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Reviews For: GHD GT502MIL Straight Key

Category: Keys & Paddles

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Review Summary For : GHD GT502MIL Straight Key
Reviews: 5MSRP: $459.95
Description:
Model GT502MIL is the "American Style" version of the 502, with bent lever. The base measures 5x3-1/4"
and it weighs 2 Lb 15 Oz. (1330g)
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.morsex.com/ghd/index.htm#keys
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0055
KS1U Rating: 2021-01-27
Best straight key I've ever used. Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I've used straight keys since the early 1960s when my Scout Troop (Troop 1, New London, CT) was able to take an 8-week course in morse code at a Navy facility located at the Avery Point Coast Guard Station. This key is perfectly balanced, infinitely adjustable and a joy to use. It may seem overkill to use a micrometer to set the spacing, but you never have to guess about setting it correctly. The bearings too may seem to be excessive, but the feel is like nothing I've ever used before. My frame of reference is having used top-end keys for many years. This is not only the best performing key I've used, it's also a work of art too.
W5UTW Rating: 2016-10-17
Deal of the Century Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Went to my very first Hamfest in Belton, TX. I didn't know what this was other than it was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Vendor had it over priced (joke!), but I had to have it. I tried to talk him down but was unable to.

He said it was from an estate sale. Never used (it was in its original box with packaging, parts, and two different knobs, one red, one black).

I got home, looked it up here on eham, and almost fell out of my chair.

I got it for $75.00 (that's seventy five USD).

At the same Hamfest, I got a good deal on a little dual band Alnico and am prouder of this key than I am the radio.

I am a new Ham, but was a (Vietnam era) Radioman in the Navy. I am just getting my "Shack" set up and canNOT wait to use this key.

GT502MIL/SN: GC5138T
KG0MN Rating: 2016-01-06
What a wonderful key Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I have been licensed since 1976 and have used numerous keys and it seems that I have always gone back to my favorite the Signal Electric "Triumph" straight key. While in Dayton in 2015 I tried a GHD 502MIL style key and I immediately knew why they were referred to as the Cadillac of keys. The weight is nearly 3 lbs so their is minimal amount of movement. The main lever has the dog leg like most American keys so I immediately felt at home. The bearings used at the two side contact points is nothing like what we see in the stated. The adjustment points allow you to set the spacing to a precision point. This is the most money I have spent on a key but in my mind it is designed to last a life time.
NS0W Rating: 2015-01-09
The ultimate in engineering and beauty Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I have to start with a disclaimer: I am fairly new to CW and I can sometimes elevate appearance above functionality in my decision. I also like the spacing on my keys to be real tight and precise.

I have been looking at the GHD keys on the Morse Express website, but there were always something more important to spend my ham radio budget on. I am also reluctant to give my business to Marshall since he does not support the local community. I have yet to see him at any of the N. Colo hamfests.

One day I stumbled across a GHD GT502MIL on Ebay and got it for a VERY good price. With my bias towards tight spacing, I was actually initially somewhat disappointed. The GHD was not any better than my Junker in terms of setting tight spacing or anything else for that matter. Having said that, it seems that a new Junker (if you can get it) will sell for about the same price as a GHD. On the other hand we all know there is probably no uglier key than a Junker with the cover closed - which is why I removed the cover on mine entirely.

So, after the novelty wore off, I went to Hobby-Lobby and I bought a model display case (SKU #902437 - a perfect fit), polished the GHD, put it in the case and went back to using the Junker.

The bottom line is if you simply want the best in terms of functionality and looks, and you have the money to support that, you cannot go wrong with the GHD. If you are on a budget like me, a good used Junker of Ebay will give you the same functionality for about a quarter of the price. Be careful though, I have seen really bad ones at ridiculous prices - so bide your time and wait for a good deal.

My 2c worth

73 de NS0W
KU5Q Rating: 2011-03-26
Pricey, but...... Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Yes, yes...it's frivolous and stupid to spend this much on an on/off switch. Just had to have one, and got one from N1FN-Marshall & CO;

Milestone Technologies, Inc.
Morse Express | OHR | AMECO
10691 E. Bethany Dr., Suite 800
Aurora, CO 80014 USA;

@ http://www.mtechnologies.com/index.html. Lately, got addicted to straight key and have used this one everyday for the past couple of months. After getting it set for my wrist, can use it for hours with little fatigue. The Mitutoyo thimble/sleeve for setting the throw is a nice touch. Again, overkill design for many for sure. Do wish it was offered in AISI-304 stainless steel with out the chrome.