TWM Releases Type R and Leopard Shift Knobs!

[TWM Performance]

TWM Performance has just released our awesome new Type R and A6 Leopard weighted shift knobs, available in stainless and satin finishes!
<o =""></o><o =""></o>
Be sure to check out the Type R weighted shift knob here: <o =""></o>
Type R Weighted Shift Knobs<o =""></o>
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o =""></o>
And the A6 Leopard shift knobs here:<o =""></o>
A6 Leopard Weighted Shift Knobs<o =""></o>
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o =""></o>
A couple of pictures:
<o =""></o>Type R Weighted:<o =""></o>

<o =""></o>
Type R Features:<o =""></o>
- 440 grams<o =""></o>
- adjustable height<o =""></o>
- 1 5/8" in diameter<o =""></o>
-2" in height<o =""></o>
- currently available in stainless steel finish and satin, gun metal, and flat black coming soon!<o =""></o>
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o =""></o>
A6 Leopard:<o =""></o>

<o =""></o>
A6 Leopard Features:<o =""></o>
- 485 grams<o =""></o>
- adjustable height<o =""></o>
- 2" in diameter<o =""></o>
-2 3/8" in height<o =""></o>
- currently available in stainless steel finish and satin, gun metal, and flat black coming soon!<o =""></o>
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o =""></o>
<o =""></o>Both of these knobs can also be added to any of our short shifters at TWM Performance.com with a savings of $15.00 off the retail price.<o =""></o>
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o =""></o>
Both knobs also feature our NTIS technology to allow for optimal height adjustability to fit your driving style. <o =""></o>
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o =""></o>
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <o =""></o>
**** REMINDER FROM TWM PERFORMANCE - SAVE 5% *****<o =""></o>
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o =""></o>
If you subscribe to the TWM Performance newsletter, YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A 5% DISCOUNT on any of our products including the new Type R and A6 Leopard shift knobs available at TWM Performance.com and TWM ShiftKnobs.com, ranging from bushing kits and shift boots to shift knobs and short shifter kits! Simply visit Our Site and fill out the form to subscribe, your coupon code will instantly be e-mailed to you.<o =""></o>
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o =""></o>
Thanks,<o =""></o>
<!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--><o =""></o>
Kevin<o =""></o>
TWM Performance

 

[bbrich57]

I just ordered your shifter. Why are these still listed as "coming soon" w/no link on your web page? You posted this back in March?!?

 

[TWM Performance]

I just ordered your shifter. Why are these still listed as "coming soon" w/no link on your web page? You posted this back in March?!?

These shift knobs have actually been available for a while. We will correct the page you are referring to, thanks for pointing that out.

Here is the links to the pages where you can find the shift knobs for purchase:

Weighted Type R
M1 Abrams
A6 Leopard

I hope this helps.

Thanks,
Kevin
TWM Performance

 

[bbrich57]

Thank you, Kevin.

 

[BKK Jack]

Thank you, Kevin.

So which knob did you get? I am torn between the R1 and the Leopard A6, but leaning towards the R1. I also can't decide between the satin or gun metal finish. What to do, what to do?

 

[bbrich57]

Actually, I looked but am staying w/the stock knob. I was mainly pointing out to Kevin that his website wasn't working correctly in case anyone else was interested. $100 for a shift knob is a little steep for me right now. Plus, I actually like the stock knob. Crazy, huh? (rlaugh)

 

[Hughes412]

100 Bucks!????

 

[bbrich57]

Yeah, that's what I said.
On the other hand the shifter is nearly $200, so....?

 

[TWM Performance]

So which knob did you get? I am torn between the R1 and the Leopard A6, but leaning towards the R1. I also can't decide between the satin or gun metal finish. What to do, what to do?

My personal preference is the satin type R, but everyone has different tastes. I switch between the satin type R and satin Leopard once and a while.

Kevin
TWM Performance

 

[BKK Jack]

Actually, I looked but am staying w/the stock knob. I was mainly pointing out to Kevin that his website wasn't working correctly in case anyone else was interested. $100 for a shift knob is a little steep for me right now. Plus, I actually like the stock knob. Crazy, huh? (rlaugh)

Crazy? I think you are asking the wrong person. I am going to order a shifter for a car I don't even have yet. Who's crazy.

