Manager


Manager - NA4M
Manager Notes

Reviews For: N3ZN KEYS Model ZN-9

Category: Keys & Paddles

eMail Subscription

Registered users are allowed to subscribe to specific review topics and receive eMail notifications when new reviews are posted.
Review Summary For : N3ZN KEYS Model ZN-9
Reviews: 18MSRP: see website for prices
Description:
The ZN-9 has a 3" x 3 1/2" brass base and
weighs 2 pounds 11 ounces. It incorporates the
large diameter feet giving it maximum stability.
The ZN-9 falls right between the ZN-9A and
ZN-9B for size.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.n3znkeys.com
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
25185
N4UZZ Rating: 2023-02-01
Incredibly smooth and solid Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Just bought my second ZN-9+ for portable operations. I kept thinking that for portable operations I could put up with a Vibroplex, a Bencher, or an HA8KF. But once you get used to the incredibly smooth, solid, feather touch operation of the ZN it just becomes too frustrating to use other keys. On the ZN the adjustment is held in place by a nylon bearing ball that exerts steady resistance and holds settings. So, no fiddling with set screws. On some other keys tightening down the set screws changes the adjustment - ouch!
G3WZD Rating: 2023-01-18
Outstanding key and exemplary customer service Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I’m an avid CW operator with a penchant for collecting keys. Having heard great things about the N3ZN keys, I decided to treat myself.

I selected the ZN-9+ with 1/2” spacing and blue finger plates. The first key was quickly shipped but mysteriously vanished from the double-boxed shipping carton during transit (presumably stolen as the courier company delivered two undamaged empty boxes which had clearly be opened and re-sealed!).

Tony’s customer service is exemplary; a replacement key was promptly shipped at no charge and arrived safely. The ZN-9+ is an absolute joy to use and will certainly be my go-to shack key for the foreseeable future. Full marks, in every respect, to N3ZN!
VE3VTG Rating: 2018-04-26
Outstanding (Amazing Service) Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.

I have been a ham for about 30 years. Most of that time has been spent on CW.
I have owned many different Keys/Paddles. Without
making mention of my previous paddles and the manufacture.
I will say only this, I thought I owned a Ferrari until I used Tony's keys. ( Read between the lines guys) :) What a surprise and what an experience it has been using these wonderful keys. At present I own 2 of Tony's Keys ZN-9A and a ZNSLR Just a joy to operate. I wanted to replace the finger pieces and the top plate. I wrote Tony to get some replacement parts. Within 1 week I had the parts I needed. I tried to pay for those items I needed. Tony would not hear of it. This was not expected but was appreciated! I have very sensitive finger tips! (Too much cw ) :) The ones on Tony's keys feel great!!
Do not hesitate on buying any of Tony's keys.
73 es tu de VE3VTG
AE7YD Rating: 2017-10-01
exceptional Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I am not a CW master but in my 51 years being licensed I tried many
keys, straight, vibroplex and paddles of all kinds. They all came and went including a collectible twin (paddle + straight key) from a ham in Spain. This one is a keeper. It is smooth and easy to use even for me.
N2SB Rating: 2017-08-24
Excellent Paddle Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have had many keys, bugs and paddles in the last 50 years. The ZN-9 is the best paddle I have ever owned and used.
K3EY Rating: 2016-12-24
The Best Period Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Years back I was seriously thinking of making my own line of high-end paddles. I was buying restoring and selling all kinds of keys. I had a WBLV22 and wanted to make a paddle with a matching feel. I felt confident I could do it since I have been a journeyman machinist and licensed aircraft mechanic my entire life, now retired from two different major corporations. I have 46 years of machining everything from jet engine parts for a major airline, to diesel engines parts for General Electric. I know what constitutes good versus bad machining and design mechanism of all sorts. Plus the fact I have owned about every high-end Key you can get you hands on. My call sign even shows my passion.

I never pursued my dream of Key maker because of life's other more pressing issues, health issues in a family can changed plans in a heartbeat. I remember when Tony N3ZN started his Key business, and boy was he ever a success.

My son's Christmas present to me was a N3ZN ZN-9 red base with black top. This paddle is the reincarnation of the black magic feel found in the WBLV22. The difference between the WBL and Tony's paddles is the build quality is far superior by ten fold with Tony's. The WBL was a good foundation to build paddles with that magic feel, no doubt there. Tony did that and went far beyond with such great build quality yet small size that is the perfect CW tool. Size, weight, style, ergonomics, aesthetics with that light magical feel make these Keys the best on the planet in their price class, period.

Curt

K3EY
NE9V Rating: 2015-12-01
Craftsmanship at it's best Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Mine is actually the ZN-9A model which has the dark base. I chose the 1/2" spacing, and this key is the best I have ever used. Stays in place and holds the adjustments without fuss. Effortless keying and a beautiful piece of work. I expect this will be on my operating desk for a long time.
VE2DC Rating: 2015-09-16
Beautiful and Functional Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Beautifully machined precision key. Compared to my Bencher (which is a fairly decent key) it has a much more positive feel and can be setup with a very small gap making for effortless keying. It also stays put in spite of my heavy fist. A real pleasure to use.
W4SR Rating: 2012-12-23
A great key... Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I have had my ZN-9 for a little over six months and am as thrilled with it now as the day I got it. It had a great feel right out of the box and has never needed adjustment of any kind. I have had my name added to the waiting list for a one of Tony's straight keys and can't wait to get it.
G3XAJ Rating: 2012-11-05
.. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I ordered a ZN-9 KEY,ABOUT 5 WEEKS AGO,IT CAME AT THE END OF OCTOBER 2012,I HAVE GOT TO SAY,FROM MY ORIGINAL ORDER,I HAVE EXPERIENCED,FIRST CLASS COMMS WITH TONY,KEEPING ME UPDATED,FINALLY SENDING AN E MAIL WITH A PICTURE OF THE FINISHED KEY,THE WHOLE PROCESS WAS PAINLESS,THE KEY IS A MASTERPIECE OF ENGINEERING,AND SHOULD HAVE THE MAKERS NAME ETC, ENGRAVED ON IT,ITS SO NICE ITS A SHAME TO USE IT .
THANKYOU TONY,