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Shifter Knobs

slugg

Diamond Member
Do they make a difference to you? If so, what is your preference?

I'm looking at the black textured Voodoo Shift Knob for my Miata. Link: http://www.good-win-racing.com/Mazda-Performance-Part/40-1027.html
These are threaded very deeply, effectively shortening the shifter by just a wee bit. As far as feel, I prefer a big round ball on my palm. The nice thing is that since it's a symmetrical shape from all angles, it doesn't matter how I plop my hand on it; it'll contact the same skin. Textured black because I don't want anything to stand out in my car, plus fingerprints would bother me. LOL!

Once the holidays are over and my wallet starts to recuperate, I'll be in the market for a shift knob.

What is your experience and preference?
 
I prefer a big round ball on my palm.

Obligatory "that's what she said". 😛



I swapped out the stock shift knob in my E39 for a ZHP shift knob. It's leather, shorter and heavier. I had planned on swapping out the shifter stalk as well - for a shorter one that came in later model E60s. But after getting a heavier shift knob, the wooliness of the shift has been alleviated.

I'm not a fan of aluminum/metal or faux wood shift knobs. Prefer the feel of leather.
 
I have the standard leather/aluminum knob:
image.axd


and a NISMO one as well:

Nismo&
 
I have the standard leather/aluminum knob:
image.axd


and a NISMO one as well:

Nismo_Titanium_Knob_15.jpg

That nismo shifter is fantastic. I prefer leather in most cases but that billet look really dresses up nice.

I have pieces of broken granite all over my work shop. I have always wanted to polish a piece of
 
Obligatory "that's what she said". 😛

I swapped out the stock shift knob in my E39 for a ZHP shift knob. It's leather, shorter and heavier. I had planned on swapping out the shifter stalk as well - for a shorter one that came in later model E60s. But after getting a heavier shift knob, the wooliness of the shift has been alleviated.

I'm not a fan of aluminum/metal or faux wood shift knobs. Prefer the feel of leather.

Agreed. I have ZHP knobs on both my E46 M3 and my E90 330i. In both cases it was a big improvement. A little weight in the knob and an ergonomic grip make a huge difference. Personally I don't love round knobs, and HATE narrow cylindrical knobs like the Nismo pictured in this thread. Obviously one man's meat is another man's poison, but I am at a loss to understand how anyone could prefer a knob like that to one shaped to fit your hand.
 
Yeah ZHP knob for the win...and no lights 🙂

There's a guy on the M3 Forums who makes LED-lit ZHP knobs in case you prefer a ZHP knob but love that feature on the stock (tall, light, crummy) M3 knob, but honestly, other than looks (which are entirely subjective), I see no benefit to a lighted knob. I have a SSK on my M3 and the ZHP knob really tamed the notchiness of it, just as it helps with the long throw and slightly rubbery feel on my E90 shifter.
 
Those metal ones might get a bit too warm to touch on a hot summer day until the A/C kicks in. I prefer leather shift knobs personally. I had a Momo knob on my last manual transmission car.
 
I liked the little leather one in my Miata. I don't see the appeal of the big round ones. It feels the same no matter what position it's in... But to me that's a disadvantage. I like being able to tell the angle and position of the shifter.

I also don't grasp it from the top, I keep my hand vertical and shift with my fingers

image020.jpg
 
This is what is on my car. Feels great in the hand...provided it's not hot or cold outside 🙁

Always liked the optional Momo one Subaru offered. Perhaps I should pick one up for the sake of my palm. 😛

300_gh_shiftknob12.jpg

I have the MoMo on my WRX and love it. Stays pretty cool in the summer, and doesn't get real cold in the winter. Great weight and feel.
 
I liked the little leather one in my Miata. I don't see the appeal of the big round ones. It feels the same no matter what position it's in... But to me that's a disadvantage. I like being able to tell the angle and position of the shifter.

I also don't grasp it from the top, I keep my hand vertical and shift with my fingers

image020.jpg

That post could be read SO many different ways....

😉
 
Pretty sure I have the same knob on my Miata.. came with the car so I can't really compare it to a stock knob. Feels fine though.
 
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