Lead Time
Please allow up to 2 weeks for us to custom build your lever to the length you specify. We may occasionally pre-build some levers to common lengths so they are ready to ship immediately.
Tuning Tips Sold Separately Here
The Kestrel accepts Jahn type male-threaded tips, or an adapter to convert to standard female-threaded tips, such as Taffijn, BKB, Watanabe, Cassotto, Hale, etc.
The 5 Ounce Tuning Lever
The Kestrel is the world's lightest tuning lever*, with the most rigid carbon fiber possible, offering precision, feedback, and agility unlike anything else you've experienced. Our carbon fiber modulus (stiffness measure) is 3.5 times that of off-the-shelf structural CF tubing, and is specially made for us in small batches. Despite using more expensive tubing, the Kestrel is priced to be one of the more affordable US-made CF levers. We build the Kestrel to the length you specify, in our shop in Mesa, AZ.
Aluminum Head
The Kestrel's 12.5 degree angle head is anodized aircraft aluminum.
Handles
The composite handles are durable ASA plastic, in a variety of shapes. We will also offer wood handles with limited availability. The carbon fiber tubing extends through the handle to the center of the ball of the handle.
Choosing Lever Length
There is a "sweet spot" length that will give you the best results, and it may not the same for everyone. We believe 11" will work well for most tuners, and is a good length if you aren't sure where to start. To get the most benefit from the Kestrel's design, we recommend not going longer than 12.5.
A longer lever makes it easier to move the tuning pin. This feels more comfortable, but some tuners mistake this comfort for improved performance. The ease of a longer lever actually comes at the cost of reduced accuracy, control, and feedback. A shorter lever will provide a stronger sense of control, and a better connection to what is happening to the tuning pin and wire movements, often resulting in faster tuning times and more confidence in unison stability, but this comes at the cost of comfort. The tuner might be more tired at the end of the day when using a shorter lever, as a result of having to apply more force with every movement, so going with too short a lever can be problematic.
* Total weight for an 11" lever (with tuning tip installed) typically ranges from 4.8 to 5.2 ounces, depending on tuning tip length. Levers with wood handles weigh slightly more, depending on the shape, size, and density of the wood species.