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| Reviews Summary for N3ZN KEYS Model ZN-3A |
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Reviews: 14
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $250.00
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Description: Vertical Iambic paddle, magnetic lever return, ball bearing movement, low profile fingerpieces, very short lightweight lever arms and quick adjust contact and magnet screws.
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More info: http://www.n3znkeys.com
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K8ALM
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 20, 2009 10:02
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Work of art
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have the ZN-9B and absolutely love it. I tend to have a rather heavy hand when keying and the ZN9B has a beautiful feel and stays in place. Excellent craftsmanship. You will not be disappointed.
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KI6YN
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 19, 2009 08:15
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A GREAT PADDLE
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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I have been using a Mercury paddle for almost 20 years and was fascinated by the idea of a vertical paddle. I tried some others but washn't satisfied and then I read about the ZN-3A. The reviews were correct, great service, beautiful workmanship, and a nice unique feel. I only work CW and having the ZN-3A makes it a hard choice between it and the Mercury. They have different feels, but both are works of art and possessions bo be enjoyed. Buy one, you will be glad you did.
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WD4DNG
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Rating: 5/5
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May 14, 2009 18:28
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Outstanding workmanship,a work of art !
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This is my second set of paddles that Tony has built for me,the first was the ZN-4A.I was so impressed with it I ordered The ZN-3A.
Like the ZN-4A,It is a precision high quality instrument,heavy,will not walk on the table & the workmanship is outstanding!It makes using CW a pleasure!
I own other high end paddles,but these are my favorite!It is an investment that will last a life time!
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N7DJC
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 24, 2008 10:48
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Finest Key
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have not been a CW operator for 14yrs. however after a great deal of time with a CW friend of mine I decided to get back into CW. I fell in love with the ZN-3A after carefully examining many very expensive lessor keys at that friends home. I asked Tony to make the ZN-3A have a little more table space so he advised me that he could put a 3/4" brass base on it to raise it up slightly. The day it arrived Tony sent me an e-mail saying it exceeded his 5# mail scale, I checked it on my scale and got 5# 4 3/4oz. This is the smothest key I've tried and I'll not buy any other mfg. key. I'm doing great on getting back into CW.
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K7JAL
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 11, 2008 11:34
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The best of the best
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I just received my ZN-3A from Tony about 2 weeks ago. I could have written this the day I received the key, but I wanted to use it for a bit before I did. Being the 3rd key I own of Tony's, I had no doubt about the quality. There is none better. I own a ZN-4A and a ZN-9A. You can read my reviews there. I just replaced the ZN-4A in my shack with this ZN-3A and the ZN-9A is in my 5th wheel. All my other keys are dust collectors now.
This ZN-3A is a beast to say the least big and heavy, but it is the most beautiful key that I own. Beauty and the beast all in one.
I never knew that the feel of a vertical iambic paddle could be so different than normal iambic paddles, but the short finger pieces with the movement of the vertical arms is the most amazing feel. Smooth, graceful, and outstanding feedback.
My next key purchase will be one of Tony's ZN-7A, so that I can put one of these amazing keys into my trailer while on the road.
Tony puts magic in all his keys. His keys are well thought out from the stand point of the CW operator. his workman ship is impeccable.
If you are looking for the best of the best then this is the key for you. HIGHLY recommended.
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N7XM
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 25, 2008 04:30
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Top of the LINE !
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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My initial impression - this is a W9WBL design
on " steroids" - but that is NOT true - it is
it's own unique design !
N3ZN is a master craftsman ! He has paid great
attention to detail and it shows.
This paddle is HEAVY - and that is very welcome
the movement is PRECISION and SMOOTH - it uses
magnetic tension and its easy to adjust.
I have 50 years experience with CW - I have had
many paddles - and this MODEL rates right up their
with the TOP TWO in my opinion !
Paddles tend to
be an individual matter and very subjective -
but regardless of your TOUCH ( heavy or light) , I suspect this PADDLE will meet your needs -
Two thumbs UP !!!
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K3EY
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 16, 2008 04:41
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EXCELLENCE
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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What can I add that others have not already stated besides a big thanks to Tony for providing a unique paddle that functions amazingly well. Excellent feel with small foot print yet very stable for even that hard fist. Excellent craftsmanship priced very reasonable.
I truly understand what Tony is doing and what's required producing excellent paddles that are affordable. You must give it your time money talent and your good name to accomplish this kind of endeavor. I thought of doing this very thing myself since I am a machinist already and half way there. Regardless I lack the required drive and passion to do it right.
I have never met Tony. I have no invested interest in his business whatsoever. It’s just that I clearly see his passion and talent and know first hand what’s involved as it’s my area of expertise. I applaud guys like Tony for putting it all out there for everyone’s benefit . Thanks again Tony for doing what I couldn't.
Curt/k3ey
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W1BX
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 26, 2007 17:36
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Best of the best of the best....with honors.
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Instantly my favorite key, and only Don Hensley's key in my collection comes close. The fit and finish of Don's keys are without parallel, but the basic design has a lot of mass to the arms, which leads to a fairly heavy adjustment feel. The ZN-3A vertical design offers a unique advantage in that the finger tip travel is nearly constant over the paddle finger piece surfaces. Tony has also used low mass arm elements, allowing a much lighter weight setup. The end result is very easy adjustment, higher speeds, and excellent accuracy at close spacing. A jewel on any one's operating desk.
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KZ5Y
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Rating: 5/5
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Jun 8, 2007 15:04
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A work of art!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I owned a Brown Brothers iambic key since 1978. It's a classic and I liked it alot, except it was way too light in weight and moved around too easily. It was time to upgrade my station and I decided that it was time to get a new key.
I tried several keys. I didn't like the Bencher at all, and I also tried the Kent iambic twin paddle and a Schurr Profi. I wasn't sold on either for a variety of reasons.
I did alot of online research and looked at just about all the iambic keys currently being manufactured. I sent many emails out asking for information and I asked alot of questions.
Tony Baleno is a class guy. He was always prompt and professional. After doing my research, I settled on his ZN-3A model with the ebony fingerpieces. I placed my order and Tony just happened to have one ready to go for me. It arrived promptly, but one of the ebony fingerpieces arrived broken despite his excellent packing. No problem. Tony mailed a new set immediately. First Class Service!
This key is a work of art. I opted for the ebony finger pieces and find them to be light, and easy on the touch. Smooth, precise, and very nice looking, it is everything I have been looking for in an iambic paddle. Sending is almost effortless and the adjustments are precise. It compares favorable with many of the "elite" keys on the market. A great value and highly recommended!!
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NG6X
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 25, 2007 17:11
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My Search Is Over
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have tried many paddles but the ZN-3A is the best! The weight(over 4 pounds), the feel, and most of all the (on the fly) adjustability are excellent. The vertical movement makes adjustment so very easy. The ebony fingerpieces are very light and they flex very little, making the overall feel incredibly light and fast (QRQ). You can adjust the spacing very close and the spring tension very light. The paddle is a bargain, very well made, tough is the word, a keeper for me. Thanks Tony
73 Dave NG6X
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