I'd very much appreciate any feedback or comments that you all have, so feel free to contact me anytime at kwegert@twmperformance.com.

Since we recently launched our new sister site, www.twmshiftknobs.com, I thought I'd address an issue that has come up time and again regarding the benefits of using a weighted shifter knob.

I know what most of you are thinking:
"Shift knobs are just an aesthetic mod. They're there to spruce up my interior and get rid of my drab stock knob".
In some ways, this is true; there is no disputing that most stock shift knobs leave much to be desired. But if you're thinking of upgrading, why stop at just improving the look?

What the vast majority of tuners simply don't realize is that you can get a lot more than that out of a shift knob.

First off, your shifter is a lever. It takes effort (or force) to move a lever from one position to another. By adding weight to the extremity of a lever, you can increase the momentum it carries during its movement and ultimately reduce the amount of force needed to engage into the next gear.

Now apply this same concept to the shifting motion. A nice, heavy knob will increase the momentum your hand carries through the shift and in turn reduce the amount of effort needed to fly through the gears. You'll find that shifting becomes smoother and more effortless, and you'll get a much more solid, positive feeling from your shift knob.

So why would you decide to go with a knob that just "looks good" when you have the chance to better your driving experience and upgrade the look of your interior? But don't take my word for it. Check out the line-up on www.twmshiftknobs.com. Once you try one out, you'll wonder how you ever drove with anything else…

Till next week.

Karel W.