[CW] A New Hybrid Morse Paddle

[Bruce Prior]

Pietro Begali has let another paddle out of the den, errr,
factory.  It's called Leonessa.  There has been a spirited argument among
dedicated CW operators about the merits of dual-lever versus single-lever
paddles.  The Begali Leonessa http://www.i2rtf.com/html/leonessa.html
serves either as a dual-lever or as a single-lever paddle.  I can't wait to get my paw on this one!

 

It's important to point out that designing and manufacturing
a fine-quality single-lever paddle is actually more difficult than doing the
same for a dual-lever paddle.  The
problem is making the paddle return smoothly and reliably to the central
neutral position.  To manage that with
paddles which can also work in the dual-lever mode is amazing.  In this case, Pietro chose relatively close
fingerpiece-spacing, but that spacing is still adjustable between 6.5 mm and 14
mm (that's 0.26" to 0.55" or about 1/4" to 9/16").  To switch between dual-lever and single-lever
action requires turning a readily-accessible fingerscrew on the upper rear
corner of the left fingerpiece.

 

The Leonessa is
not cheap.  It costs €390, but that is
less than the Begali Sculpture Mono (€425)
or the Stealth (€490).  I'm guessing that the Leonessa may be a candidate for those famous Begali Limited Edition
products, whose prices aren't even published. 
I guess if you can afford them, you don't need to ask! 8=))

 

The Begali website says that the Leonessa is not just for operators who can't decide between
single-lever and dual-lever paddling, but for really high-speed operation.  We'll see. 
Folks who are attending Dayton Hamvention may want to find out how fast
she can run!

 

73, Bruce N7RR 


J. Bruce Prior   853 Alder Street  Blaine, WA 98230-8030   360-332-6046   •Grid CN88px    •Amateur Radio Station N7RR    •The CW Operators' Club 846    
•Washington State SOTA Manager   •Pacific Northwest Trail Association   •American Alpine Club #1672    •SATERN
 		 	   		  
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