| ripvw | 02-22-2007 04:35 AM |
The Perfect Shiftknob
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Ok, so I'm now on my 4th shiftknob for my 5-year old WRX wagon. But I feel confident in saying that this one will be my last - here's why:
The stock knob is made of leather and weighs about 90 grams. However, the leather is cheap feeling and "plasticky" to the touch. Also, the plastic insert used to screw the knob into the shift lever takes away from the more direct feel you get from a knob that screws right into the lever. I replaced it when I upgraded the port-installed STI short-shifter with Kartboy shifter bushings and went to a metal Prodrive knob.
The Prodrive felt great in the hand and had that direct feeling that I prefer. While some have complained that the Prodrive gets too hot or cold to the touch, I found that using a windshield sunscreen took care of the heat problem and since I live in Houston cold isn't really an issue. Still, after a few weeks with the Prodrive I came to the conclusion that the heavier weight of the knob - 190g - resulted in rushing the shift. It was too easy to beat the synchros with the Prodrive knob and I had to consciously slow down my shift technique to keep from crunching the gears.
About this time, Dendrobium posted a great thread comparing lots of shiftknobs here:
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=554001&highlight=knob[/url]
He created a spreadsheet comparing shiftknob weights and heights as well as his comments regarding feel. While I don't agree with all of his comments, the data was compelling and he did introduce me to knob with all of the benefits of the Prodrive but without the weight - the Prova:
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6507109&postcount=18[/url]
I bought the Prova for about $90 - $30 more than the Prodrive at the time - and thought I had found shiftknob Nirvana. It had that great hand-filling feel of the Prodrive, but weighed almost the same as the stock shifter at 85g. It was a little shorter than the Prodrive, making it a little shorter than the stock knob as well. When I upgraded later to all of the available TIC and Kartboy shifter bushings and added the shortened Kartboy lever, the shifting got even better. I have long arms so the now "low-to-the-ground" Prova shiftknob worked great for me, and combined with the Kartboy lever I now had shift throws about 20% shorter than the STI-short shifter that came with my car.
A while ago I noticed a post from TIC regarding the custom shiftknob designs of WRXDriftR, i.e. Chris Mattessich. TIC introduced the knobs in this thread and I was very impressed with the custom aluminum knobs that Chris was turning out:
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1145753[/url]
I thought that perhaps with all the improvements I had made to the shift lever and bushings I might be able to go back to a heavier metal knob like the Prodrive. I had no complaints about the Prova, but it was still a mass-produced piece from Japan with Prova's "advertising" on it. If I had some other Prova products on my car that wouldn't be so bad - I bought the Prodrive knob at the same time I got some Prodrive springs from Daddy's - but that isn't the case. The simple, smooth and finely finished look of Chris's metal knobs appeared to be a work of art and I filed it under "things to look into" and went on my way.
Later, another post in the same thread caught my eye - Chris was now making WRX knobs from a plastic material he describes here:
"Acetal Copolymer is the new material I have been using to produce shift knobs. Its a very hard plastic which was invented by DuPont as the lightweight replacement for steel. It is strong, durable, somewhat scratch/dent resistent and has great heat characteristics. It wont get hot or cold like metal ones, it remains within a moderate temperature range similar to your steering wheel.
Its lighter, but this only aids in providing more feedback to the driver. I noticed a better connection with the shifting using one of these over aluminum ones. Perhaps being lighter it doesn't damped the feedback like the heavier metal knobs do."
It was obvious from reading the thread that Chris had a number of designs available and he would also custom build a "one-off" knob to someone's specifications. However, a specifc piece caught my eye - the WRX sphere with collar:
[IMG]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollar-a.JPG[/IMG]
At 102 grams it weighed about the same as the stock and Prova knobs, but it looked far better to me than the Prova knob. The copolymer as photographed had a richness to the texture that the Prova lacked, and the fact that it was a pure sphere without a tacked-on decal at the top did the trick for me and I ordered one.
Chris/TIC got it out to me in less than a week and I've spent the last week living with it. It offers all the advantages of the Prodrive and Prova knobs but none of the weaknesses: It is light like the stock shiftknob and the Prova, so no chance of beating the synchros and rushing the shift. It has the same hand-filling feel of the Prodrive, but like the Prova it does not get hot or cold to the touch. It does not have any tacky looking decals or script to spoil the appearance or feel of the knob, and the copolymer material looks and feels far better than Prova's duracon plastic. The knob looks like finely polished and turned black aluminum, with a satin finish. One touch tells you that it is not aluminum but something better. Once I had a chance to compare them side-by-side, the copolymer knob was just a bit shorter than the Prova, and from above it appears to visually integrate smoothly from shift boot to lever to knob. It is the only shiftknob in the last five years to be noticed by any of my passengers - all comments positive and all of them thought it was made of metal.
