Good points by by responders to this thread.
It is especially true that you should probably stick to iambic if that's what
you've been using. I don't really use iambic features, but I need an iambic
paddle. If that's what you've been using, stay with that style.
I picked up the cheapest Begalli available at Dayton last year, only because I
played with it for a half-hour and figure the longer fulcrum gives it a superb
feel. I still can't believe I spent money on a new key! It replaced a Kent,
which fits better in my trucks' ashtray than a Bencher ( for /M of course).
If you're serious about contesting, however, use the keyboard and learn all the
stuff you can do with the keyboard ( tune VFO, swap VFO, RIT, etc. ). I've
gotten quite used to not reaching for the radio, or anything else, unless
absolutely necessary. Paddles are used only when I futz something up on the
keyboard, or need to respond to an unusual situation. Speaking of which, I did
some serious damage to my left thumb. Although I'm right handed, I was
unpleasantly suprised at how badly things go on the keyboard. Just as bad as
using an alien set of paddles.
Paul WB2ABD
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