The implosion dynamics for a neon gas‐puff z‐pinch is investigated to study the correlation between the initial and final conditions. Several nozzle material combinations are tested along with other variable parameters such as valve plenum pressure and capacitor bank voltage. The 5‐cm diameter annular nozzle consists of an inner‐core surrounded by an outer‐mantle. The pinch is driven by a 5 kJ, 30 kV, 11 &mgr;Fd capacitor bank which delivers 0.4 MA in 1.4 &mgr;s. The effects of different initial conditions on the final compression and x‐ray yield are described, based upon the following diagnostics: dIload/dt, filtered XRDs, x‐ray filtered pinhole photos, framing camera photos, and N2laser interferometer.