"In an insane word, the sane man must appear insane." -Captain James T. Kirk

I might like the stock one better too, but there is no way for me to know. I will definitely try them both. If I like the stock one better, I can always carry the TWM knob around in a sock as a personal defense weapon, "Death Wish"-style! (I know Chas B. used two rolls of quarters, but don't forget about inflation!)

My personal preference is the satin type R, but everyone has different tastes. I switch between the satin type R and satin Leopard once and a while.

Kevin: Looks like a satin R1 for me. One more question: Is the blue stitching on the boot dark enough to go with the 2007 Aurora Blue?

Thanks.

 

[TWM Performance]

Here's a pic of the blue stitch boot we use. Ignore the shift knob though, we no longer sell the shorter classic shift knob. I hope this helps:

Kevin
TWM Performance

 

[bbrich57]

Crazy? I think you are asking the wrong person. I am going to order a shifter for a car I don't even have yet. Who's crazy.

"In an insane word, the sane man must appear insane." -Captain James T. Kirk

When did Kirk say that? I thought I knew all the old episodes from original Trek.

Kevin: One more question: Is the blue stitching on the boot dark enough to go with the 2007 Aurora Blue?

I've seen that pic before and while I think it's a little (very little) "louder" than Cosmic, it should do fine. Or, if you don't want to take the chance, do what I did and order a contrasting color... red, silver or black.

 

[Adam02es]

As other members have pointed out, $100 is not cheap for a shift knob. What goes into the construction of a shift knob that creates the huge range in prices? Is it using a higher percentage of metal vs cheap plastic? The NTIS adjustable height thing? The TWM knobs certainly have a high quality look to them in the pictures, but it can be hard to determine the quality of something like this without being able to actually touch it. MOMO knobs look nice in pictures too; however, I have seen some threads with members complaining about the quality of the MOMO knobs, especially relative to the price.

I am not accusing TWM knobs of being overpriced or of poor quality, I just don't know much about what goes into a shift knob and I am trying to figure out where my money would be going. It seems like a simple enough device (dunno)

 

[BKK Jack]

When did Kirk say that? I thought I knew all the old episodes from original Trek.

I can't reference the episode. It's just another of the useless pieces of crap floating around in my head and taking up space better suited to knowledge that would allow for better day-to-day functioning in real-life.

I've seen that pic before and while I think it's a little (very little) "louder" than Cosmic, it should do fine. Or, if you don't want to take the chance, do what I did and order a contrasting color... red, silver or black.

Good point. The silver might look nice. It might just coordinate with the knob, the e-brake release button and the future aluminum pedals. Hmmm...

 

[bbrich57]

I can't reference the episode. It's just another of the useless pieces of crap floating around in my head and taking up space better suited to knowledge that would allow for better day-to-day functioning in real-life.

Good point. The silver might look nice. It might just coordinate with the knob, the e-brake release button and the future aluminum pedals. Hmmm...

The MS3 comes w/aluminim pedals, though Automobile mag says that because of the rubber inserts, they are not as grippy as they might be, especially w/leather soled shoes.
Also, the stitching on the steering wheel and seats is red. Why not go with the red boot if you want coordination?
About that Kirk quote: Could that have been from one of the movies? As an old Trekker, that one has been bugging me. (smash)
My mind must be on... (strike)
edit, off-topic: While searching for your quote, I came across some others I thought interesting.
Captain Kirk: "Note to Galley; Romulan Ale no longer to be served at diplomatic functions.
I'm going to sleep this off. Please let me know if there's some other way we can screw up tonight." From Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country

 

[bbrich57]

I'm sure that any AF performance company worth it's reputation, as w/TWM, they put a fair amount of thought and R&D into their products or they wouldn't have that rep to begin with. The cost of modern machinery to make these as well as the cost of simply doing buiness is high these days. In this particular case, add the fact that TWM is a Canadian company and the difference in monetary values that are constantly changing, they need to cover their asses too or they won't stay in business too long. And I'm sure that Kevin would like to be able to retire someday.
As I was trying to point out in a previous post, their shifter is nearly $200 American. What is a shifter but a hunk of metal that's been machined, welded and manipulated into a crooked piece of metal that fits right? It weighs about 2lbs, or about $100/lb. But the weight is not what we are paying for in this case, but the research, equipment, labor, advertising, company expenses, warranty, packing and shipping. The days of the $40 Hurst shifter are gone, my friend.
$100 for a shift knob, a fairly simple devise as you've pointed out, may seem like a lot on the surface, and it is, but think of what goes into making a good one. How many failures did they try before settling on the final production model(s)?

