A great paddle by Tony - N3ZN. He can be seen at many hamfests around the US - including Dayton, Huntsville, and Hamcation. His website is below: www.n3znkeys.c... Watch me break this thing! :-)
Purchased an ZN-SL key from Tony at Hamcation 2024. Never would have imagined spending that much for a paddle BUT....these are simply amazing . My fist has never sounded better. WA7RAR
I have been using Tony's ZN-HKIII (Straight Key) for a couple years. It's a treat to use, looks beautiful, and built like a tank. Something that will last long after I'm gone.
I also emailed Val yesterday in hopes of ordering a paddle similar to your "favorite" RA1AOM paddle. He already responded saying it's currently about 2-months for delivery after ordering (which pleasantly surprised me due to the conflicts in that part of the world). It sounded as if he is currently making two versions. The "OZ2A-like model", which "OZ2A-" is unknown to me. And I interpreted there was another model, in his words "with a rear adjustment bar", which I'm guessing is the same style of your favorite paddle from him? Oh, thanks for all the help, I'm currently watching your CW instruction classes (currently Lesson #3), which are helping me much more than my earlier attempts of CW!!! I have a FTDX10, 73.
Looks as if the ZN-9 is now replaced by the ZN-9-Plus in 1/2" or 3/4" OTO. Or the slightly smaller footprint 5/8" OTO version, the ZN-9ZX. I'm guessing at least to me, the (very slightly) smaller ZN-9ZX 5/8" would feel very much the same as 1/2" or 3/4" ZN-9-Plus versions. N3ZN site states: The ZN-9+ (ZN-9 plus) with 1/2" OTO has replaced the ZN-9. It is built on a 3 1/2" x 3" x 1" steel base and weighs 3.25 pounds. The ZN-9ZX 5/8" OTO is built on a 3 1/4" x 3" x 1" steel base and weighs 2.98 pounds. I may choose the "ZN-9ZX 5/8 OTO" to be closer to other paddles I looked at, but I may be splitting hairs on this OTO issue.
Purchased an ZN-SL key from Tony at Hamcation 2024. Never would have imagined spending that much for a paddle BUT....these are simply amazing . My fist has never sounded better. WA7RAR
I have been using Tony's ZN-HKIII (Straight Key) for a couple years. It's a treat to use, looks beautiful, and built like a tank. Something that will last long after I'm gone.
What width of the paddles (OTO) do you prefer? I see that Tony has several different OTO on the paddles he makes/sells.
I'm a half inch kind of guy. I think I wouldn't mind 5/8 though, but I haven't tried it. The 5/16 is a little bit too close together for me.
Thanks for sharing & what a nice design !
At first glance, the only thing that's missing, is a locking nut on each post. Otherwise, it's very nice!
Is this the 1/2" or 3/4" OTO model?
1/2" - I initially wasn't too sure whether I would like it because some of my other paddles are 5/8 and some are 3/4, but I do like it.
What OTO model of ZN-9 would most match your favorite RA1AOM paddle?
@@rays9033 those are all 5/8. The more I look at it and I can't really tell the difference that much.
I also emailed Val yesterday in hopes of ordering a paddle similar to your "favorite" RA1AOM paddle. He already responded saying it's currently about 2-months for delivery after ordering (which pleasantly surprised me due to the conflicts in that part of the world).
It sounded as if he is currently making two versions. The "OZ2A-like model", which "OZ2A-" is unknown to me. And I interpreted there was another model, in his words "with a rear adjustment bar", which I'm guessing is the same style of your favorite paddle from him?
Oh, thanks for all the help, I'm currently watching your CW instruction classes (currently Lesson #3), which are helping me much more than my earlier attempts of CW!!! I have a FTDX10, 73.
Looks as if the ZN-9 is now replaced by the ZN-9-Plus in 1/2" or 3/4" OTO.
Or the slightly smaller footprint 5/8" OTO version, the ZN-9ZX.
I'm guessing at least to me, the (very slightly) smaller ZN-9ZX 5/8" would feel very much the same as 1/2" or 3/4" ZN-9-Plus versions.
N3ZN site states:
The ZN-9+ (ZN-9 plus) with 1/2" OTO has replaced the ZN-9. It is built on a 3 1/2" x 3" x 1" steel base and weighs 3.25 pounds.
The ZN-9ZX 5/8" OTO is built on a 3 1/4" x 3" x 1" steel base and weighs 2.98 pounds.
I may choose the "ZN-9ZX 5/8 OTO" to be closer to other paddles I looked at, but I may be splitting hairs on this OTO issue.
Hey I'm loving it thanks!!!
Thanks so much for watching!
@@k9kj Your Welcome!
thank you
The Amateur Radio work mat looks interesting, commercial made thing? if so wonder where from? Good key video 73 Phil G0BVD UK
Thanks for watching! You can get that ham radio matte with your custom call sign from hamboutique.com
This is the paddle I am leaning on
It's a great paddle! Very cool