"I have SN#1 and quite frankly it's the best paddle I have ever used under $500. I am going to sell my Kent paddle and I keep my original Bencher for nostalgia value and I have an old beat up Vibroplex Vibrokeyer that I use mobile but I will be building one of Jerry's single paddles when they are available to replace it with. I make no claim to be an expert but when I come across ANY new paddle I take the time to play with it. That has included at least 5 home brew/back yard machinist manufacturer types, the Hexkey (which I also like) and almost every commercial manufactured paddle made in the last 35+ years. In my humble opinion you can't get a better, smoother more easily customizable paddle than Jerry's kit key even at 4 times the price. Every ham should have one. When I have been out a public outing with my QRP gear I ALWAYS take his paddle and when I get the chance I expound its virtues and have had several hams ask about it because they thought it was smooth and a pleasure to send with. Yes I shamelessly promote Ham Radio related cottage industry when ever possible; besides I only wish I had come up with the product! :>) THE BEST PART IS YOU GET TO MAKE IT LOOK ANY WAY YOU WANT IT TOO WITH YOUR OWN PERSONAL TOUCH AT THE FINISHING OR CUSTOM FINGER PIECES! Paint it, Plate it, Polish it, or put a texture into the metal; its all up to you. For me the easiest way was to use an orbital palm sander and some 320 grit sandpaper and just use the soft swirl texture it left and just assemble it. The texture hides fingerprints and it still hasn't tarnished. If it does tarnish a bit just polish it with "FLITZ" brand polish and it will have a protective coating that lasts a long time. One tube of this stuff will last a lifetime; I still have my first tube bought 23 years ago to polish my brass nameplate and buckle on my uniform. As a famous car ad once said "If you can find a better one, buy it" too which I will add the phrase "for under a hundred bucks". Try it, you'll like it. "

Mike Baker, K7DD