Key: Begali Magnetic Classic
Serial: 0415
Vintage: 2008
Acquired: August 7, 2026
Plate: None
Base: Palladium plated steel
Click on an image to enlarge. All photos are original works by the author.
Review
The Magnetic Classic, like most of Begali’s models, has been available for sale for many years. There was the Classic which came first, which had a spring return action for the paddles. Then the Magnetic Classic came with its magnetic action. The earliest documentation that I could find about the Magnetic Classic is from an archived copy of the Begali website from February 2003, though in an interview with CWops included in the May 2025 issue of the club’s Solid Copy newsletter, Bruna Begali stated that the Magnetic Classic dual paddles have been in production since 2001.
The design of this key is very similar to that of the Vibroplex Brass Racer or Kent twin paddle keys. One of the biggest differences is that the Magnetic Classic, as its name implies, uses magnets instead of coiled springs for the return action of the paddles. The Magnetic Classic includes machined L-shaped paddles that rotate around their pivots on sealed ball bearings. This allows for a light touch and along with the tight manufacturing tolerances, provides for a solid feel and little, if any, wiggle in the paddle arms, which is something I absolutely abhor about cheaper keys.
I purchased this key from Chris, K6DBG. He was the original owner who purchased the key new in April 2008. When Chris shipped me the key, he included the original box and paperwork which was a neat bonus. Back then, new Begali keys came with a handful of blank QSL cards that included some i2rtf.com marketing on the front.
If you like the look and feel of the Magnetic Classic, you may also like the Begali Signature Edition paddles, a key which was the natural evolution of the Magnetic Classic, incorporating user feedback and improvements while keeping with the overall design elements of the Magnetic Classic.
k2mas.net is not affiliated with Pietro Begali nor the Officina Meccanica Begali company.
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