[IMG]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollar-d.JPG[/IMG]
Finally, Chris's copolymer shift knob in black looks like it belongs in the car. It is "organic" and seems to flow up out of the black leather shift boot onto the lever. By comparison, both the Prodrive and the Prova looked like they were "imported" into the interior. The stock knob also has the "looks like it belongs here" appearance until you touch it and it screams "cheap". Touch the TIC/WRXDriftR knob and you think "ahhh, now that's what a shiftknob should feel like".
I don't know what my next car will be, but it will have a manual transmission and a shiftknob from Chris Mattessich.
The stock knob is made of leather and weighs about 90 grams. However, the leather is cheap feeling and "plasticky" to the touch. Also, the plastic insert used to screw the knob into the shift lever takes away from the more direct feel you get from a knob that screws right into the lever. I replaced it when I upgraded the port-installed STI short-shifter with Kartboy shifter bushings and went to a metal Prodrive knob.
The Prodrive felt great in the hand and had that direct feeling that I prefer. While some have complained that the Prodrive gets too hot or cold to the touch, I found that using a windshield sunscreen took care of the heat problem and since I live in Houston cold isn't really an issue. Still, after a few weeks with the Prodrive I came to the conclusion that the heavier weight of the knob - 190g - resulted in rushing the shift. It was too easy to beat the synchros with the Prodrive knob and I had to consciously slow down my shift technique to keep from crunching the gears.
About this time, Dendrobium posted a great thread comparing lots of shiftknobs here:
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=554001&highlight=knob[/url]
He created a spreadsheet comparing shiftknob weights and heights as well as his comments regarding feel. While I don't agree with all of his comments, the data was compelling and he did introduce me to knob with all of the benefits of the Prodrive but without the weight - the Prova:
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6507109&postcount=18[/url]
I bought the Prova for about $90 - $30 more than the Prodrive at the time - and thought I had found shiftknob Nirvana. It had that great hand-filling feel of the Prodrive, but weighed almost the same as the stock shifter at 85g. It was a little shorter than the Prodrive, making it a little shorter than the stock knob as well. When I upgraded later to all of the available TIC and Kartboy shifter bushings and added the shortened Kartboy lever, the shifting got even better. I have long arms so the now "low-to-the-ground" Prova shiftknob worked great for me, and combined with the Kartboy lever I now had shift throws about 20% shorter than the STI-short shifter that came with my car.
A while ago I noticed a post from TIC regarding the custom shiftknob designs of WRXDriftR, i.e. Chris Mattessich. TIC introduced the knobs in this thread and I was very impressed with the custom aluminum knobs that Chris was turning out:
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1145753[/url]
I thought that perhaps with all the improvements I had made to the shift lever and bushings I might be able to go back to a heavier metal knob like the Prodrive. I had no complaints about the Prova, but it was still a mass-produced piece from Japan with Prova's "advertising" on it. If I had some other Prova products on my car that wouldn't be so bad - I bought the Prodrive knob at the same time I got some Prodrive springs from Daddy's - but that isn't the case. The simple, smooth and finely finished look of Chris's metal knobs appeared to be a work of art and I filed it under "things to look into" and went on my way.
Later, another post in the same thread caught my eye - Chris was now making WRX knobs from a plastic material he describes here:
"Acetal Copolymer is the new material I have been using to produce shift knobs. Its a very hard plastic which was invented by DuPont as the lightweight replacement for steel. It is strong, durable, somewhat scratch/dent resistent and has great heat characteristics. It wont get hot or cold like metal ones, it remains within a moderate temperature range similar to your steering wheel.
Its lighter, but this only aids in providing more feedback to the driver. I noticed a better connection with the shifting using one of these over aluminum ones. Perhaps being lighter it doesn't damped the feedback like the heavier metal knobs do."
It was obvious from reading the thread that Chris had a number of designs available and he would also custom build a "one-off" knob to someone's specifications. However, a specifc piece caught my eye - the WRX sphere with collar:
[IMG]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollar-a.JPG[/IMG]
At 102 grams it weighed about the same as the stock and Prova knobs, but it looked far better to me than the Prova knob. The copolymer as photographed had a richness to the texture that the Prova lacked, and the fact that it was a pure sphere without a tacked-on decal at the top did the trick for me and I ordered one.
Chris/TIC got it out to me in less than a week and I've spent the last week living with it. It offers all the advantages of the Prodrive and Prova knobs but none of the weaknesses: It is light like the stock shiftknob and the Prova, so no chance of beating the synchros and rushing the shift. It has the same hand-filling feel of the Prodrive, but like the Prova it does not get hot or cold to the touch. It does not have any tacky looking decals or script to spoil the appearance or feel of the knob, and the copolymer material looks and feels far better than Prova's duracon plastic. The knob looks like finely polished and turned black aluminum, with a satin finish. One touch tells you that it is not aluminum but something better. Once I had a chance to compare them side-by-side, the copolymer knob was just a bit shorter than the Prova, and from above it appears to visually integrate smoothly from shift boot to lever to knob. It is the only shiftknob in the last five years to be noticed by any of my passengers - all comments positive and all of them thought it was made of metal.
