I got this short review from my friend, Mike, K8XF. Mike is a former ships radio electronics officer, a great CW operator, and has a collection of dozens of straight keys, paddles, and bugs. Recently, he purchased a CT-73MX from Yury, UR5CDX, and I asked him to do a short review. As you’ll see, he highly recommends this key.
I enjoy using well built paddles that wont move around your desk. If you do as well, consider the CT-73MX from Yury, UR5CDX. This Ukrainian paddle has a square base and is chrome plated. I chose this model because it is heavier than the brass model. The plating is excellent, and this paddle can be adjusted for sending easily.
This paddle is not as expensive ($178) as a Begali and is built very well. For an additional charge, you can have your call inscribed on a small plate placed on top of the base in front of the paddle. I did not do that.
Yury makes several other models, so be sure to visit his website. His QTH is in the center of Ukraine and so far has not been hit by Russian drones. Yury ships all orders via Poland due to the war. Via Poland, it took over three weeks to receive this paddle.
I’ve had the CT755 Single Lever Paddle from Yuri for about 2 years now. I rank it along side my Begali Sculptur Mono and N3ZN-SL keys. I found the adjustment process a little more difficult initially but set and forget since then. I’ve added the carbon fiber paddle since then and found it more directly connects you to the key. In fact, I added the second of 2 carbon fiber paddles to my N3ZN-SL. At $139, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend UR5CDX keys to anyone.
I too love my UR5CDX paddle! (I have the CT 599MX and can’t find a bad thing to say about it. Yury makes great stuff!)
73 de John (AC7FX)