of alignment like the Bencher or other dual lever paddles. I am pleased with my March paddle in every way.