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| Reviews Summary for N3ZN KEYS Model ZN-5A |
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Reviews: 20
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $250
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Description: This is a QRQ paddle with short lightweight aluminum arms, magnetic tension, ball bearing movement, quick adjusting contacts and magnets. No locking nuts.
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More info: http://www.n3znkeys.com
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K2VCO
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 30, 2008 23:15
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A top-notch key
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have just made a few QSO's with my new ZN-5A and I'm extremely pleased. I'm presently using a Begali Magnetic Pro, which is no slouch. The ZN is as good or better.
This is the ultimate "low unsprung weight" paddle! The fingerpieces and moving arms have very low inertia, much lower than the Begali. The fingerpieces are small, and they feel stiff and without flex, as they should. The base is quite heavy, and the result is a very solid feel. The ball bearings, as expected, were very smooth and the paddle could be adjusted to close spacing and light tension. I was able to send comfortably at my top speed without any interference from the paddle.
The adjusting screws have a fine thread, easy to adjust and they stay put. The round base of this model is attractive, and more important, doesn't get in the way of my fingers.
The whole package is smaller than the Begali, but sticks to my desk a bit better. I was able to use it without any rubber-coated shelf liner under it, which I need for the Begali or various other keys.
The key was nicely finished brass with no visible defects, scratches, etc.
Tony answered my initial email query the same day, and carefully confirmed my order. The key arrived exactly 4 weeks later; Tony informed me when he shipped it. It was packed very well, double boxed, etc.
There are other keys which are fancier or visually more exciting, but I doubt that you will find a better Morse sending instrument.
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N7XM
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 21, 2008 12:57
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ZN3A - Stunning !!!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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Very well made for my tastes
with 50+ years on CW -
this is great paddle - I like
light tension and moderate spacing -
highly adjustable to personal
tastes - real precision work
and performance !!!
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N4ST
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 28, 2008 17:52
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Handles as good as it looks
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I have had my ZN-5A for about six weeks now and there is no looking back. It was love at first sight with the beauty and precision, but a few hundred QSO's later and there is no doubt that it performs as good as it looks. This key can be adjusted for an extremely light touch with little movement yet remains very reliable in its make/break operation. I have two other keys in the same price range, and they are very nice, but the ZN-5A is what I'm running with.
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N6TZV
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 12, 2008 14:23
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Beauty, Performance, Value!
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I have had the N3ZN 5A round paddle for well over six months now. Communications with N3ZN was prompt, he answered all questions quickly, and within a few weeks mine was on its way. I own a small number other precision paddles as well as a couple of "vintage" paddles.
I am not a speed demon, but I do appreciate a number of attributes that the best paddles afford, such as precision of manufacture and movement, beauty of design and execution, craftsmanship, fine adjustability, stability of the settings, and long lasting comfort, all of which allows smooth and accurate sending.
The N3ZN paddle provides ALL of the above with ease! In fact, it took a while to really get used to how light, yet accurate, the touch could be due to the short paddle arms and extremely low moving mass. Now that I've used them for a while, I find I always gravitate to them. There is a silky "feel" that is quick, smooth, comfortable, and reassuring.
The design is very well thought through, the craftsmanship superb, the price very fair, service prompt, and the value unsurpassed! Order yours today!
73 Ken, N6TZV
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KI4SNS
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 13, 2008 06:30
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terrific addition
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Just received my 5a and all I can offer is kudo's. Tony is great at communications, timeliness and most importantly producing a fine product.
As a relative newcomer to CW, I can say without reservation that this is one fine addition to my growing key collection, and given how it works, size and workmanship it will certainly get a workout. TU, Tony for surpassing my expectations, I look forward to yrs of enjoyment with your exceptional key.
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W2RRT
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 16, 2008 07:01
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great paddle
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Received my paddle last week Jan.10 2008. I removed the paddle from it's container and saw a beautiful made paddle. The workmanship is beyond description.I've beem using this paddle for five days and the transition from a single lever to a double lever paddle will take a short time. It operates very smoothly with fluid motion. A real pleasure. Tony, you did a great job. Thanks
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WA0UDZ
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 30, 2007 09:35
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Outstanding
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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The ZN-5A is quality and precision craftsmanship at the highest level. And it is a work of art in my shack. As my confidence and skill continues to grow with this paddle, it becomes more and more of an extension of my arm. The result is that my CW is more accurate than it ever has been.
My highest marks to Tony and this product.
73s
Ron Recsnik - WA0UDZ
Richardson, TX
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EA7OM
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 15, 2007 14:37
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Excellent paddle and service!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I've been searching for a good CW paddle and now I can say that I got it. It´s incredible smooth and easily adjustable. Very well made. In almost a week I received my parcel in Spain. Good job and excellent service!
Best 73'
JUAN EA7OM
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DJ8GO
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 28, 2007 15:42
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The Z06 of Paddles
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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The Corvette Z06 that is. If Begali builds the Ferraris of the CW world, then this is the best that American high-performance engineering has to offer.
Like the best of today’s paddles, the ZN-5A uses the design paradigm of minimizing the moving masses. Carbon fiber finger pieces are mounted on very short aluminum arms, which weigh in at a fraction of an ounce - no lumbering dead weight here. The arms have the ideal near 1:1 geometry and revolve around high-quality racing bearings. Gold plated contacts with a silver core resist oxidation and make sure that even the lightest touch is translated into a reliable contact closure. Repelling magnets, mounted very close to the pivot, provide a consistent return force. The adjustments are locked in place with set screws and won't fluctuate with tempeature or time.
In actual use this paddle is right up there with the very best. Whether you are coasting along on Easy Street at 55 cpm or you are racing it at the highest speed that your fingers can muster, this paddle will not let you down. Even if you’re not a speed demon (yet), it’s nice to know that the paddle you’re driving will never be the limiting factor.
Dealing with Tony is an absolute pleasure, and he will bend over backwards to make sure that you're happy with your purchase.
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WA3QWT
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 7, 2007 06:17
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Paddle exceeds expectations!
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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My xyl graciously presented Tony'e Model 5A paddle to me as an anniversary present (ok, I admidt, she had a few hints in advance!).
I must say that the key exceeded my expectations. The product screams quality from the initial "out of box" impression, which only continues to grow with use. Accurately setting close contact spacing and tension literally takes seconds, without instruction. Sending becomes more of an extension of the mind and less of a mechanical interface. The only downside if that I can't blame the paddle anymore when I botch a character.
This is a great CW instrument.....
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