Difference between stock shift knob and weighted knob?

sfalexi

Member
:
2008 Mazdaspeed 3
I'm going to replace the shifter in my MS3 with a short throw shifter in about a month or so (merry christmas to me). My wife likes the look of the stock knob over the weighted ones that TWM offers. I like some of the TWM looks. Ultimately, as it's my car, it's my vote. But is there any real advantage to spending the extra cash on a weighted knob? Will the stock knob even fit the short throw rod? I have no problem with the stock knob, only that I think it'll look silly on a shorter rod. And I'm wondering if it really provides a more "solid" feel to going in gear. I haven't missed a shift yet (knock on grenedilla) considering it's my first stick car (i've driven UPS trucks with standard trans and small buses with it) but I'm all for a more 'solid' feel if it truly provides me with one. Thanks.
 
Shift knob choice is extremely personal, it's gonna be hard to give advice over the internet. Personally, I really like the stock MS3 knob, it's probably one of my all-time favorite stock knobs. I like the subtle curves, they seem to fit just perfectly into my hand.

Of course, I've never tried one of the TWM knobs you're mentioning, but I have owned plenty of aftermarket knobs on other vehicles. Overall, I've found that shape and feel were more important than weight.
 
I have heard the TWM ones or any solid metal ones get extremely hot or cold depending on climate.

That being said, I too will be installing a shifter for Christmas and I am going to get the weighted knob. If I dont like, then I guess I can sell it, but look so cool and it makes sense that a heavier knob will aid in shifting.
 
i have a greddy counterweight, and yes it does get hot or cold depending on climate.

the weighted knob really helps with a stiff short shifter. you dont have to force it around the gates as much. its much smoother w/ the weighted knob.
 
I bought a TWM Leopard I think it was. The extreme cold/hot thing didn't bother me. It was slightly heavier than the stock. Honestly, if I knew the stock one was as heavy as it was, I would have never bought the TWM. I found out on removal to install my new shift knob. I preferred the smaller OEM knob. It's all personal preference. FWIW, the TWM knob I received was the best shift knob I've ever seen from a materials and finish standpoint.
 
Not to thread jack, but do the TWM shift knobs AND the AutoExe shift knobs hold the shift boot up like the stock one?
 
the stock knob is very heavy as it is. i actully bough a knob from UPR at a racing event for my ms3. i put it on and found out it was too light ! the aftermarket knob made the car shift like crap. it was rough and notchy. i would say keep it stock. also i think TWM has the most ridiculous prices i have ever seen ! $100 for a knob ....give me a break it had better be made of solid gold !
 
At the current price of gold a solid one should cost, 15,245USD. They do have plated ones!
goldmagnumx2.jpg
 
I got the TWM shifter, with the Type R knob.

As SwampAss put it, there really isn't much difference between the two. I'd say the TWM weighs maybe an ounce our more than the stock... but to know for sure you'd have weigh them.

The stock shifter will fit on the TWm shifter. There is an adapter that comes with the TWM shifter that will need to be screwed onto the TWM shifter to use their knob, it allows you to adjust the height of the TWM knob as well. I prefer it to be at its lowest setting.

I've tried both knobs on the TWM shifter, and haven't noticed any real difference. If I knew that the stock is almost the same feeling as the TWM shifter, I'd have just used the stock one. It looks sharp, and has leather..WOOT! lol

As for cold and hot. Yup, they will get cold, and hot depending on weather.
This morning shifter is pretty cold, especially at 55 degrees in the morning.
When it gets hit by the sun, it can be a little too warm...lol
You can shift with your finger tips though, so yeah, IMO, I'd stick with the stock knob. Use the extra 100 bones or so to get something else for your ride.. :p

-J
 
the stock knob is very heavy as it is. i actully bough a knob from UPR at a racing event for my ms3. i put it on and found out it was too light ! the aftermarket knob made the car shift like crap. it was rough and notchy. i would say keep it stock. also i think TWM has the most ridiculous prices i have ever seen ! $100 for a knob ....give me a break it had better be made of solid gold !

Why not platinum!! BLING BLING!!(breakn)
 
I got the TWM shifter, with the Type R knob.

As SwampAss put it, there really isn't much difference between the two. I'd say the TWM weighs maybe an ounce our more than the stock... but to know for sure you'd have weigh them.

The stock shifter will fit on the TWm shifter. There is an adapter that comes with the TWM shifter that will need to be screwed onto the TWM shifter to use their knob, it allows you to adjust the height of the TWM knob as well. I prefer it to be at its lowest setting.

I've tried both knobs on the TWM shifter, and haven't noticed any real difference. If I knew that the stock is almost the same feeling as the TWM shifter, I'd have just used the stock one. It looks sharp, and has leather..WOOT! lol

As for cold and hot. Yup, they will get cold, and hot depending on weather.
This morning shifter is pretty cold, especially at 55 degrees in the morning.
When it gets hit by the sun, it can be a little too warm...lol
You can shift with your finger tips though, so yeah, IMO, I'd stick with the stock knob. Use the extra 100 bones or so to get something else for your ride.. :p

-J

Great info mate!

For all of you that went with the short shifter, did you replace the boot as well?
 
Great info mate!

For all of you that went with the short shifter, did you replace the boot as well?


No sir. I didn't at least. The stock boot will fit with the short throw shifter. It won't look too bunched up, but it does look hawt. I'd hit it...(humpleg) lol I'll post a pic of what it looks like later though. At work still, have about 6 hours to go.. (boobs)
 
No sir. I didn't at least. The stock boot will fit with the short throw shifter. It won't look too bunched up, but it does look hawt. I'd hit it...(humpleg) lol I'll post a pic of what it looks like later though. At work still, have about 6 hours to go.. (boobs)

Sweet.
 
Or you can get a sweet genuine leather boot that's specially shortened for a short-throw from redlinegoods.com :)

You can find tons of pics of their products on their site or in threads right here on the boards.
 
I was looking at the Redline equipment. Looks good. But the Stock boot works good, I'll wait until the boot starts ripping or after too many coffee stains. lol.
 
i was planning on getting a sts and was thinking that it might be good to get a shorter boot that looks similar to the stock one because i really like that look, but then i saw they were $40 at redlinegoods.com that doesnt seem worth the price to me.
 
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