Just installed the suede crescent strap / suede strap today. Definitely an upgrade over the previous design. It’s at least as comfortable as the pilot pad, if not more comfortable. The pilot pad has more cushion on the top, but the crescent strap feels more comfortable all-around as the cushions are more spread out on the sides giving it better weight distribution. Like putting on a fitted hat that fits just right vs a pillow on your head.
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Can you describe what it does exactly? Just adds more cusion?
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I think it helps in distributing weight more evenly across the head. If you haven’t noticed, the overall shape is akin to that of the meze headband design.
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That’s beautiful wood!!
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The pilot pads are nice but the feel like an add on. The my are super wide compared to a normal band. The new band gives you the best of everything. Comfort while feeling like a complete unit instead of something Velcro’d on as an afterthought.
I wonder how the crescent strap will hold up over a long period? I’m thinking about getting a couple as I really like it on my Aeolus
Probably been shown before but Zach can describe it the best
The pilot pad was my way to go until I got the crescent headband and I couldn’t go back. The crescent actually grew on me and I don’t miss the pilot pad.
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It is indeed super comfy. It came installed on my new Verite Blackwood which I received a couple of weeks ago 
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So, very close to taking the leap into the zmf line up. Thinking the VO as I love sound stage and looking for their more detailed set. My first set of headphones north of $200 were the meze empyreans, been in love with them for the last 2 years. For me, enjoying my hobbies is a combination of enjoying the experience and enjoying quality products. I am happy to pay extra and even sacrifice a little performance for the better made product.
The zmf get rave reviews for quality, as a wood work I can appreciate them more than most, and I love that there shop is less than 10 miles from me. I have been watching for sale posts and in many of the photos I can see paint chipping from some of the metal parts. Is this a common problem or are some folks not careful with their sets. I would love to go new but also used is enticing with so many variables on the wood, seeing the grain before buying is important to me. I am particular on the grain of my pieces, kind of particular here. But with used I risk getting sets a bit beat up.
Are the chips due to the design and improper handling or simply improper handling?
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It’s my understanding the magnesium coating is sensitive. I’ve had both a pair of Verite Closed and currently have a Verite Open. In the almost 28 months between these 2 I’ve had no issues. I am also careful while handling them.
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See Zach’s head-fi post here from August last year about this:
We switched our magnesium finish and the shape of all gimbals a while back (maybe 6 months?) so they all look the same and have more radius to the edges. Since the change to the new magnesium substrate and shape we haven’t had a single complaint about paint chipping (knock on wood!) on the new shape/material.
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Thanks. So it looks like it might have been a design issue with gimbals and the finish, which have been corrected. So I would want to focus on used ones built later than the second half of 2021 and newer. How’s the none magnesium finish? Is the magnesium upgrade purely a weight improvement? Thanks!!
I’m in a similar position. I buy used when I can, but since I live about 5 miles from ZMF, I’ve decided to try to support ZMF as a local business by buying new.
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Yea, pretty cool to be so close to them. I usually buy new 100% of the time. Only considering used because of being particular about wood grain. I know, I am odd.
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That’s not odd at all. I understand completely about wanting exactly the right headphones when, for one thing, you’re spending a significant amount of money, and, for another, each pair of headphones is slightly different, as with ZMF’s.
I bought mine new because the limited edition was precisely the kind of wood I wanted, and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to find a used pair of them for sale with the gimbals, rods, and grilles I was looking for. I also intend to keep mine for a good, long time, and the lifetime warranty on the drivers is appealing.
I’ll defer to others in answering these questions. I’ve only owned ZMF headphones with the magnesium ones.
My understanding is that the magnesium upgrade is primarily a weight improvement, but Zach did mention (in the same post I linked to previously) that “The aluminum is less of an absolute black because of the anodization process and is more of a super dark Grey whereas the magnesium finish is more of an absolute black. They are both a satin feel.”
I opted for the magnesium ones because the limited edition wood I ordered is among the heaviest ZMF sells.
I’m guessing here, and you should check first, but I could see ZMF being willing to update the gimbals if you’d be willing to pay for parts and labor. If you’re particular about the wood’s grain, this might offer a potential solution if you’re worried about paint chips in the gimbals. And since you’re local, at least you wouldn’t have to deal with shipping expenses. Again, though, don’t take my word for it. Contact Zach and ask!
It’s worth emphasizing that ZMF has a well-deserved reputation for excellent customer service and for taking care of its customers.
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I can’t speak to the magnesium frame finish, but the standard aluminum frame finish is excellent. I have a VO and an Aeolus, both with no issues whatsoever. I do handle my headphones very carefully though, both because they are beautiful, and expensive also!
It pains me when I see pictures of ZMFs for sale in the used marketplace that are dinged up. I know accidents happen, but also some people do seem a bit careless in the handling of them…
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Buying used is what got me into ZMF, and then I’ve only bought new direct eventually, replacing the initial used ones. For those who have no chance of trying before buying, used is a good option since if one didn’t like them and sold again quickly it seems like most people are only out shipping and Paypal fees since they hold their value so well.
(Oops, sorry, I meant to just post below rather than a reply to your post)
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All great info, thanks. Yea, been asking them lots of question and always great with answers. I am going to keep my eye out for their next limited run, but also watch the used market like @robo24 recommended until I can get the perfect new build.
Thanks all for the help.
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Good news, just snag a set of Verite Open in LTD Burmese Padauk used. Enjoy these for a bit and if/when I love them, maybe get me a new set made exactly to my tastes.
Thanks all for the advice.
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Damn, I am already needing more help, now with powering the Verite. Buying a second set for my office setup vs my home office. I think long term I want to try the Pendant/Verite set up, but want to make sure I enjoy the Verite for a bit before that purchase. I currently have a Ifi Zen dac at my office. How underpowered am I? If I am, recommendations for a <$300 amp that can give me a feel for what the Pendant might be like?
Thanks!!