[IMG]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollar-d.JPG[/IMG]
Finally, Chris's copolymer shift knob in black looks like it belongs in the car. It is "organic" and seems to flow up out of the black leather shift boot onto the lever. By comparison, both the Prodrive and the Prova looked like they were "imported" into the interior. The stock knob also has the "looks like it belongs here" appearance until you touch it and it screams "cheap". Touch the TIC/WRXDriftR knob and you think "ahhh, now that's what a shiftknob should feel like".
I don't know what my next car will be, but it will have a manual transmission and a shiftknob from Chris Mattessich.
| ekw | 02-22-2007 07:57 AM |
I recently picked up the Sphere in (Black) Acetal Copolymer for the STi from WC Lathe Werks.
it looks great, feels great (does not get as cold as the aluminum), shifts great.
I am not sure how the black will do for heat in the summer, but I will find out, so no point worrying about it.
TiC/WC Lathe Werks are great to deal with.
great products, excellent service.
it looks great, feels great (does not get as cold as the aluminum), shifts great.
I am not sure how the black will do for heat in the summer, but I will find out, so no point worrying about it.
TiC/WC Lathe Werks are great to deal with.
great products, excellent service.
| WRXDriftR | 02-22-2007 12:00 PM |
thanks guys, this began as a hobby, but once Clint & Tony @ TiC offered their services, I've been able to extend my services to the Subie Community. For that, I am grateful.
~Chris
WC LATHE WERKS
~Chris
WC LATHE WERKS
| STi-JDM | 02-22-2007 12:09 PM |
w00tin for Chris! :D I can vouch for this guy... keep up the good job Chris!
William
William
| Aaron'z 2.5RS | 02-22-2007 12:12 PM |
Bahh, this one even has blue eyes.... lol
[IMG]http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000B7RCOO.01-A3DWJ95CJL3OHA._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000B7RCOO.01-A3DWJ95CJL3OHA._AA280_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg[/IMG]
| Turn in Concepts | 02-22-2007 12:21 PM |
I think Clint and I have something arriving shortly in the mail that should make us both very happy. I will report back soon. :)
| wrx-sleeper | 02-22-2007 12:58 PM |
prova gear shift knobs ftw!!!!!!!!
| JCity | 02-22-2007 02:05 PM |
prodrive ftw !...
| WRXDriftR | 02-22-2007 10:34 PM |
I see alot of enthusiasts support the mass produced "bling"... :p
You don't know what you're missing until you give it a try.
~Chris
You don't know what you're missing until you give it a try.
~Chris
| MERT K | 02-23-2007 02:46 AM |
i like the momo one that can be an option on the wrx... anyone have that same knob but for the sti with reverse lock out?
| Wannascooby | 02-23-2007 03:23 AM |
I just picked up the kartboy shift knob and I must say that I love it! No offense but the boot is wrapped around the knob looks awful in the sti...
| gimmewar | 02-23-2007 03:38 AM |
I don't like your shift boot to shift knob transition.. other than that it looks good :)
| ekw | 02-23-2007 08:26 AM |
that is a WRX knob sitting in STi trim.
the STi sphere does not have the collar (cylinder projecting from the bottom)
as it needs the recess machined in for the reverse loclout.
I will try to get off my dead butt and post some pics of the STi knob in my STi this weekend.
the STi sphere does not have the collar (cylinder projecting from the bottom)
as it needs the recess machined in for the reverse loclout.
I will try to get off my dead butt and post some pics of the STi knob in my STi this weekend.
| WRXDriftR | 02-23-2007 12:20 PM |
My car is a WRX, the pics of my STi shift knob on the STi are shown below:
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/STi%20Sphere-c.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/STi%20Sphere-d.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/STi%20Sphere-e.JPG[/img]
As you can see, I machine a hole in the bottom of the knob so the reverse ring can slide up into the knob just like stock. The knob does not sit on top of the lever and add any height or look "tacky" like some I've seen.
~Chris
WC LATHE WERKS
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/STi%20Sphere-c.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/STi%20Sphere-d.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/STi%20Sphere-e.JPG[/img]
As you can see, I machine a hole in the bottom of the knob so the reverse ring can slide up into the knob just like stock. The knob does not sit on top of the lever and add any height or look "tacky" like some I've seen.
