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Reviews For: Begali Simplex

Category: Keys & Paddles

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Review Summary For : Begali Simplex
Reviews: 114MSRP: 136.80 + 9.50 shipping
Description:
Iambic paddles with a 1.4kg gold plated base, manufactured using numerical controlled machinery.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.i2rtf.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
001144.9
WQ8Q Rating: 2002-11-26
Hard-working Precision Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
GHD paddles might be classified as the fine jewels of paddles. Vibroplex could be the nostalgic, quirky old sports car. The Begali Simplex is the hard working tractor of the paddle world, all dressed up and ready for a show, while ready and willing for whatever work you wish to put it through.
It only took a couple of weeks after I ordered the Begali Simplex, before they arrived at my door, wonderfully packaged, shipped Registered Mail. This, for $9.50 from Italy is impressive in itself. As in the other reviews, I agree that the gold plating could be smoother, but this is only noticeable when they are inspected under harsh lighting. It wasn't looks I was after, it was performance at any speed. This massive pile of metal with so-easy-to-adjust tension and contact spacing just sits there on the desk, a small footprint of gold plating just begging to be used.
The paddle does not move. The thick plastic paddles are at exactly the right height for an arm resting on the operating desk. The tension and contact adjusting knobs have fine threads for sensitive adjustments, and large springs holding them in place. So far, I've never had to change the adjustments. Set it where you want it, and it stays put. And I can adjust these paddles to a lighter tension than any other paddles I've tried. Like it heavier? Fine, set it where you want it. Like wide, clicky spacing? Fine. It'll take it. Like spacing so fine you couldn't blow air through? It'll take that, too.
Want precision? I've set mine to .0015" spacing and adjusted the tension to 15 grams. After many practice sessions and many QSOs this setting has not changed. I've run the CMOS-4 keyer up to 50wpm and the only errors comes from me, not the paddles. The paddle levers are balanced perfectly on hidden ball bearings. There's no feeling of mass to slow you down at any speed. Others have compared them to the Schurr. I don't know. I've never tried one. I DO have the GHD Optical paddles and the TenTec/Vibroplex paddles, along with a Kent TP1. So far, the Begali is my favorite. I would never take the GHD or Vibroplex with me for portable operation. They're too delicate. The Begali is amazingly well built, yet will respond to the most delicate touch.
Two minor things. The aforementioned not-mirror-finish gold plating, and the dust cover which comes with the paddles. Well, I guess it would keep out the dust, but I've bought cherry tomatoes in heavier plastic. A temporary cover only. Not enough to count off any points, especially for the price. What a deal.
Pietro has updated his website with prices and availablity. Prices have recently gone up a few dollars. He readily responds to email, but you might have to wait a day or so. After all, building these is not his primary profession, and he has a business to run. So check things out at www.i2rtf.com
And he has recently started stamping/engraving serial numbers on the paddles. Buy one now and get a nice low number!
W6NR Rating: 2002-10-31
Great value Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Nice design and feel. The construction is so nice I was a bit dissapointed in the quality of the gold finish, but at this price level it's a great buy.
AC5AA Rating: 2002-10-22
Fine feeling, precision key Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
After reading DJ8GO's review, I decided to give the Begali Simplex a try. I'm very impressed with the design and quality of this key. The price makes it all the more attractive. The bearings are hidden in the base, making the appearance very clean. If I were really nit-picky, the only thing I would mention is the finish of the base is not quite a mirror finish, but close. Still, this is a beautiful key. Since the base is steel, it is much heavier, and won't move on the desk. The precision spring-loaded screws for tension and gap make adjusting a simple process. It is a delight to adjust down to a very light, very small gap. Also, unlike the Schurr, each paddle has an individual tension adjustment. I like my Schurr (other than contact problems), but think I will use the Begali Simplex most of the time. Ciao, Pietro, and thank you! By the way, he is working on a web site: http://www.i2rtf.com Click the words at the top for a photo of the Simplex.
W2VD Rating: 2002-10-02
Ciao Bella Simplex! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
My key arrived safely from Piero, I2RTF. It took about 2 weeks in total to place the order and receive the key. At $119 plus $9.50 s/h, this key is a great buy. It compares very favorably with my Schurr in regard to workmanship, quality, and feel. The setup was pretty much on the money for me right out of the box. If you are a CW buff, I'm sure that you will love this key.