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Reviews For: N3ZN KEYS Model ZN-9Z

Category: Keys & Paddles

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Review Summary For : N3ZN KEYS Model ZN-9Z
Reviews: 7MSRP: 315
Description:
Base Metal: Brass The ZN-9Z is build on a 3/4" thick x 3 1/2" wide x 3" deep
base. It weighs 2 pounds, 11 ounces and uses 4 large diameter feet for
stability.
The ZN-9Z comes in two OTO ( outside to outside dimension) FINGERPIECE
OPTIONS of 5/16" (7.9mm) or 3/8" (9.5mm). These are parallel arm
arrangements and can not be adjusted.The brass version shown above has the
5/16" (7.9mm) OTO option with clear fingerpieces. The IRONMAN version has
the 3/8" (9.5mm) OTO option with solar gray fingerpieces.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.n3znkeys.com/keys.html#
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0075
WJ1R Rating: 2020-09-15
Great Paddle Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I much prefer this key to my Begali and Kent paddles.

The operation is smooth, adjustments are easy, and stability on my desk is great.

I think that one of the best features is the ability to order a paddle with a customized width for the space between the finger pieces. The result is a very comfortable paddle that is a pleasure to use over a long period of time.

Tony's customer service is great with prompt replies to all email questions.
KF0QS Rating: 2020-05-06
Beyond my expectations! Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I got a ZN-9Z from Tony for Christmas from my XYL last December (wonder how she got the idea???). I wondered how much of a difference it would make. I've used the Bencher paddles for almost 30 years, and had been happy with them.

When I took mine out of the box and set it up, I realized that they were set to make continuous contact, so i adjusted them just a bit. I couldn't believe how smooth the adjustment was. It was easy to change the setting, and there was no friction or unevenness. Moreover, the paddle hasn't even hinted at coming out of adjustment on its own.

Since making that adjustment, I haven't touched the paddle, other than to use it to send code. As others have noted, despite its small size, it is heavy and won't move regardless of how hard I hit the paddles. The experience is wonderful, i.e., it feels so precise and smooth and effortless. One of the things I anticipate with pleasure now, with a CW QSO, is getting to use that paddle.

I got my answer to my question. It made a big difference from my old Bencher. I use the old Bencher paddle on a QRP rig, and although I can send effectively with it, it feels sloppy in comparison.

Overall, it was a good gift from my XYL!! Way to go!!!

K7ZOO Rating: 2020-05-05
Outstanding Paddle & Customer Service !! Time Owned: more than 12 months.
While my review only echoes many previously written, my recent experience with Tony was so overwhelmingly positive I wanted to share. My background is pretty solidly CW, 40+ years, using a variety of keys, bugs, and paddles. Only last year did I finally feel ready to spend >$300 on a paddle. Yes, it makes a difference -- yes, it feels GREAT! and yes, my sending is much more accurate as I approach 30 wpm. But what truly stands out is Tony's customer service. Somehow (likely my fault) a small (1mm?) plastic spacer went missing. Tony didn't skip a beat and mailed me replacements THAT SAME DAY!! Simply outstanding performance and worthy of yet another mention. Thank you, Tony. de K7ZOO
W0YN Rating: 2020-04-04
Among the best Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I've used a number of high end paddles that I really like, various makes from Begali, Schurr and others. This paddle is without doubt one of the finest I've used. A heavy base with precision adjustments and a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. I personally like narrow spacing on my paddles and selected 3/8" OTO. The key feels so natural and sends so smooth, I'm very impressed. If you're looking for a great paddle I can highly recommend this. Expert craftsmanship MADE IN THE USA.
Great work Tony!
W5DMT Rating: 2017-09-01
Loving my ZN-9Z Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
As a long time user of the BY-1 Bencher paddles (Think 32 years), I've always wanted to try a higher end key.

I picked this up in Huntsville at the hamfest. Brought it home, hooked it up, and realized just how much I liked it.

Very smooth, built like a tank, and **HEAVY**. It's over all size, is smaller than a pack of cigarettes, but yet thing weighs several pounds, which means when you start slapping it around, it stays in one place, with no other help.

I made one little adjustment to one of the paddle distances, and probably won't touch it again for quite some time.

While not the least expensive set of paddles you'll ever own, you really should give these a try. They're awesome. They have made CW fun again.
VE2DC Rating: 2012-06-28
Industrial art at its finest Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Tony built mine with 1/2" spacing. Best key I've used. Being able to adjust it on the fly came in handy for Field Day. Don't worry... it's not fragile ;-)
N4PDY Rating: 2011-10-19
Simply the best. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I've been a ham for almost 50 years, and I've owned just about every kind of key, bug and paddle there is. There are better CW ops than me, but I'm ok and can appreciate a good paddle; my previous one was a Schurr Profi 2. I recently got an N3ZN ZN-9Z, and it's quite simply the best I've ever had. The machining is a work of art, every adjustment is precise and the action is like an extension of your fingertips. There is no drag, no stickiness, just instant responsiveness. There are bearings everywhere, and even the adjustment tensioners are engineered; adjustable spring tension on a teflon rider pressing on the adjustment screw. At the time I ordered there was a five week wait; I'm glad I waited.

Tony's paddles are among the most expensive on the market; they're worth it. They come in nine different versions with small differences including paddle spacing. The 9Z has the closest spacing, but you can choose a slightly wider option if you wish. Tony (N3ZN) was a pleasure to deal with, and even the shipping packaging was beyond professional. If you're looking for a top-of-the-line paddle, consider an N3ZN.

Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with N3ZN, just a satisfied customer.

Mike, N4PDY