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Reviews For: Begali Magnetic Classic

Category: Keys & Paddles

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Review Summary For : Begali Magnetic Classic
Reviews: 55MSRP: 248.00 + 9.50 shipping
Description:
Gold plated magnetic iambic paddle using micro-threaded adjustments and precision bearings.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.i2rtf.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00554.9
M0XGB Rating: 2020-05-04
Well engineered and set up on delivery Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is a straight out of the box review in which I can't rate this key highly enough. I purchased the Key on their reputation and I am not disappointed at all. These keys work straight out of the box and set up only had to be slightly adjusted to meet my requirements. Well built very stable on the desk I could not wish for anything better. Certainly better than some options I was considering. This review was written during the covid-19 lockdown period in the UK and I purchased the Key to give me something to work on during this time. It has already given me confidence to participate in my first live QSO for many a year.
EI6GI Rating: 2018-02-21
Sometime, words are not enough Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Have had this key for a few weeks now. Have always been a straight key man and although tried a Bencher paddle before, never really took to it. This paddle has converted me though and my trusty Bencher RJ 1 is for the reserves bench.
Observations so far - Solid, immovable, precise and a complete joy to use. What's not to like.
And, by the way, the Begali's are so easy to deal with - you are treated more like a friend than a customer.
KA9TKO Rating: 2016-10-29
Just Ok.... Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Here we go. Ordered the mag classic in palladium. Received it within a week. It shipped from TX. I cannot say I like the appearance of the key. I realize that the website states parts can be replaced and this may slightly change the appearance of the key but the red plastic parts on the key more than slightly change the appearance for me. I did not notice the plastic parts on the paddle on the website as it was black and not noticeable. The plastic really takes away from the quality look of the paddle. Especially the red color. You may disagree but this is how I feel.
There was a dull spot on the finish of the key and I was directed to get gun mineral oil and use that but it did not work. As it ends up the paddle was sticking and I was told to ship it back to TX and they would ship me one from Italy to be sure it was perfect. In the mean time I received the aluminum finger pieces you can choose and it was the wrong color. They did send the correct ones with the new paddle but the new paddle was not adjusted at all. The black finger pieces don't really look as good with the silver screws used with the original red plastic finger pieces as well. Even the new paddle has some slight machining imperfections.
From a functional standpoint they work well but can be a bit noisy compared to paddles with a spring mechanism. I also like a close spacing and had to adjust a couple of times as it was sticking closed after some use.
In summary if the appearance of the paddle is important to you this may not be the model for you. I liked what was shown on the website but this is not what I received. I also wasted money on the gun oil and return shipping. Was expecting better based on the feedback on this company. I think the cheaper or more expensive models would be a better choice. Bruna was definitely very polite and responsive.
W6GEE Rating: 2016-01-06
State of the art design Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just bought the palladium finish version used. The construction is rock solid. Balance and action of paddles are exceptional! The weight of the base is unmovable which helps with a smoother light touch. I love this key's ability to set finer adjustments and keep them once set, as many other reviewers have mentioned. Well worth the money to have a solid reliable key without sliding all over the table.
M5ABN Rating: 2015-06-29
Superb engineering Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Just received my Begali Mag Classic. As a retired engineer l can appreciate the superb quality of workmanship. Compared to my Bencher BY2 the Begali is light and positive and a pleasure to use. It may even improve my cw sending. I was fortunate to win my new key in the EUCW Snakes & Ladders Activity. So thanks to all the operators who took part and to the Fists CW Club here in the UK.
LB2TB Rating: 2014-03-10
The best paddle I've ever had! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have used this paddle with my last 3500 QSO's and it really is the best I've ever had.

Adjustments stay as you want it for ever. Cannot remember the last time I had to adjust it.

The heavy weight of the keyer keeps it in one spot on your desk. No more moving around...

I normally work my QSO's around 28-32 wpm.

Looks nice and is well worth the investment!

73's from LB2TB
Norway
N1DZ Rating: 2011-01-10
Nice Key not great Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Nice looking key. Not at the same level as a Schurr in finishing quality or functionality. It looks more like a mass produced key. Not worth the high price tag. Also the magnetic tension is hard to dial in. I prefer my Schurr portable wabbler. It looks and works better for me.
K8TJ Rating: 2010-01-28
OK but far from the BEST Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I purchased one of these paddles recently. The machining quality is that of mass production with a LOT of rough edges, literally. I do not like the idea of using springs on the contact spacing adjusters but they do seem to hold their adjustment. The paddle has a VERY nice feel to it and I'm a bit surprised but I suspect it's because of the bearing pivots. Operationally I give this paddle a solid 5 but machining quality is no where even close to a Schurr Profi 2 or a March R-3A
KA2DDX Rating: 2009-11-18
Thank You Santa Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Santa came early this year and left a Begali Magnetic Classic in my shack. WOW! I cannot add any more to what has already been said. It's beautiful, operates wonderfully.....nice and smooth. It came with the optional aluminum finger pieces (red) and is a focus of pride in my shack. I love using it. I was not unhappy with my Kent TP-1, but really appreciate being able to step up in the world. Thanks to the Begali family for helping Santa get this to my QTH.

Regards To All,

Larry - KA2DDX
N0AH Rating: 2009-08-28
Great for beginners Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
My daughter Anna, W0ANT, is learning code and she is doing very well with this keyer. I have used it and found it to be easy to adjust for my speed. It has a nice weight and center of gravity. For the price, the quality is fb-