Will This Replace 2011s? | Zermatt Arms Waltz 9 First Impressions

Published on June 26, 2026
Duration: 25:04

This video provides initial impressions of the Zermatt Arms Waltz 9, a premium striker-fired pistol featuring a unique roller locking block system. The reviewer highlights its innovative design, comfortable grip, and surprisingly soft recoil impulse, comparing it favorably against other high-end pistols like the Staccato and Wilson Combat. While acknowledging its hefty price tag and a slight learning curve with the trigger and grip angle, the Waltz 9 is presented as a potentially game-changing firearm in the market.

Quick Summary

The Zermatt Arms Waltz 9 is a premium striker-fired pistol featuring a unique roller locking block system and a light, two-pound trigger. It accepts Glock magazines and offers a soft, responsive recoil impulse, making it a strong contender against 2011s and other high-end firearms. While it may require adjustment for its grip angle and trigger reset, its innovative design and quality construction position it as a potentially game-changing firearm.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & First Look
  2. 00:47Innovation and SHOT Show Excitement
  3. 01:11Technical Specs: Striker-Fired, Trigger, Roller Locking
  4. 01:52Sponsor Mentions: Ammo Squared & Filster
  5. 02:23Grip and Texture Analysis
  6. 02:47Magazine Compatibility (Glock Mags)
  7. 03:01Grip Angle Comparison (Glock vs. 2011)
  8. 03:35External Safeties (None)
  9. 03:59Comparison to Atlas & Unique Market Position
  10. 04:24Dry Fire and Trigger Reset Impressions
  11. 04:48Range Test: Initial Shooting Impressions
  12. 05:13Double Tap Performance and Trigger Adjustment
  13. 06:07Dot Tracking and Trigger Control Issues
  14. 06:46Comparison Test: Staccato, Wilson Combat, SIG, Walther
  15. 07:10Malfunctions and Ammunition Concerns
  16. 07:34Comped vs. Non-Comped Performance
  17. 07:54Sig P320 Comparison
  18. 08:12Walther PDP Steel Frame Comparison
  19. 08:40Wilson Combat Project 1 Comparison
  20. 09:15Final Comparison and Ranking
  21. 10:33Overall Conclusion and Recommendation
  22. 10:51Reliability and Future Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Zermatt Arms Waltz 9 unique compared to other striker-fired pistols?

The Zermatt Arms Waltz 9 stands out with its innovative roller locking block system, a premium build quality, and a surprisingly soft recoil impulse. It also features a very light, approximately two-pound trigger, and accepts Glock magazines, offering a unique blend of features not commonly found in other striker-fired firearms.

How does the Zermatt Arms Waltz 9 handle recoil, and is it comparable to 2011s?

The Waltz 9 offers a soft yet responsive recoil impulse, often described as feeling premium and well-managed, even without a compensator. While not a direct mechanical comparison to a 2011, its recoil management is considered excellent, rivaling or surpassing some high-end 2011s in terms of felt recoil and muzzle rise.

What is the trigger like on the Zermatt Arms Waltz 9, and how does it affect shooting?

The Waltz 9 features a very light trigger, around two pounds, with a crisp break akin to a mouse click. While this contributes to a premium feel and can aid in accuracy, some shooters may find it takes adjustment for rapid follow-up shots due to the lack of a strong tactile reset.

Does the Zermatt Arms Waltz 9 use standard magazines, and what is its grip angle like?

Yes, the Zermatt Arms Waltz 9 is compatible with Glock magazines, which is a convenient feature. Its grip angle is noted to be more similar to a Glock than a traditional 2011, which might feel more natural to Glock users but could require adaptation for those accustomed to other pistol platforms.

What are the initial reliability concerns or recommendations for the Zermatt Arms Waltz 9?

Initial testing suggests the Waltz 9 may perform best with hotter ammunition (124gr or 147gr) and includes different recoil springs for tuning. While two failure-to-extract malfunctions were noted with 115gr ammo, the manufacturer provides detailed testing data and recoil spring recommendations to ensure optimal reliability.

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