koning@4315.DEC (Paul Koning -- LAS Engineering) (01/14/86)
My favorite paddle was homemade (by my father PA0JKG). It was completely free of backlash or play because it basically consisted of two paddles hinged at the back by broad leaf springs. Maybe someday he or I will write it up... I once tried the Vibroplex paddle. Perhaps it was misadjusted, but it felt like a piece of garbage. Loose bearings and generally unpleasant. Considering their reputation, I was quite surprised; now I wouldn't even consider one. In fact, any mechanism that needs adjustment to be free from play isn't designed right. (The Bencher passes on that test judging by the picture; I've never tried one.) I seem to have lost my own paddle in the last move, but when I start looking for one again I'll probably start with the homemade kind, and only if I run into trouble with that would I consider buying one. paul pa0pkg