Choosing a gear knob

[BadBong]

So I've recently discovered that my Voodoo gear knob doesn't screw down as much as it should... is it a defect? I don't know but it's all too late now.

My first reaction was to get a new set of Voodoo knob + handbrake kit: http://www.gomiata.com/orvobrgrblte.html

But then I'd thought... why not look a bit further and see what I can get. Now I understand that a gear knob is really subjective so all I'm asking for is whether anyone has had experience with any of the alternatives below:

http://www.gomiata.com/blvonhotrods.html
Similar weight to the Voodoo. Glossy finish (... unsure about that) but does have a great pattern that will match the rest of the car.

http://www.gomiata.com/isshkndrredl.html
Looks heavier and has a very classy finish/look. Very different feel to the Voodoo I know but I'm open to experiments.

http://www.carbeyondstore.com/RAZO-RA12 ... RA125.html
Another alternative to the one above.

All feedback welcomed. Planning to order the stuff soon so that everything will arrive at the same time Christmas in July they say?...

[hethro87]

Hi mate,

I have a gloss finish voodoo on my car and recommend it!

I like the gloss because it doesn't scratch as easy as the polished one and plus looks smoother than the aforementioned one.

It improves the shift feel a fair bit and classes up the cabin alot.

Hethro

[Steampunk]

I don't understand your first sentence.

Not a fan of knobs with those universal inserts and grub screws (example 2 and 3). Unless the adapters are strong and grub-srcrews are well-made, they wear out and come undone in very little time. Having said that, and not commenting on the design of the Isotta knob, a few friends have Isotta-made stuff and they appear to be quality.

If you want a heavier-than-Voodoo knob, odds on that the second and third are considerably lighter as it would be hollow instead of solid. They look to be similar to ones being sold at Autobarn, Supercheap, etc. so go and have a try.

Keep looking, there are many, MANY more to choose from. Don't forget Nardi and MOMO, there are heaps of good deals everywhere online. Try searching for "Vision" knobs if you like multicolour orbs, or even the ridiculously expensive ones made by ARC.
There also knobs made of Delrin that might take your fancy, but they are quite light.

FYI, if you want a heavy knob, 440g. is about as heavy as they come, but only a handful of manufacturers

[BadBong]

Well, my voodoo knob doesn't screw down all the way and I can actually see that I should be able to screw it down another inch (I've compared it with other NBs using a Voodoo knob and they sit at least an inch lower).

Someone has told me that a good gear knob should act as a counter weight and make shifting easier - hence I should try a heavier knob than the Voodoo as well (which is why I've chosen knob 2 and 3, which by weight is more than the standard Voodoo). I think the standard voodoo is ~180g and the titanium version is about 270g. Both knobs 2 and 3 are over 250g each.

Whilst knob 3 sounds like a no name brand, I was hoping that someone here has used Isotta product or better still that particular knob (Drake) to give me some 1st hand feedback

[and1]

Just changed my gearknob over to this one http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250414689570&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT.
Great quality for the price, especially for a weighted knob. I was going to get a TWM knob as I had one in my old car and loved it, but it was just too dear to buy by itself (last time a bought a shifter with it)

If you want some more pics of the know let me know and I'll take some.

[BadBong]

Thanks and1.

Does the knob go as deeply into the stick as a Voodoo?

Does it come in any other colour? (to your knowledge).

Would love to see a few photos too

[Mr Morlock]

I sprayed my oem gear knob for aesthetics and it looks good to me. You can also do the same selectively with interior trim without turning the vehicle into a theme park.

[sliq]

i had the voodoo - felt fine but needed something a bit more practical. so i changed to the autoexe - even though it was carbon fibre, it was the right weight. had something very close to the OEM feel which was what i liked. it was a 3 piece gear knob; very elaborate, and if you wanted it to, it could sit lower if you removed the locking ring/nut.

[jerrah]

Staying in the Mazda family I'm a big fan of the RX8 knob. Weighty, leather and feels nice in the hand.

[BadBong]

Thanks Sliq, I'll look into that.

Dave... I think your taste is... quite different from mine

Jerrah - funny enough, the previous owner actually had the RX8 knob. It's a bit worn out and I actually prefer the feel of the Voodoo - maybe I should just stick with that (although I wouldn't one that has the feel of a Voodoo but twice the weight)

[and1]

That's my one I recently received from the ebay link I posted above.
Feels great in the hand

[BadBong]

Thanks and1

I'm just salavating over the TWM knobs...

[Hjt]

Those seats look good, ay Badbong ;)

[bear2230]

Hey Vic,

Send me your Voodoo and I will drill it and tap it deeper for you. You need that extra inch........
It will take me 5 mins and won't cost you a cent. The Voodoo is a nice feel.
I have a Nardi that matches the steering wheel which I bought from E-bay UK for about $80.00 it is the same as the SE gear knob which is great and that is hard for me to say.
Ive been through about 10 and can say without any question the standard Mazda Knobs are better than any aftermarket available. IMHO
<script src='http://imageshack.us/shareable/?i=photoqhi.jpg&s=571' type='text/javascript'></script><noscript>
my one sat this high

[BadBong]

LOL Hjt.... reverse the colour theme please

But yes, I love SE's interior (and that INCLUDES the steering wheel)