~Chris
WC LATHE WERKS
| SparkysJDMSpeedWagon | 02-23-2007 12:27 PM |
[QUOTE=WRXDriftR;17149785]I see alot of enthusiasts support the mass produced "bling"... :p
You don't know what you're missing until you give it a try.
~Chris[/QUOTE]
I paid all of about $20 for my Blitz "bling" knob...black plastic with Blitz sticker on the top. I was tired of my hand freezing to the titanium STi knob in the wintertime. I don't even know what "Acetal Copolymer" (sorry, not much for chemical engineering), is this like hard plastic, or more like rubber? Or am I totally off?
You don't know what you're missing until you give it a try.
~Chris[/QUOTE]
I paid all of about $20 for my Blitz "bling" knob...black plastic with Blitz sticker on the top. I was tired of my hand freezing to the titanium STi knob in the wintertime. I don't even know what "Acetal Copolymer" (sorry, not much for chemical engineering), is this like hard plastic, or more like rubber? Or am I totally off?
| WRXDriftR | 02-23-2007 01:03 PM |
It is a SUPER hard Plastic. Acetal Copolymer was invented in the 1930s by DuPont as a replacement for steel in certain applications. Its got great properties, very strong but it also resists scratching and denting better than metals, has wonderful heat characteristics (wont freeze or burn your hand ever), and is more than strong enough to thread directly into the material without worrying about stripping the threads. Its lightweight, but not a featherweight, its got good mass for a shift knob. Copolymer also has a very unique feel which is different from any metal or plastic.
Basically, its plastic from heaven, especially because its amazingly nice to machine with high consistency during cutting.
~Chris
WC LATHE WERKS
Basically, its plastic from heaven, especially because its amazingly nice to machine with high consistency during cutting.
~Chris
WC LATHE WERKS
| B00st3dWRX | 02-23-2007 01:09 PM |
how much for 1?
| WRXDriftR | 02-23-2007 01:40 PM |
[quote=B00st3dWRX;17155085]how much for 1?[/quote]
Im not a Nasioc vendor so I cant sell them.
TurnInConcepts.com is my distributor so you can find it on their site under Subaru/ CGCI Parts/ WC Lathe Werks
~Chris
Im not a Nasioc vendor so I cant sell them.
TurnInConcepts.com is my distributor so you can find it on their site under Subaru/ CGCI Parts/ WC Lathe Werks
~Chris
| WRXDriftR | 02-23-2007 02:37 PM |
ATTN: All
Nasioc is going to be down tomorrow (maybe sunday). If you have any questions, please contact me at "LatheWerks [at] TurnInConcepts.com
Thank ya,
Nasioc is going to be down tomorrow (maybe sunday). If you have any questions, please contact me at "LatheWerks [at] TurnInConcepts.com
Thank ya,
| Thaddy | 02-23-2007 02:57 PM |
Another +1 for the Acetal shift knobs Chris makes. I decided to go with the black piston shaped knob and have been very happy with it.
| WRXDriftR | 02-23-2007 03:11 PM |
^ the piston is what I use on my car, its my favorite out of all the versions due to its simplicity and the ease to feel what gear I'm in from the lever angle.
| JiveMasterT | 02-23-2007 05:33 PM |
Anyone know the weight on that Lathe Works knob for the STi? ...or if it comes in black?
Also has anyone seen the Worx knob?
Also has anyone seen the Worx knob?
| crewchief97 | 02-23-2007 06:33 PM |
Personnally, I love my prodrive knob, although the TIC knob does look pretty good.
| boost junkie | 02-23-2007 09:49 PM |
Just ordered a custom knob from Chris today, I can't wait to get it!
| randolph-rs | 02-23-2007 10:36 PM |
If only I chose to sell my knobs here. Unfortunately mine are an exclusive to the Forester community. Had I known you guys love acetal. I hate to do it. I can't sell here so do not pm me.
I can only say that this knob is the perfect shift knob for me. Here is a teaser shot of my knob in delrin w/ shift pattern.
[IMG]http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e192/Jami_S/shiftpatternblkdelrin.jpg[/IMG]
I can only say that this knob is the perfect shift knob for me. Here is a teaser shot of my knob in delrin w/ shift pattern.
[IMG]http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e192/Jami_S/shiftpatternblkdelrin.jpg[/IMG]
| WRXDriftR | 02-24-2007 09:25 AM |
[quote=JiveMasterT;17158443]Anyone know the weight on that Lathe Werks knob for the STi? ...or if it comes in black?
[/quote]
The STi knob weights are:
Acetal Copolymer Sphere: ~75 grams (BLACK)
Aluminum Sphere: ~105 grams (Brushed SILVER)
randolph-rs:
I made one knob from Stainless steel and was unimpressed by the shifting feel with so much extra weight. I felt like I could feel absolutely NO feedback thru the shift linkage at all, it was almost like the knob would shift for itself once you gave it some momentum. I am a huge supporter of the lighter Copolmyer knobs because its a much more direct connection to the transmission that won't dampen out feedback.
