How do you hold your shift knob?
 

New to manual trans. Some people are telling me that a strong open palm grip is the only way to go? Would like some input from people who have been driving manual for longer

Currently doing the 'pistol grip/side arm' style because it feels more comfortable and natural to me but maybe I can still change habit

Some shift knobs seem to even be designed purposely for side arm shifting like the raceseng Ashiko

:thanks:

When shifting down, I hold it like a pistol, but when shifting quickly up into third or 5th, I put my hand/palm right "behind" the middle of the knob and throw it up.

I usually have my palm on it, mostly use my palm to shift up or down. Different strokes for different folks!

Yes I drive an automatic.

^what this guy said.

In reality, my grip for each gear is different. Depends on what gear I'm in and which gear I plan on going into next.

I use just like finger tips to pull it down to 2nd, 4th, 6th or downshifting.
Palm for going up to 3rd and 5th

Don't over think it. All that really matters is that you have enough grip on it to keep it from slipping through your fingers but not such a kung-fu grip that you're white knuckling it. The car doesn't have to be gently caressed, nor does it need to be slammed into gear. Beyond that, how you apply the proper amount of pressure to get it into the next gate is up to you.

And if you ever start shifting in some particularly stylish way that you think "looks cool," you're not. I saw a video a while back where some kid was throwing his elbow out to the side and slamming the shifter into the gates, like he was all gangsta an' shit. On the contrary, he was just a moron. Ultimately, shifting is one of those things that should just happen without you or anybody else really noticing.

Thanks for all the input! much appreciated

A follow up question: Are heavier shift knobs actually noticeable when installed vs stock? Or is it mostly a placebo thing?

Has anyone ever installed a heavier shift knob and regretted it or reverted back to stock?

A 2 finger grip is what I use to shift into 2nd, 4th and 6th. Just enough pressure to get it in there. Palm for neutral to 1st 3rd and 5th. When I first got the car (this is my first MT), I found myself "Death Gripping" the shifter all the time. You don't need a lot of force to make it happen. This came after I got more comfortable and "relaxed" behind the wheel though. In spirited driving, I use 3 fingers (imagine twisting off a cap on a bottle of coke) to grip the top of the knob.

I palm it, lightly.

I never "hold" it when I'm not shifting. That always felt awkward to me.

I use fingertips for everything, even 2-3 and 4-5. It's quicker to move just my hand and fingers than it is my entire arm, and it doesn't take that much pressure to shift.

+1

I found the stock shift knob too rattle-prone for my liking (I later screwed it on a lot tighter than it had come from the factory, and this seemed to fix the issue a bit).
I replaced it with a 495g WC Lathewerks ball, and I have to say it felt much better - more solid, smooth, and the shift knob is now much lower than the stock knob.

I think it is a tangible difference - however, make sure your shift knob really IS heavier (the stock piece is supposedly 198g, which is about the same as most of the custom shift knobs out there).

Only downsides: you will need gloves for winter driving (the material gets very cold), and likely you will want to cover it whenever you park for the summer (haven't experienced this yet)
Also, depending on the material, the new shift knob might not be as "grippy" as the stock unit, which may be an issue under spirited driving.

I use my feet

I use an Anarchy Motive shift knob at 671 grams to answer your newest question. The only difference I can tell besides it being cold during winter, or what little winter Alabama has and the heat. It gets hot and cold. Although, the main difference it doesn't feel as notchy, but I wouldn't say it shifts any easier like some people claim.