The DXism “bending the needle” has long been used in radio circles to describe a RX signal so powerful that it might even bend the needle of a signal metre. While the term is used less and less in an era where amateur radio transceivers (minus the needle) dominate a market previously subjugated by CB radios, a DX group which actually seized the expression as a name and shaped an identity out of it in the CB radio boom days still exists stronger than ever.

Proud old groups like the Needle Benders exist on the other side of the great DX Group divide, appearing somewhat more laidback in nature than the Alfa Tangos and Sugar Deltas of the world, while still embodying the same raison d'être which has us sitting behind a rig with mic in hand and sending CQ calls around the globe.

With four current members in Australia, the World Wide Needle Benders Club was officially founded by a colourful citizens band radio operator known as the ‘Coax Kidd’ out of California way back in 1973. The Coax Kidd started a club that consisted of only the Elite Operators and Big Strappers (CB Clubs) with the purpose of ‘out-bending’ CB’ers in other groups such as the Bull Shippers, the Trucker Tucker Club and the Violators via proximity, QTH height, massive power, antennas, echo features and more! In fact, ANYTHING to send the signal metre not only up into the red but hammering against the metre glass!!!

According to historians, the original members of the famous Needle Benders Group were the President and Founder, Coax Kidd, Brahma Bull, Midnight Gambler, and Bill Tucker, who later became the President after Coax Kidd passed away. Despite changing hands on a few occasions, the group maintained its focus on big signals and big power, a philosophy reflected in its evolving catchcry, “Rockin’ the DX World!”

Prior to Bill Tucker passing away, Needle Bender 409, aka the Red Fox, was appointed as the Club’s third President. Needle Bender 409 held this title until early 2005 when Needle Bender 777 took over as the Club’s chief. To this day, Needle Bender 777 still holds the title of President of the Needle Benders.

A full list of Needle Bender members is below…

NB 01 Australia
NB 1 Ireland
NB 8 New York
NB 10 Oregon
NB 13 Florida
NB 59 England
NB 69 California
NB 96 Australia
NB 98 Barbados
NB 99 Utah
NB 108 Florida
NB 113 Ohio
NB 123 Michigan
NB 138 Louisiana
NB 144 Michigan
NB 149 North Carolina
NB 149 Barbados
NB 222 New Jersey
NB 226 Florida
NB 232 Texas
NB 235 Delaware
NB 288 Ohio
NB 293 Mississippi
NB300 California Jay
NB 303 Washington
NB 333 Mississippi
NB 305 Origen
NB 351 Australia
NB 347 JAMACIA
NB 357 Florida
NB 360 New Mexico
NB 393 West Virginia
NB 400 Mississippi
NB 409 Arkansas
NB 412 Tennessee
NB 454 Washington
NB 459 California
NB 502 Ohio
NB 555 Australia
NB 696 California
NB 71 Washington
NB 71 Ohio
NB 739 Florida
NB 777 Florida
NB 799 Kentucky
NB 907 Washington
NB 909 Pennsylvania
NB 995 Canada
NB 1091 Tennessee
NB 1145 Tennessee
NB 1218 Minnesota
NB 2516 California
NB 2754 California
NB 2811 California
NB 3547 California
NB 5150 Colorado

For more information on the group, please check out their website at http://needlebendersclub.com

73 de Admin