Fw: [Elecraft] key

[Mark J. Dulcey]

sonny smithson wrote:
> Jerry,
> I try to keep my responses to a minim on the reflector but I can't resist
> this one.  I have a Vibroplex code warrior,  Vibroplex double paddle,  and
> the Bencher double paddle.  I actually prefer the Bencher to the other
> two.  What are the mechanical characteristics  that limit  the Bencher to
> 20 wpm and under and the occasional ragchew?  I haven't done a scientific
> analysis  but I would guess 75% of the contacts I've had are with Benchers
> and most between 30 and 35 wpm.
> I am not knocking anyone who wants to spend as much for a paddle as their
> rig,  go for it.  It just seems to me this is another personal preference
> thing not backed up by any facts.  For the average op a Bencher or any
> paddle that can be adjusted for close contact spacing and a light touch
> should suffice!

The question seems to be "how close" and "how light"? Some operators 
seem to prefer a paddle adjusted to activate if you breathe hard on it 
(slight exaggeration for dramatic effect, but very close and very 
light); the Bencher isn't sufficiently precise to work well adjusted 
that way. Some of the other paddles people have mentioned, like the 
Schurr, are better if that's what you want. I prefer to set my paddles 
up with just a bit of movement (basically, just enough so that I can 
feel the paddle move when I touch it), and my Bencher works just fine 
that way. I like it better than my Palm mini-paddle (which feels a bit 
mushy for my taste), but the Palm is what I take on field operations 
(the Bencher is HEAVY!).

So, yes, it's yet another example of personal preference. Bencher is a 
good place for many hams to start, because you're almost certain to know 
somebody who has one, and can therefore try it out for free to see if it 
suits you. (And, if that fails, you can pick one up inexpensively at a 
hamfest near you.) But there is no one paddle to rule the world.