Several years ago ago I blew the budget and bought a Begali “Signature” paddle. After agonising over the cost it ended up being the best purchase I ever made for my station. Begali is a quantum leap over most anything on the market and unbelievably smooth to use.
Their line of keys is at http://www.i2rtf.com/html/keys_paddles.html Shortly after I bought mine Pierre Begali released the “Sculpture” It is made from 2 blocks of stainless steel and looks amazing. I wanted one but the price of 382 EU, + callsign engraving + shipping always put me off.
Begali has teamed up with the ARRL for the Centennial and has released the “Sculpture” at $499 USD which includes free ARRL and Begali logos, your free callsign engraving + free plastic dust cover + free shipping. Needless to say, I have blown the budget and my old chrome bencher second key will be up for sale soon. 🙂
The Begali/ARRL “Sculpture’ keying paddle. Presumably my callsign will be where the W1AW is engraved?
I will keep you posted as delivery will be a few months away.
73, Lee ZL2AL