Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: Flex-Flyer paddle by KA2BZS

Category: Keys & Paddles

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : Flex-Flyer paddle by KA2BZS
Reviews: 4MSRP: 475
Description:
precision paddle
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.cwforever.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0044.8
N3CW Rating: 2007-01-20
Excellent Paddle Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
A very well-designed and built paddle, and the flex bearings make for smooth and repeatable operation. Fine pitch adjustments help make it easy to set up. The satin finish on the brass is very attractive, and the stainless adjustment screws add a nice contrast. There is a cork bottom (instead of rubber feet) which appears to work fine; probably the use of feet would add even more to the paddle height and already the base is fairly thick. Perhaps some plastic paddle options would allow for use by folks who like their fingers resting closer to the tabletop, but I found all the dimensions to be fine for me. The paddles are a bit long (again, some paddle options would be nice). The underneath (wiring, soldering, brass finish) looks as good as the topside. Has a very low-mass arm feel during use. Overall a great key!
W7TK Rating: 2003-10-02
Perfection! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have owned and still have most of the expensive paddles available, I let the WBL get away. Cost usually relates to workmanship!

The Flyer tops them all in looks, finish and feel. The heart which is the special bearings do the job intended and you feel no slop whatsoever at any spacing from tight to wide.
A delight to use and more so just to gaze at!
LARRY_DUNCAN_EX_K4WLS Rating: 2003-04-01
Smoothe as Silk Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Great looking burnished brass base with
extra long paddles. Spacing and tension
adjustments are easy, fast, and stay put.

Comes with a line cord and 1/4 inch stereo
plug. How many paddles have you seen that
come with the line cord and plug already
installed. Plug it in, the adjustments
take less than 5 mins, and you are on your
way to effortless, silk smooth CW !!

A little more expensive than the average
Bencher, but you get what you pay for,
and this one is built to last a lifetime.

Best paddle I have ever used.
N4ZZK Rating: 2003-03-29
A pleasure to use Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Ron (KA2BZS)has been using this design for some time but just recently began offering the key for sale. I received serial number 3 in March of this year.

Pros
-------
- the flex bearings provide an extremely smooth feel. His use of this type of bearing is unique and a very good choice.
- the magnetic tensioning allows for a wide range of adjustment.
- very solid feel and the machine work is excellent
- the design is simple, rugged and the overall appearance is very nice
- baked on epoxy finish, gives a warm color to the brass

Cons
------
- the surface is not as perfect as I expected and there are noticeable machine marks (or sanding marks). While this does not detract from the performance, its is not on the same level that some would expect from a paddle in this class.

Summary
----------
Its an excellent key and the best one I've used. With an improvement to the finish I would rate it a 5.

73, Al