[Elecraft] Itching for a new rig

[Gary D Krause]

The first few years that I was licensed, I bought a new rig almost every year. 
 In the last ten years I have only bought two HF rigs.  I sold the first one 
because, I didn't really like it and then I bought a K2 #6113 that I built 
four years ago and it's now my main rig.

Lately I've been getting the new rig itch.  I've compared all the rigs that 
I'm interested in.  They all have their strengths and weaknesses as far as the 
type of operating that I do.  I've looked at all the specs and downloaded as 
much info as I can.  I've even read some of the manuals as well as reviews. 
 I've watched as many Youtube videos as possible since some of the rigs I have 
never seen or heard.  I've made several visits to HRO.  I know that this is an 
Elecraft reflector and I do own a K2 as will as other Elecraft kits but, you 
still have to check out the competition, right? ;-)

Now, over the last few years, I've been saving my money to buy a new rig.  I 
thought that this would be the year that I treat myself to a nice Christmas 
present.  Other than performance, I'm also considering, sound, ease of use, 
quality of build, price, service and looks.  When I say looks, I don't mean 
ergonomics.  I mean how it looks.  I never really thought about looks before 
until I saw several people mention it in reviews.  I suppose that makes me an 
HF rig fashion snob.  So be it.

Anyway, I've narrowed my selection down to two or three rigs, one of them 
being the K3.  Now I have overloaded myself with so much information that I'm 
like a deer caught in the headlights, not knowing which way to go.  I keep 
coming back to my K2 and thinking that I really can't get much better than 
that.  It's a super rig.

I just had to post this to help clear my mind so, that I might be able to make 
a decision...or not.

Thanks for listening,
Gary, N7HTS