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Reviews For: Chevron Morse Key

Category: Keys & Paddles

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Review Summary For : Chevron Morse Key
Reviews: 16MSRP: £375 - £465
Description:
"The Chevron Morse Key - Built With Passion For Great Morse Code"
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.chevronmorsekeys.co.uk
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
00164.8
WB0OEW Rating: 2021-05-12
way too expensive Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This key is nicely made for sure, but it's definitely not worth the insane price. I would return it if I hadn't opted for engraving my call. I own 9 different paddles. I use a light to moderate touch and I find this key about mid way among my collection for feel and accurate sending. It's also unnecessary large in my opinion, as if it tries to pretend to be a great key by size alone. This key is also by far the loudest of them all, making a tinny clack with each lever motion, so it is quite annoying to operate after a short while. Sorry, but I can't recommend this one.
N7GR Rating: 2021-03-20
A masterpiece of craftmanship Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I have been a cw fan since I was a kid and have owned a variety of keys in my 45+ years as a ham. I learned of the Chevron Key made by M0AGA while talking with a fellow ham at the low end of 40m. He had told me about the key and directed me to his qrz.com page where his Chevron Key was on display. Really was a thing of beauty, so I contacted Kevin, M0AGA and inquired.

Ordering one is quite simple. Kevin takes all of your information and only asks for payment when he finishes making the key. While there was a bit of a wait, Kevin would keep me apprised of his progress. When mine came to the top of the heap so to speak, Kevin began sending me regular images of the key he was making for me. Every step in the process he documented. Quite extraordinary these days.

Once completed I made payment via PayPal and the package was shipped. Upon arrival I inspected the package. To say that it was well packaged is an understatement. It took me awhile to unwrap and actually get to the key which was cocooned inside.

Although I didn't order them, Kevin sent along a set of olive wood finger pads which were absolutely gorgeous and nested well on the key. The ones I actually ordered haven't seen the light of day since!

In terms of performance, all I can tell you is that it plays as beautiful as it looks. In terms of my other keys, I only kept one and the yard saled the rest. The key is substantial. Pads are positioned higher than any of my other keys which took a bit of getting used to (in a good way) but resulted in more consistent sending at higher speeds.

I am genuinely appreciative of Kevin in terms of his communication and craftsmanship. World class service and product. They are pricey with respect to other keys, but you do get what you pay for. And Kevin and his key wildly exceeded my expectations. If you are in the market for a high end key, I would invite you contact Kevin. He is a fine gentlemen and you will not be disappointed in his product.
KE2WY Rating: 2021-03-12
as good as it gets Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I don't remember where I first found out about the Chevron key, but happy that I did. I'm not a key collector nor have I had much experience with a variety of keys. That said, I'm full time CW, mostly in contests. I had a Vibroplex single lever paddle which I used for a long time. I was first drawn to the beauty of the Chevron key. The pictures via the internet don't do it justice. It catches the eye of virtually everyone who comes into the shack. Kevin gold plates (other plating optional) the key, and the effect is outstanding. Operationally, the key is as smooth as one's hand can detect. It becomes an extension of the hand almost immediately. There are numerous adjustments to tailor the feel to one's preference, and once set up, it never changes adjustment. The Chevron is heavy; it does not move during use. I never realized how much micro hand movement I had been making to keep the Vibroplex where I wanted it until I used the Chevron.

Kevin makes a variety of models, all under the Chevron name. The distinctions involve how the adjustments are made and how much of the mechanics of the key are visible versus covered. My version has everything out in the open as I like to see mechanical things working. The finishes for the key are gold and chrome plating. Different parts of the key can be finished in different plating giving various optical effects.

Working with Kevin is a real joy. He keeps you informed at each step of the key's construction, sending pictures, commentary and options as they occur. Each key is made to order; nothing comes off the shelf. He and I had an extended email conversation before settling on the final design/finish. I changed my mind several times, and he never lost touch or got aggravated.

Yes, it is expensive. I justified mine as a retirement gift with the XYL's full approval. But the price is soon forgotten as the capabilities and esthetics of the Chevron become more and more evident. If you want to get a key of this quality you won't be dissatisfied. It really is at the top of the heap.
N5ZC Rating: 2019-03-02
Excellent Paddle Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I stumbled across M0AGA's chevron key on K1jD's qrz page. I also made a few inquiries to other users. Based on the excellent feed back I went ahead and ordered the key from Kevin.

Kevin was great to deal with. He sent regular emails with the build process along with pictures.

The key arrived yesterday and I put it into service last night. Boy is this key smooth. The Cocobolo wood paddles are beautiful and very functional. I ordered a set of acrylic paddles as well. I tried both, the wood paddles are preferred as the feel is great and they just look awesome.