Homopolymer & Copolmyer: I really dont think the avereage person could tell the difference. But I cannot deny the fact that both make remarkably good shift knobs :p Keep up the good work, I admire your design!
~Chris
[/quote]
The STi knob weights are:
Acetal Copolymer Sphere: ~75 grams (BLACK)
Aluminum Sphere: ~105 grams (Brushed SILVER)
randolph-rs:
I made one knob from Stainless steel and was unimpressed by the shifting feel with so much extra weight. I felt like I could feel absolutely NO feedback thru the shift linkage at all, it was almost like the knob would shift for itself once you gave it some momentum. I am a huge supporter of the lighter Copolmyer knobs because its a much more direct connection to the transmission that won't dampen out feedback.
Homopolymer & Copolmyer: I really dont think the avereage person could tell the difference. But I cannot deny the fact that both make remarkably good shift knobs :p Keep up the good work, I admire your design!
~Chris
| G3Red04WRX | 02-24-2007 01:32 PM |
<---- Have nothing but good things to say about Chris' work. He made me a custom one-off shift knob that i designed in 3d cad, and its nothing short of perfect. If i had any use for 2 shift knobs, i definitely know who im calling first to put my order in with. I have a lot of pictures of the one he made for me somewhere on the site here.
| 05Redsuby | 02-24-2007 06:17 PM |
i just ordered a wrx sphere knob with the collar yesterady. cant wait till it gets here!
| WRXDriftR | 02-25-2007 02:07 AM |
I just finished this one for "Nat"
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarWhite-a.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarWhite-a.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarWhite-b.JPG[/img]
~Chris
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarWhite-a.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarWhite-a.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarWhite-b.JPG[/img]
~Chris
| Wannascooby | 02-25-2007 06:31 AM |
[QUOTE=WRXDriftR;17154449]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/STi%20Sphere-c.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/STi%20Sphere-d.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/STi%20Sphere-e.JPG[/img]
[/QUOTE]
Haha these pictures looked like I tried to photoshop a sphere onto the shifter:lol: .
Edit: sorry if I seem to be making fun of the shift knobs. I like the SHIFT knob itself, but it's just the way they present themselves on the pictures. One had a funny tuck look and the other looked photoshopped.
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/STi%20Sphere-c.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/STi%20Sphere-d.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/STi%20Sphere-e.JPG[/img]
[/QUOTE]
Haha these pictures looked like I tried to photoshop a sphere onto the shifter:lol: .
Edit: sorry if I seem to be making fun of the shift knobs. I like the SHIFT knob itself, but it's just the way they present themselves on the pictures. One had a funny tuck look and the other looked photoshopped.
| wrXmon | 02-25-2007 09:41 AM |
I received my Prodrive knob just before reading this thread, and I don't think I will regret it.
| WRXDriftR | 02-25-2007 12:37 PM |
the knobs may look photoshopped because the Copolymer material has a weird way of absorbing light in the pics so they come out looking a bit strange through a camera lense.
| Wannascooby | 02-25-2007 02:45 PM |
[QUOTE=wrXmon;17171378]I received my Prodrive knob just before reading this thread, and I don't think I will regret it.[/QUOTE]
I've got that and I love the feel.
I've got that and I love the feel.
| Nat | 02-25-2007 03:38 PM |
Awesome Chris - can't wait! I've got the Prodrive now and look forward to replacing it. I'm a neat/organizational freak and don't like that the "P" on the Prodrive doesn't line up straight anymore. I let a friend drive the car and he man-handled the knob out of alignment. Plus the tiny holes on the top get dirty sometimes and to be honest, I just like the look of Chris's product better.
Thanks Chris, look forward to it showing up!
Thanks Chris, look forward to it showing up!
| WRXDriftR | 02-25-2007 03:51 PM |
It's going out Monday, should get it around tuesday I hope (coming from NJ)
I like the "clean" look as well. I removed every badge and emblem from the outside of the car, and having a clean inside only adds to the effect. Theres enough advertising space in the rest of the world :p
I like the "clean" look as well. I removed every badge and emblem from the outside of the car, and having a clean inside only adds to the effect. Theres enough advertising space in the rest of the world :p
| WRXDriftR | 02-28-2007 12:06 AM |
Heres a twist on the same knob, added 5 grooves over the rounded part of it for super-grip!
