Stark Performance Paddle Shifter Extensions Install and Review
 

Stark Performance Paddle Shifter Extensions Install and Review



I am not affiliated with Stark Performance. This is an independent review which shows my opinion of the kit.

When this product came out last month, I was excited to try it out as I have always wanted someone to make some paddle extensions for the 86. The stock paddles are good, and has taught me to keep my hands in a great position on the steering wheel while on the track. Sometimes though, I wish the paddles were a bit bigger to make it easier to reach during some high speed turns.


This is where the Stark Performance Paddle Shifter extensions come in. This kit is one of those things that you think should have come sooner or you could have made yourself. It's not that hard to do, but no one did it until Stark and a handful of japanese tuners. The reason is that the AT users are in a minority, and most of them don't care about the paddles anyway. I'm in a minority of that minority. I fuss over the small details and think how things could be improved on more.


The kit comes with the left and right extenders, an alcohol swab, and the double sided tape already in place in the extensions. Just clean the stock paddles with the swab, peel off the tape, and stick.

Before:

Now for a $100, I expected more out of the kit actually. When I opened the box and inspected the extensions, I noticed the paddles were poorly finished and had a bit of paint overspray left on them. The back part of the extensions were also poorly finished that when you touch them, you can feel the roughness of the finish. It seems that it would do the kit a great favor if I would wet sand it some more and top it with clear coat. You could see the overspray in this picture here.

After:

The fit is not that great either, with my left paddle sitting flush, but the right paddle would not stick on good and it seems the stock paddle is not seated perfect.


Overall, the kit does it's job, but it fails in the fit and finish department. If it was around $30-$50, I would not have gotten my hopes up. But at $100, it seems it's not worth it's price. I hope Stark Performance would correct the kit's shortcomings, and if they do, then the price would justify the cost.


Stark Performance paddles part two

As promised, here is my updated review of the Stark Performance Paddle shifters. I wanted to do Mike's effort justice after he replaced the first set of paddles he sent me. I broke out my macro lens to document all the differences of the new paddles from the old ones.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...psb1726837.jpg

The package is still the same, paddles come in this white box as pictured. The extensions, cleaner, and instructions are same except some new additions of Mike's calling card and a sticker.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...psfe6ceef7.jpg

Looking at the new set, it is apparent that the finish is a lot better than the first batch as Stark mentioned. The surfaces are smoother, and edges are sharper this time around. For example, here is a comparison of the old vs the new.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps7c461c76.jpg

The old paddles have a lot of bubbles from the casting process.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...pseafc1458.jpg

The new ones have a smoother and consistent surface.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...psa746c085.jpg

The old ones have a bubble right where the stock paddles meet the extensions, and is visible even from afar when installed.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...psbd99f605.jpg

The new batch has eliminated the bubble.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...pse0c0e8f1.jpg

The tip of the old extensions have overspray and bubbles, plus the edges are inconsistent.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps34a95e4f.jpg

The new ones have a better finish and shape overall with minimal paint imperfections.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps7f915a01.jpg

The new ones are molded better and fit the stock paddles more evenly.

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k8...ps7c461c76.jpg

Overall, the new batch are light years ahead of the old ones and way more worth the asking price, which was my complaint from the beginning. I want to commend Stark Performance for standing up for their product and providing excellent customer service. I understand that they-or he, is just a new company in the game, but with this attitude, will win over new customers easily. Thank you for going the extra mile for this customer!

Thank you for your honest and unbiased review. I would like to take the opportunity to correct the issues you describe and send you a new pair of paddles. I strive to produce the best parts that I can and hand check every one before I package them up. I apologize for missing the details that you are unhappy with and will make it right.

I did notice that my current batch of paddles does not have the finish I would like and am working to correct them. I will contact you as soon as I have a new set ready for you.

-Mike

Mike, thank you for standing up for your product. Just a little constructive criticism to further better your invention. Sorry if I came on too harsh. I am grateful for your offer to replace my paddles and would like to offer to pay for the shipping cost as it will be expensive for you since I live on the other side of the world. :thumbsup:

politest.. thread.. ever on the interwebs.

+1 for good guy vendor and +1 for good guy customer

Man.. U two mite as well be Canadian :)

I wasn't sure about dropping $100 on these, but definitely will with that kind of customer service. Thanks for the review @Tye300

Group buy pleaseeee

Just ordered these for my BRZ. I saw the review but when the vendor stepped up... well, that convinced me to try them out. Hope all goes well I should receive in a few days. Ill take some shots and post...

:clap:

Update:

Seller is a great guy. Already shipped the replacement paddles yesterday. Will update the review soon.

Hello there,

Got the Paddle extensions today. Very excited. Opened them up and took some pics.

The good...
These are such a nice size, light and the feel on the hand is awesome.
They are absolutely made by hand and I appreciate they were made in the USA.

Other...
There is some over spray on some areas of the surface feels rough to the touch. Mostly on the back and sides of paddle. even some slight drip from it.
There is a small hole (maybe an air bubble from pouring) on the edge of one paddles (see Picture).
Some marks (marker like) and blemishes both on the front and back of paddle extensions.

Sadly, I don't think I'll be installing these. I can live with over spray but at $100+ for these I feel QC should have noticed the small hole/air bubble.
I'm sure Stark will make it right.

Nissota,

It was good chatting with you earlier today. As I mentioned on the phone, I'm happy to replace your paddles for you. My new castings and paint jobs are significantly better than the first couple batches. In fact, you did get one of the very first castings of the new design. Just for reference, here's a picture of the original design (never sold any of them as I wasn't happy with how they turned out):

http://i264.photobucket.com/albums/i...psd2c93dc7.jpg

Thank you for the prompt response and for reaching out to me. It was great speaking to you and for taking the time to inquire further. Those look great will the be gray or black?I'll be shipping the extensions out tomorrow. Thanks again.
-Nissota

My pleasure. The picture is of the original paddle shifter extensions I made, but did not actually put into production. I'll keep an eye out for the package.

Thanks,
-Mike