 

[TWM Performance]

As other members have pointed out, $100 is not cheap for a shift knob. What goes into the construction of a shift knob that creates the huge range in prices? Is it using a higher percentage of metal vs cheap plastic? The NTIS adjustable height thing? The TWM knobs certainly have a high quality look to them in the pictures, but it can be hard to determine the quality of something like this without being able to actually touch it. MOMO knobs look nice in pictures too; however, I have seen some threads with members complaining about the quality of the MOMO knobs, especially relative to the price.

I am not accusing TWM knobs of being overpriced or of poor quality, I just don't know much about what goes into a shift knob and I am trying to figure out where my money would be going. It seems like a simple enough device (dunno)

bbrich57: Well said, you have an extremely good grasp of what is is like to run a company and remain competitive in the market, I couldn't have said it better myself. With that said, I'll try to add a little more info.

TWM shift knobs are more expensive than low end shift knobs that weigh very little and are often made of plastic, but keep in mind that our shift knobs are CNC machined from 304 stainless steel and are hand polished. Then depending on the finish, they have a unique finish applied that is specific to stainless steel and expensive.

Our shift knobs cost more than average knobs because they are made from expensive materials that are difficult to machine, on expensive machinery, and have a lot of hand polishing and finishing. Our products are also made in North America and are not mass produced in China. The vast majority of manufacturers do use overseas labor to save on cost, but we feel that we can retain the highest level of quality by keeping production here. The end result is a very high end shift knob with great durability and functionality.

Since they are made with a very dense material they are very heavy, and a heavier knob results in smoother shifting on manual transmissions. There are lots of testimonials on this forum and many others from customers with our shift knobs who swear by them and are 100% satisfied.

I hope this helps, and thanks for everyone's input

Kevin
TWM Performance

 

[Adam02es]

Thanks for the input bbirch57 and kevin. I hope I didn't sound like I was accusing TWM of selling overpriced junk, I just didn't know much about what goes into a shift knob and what separates the good from the bad. It is hard to compare when all you have to go on is an online picture. Many other sites list very little information about the shift knobs they sell; and some even fail to mention the weight. Your answers were very helpful and informative.

 

[bbrich57]

Thanks for the input bbirch57 and kevin. I hope I didn't sound like I was accusing TWM of selling overpriced junk....

Well, I for one didn't take it that way.
Kevin, being an insider, sure added more to the conversation than the generalities I was making though. I too was unaware of some of those facts, and appreciate hearing them.
Thanks for the info, Kev!

 

[BKK Jack]

The MS3 comes w/aluminim pedals, though Automobile mag says that because of the rubber inserts, they are not as grippy as they might be, especially w/leather soled shoes.
Also, the stitching on the steering wheel and seats is red. Why not go with the red boot if you want coordination?
About that Kirk quote: Could that have been from one of the movies? As an old Trekker, that one has been bugging me. (smash)
My mind must be on... (strike)
edit, off-topic: While searching for your quote, I came across some others I thought interesting.
Captain Kirk: "Note to Galley; Romulan Ale no longer to be served at diplomatic functions.
I'm going to sleep this off. Please let me know if there's some other way we can screw up tonight." From Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country

I poured over the interior photos posted on the Mazda website, and it appears that they lost the contrasting stitching for 2007, along with the red/blue seat inserts. It appears to me all stitching now is just black. I think the silver will fit. If not, Sharpies come in many colors...

BTW, I ordered the NA 3, not the MS3, so aluminum pedals are on the menu, especially after seeing the picts of yours, very nice.

I have been trying to pin that quote down down myself. I keep getting a picture of the episode with the parallel universe. You know the one where they all had parallel universe doubles, including a slutty Yeoman Rand (she was hot!). I might go googling...