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarGrooved-a.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarGrooved-a.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarGrooved-b.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarGrooved-c.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarGrooved-a.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarGrooved-a.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarGrooved-b.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarGrooved-c.JPG[/img]
| naimouasta | 03-01-2007 11:38 PM |
i've been lookin at these shift knobs for awhile and i really like the piston shaped aluminum one. however can someone explain to me why the shiftboot does not sit cleanly like with the stock knob? it's the only thing i'm trying to figure out before getting one.
| StE823 | 03-01-2007 11:42 PM |
those acetal knob feel great, especially in cold cold winter.. :)
| StE823 | 03-01-2007 11:43 PM |
[QUOTE=WRXDriftR;17204636]Heres a twist on the same knob, added 5 grooves over the rounded part of it for super-grip!
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarGrooved-a.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarGrooved-a.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarGrooved-b.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarGrooved-c.JPG[/img][/QUOTE]
you know what will make these look better? put some rubber O ring around them for more grip... :banana:
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarGrooved-a.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarGrooved-a.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarGrooved-b.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarGrooved-c.JPG[/img][/QUOTE]
you know what will make these look better? put some rubber O ring around them for more grip... :banana:
| steverx05 | 03-02-2007 12:11 AM |
My black acetal collared sphere knob came in a couple days ago. I've gone through 3 other knobs (stock, MOMO, and TWM) and I finally found the one I am completely happy with. The knob looks perfect with the stock wrx shift boot too. Chris's shift knobs rock, I highly recommend them.
| 05Redsuby | 03-02-2007 12:30 AM |
[quote=naimouasta;17230583]i've been lookin at these shift knobs for awhile and i really like the piston shaped aluminum one. however can someone explain to me why the shiftboot does not sit cleanly like with the stock knob? it's the only thing i'm trying to figure out before getting one.[/quote]
maybe hes done the shift boot mod found on scoobymods i did that and it looked the same
maybe hes done the shift boot mod found on scoobymods i did that and it looked the same
| szeny | 03-02-2007 03:04 PM |
[QUOTE=randolph-rs;17160892]If only I chose to sell my knobs here. Unfortunately mine are an exclusive to the Forester community. Had I known you guys love acetal. I hate to do it. I can't sell here so do not pm me.
I can only say that this knob is the perfect shift knob for me. Here is a teaser shot of my knob in delrin w/ shift pattern.
[IMG]http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e192/Jami_S/shiftpatternblkdelrin.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]
sick! you got a template? pm me detials
I can only say that this knob is the perfect shift knob for me. Here is a teaser shot of my knob in delrin w/ shift pattern.
[IMG]http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e192/Jami_S/shiftpatternblkdelrin.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]
sick! you got a template? pm me detials
| WRXDriftR | 03-03-2007 01:19 AM |
The shift boot on my car is weird, I've compard it to pictures of my shift knobs on other customer's WRX's and they looks more straight down on the sides, like these two:
G3Red04WRX's car:
[img]http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p122/g_f_3/DSC_6578.jpg[/img]
and WRX Brakes' car:
[img]http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c299/brakeguru/shiftknob.jpg[/img]
So don't worry about the shift boot looking bad. It should snap up to the knob nicely.
~Chris
WC LATHE WERKS
G3Red04WRX's car:
[img]http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p122/g_f_3/DSC_6578.jpg[/img]
and WRX Brakes' car:
[img]http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c299/brakeguru/shiftknob.jpg[/img]
So don't worry about the shift boot looking bad. It should snap up to the knob nicely.
~Chris
WC LATHE WERKS
| bWRX | 03-03-2007 09:14 AM |
You are definately a connoisseur of shift knobs. To me, the attention you pay to the very minute tactile details that the shift knob adds to your driving experience is a bit weird and probably irrelevant for most people, but you've convinced me that it is valid. :)
That said, I don't think the prodrive knob is that hefty a feel at all. :D
That said, I don't think the prodrive knob is that hefty a feel at all. :D
| WRXDriftR | 03-03-2007 02:41 PM |
I put alot of time and effort into each shiftknob because each one is created by myself on a 1950's hand-crank lathe, so each one has its own character. Its not a CNC 30-second piece, so thanks for calling me werid :lol:
Heres the SouthBend lathe:
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/Lathe1.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/Lathe4.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/Lathe5.JPG[/img]
~Chris
WC LATHE WERKS
Heres the SouthBend lathe:
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/Lathe1.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/Lathe4.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/Lathe5.JPG[/img]
~Chris
WC LATHE WERKS
| Vicious LSD | 03-03-2007 08:18 PM |
how much are you selling those suckers for???? PM ME PLEASE!
| Dizmal | 03-04-2007 12:28 AM |
Meh, the *perfect* shift knob for me, is the Voodoo. Plus its half the price of these other ones!
