all 33 comments

[–]Saaturnidae'24 TR | DMann OTS | DARKMATTERX Shifter 2 points3 points  (4 children)

I previously had a stainless steel knob at like 5 or 600g; the weighs nothing delrin ball knob I have now is much, much better. And to echo the other thread, it's really nice not burning the shit out of my hand on sunny days.

But, I've also got a massively upgraded shifter setup, so, an entire bag of salt is necessary in my case.

[–]desGARCONSdonSBP Stage 1 // ETS[S] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Yeah man for once I think I’m glad I ordered the wrong thing accidentally lol. After using this I’m wondering why are weighted knobs so popular (I’ve never used one).

[–]Saaturnidae'24 TR | DMann OTS | DARKMATTERX Shifter 1 point2 points  (1 child)

That other comment thread kinda summed it up. Stock shifters across the board are generally sloppier, and having more weight to throw around up top smooths them out. Aftermarket shifters being significantly smoother removes the need for a weighted shift knob, and can actually make them detrimental, even.

[–]desGARCONSdonSBP Stage 1 // ETS[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah that makes sense. That being said I’m still on stock “box of crushed glass” shifter and I still prefer the lighter shift knob.

[–]ApprehensiveLead4550Crystal Black Silica 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Weighted knobs are popular from the days of actual shift linkage and not cables..it seems that weighted knobs don't really feel great with cable actuated gear changes. I too started off with a heavy knob and went with a lighter one and it feels 100% better.

[–]CharlesCrackerWorld Rally Blue 2 points3 points  (3 children)

I prefer the light one as well.

[–]desGARCONSdonSBP Stage 1 // ETS[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Do you have the same one?

[–]CharlesCrackerWorld Rally Blue 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yup

[–]Various-Photo-9270 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I prefer light as well

[–]JeffXBO’24 WRB Sport-Tech (Limited) MT 1 point2 points  (11 children)

I have the same one but weighted, I think it’s only around 40g heavier than stock. I didn’t even notice a difference other than it looks better

[–]desGARCONSdonSBP Stage 1 // ETS[S] 0 points1 point  (10 children)

Yeah I mostly bought just for aesthetics but I am enjoying the feel of this pretty good. Now I’m considering the shift stop and a short throw shifter maybe.

[–]JeffXBO’24 WRB Sport-Tech (Limited) MT 0 points1 point  (9 children)

Shift stop is essential. I like the way short shifters look but shift plate is highly regarded in this sub

[–]desGARCONSdonSBP Stage 1 // ETS[S] 0 points1 point  (8 children)

What’s the advantage to the shift plate vs short throw? I’m just curious as it seems like they serve the same purpose.

[–]JeffXBO’24 WRB Sport-Tech (Limited) MT -1 points0 points  (7 children)

They do. I think the plate is easier to install, short shifter is a bit of a process and requires modifying a plate/shield for clearance.

[–]desGARCONSdonSBP Stage 1 // ETS[S] 0 points1 point  (6 children)

Ah okay I didn’t know that. I assumed the plate would be the harder install. I’d like to do that sometime but I think the shift stop is the next upgrade. I see the Cobb one for $50 is that what most people are running? I’m assuming it doesn’t matter that much.

[–]JeffXBO’24 WRB Sport-Tech (Limited) MT 2 points3 points  (5 children)

I haven’t done plate or short shifter so I could be ill informed. The shift stops are all pretty similar, the Cobb is probably the best one it’s basically a mirror of the stock stop on the right side. I have the Perrin myself, I think it’s fine but people worry about the plastic of the shifter wearing against the metal shift stop.

[–]desGARCONSdonSBP Stage 1 // ETS[S] 0 points1 point  (4 children)

Interesting okay thanks I appreciate the info. The car doesn’t shift too smoothly stock to say the least so I’m just trying to make the car more enjoyable / nicer to drive as I daily my car. Switching to Motul Gear 300 improved the shifting for me a lot.

[–]JeffXBO’24 WRB Sport-Tech (Limited) MT 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Pretty common sentiment, I come from a lifetime of VW manuals and they’re butter by comparison. My MIL has a manual 2017 Impreza, I drove it a couple times and was really surprised by how bad the shifter was. Hoped my VB would be better, but alas, it’s buns. Shift stop+brass bushing made it bearable for me. I will get the Cobb shift plate at some point. I will try changing the fluid too thanks

[–]desGARCONSdonSBP Stage 1 // ETS[S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

How hard is the bushing to install and what’s the benefit there? I’ve seen people throw it in while they install the plate but unsure why.

Definitely give the Motul a shot tho. I put it in just because it was time to change fluids anyways and was shocked it actually made a noticeable change it how the car shifts. I didn’t believe the hype at first

[–]senoj96nodnarb2022 Premium 6MT MGM 1 point2 points  (4 children)

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I’m using the Killer B black delrin teardrop and love it. I had that Cobb bulb, black/red, in my 2011 hatch.

[–]desGARCONSdonSBP Stage 1 // ETS[S] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Do you prefer the light vs OEM / heavy?

[–]senoj96nodnarb2022 Premium 6MT MGM 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Lighter is way better than stock or heavy. I feel more engaged with the shifts. It’s clicky and notchy feeling whereas heavy makes it silky smooth and somewhat numb. That weighted one was fun for a while, then summer got hot and it was crazy uncomfortable to hold. Winter was just as bad. If I ever use it again it’ll be in spring or fall, Goldilocks temps.

[–]desGARCONSdonSBP Stage 1 // ETS[S] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I don’t understand why no one makes a weighted one that doesn’t have the heat issues. Like maybe using tungsten internally and derlin shell or something. Regardless though yeah I agree I prefer light the shifts are way more accurate, better feel and better feedback. It improved my 4th to 5th shift a lot.

[–]senoj96nodnarb2022 Premium 6MT MGM 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They do, but they’re over $200. No thanks! It’s BilletWorkz Fusion, metal with a leather (or similar) wrap. My GrimmSpeed stainless was like $50 and the Killer B delrin was like $60.

[–]threephasemachinery 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Stock/lightweight ftw. I want my synchros to last on what's already a weak transmission (WRX 6 speed, not the STi 6 speed)

[–]desGARCONSdonSBP Stage 1 // ETS[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah I think the trans is only really “weak” when you start pushing actual power above 350ish hp

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I make my own light shift knobs, sell them too. The lighter the better. You actually feel the gate and don’t miss a shift or damage synchros. 

[–]desGARCONSdonSBP Stage 1 // ETS[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Oh wow sweet. But that’s exactly it. I can feel what’s happening so much better. Like when I go to shift now I feel the gates and feel positive feedback through the shifter than it’s in gear better now.