If your looking for a great functional key as well as some eye candy for your operating desk, this is the key to get.

Rich - N5ZC

HA5BWW Rating: 2014-12-21
excellent! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I got this masterpiece from HA7AP, as a present. After the Vibroplex de luxe I'm learning only.
Much better! I like it!
Thank You Imi, HA7AP!
Ed
PA7RA Rating: 2012-10-17
Highest Class Time Owned: more than 12 months.

Hi
Since August 2011 I have the Chevron AGA # 36
I can only say one thing there is nothing better.
So beautiful and good that this paddle does its work one word amazing!
I also Begali, Shurr, Vibroplex that are good paddles but Chevron is just the top off the bill!
I work daily with the Chevron and if anything, it's an email to Kevin and you will soon will be answered via mail or Skype and your question is answered.
During the procces of assembling you will soon do something about the paddle is ready to have any info with photos!
If you wish to have on the appearance everything is always possible.
This is really a paddle that is made ​​for you!
If you do not like something you let know this to Kevin and it is changed as you want.
Okay it's a lot of money but it is well worth the Chevron.
This Paddle will always stay here in the shack.
First I got it for my birthday from my XYL and son!
second, better find you just can not.
Kevin thanks for this nice toy I really enjoy every day of it!

73 "
Rien, PA7RA




K8EAB Rating: 2011-12-18
Unsurpassed workmanship and performance ... Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I received AGA-Chevron Iambic paddle # 007 on Christmas Eve 2008. For many years prior to that date, I searched for “the perfect Iambic paddle”. Today, nearly 3 years later, I realize I no more wish my paddle would do this or wouldn’t do that. After some minor adjustments when I got the paddle, I’ve not had to readjust the travel or tension of the levers at all. They stay where you put them. The paddle is heavy enough that no amount of my banging it will dislodge it from its position on my shack bench. Previous reviews speak of the absolute beauty of the paddle and consummate creation workmanship. All praise for the paddle and its creators is richly deserved.

Is it expensive? Yes, it is … Is my CW sending better because I’m using the AGA-Chevron paddle? Maybe, maybe not …I do think my CW sending is better because I’m confident this paddle will do what I need and want it do … make Morse code characters reliably and accurately every time I reach to use it.

Kevin Gunstone was a delight to work with during the ordering, manufacturing, and delivery process. I can think of no better compliment to this device and it’s creators than to tell them I have just realized I haven’t been searching for the “perfect Iambic paddle” for quite some time now … nearly 3 years!

73, Weymouth (Wey) Walker …
K8EAB
EI7BA Rating: 2011-08-29
The best yet! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I presently own, or have owned, some very fine CW paddles. I heard about the Chevron from friends, and having read the reviews, curiosity eventually got the better of me. I sent in my order to Kevin M0AGA. This was done with a little trepidation, as the Chevron could not be accused of being cheap....in any sense of that word. When the key arrived some time later, and I used it for the first time, I knew I had made no mistake.
Other reviewers have waxed eloquent on the qualities of the Chevron, so I am not going to bore you with the same superlatives, but I will say this..
It may just be possible that there is someone else out there that can make a paddle as good as this, but I'm pretty sure that there's nobody out there that can make a better one!
Thanks Kevin!
NU5X Rating: 2011-08-28
great key Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Was going to order a Chevron when I was fortunate enough to hear of one available second hand. I spoke with Kevin via email because the magnet strength and paddles were not to my liking. A few days later I had the new strength magnets and paddles of my choice delevered. The service is excellent and the key is even better. I have owned all the top keys on the market.
As for performance, it is like it's on steroids. Machine quality and overall finish is simply the best. A good guy to deal with,
HA7AP Rating: 2011-08-27
The best of the best Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Honestly! I can't really add anything that wasn't said already, except the fact that I completely agree with N3ND and K1JD's view.

I have the new AGA Chevron key #34

This paddle looks the most beautiful to me.
It bring a smile on my face, every time I look at it.
It is a real jewelry.
Very heavy and stable.

I find that, the thinner finger plate works better for me at high speed QRQ operation.

Kevin,M0AGA is a very friendly person.
We had a lot of E-mail exchange back and forth. I received pix and we also had a enjoyable long conversation on skype too:-)
I also like the costum made name badge a lot on top of key.
The key has a feather light feel of touch.
It runs flawless, and very easy to send clean code with it.
It was very easy to adjust the paddle, and it works perfect and flawless with the smallest gap between contacts possible.
I am completely satisfied with my new toy

73 de Imi HA7AP