Begali Expedition vs. UR5CDX CT599.....which key do I prefer?

[@Larry-AK0Z]

I like my Begali Magnetic Professional, but the CDX must be a good one. As I have increased my speed, I no longer slap the fingers pieces and the key no longer moves around. Thanks for the honest review.

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, I've noticed that the longer I do this the less I slap the key around too. I'm still a little ham fisted, but it's getting better lol. Thanks for watching!

[@Kinetic79]

Thanks for introducing me to the UR5CDX keys. My order with the optional carbon paddles is now on its way! 😊 I have a couple of very portable keys, but this should be nicer to hone my skills.

[@EvanK2EJT]

You're going to love the key! Congrats

[@markfloyd6816]

I ordered a CT 73 today. Getting back on the air after many years being QRT. I enjoyed your video and you answered some questions I had. Thank you! 73, de N1CT

[@EvanK2EJT]

They're awesome keys! You won't be disappointed.

[@goobercrow198]

😂 “QSL cards and garbage hanging all over the walls” epic definition of a ham shack! 😂

[@EvanK2EJT]

I mean....not that there's anything wrong with that.....but it's just not my style LOL. Thanks for watching!

[@ske1eter]

Had a Begali and, yes, the contact gap screws walked over time and I hated that. Ended up with a UR5CDX CT599 and a CT755 paddle and enjoy them.

[@BowWowPewPewCQ]

I found UR5CDX because of your video. Unfortunately, there is nothing in stock to buy.

[@EvanK2EJT]

He's hit or miss. Being in Ukraine makes things tough for obvious reasons. From the website, it looks like he's doing renovations to the shop, so I'd keep your eye on the site.

[@AnthonyJones-vk6xq]

If i had a choice of the keys on your table (not that i ever will HI) i would choose the W1SFR 'torsion bar' key in a heartbeat, what a wonderful key/piece of art ! For going out in the field a cheap chinese paddle would suffice, i would not risk damaging a nice Begali. Appreciate you uploading the video, Best 73.

[@EvanK2EJT]

The W1SFR torsion bar key have a distinct feeling that is totally different than any other key. I'd agree it's on my short list of favorite keys too!

[@votisb]

Yep, I have a couple of W1SFR keys - the Fat Boy and a Titan Straight. They are magnificent things :)

[@marcinmerrimack1726]

Interesting review! Why not fashion some custom finger pieces from carbon fiber for the Begali? That would solve the ‘cold’ issue as well as allowing you to extend the finger pieces downward as you like. I’m especially intrigued with Yuri’s Eridan MX paddle (not in stock now). More costly, but simply gorgeous…

[@EvanK2EJT]

You know.....that never occurred to me. I have no idea why. That's a great idea! Maybe I'll make carbon fiber paddles for both keys. Thanks!

[@PerB_M]

Just ordered the CT599 MX and looking forward to use it :-) 73 Per HB9GIM & OV2V

[@EvanK2EJT]

It's an outstanding key! You'll love it

[@donz7992]

Great point on the ergonomics and locking adjustment feature, Evan. I keep eyeing that UR5CDX key but did have a thought...will the brass eventually tarnish and need to be polished? And if so, how frequently and how difficult will that be?

[@EvanK2EJT]

I wondered that myself Don. I guess we'll see. It might actually look cool with some patina. Thanks for watching!

[@donz7992]

@@EvanK2EJT They now have 3 back in stock, lol!

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@donz7992 You'd better make that 2 Don lol

[@Utahforrest]

I have a begali and now just ordered this key. Damn you

[@EvanK2EJT]

You won't be disappointed. It's a really nice key!

[@w4baham]

I am "learning" CW and would like a iambic key to practice on. I have a ICOM 7200 radio. I know it has a plug-in on the back, but do not know the size of the plug in. Are they all basically have the same size plug in?

[@EvanK2EJT]

There are two basic sizes. 3.5mm and 1/4". I'm not sure what size jack the 7200 has, but I wouldn't be surprised if it's 1/4". That being said, you can buy adapters for a few bucks, so it's not really an issue either way.

[@AnthonyJones-vk6xq]

3-conductor 6.3 (d) mm (1⁄4˝) for the CW key.

[@jayKQ4DUX]

Thanks for the comparison. I'm looking at an expedition, mostly for drive up pota activations. It seems every time I'm the last 6 months I check the ur5cdx website, they are sold out of everything...is it just my timing or always like that?

[@EvanK2EJT]

UR5CDX is hit or miss. Probably a function of Ukraine being at war. He's currently redoing his shop, so he has no stock at the moment. You can't go wrong with the Expedition though, it's a fantastic key

[@jayKQ4DUX]

@EvanK2EJT Thanks, also looking at bamatech tp-ii...the bigger one. Lots of people like the tp-iii, but I want a bigger key.

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@jayKQ4DUX Yeah, the TP-III is a tad small, and I find the paddles a little to small and close together. It's a great field key, but the TP-II is a better all around key

[@w4baham]

Does the Begali get out of adjust more frequent since none of the adjustment screws have a "locking nut" to secure them and the UR5CDX CT599 does?

[@EvanK2EJT]

Good question, and generally speaking no. There's a decent amount of drag on the screws, so just brushing up against them doesn't hurt anything. It's just not as secure as the UR5CDX

[@dovetomarc]

Great review. Can you tell me which Pelican z case you use for the Expedition? Tnx 73

[@EvanK2EJT]

I use a Pelican 1050

[@JayN4GO]

Damn you’re making me want another key. Haha

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, I have that effect on people LOL. Thanks for watchig!

[@andyw3720]

I love my CT 73 MX You sure get a lot for your money with Yuri. I see he has carbon fiber paddles for sale on his site now. 😏

[@EvanK2EJT]

Yeah, it's hard to beat his keys for the money!

[@saulbro]

I believe that most of the time when you say "paddle", you mean "fingerpiece".

[@EvanK2EJT]

Potato, potahto. Yes. That's what I mean.

[@saulbro]

@@EvanK2EJT I do appreciate the comparison review, though.

[@EvanK2EJT]

@@saulbro Thank you, and thanks for watching!

[@pauljones6668]

begali expensive keys,there are better keys and cost a lot less tried a few over the years . at the end of the day its the singer not the song .