[url]http://www.thompson-automotive.com/voodoo.html[/url]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/Dizmal/knob2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/Dizmal/knob1.jpg[/IMG]
[url]http://www.thompson-automotive.com/voodoo.html[/url]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/Dizmal/knob2.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/Dizmal/knob1.jpg[/IMG]
| WRXDriftR | 03-04-2007 12:38 PM |
^that vodoo one looks like a design I make:
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollared-c.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollared-c.JPG[/img]
[quote=Vicious LSD;17247836]how much are you selling those suckers for???? PM ME PLEASE![/quote]
I don't sell em, TurnInConcepts is my sole distributor.
~Chris
WC LATHE WERKS
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollared-c.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollared-c.JPG[/img]
[quote=Vicious LSD;17247836]how much are you selling those suckers for???? PM ME PLEASE![/quote]
I don't sell em, TurnInConcepts is my sole distributor.
~Chris
WC LATHE WERKS
| randolph-rs | 03-04-2007 06:47 PM |
Here is a plug for Chris.
I think he does exceptional work the old skool way. There are not that many machinists out there that will take the time to make something like this the manual way. CNC is the way to go in todays market simply because of consistency and speed. I do knobs the CNC way. Don't knock the CNC machine. My knobs take longer than 30 seconds to run. The thing is, a CNC machine can turn out more knobs and make more money than a manual operation. It takes about 3 minutes to turn out the knob I make but when it comes out of the machine it looks perfect and needs no secondary work to get rid of the imperfections or character as you called it. One thing people need not be fooled into thinking is that delrin or acetal is extremely expensive. It is not. I have seen acetal knobs selling for over $100 and I am wondering what the seller is thinking. There is a sucker born every minute though.
As for this response
[QUOTE]sick! you got a template? pm me detials[/QUOTE]
There is no template. The engraving was done on the CNC lathe I run & program using live tooling.
Try doing that on a manual machine.
I think he does exceptional work the old skool way. There are not that many machinists out there that will take the time to make something like this the manual way. CNC is the way to go in todays market simply because of consistency and speed. I do knobs the CNC way. Don't knock the CNC machine. My knobs take longer than 30 seconds to run. The thing is, a CNC machine can turn out more knobs and make more money than a manual operation. It takes about 3 minutes to turn out the knob I make but when it comes out of the machine it looks perfect and needs no secondary work to get rid of the imperfections or character as you called it. One thing people need not be fooled into thinking is that delrin or acetal is extremely expensive. It is not. I have seen acetal knobs selling for over $100 and I am wondering what the seller is thinking. There is a sucker born every minute though.
As for this response
[QUOTE]sick! you got a template? pm me detials[/QUOTE]
There is no template. The engraving was done on the CNC lathe I run & program using live tooling.
Try doing that on a manual machine.
| Roo | 03-04-2007 08:27 PM |
[QUOTE=StE823;17230637]you know what will make these look better? put some rubber O ring around them for more grip... :banana:[/QUOTE]
That looks like a nice knock-off of a design that's been in the Forester community for quite some time. Even the rubber 'O' rings part has been done.
[url]http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=1269[/url]
^^There's your solid one - a year or so earlier...
Here are a few more...the first of which was from 2004, IIRC.
[img]http://www.subaruforester.org/modimages/roo/Knobs.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.subaruforester.org/modimages/roo/Knob1.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.subaruforester.org/modimages/roo/Knob2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.subaruforester.org/modimages/roo/Knob3.jpg[/img]
I'm sure he's talented enough to come up with some rather creative designs of his own. These pictured are for the 4EAT equipped vehicles, and the same design has been made for the 5MT as well...
:) :) :)
That looks like a nice knock-off of a design that's been in the Forester community for quite some time. Even the rubber 'O' rings part has been done.
[url]http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=1269[/url]
^^There's your solid one - a year or so earlier...
Here are a few more...the first of which was from 2004, IIRC.
[img]http://www.subaruforester.org/modimages/roo/Knobs.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.subaruforester.org/modimages/roo/Knob1.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.subaruforester.org/modimages/roo/Knob2.jpg[/img]
[img]http://www.subaruforester.org/modimages/roo/Knob3.jpg[/img]
I'm sure he's talented enough to come up with some rather creative designs of his own. These pictured are for the 4EAT equipped vehicles, and the same design has been made for the 5MT as well...
:) :) :)
| abacall | 03-04-2007 08:42 PM |
[quote=Roo;17255178]That looks like a nice knock-off of a design that's been in the Forester community for quite some time. Even the rubber 'O' rings part has been done.
I'm sure you're talented enough to come up with some rather creative designs of your own. These pictured are for the 4EAT equipped vehicles, and the same design has been made for the 5MT as well...
:) :) :)[/quote]
Agreed. Looks like you make some nice knobs, but please keep your designs original. Otherwise it's nothing but a knock-off, that doesn't seem like something you want to do.
I'm sure you're talented enough to come up with some rather creative designs of your own. These pictured are for the 4EAT equipped vehicles, and the same design has been made for the 5MT as well...
