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Reviews For: W1SFR model TBCP Torsion Bar Cootie Key/Paddle

Category: Keys & Paddles

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Review Summary For : W1SFR model TBCP Torsion Bar Cootie Key/Paddle
Reviews: 8MSRP: 148
Description:
Handmade out of brass this key functions as a single lever
paddle or easily converts to a Sideswiper (a.k.a. Cootie)
key simply by the use of a stereo to mono adapter.
Features exclusive Torsion Bar action with hand-rubbed
exotic wood finger pieces highlighted by signature dot
inlay on both sides. This key is fine brushed brass with
enough mass in its 3"x3" footprint to stay put while in use
through the aid of four soft rubber feet. Comes with
connector cable terminated in a 3.5mm mini-stereo plug.
Product is in production
More Info: http://KX3helper.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
1585
AC5P Rating: 2023-02-19
Very nice and smooth paddle Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Got mine 2nd hand from local inactive ham for a great price. Took a little time getting used to the light and soft tap to play, but once familiar it has become my go to paddle. With the 28g (1oz) tension, 1 mil gaps and beveled pad edges, the feel is great. Steve was great in providing a blank green base to upgrade to the "green machine". Definitely a keeper.
K4LXY Rating: 2020-06-02
Great paddle, with some mods to suit my preferences Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I bought mine "new in box" from a ham who had used it twice but couldn't adapt to a paddle. It's a lovely piece - great craftsmanship and very simple design with very little to go wrong. I'm using it with a keyer, not as a cootie key, and made some adaptions for my preferences. 1) I raised it by sitting it on a piece of marble, 2) I used spacers to separate the finger pieces because I like them wider (Vibroplex is my favorite), and 3) I removed the "soft landing" strips. They made it feel mushy, and the tiny click without them is similar to other paddles. Now I divide my usage between this and my Schurr Profi II, each with its own distinctive feel.
K7FD Rating: 2019-10-29
Beautiful key, excellent value Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Excellent cootie/paddle as it does both equally well. A real showpiece; beautifully handcrafted by Steve W1SFR. Lots of attention to detail. Highly recommended!

John K7FD
VE3RDE Rating: 2018-11-19
Exceptional Value for Money Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This key's precision machining, great looks, and smooth feel make it an easy top choice among sideswipers. This particular model is light and quite small, making it ideal to tote around, yet its footing is reasonably solid enough so that it doesn't move on my desk too much. The Fat-Boy version wouldn't be as portable but would be more solidly planted so one or the other key will suit your needs. The "soft landing" from the contact plates give the sending a smooth, consistent quality that just makes sending a true pleasure with this key. The wood paddle finish is very high quality as well. This is a classy key that's exceptionally good value for money. Strongly recommended.
W8ES Rating: 2018-11-03
My Favorite! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Since I was never able to master squeeze keying, I never found the need to own "iambic" keys and have been very satisfied with single-lever keys in my 100% CW operating. I use them two ways - one, through a keyer, usually in bug mode, and two, as a cootie. I've used homebrew keys, Vibrokeyers, and several other keys in this fashion.
Currently, I'm using one of W1SFR Steve's TBCP keys as a cootie. For all of them I've tried, Steve's TBCP is the best feeling cootie. I know this is subjective, but how in the world could you ever make an objective comment about how a key feels? Not only is the TBCP economical for the bulletproof key, it's brass shine and beautiful finger pieces look great on the radio desk. I heartily recommend W1SFR's TBCP key for your keyer/cootie use.
The only criticism I can think of is the key will move around on the desk during operation. I've totally cured this by using sticky putty from Walmart's stationery department on the key's feet. Steve can also provide a heavier base for the key if you need it.
WI5H Rating: 2018-11-03
My Favorite Cootie Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Works great as a Cootie and makes a nice keyer paddle as well (but not much keyer use at my QTH). Changing the contact spacing can completely alter the character of this sweet little brass beauty. Experiment a little to find what you like best.

I split time between this device and my favorite bug.

'73, Mike
W4RQ Rating: 2018-10-20
A real Bargain! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I found the feel of the TBCP to be on a par with my favorite key, the Begali Sculpture Swing. Of course the Begali is the Rolls Royce and has a greater range of adjustments allowing for a heavier fist than the TBCP, which likes a lighter touch. The TBCP is about 1/4 the price of the Begali, but the quality, looks, and feel of the TBCP is Top Shelf. I have the TBCP Fat Boy which is the same as the original but has a heavier, 1/2 inch thick brass base and it stays put!
K5MP Rating: 2018-10-18
Compares to other Cooties offered at twice the price . Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I operate CW exclusively on a Sideswiper (a.k.a. Cootie) key. I've owned a multitude of commercially made Cooties, priced upwards of $500 and I will put this little gem up against the best of them. This is a Torsion Bar model hand crafted by W1SFR. Named appropriately as his model TBCP which stands for Torsion Bar Cootie Paddle, it has a very solid feel but is with a relatively soft landing at the end of each key stroke. I particularly like the comfort provided by the hand fashioned wooden paddles, and with the contact gaps adjusted very close makes for a less stressed wrist action. The Torsion Bar technology provides firm but soft tension to the single lever and assures optimal centering after each key stroke. I am very impressed by its ease of operation and eye-pleasing appearance. Of all the commercially made cootie keys I've owned, this one by far is the best price performer. I highly recommend this key for those interested to enter the Sideswiper arena, or to upgrade to a quality performer.