[Elecraft] Key, Keyer, Paddle etc. Recommendation?

[BobDobson@aol.com]

This e-mail reflects my opinion and my opinion only, so if 
anyone out there wants to flame me, you do it by opinion
alone.

There is an old saying: "You pays yer money and you gets 
what you pays fer".

The K2 looks like a nice radio; I'm about to start building mine
after first wimping out and buying a K1, which is still a VERY
capable radio.  (I was scared I couldn't handle a K2).
In my opinion, if you plan to do any significant
CW operating, you should not skimp on the paddles any more
than you skimped on your radio.  I have examined several paddles, 
and have reached the following conclusions:

The Schurr Profi (see my review on eham.net) is a great paddle
for the money.  It ain't cheap (somewhere in the $200 - $300 range),
but it has a sweet but sturdy feel that can't be had with the $25
"juice can" paddles I've seen of late.  Don't bother with Vibroplex;
they're all junk compared to this unit.  "QRP" doesn't equate to "cheap 
and second-rate".  It merely means low power.  There are other 
paddles that cost more money, but aren't significantly better.
The Long Island Mercury, in the $500 range, is a nice paddle also,
but has much a different "feel" than the Schurr.  Not better, just
different.  If you have the strength of King Kong, buy the LI
Mercury; it won't slide around on the table for the heaviest of
fists, and has a very stiff, snappy feel.  Otherwise, the Schurr 
will be your best bet.

I have posted reviews for both units on eham.net, as well as the 
G4ZPY "mini" paddles.  These are miniature iambic paddles,
but are a bit light and have a tendency to slip about on the 
table.  Otherwise, they are an excellent choice.

Hope this helps.

73,

Bob  WA4FOM




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