Selecting a paddle

A Morse Code Paddle is a personal choice, and if you really get passionate about CW and using a paddle, you’ll probably end up spending some money (AUD$300-400+) on a high-quality product. If you’re still undecided (which is a good strategy when you start out), follow these general guidelines when selecting your first paddle.

Make sure it’s solid and weighs at least 1 – 1.5 Kg. You don’t want to be chasing it around the desk
Consider the rubber kitchen drawer liner matting from Bunnings (or similar) to sit the paddle on; further reducing the likelihood of it slipping on the operating desk; https://www.bunnings.com.au/practa-black-50x150cm-non-slip-kitchen-drawer-liner_p0374427
Do not use capacitive touch paddles when learning; these are great when you’re in the field operating portable and space and weight are at a premium, but not well suited to developing timing, rhythm, and cadence
It wants to have at least two adjustment points; one for contact spacing, and one for tension.
Do not print a 3D paddle at home
Do not buy a cheap plastic paddle from the online shops, such as Temu, Amazon or eBay.
A dual or single or mono lever paddle; that is the question. This really is a personal choice, however, if you have no experience either way, start with a dual-level paddle. This is usually the easiest paddle on which to learn and build your skills. Having said that, some people prefer single-lever paddles. If you can borrow one from a friend, you’ll get to experience them first-hand before making your purchase.

The second-hand market is probably the best place to pick up a quality paddle at a fair price. Below are two examples of excellent entry level brand name paddles. Both these appear from time to time on the second-hand market here in VK and ZL.

Above are photos of a BY-1 dual-lever paddle, a Kent dual-lever paddle, and the Kent single-lever paddle.

Some of the mid-range paddles from Chinese websites are an acceptable starter paddle. These range from about $70 – $120 delivered. One example is the Xeigu VK-6 Iambic Morse Code Key. Whilst entry level, it will get you started and offers a reasonable value-for-money paddle.

Well known Morse code Paddle manufacturers include:

Begali: https://www.i2rtf.com/index.html

Vibroplex: https://vibroplex.com/index.html

Kent: https://www.kent-engineers.com/

VK Suppliers: Andrews Communications for Bencher Paddles

https://www.andrewscom.com.au/amateur-radio

Second Hand Sales: https://vkclassifieds.net.au/

Herewith a list of dual-lever paddle starting at about $150 up to about $400.

Vibroplex

https://vibroplex.com/contents/en-us/d5_Standard_Iambic.html

Begali Simplex Basic – €141 = AUD$250 plus $80 postage (give or take) makes it $330

https://www.i2rtf.com/simplex-basic.html