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Posted: 2/25/2016 12:57:31 AM EDT
Sold my Bencher BY-2 years ago, regret doing so now. Been looking at whats out there in the way of budget keys and decent mid range cost keys. I've narrowed it down to the following choices:





UR5CDX, either the CT599 or the CT 73 These are magnetic keys and look really nice for the money.







Begali Simplex It's a spring tension key and one of their lowest priced keys.







The Kent TP1 Probably in kit form to save a few bucks.







Or go low cost with American Morse with the DCP (Dirt cheap Key) or the Porta Paddle







Anyone with personal experience with any of these?


 
Link Posted: 2/25/2016 7:44:08 AM EDT
[#1]
I have had both the Begali and the TP1 from that list.
The nice thing about the Begali is that you can often find one lightly used for about the same price (or less) than the Kent. They are both nice, but I sold the Kent and kept the Simplex. It's a great paddle.
Link Posted: 2/25/2016 7:46:04 AM EDT
[#2]
I built my TP-1 from a kit and I like it.  The consensus I've read is that the next step up is the bengali stuff which is $$$.
Link Posted: 2/25/2016 10:46:48 AM EDT
[#3]
make mine a KENT TP-1


Link Posted: 2/25/2016 12:07:28 PM EDT
[#4]



Old school



(Yeah, that's what I really use)
Link Posted: 2/25/2016 4:32:16 PM EDT
[#5]

Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


http://www.morsex.com/pla/k413.jpg





Old school







(Yeah, that's what I really use)
View Quote




 
Nothing wrong with a straight key except I don't have the rhythm for it. I'd be like Michael J. Fox after a 4 pack of Red Bull's.  
Link Posted: 2/25/2016 6:00:08 PM EDT
[#6]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
http://www.morsex.com/pla/k413.jpg


Old school



(Yeah, that's what I really use)
View Quote

I have the same key...use it from time to time
Link Posted: 2/25/2016 7:07:18 PM EDT
[#7]
What I have.

Link Posted: 2/25/2016 9:31:24 PM EDT
[#8]
This is the only acceptable answer.  I have 2 of them.  

http://www.americanmorse.com/portapaddle.htm





Also have 2 bencher and some others.  The only ones that get used are the porta paddles.  He told me he plans to have a magnetic available by hamvention this year..  I'm planning to check it out.


Link Posted: 2/25/2016 10:37:15 PM EDT
[#9]
I have one of those.
I think I used it once. It seemed OK.
I am not an iambic paddle type of guy.
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