:) :) :)[/quote]
Agreed. Looks like you make some nice knobs, but please keep your designs original. Otherwise it's nothing but a knock-off, that doesn't seem like something you want to do.
| 2mprzya | 03-04-2007 08:48 PM |
i myself have made quite a few of these with the same plastic material, but i drilled out the center of the knob and threaded in a piece of metal to add some weight to it.
| Xeno | 03-04-2007 08:57 PM |
the best shift knob i've used to date on any of my cars was the T shifter I had on my 2003 Mach1 .. sounds weird, but it was at a slight angle and fit perfectly to the natural position of my hand .. i'd get something similar for my STi if i could.. fit the angle and position of my hand perfectly.
| Dizmal | 03-04-2007 09:09 PM |
[quote=WRXDriftR;17251929]^that vodoo one looks like a design I make:
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollared-c.JPG[/img]
I don't sell em, TurnInConcepts is my sole distributor.
~Chris
WC LATHE WERKS[/quote]
Only, the voodoo is $35 compared to the $90 for yours:p;)
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollared-c.JPG[/img]
I don't sell em, TurnInConcepts is my sole distributor.
~Chris
WC LATHE WERKS[/quote]
Only, the voodoo is $35 compared to the $90 for yours:p;)
| 2mprzya | 03-04-2007 10:26 PM |
90 bucks for one? geez. it only cost me a few bucks to make mine.
| WRXDriftR | 03-04-2007 11:42 PM |
Wow, you guys sure enjoy picking apart other people lol,
The grooved design I made was a custom order at the request of a customer who sent me a picture of an OMP knob. I modeled the design off of that, and if there were already Forester ones like it, thats nice.
If you want custom designs, I have those too
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/STi%20Sphere-d.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/STi%20SphereGrooved-d.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarWhite-b.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/Extension2-d.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/Extension2-b.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/STi%20Piston-c.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/STi%20Sphere-d.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/WRX%20GF4-c.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/WRX%20TaperedPiston-d.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/WRX%20TaperedPistonKnurled-a.JPG[/img]
~Chris M
WC LATHE WERKS
The grooved design I made was a custom order at the request of a customer who sent me a picture of an OMP knob. I modeled the design off of that, and if there were already Forester ones like it, thats nice.
If you want custom designs, I have those too
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/STi%20Sphere-d.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/STi%20SphereGrooved-d.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/AcetalCopolymerKnobs/WRX%20SphereCollarWhite-b.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/Extension2-d.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/Extension2-b.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/STi%20Piston-c.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/STi%20Sphere-d.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/WRX%20GF4-c.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/WRX%20TaperedPiston-d.JPG[/img]
[img]http://web.njit.edu/~cdm4/ShiftKnobs/WRX%20TaperedPistonKnurled-a.JPG[/img]
~Chris M
WC LATHE WERKS
| StE823 | 03-05-2007 12:39 AM |
lol i see my knob... :p
| Dizmal | 03-05-2007 10:31 AM |
[quote=WRXDriftR;17257123]Wow, you guys sure enjoy picking apart other people lol,
The grooved design I made was a custom order at the request of a customer who sent me a picture of an OMP knob. I modeled the design off of that, and if there were already Forester ones like it, thats nice.
If you want custom designs, I have those too
[/quote]
Chris, I don't think anyone is "picking" you apart. But, you paste your products over every knob thread whether you were asked to or not. Whether it was about your products or not. So, you should be able to take the good with the bad:)
I just pointed out that my Voodoo knob is $55 cheaper than your similar offerings. For a ball of aluminum, whether its CNC or hand made, the Voodoo knob has the better value to me and I for one, LOVE IT:)
The grooved design I made was a custom order at the request of a customer who sent me a picture of an OMP knob. I modeled the design off of that, and if there were already Forester ones like it, thats nice.
If you want custom designs, I have those too
[/quote]
Chris, I don't think anyone is "picking" you apart. But, you paste your products over every knob thread whether you were asked to or not. Whether it was about your products or not. So, you should be able to take the good with the bad:)
I just pointed out that my Voodoo knob is $55 cheaper than your similar offerings. For a ball of aluminum, whether its CNC or hand made, the Voodoo knob has the better value to me and I for one, LOVE IT:)
| WRXDriftR | 03-05-2007 10:58 AM |
I don't see a problem with including a shift knob where the subject material is based on... a shift knob. Especially where this thread was created by one of my customers.
Id rather not spend my time defending myself anymore :lol:
Id rather not spend my time defending myself anymore :lol:
| Kahres05 | 03-05-2007 10:59 AM |
Dismal, Is the voodoo knob a direct fit...will it screw right on and be nice an tight to the leather boot?....If it's a direct fit..I'll try one of those, I have to agree, the price for those are fair.
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