Wondering which weighted shift knob is best for your vehicle?
Knowing which shift knob is best for you and your car will make your drive nicer, and easier with less effort when shifting.
We’ve selected the Mishimoto MMSK-BK Weighted Shift Knob Black as our top pick because it’s at a great price point and is a weighted shift knob which means it will eliminate the unwanted vibration and feedback resulting in a smoother feel when shifting.
Our runner-up is the Skunk2 627-99-0081 Six-Speed Shift Knob for those with a bigger budget and a 6-speed. Enthusiasts love the look and the feel when shifting.
If you aren’t looking for a weighted shift knob, our top pick for those on a budget is the DEWHEL JDM Gun-Black Nickel Round Shift Knob. Not only does it look great, but it feels great and since it has universal thread adapters, it fits well in most cars.
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IN THIS GUIDE
TOP PICK – Weighted Shift Knob
Mishimoto MMSK-BK Weighted Shift Knob Black
What we Like
- Top-notch brand.
- It features a lightweight design for a smooth experience
- Stands firm without any modifications
- Aesthetically appealing
- Solid and sturdy construction
What We Don’t Like:
- Still shorter than the standard shifters
Summary: The Mishimoto MMSK-BK Weighted Shift Knob Black guarantees a smooth driving experience irrespective of your car model. It’s suitable for the following application fitments; M8 by 1.25, M10 by 1.5, and M12 by 1.25.
Choose between the silver or polished black colors and complement your interior. The elegant ‘M’ logo will add some flair and brighten your vehicle’s look.
Mishimoto features three different inserts that will ensure it properly fits on your car.
At only 0.8 lbs weight, you can rest assured of a smoother and faster shift every time you’re on the road.
The knob boasts an aluminum exterior that gives a smooth and comfortable grip. This feature gives you an enhanced experience.
TOP PICK – Budget Shift Knob
DEWHEL JDM Gun-Black Nickel Round Shift Knob
What We Like:
- Offers a secure grip for shifting.
- The gift shift positions come in the detailing.
- The unit fits most Acura and Honda models.
- Best for 5-speed and 6-speed gear transmissions
- Made from durable metal aluminium alloy.
What We Don’t Like:
- The metal gets hot during warmer weather conditions.
Summary: The DEWHEL JDM features a clean and minimalistic design but does its work perfectly to meet and exceed your expectations. The Gun-Black Nickel-colour comes with elegance and will be a great addition to any car.
It comes with universal thread adapters that fit pretty well in any car such as Mazda, Mitsubishi, Acura, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Scion, Subaru, Infiniti, and many more. Notably, this option is only suited for manual gear transmissions.
The unit is of high quality but features a lightweight anodized billet that guarantees ultimate comfort. The product will keep your vehicle running in tip-top shape.
The direct screw-on gives easy installation without the need for modification.
RUNNER-UP – Shift Knob
Skunk2 627-99-0081 (10mm x 1.5mm) Six-Speed Shift Knob
What We Like:
- It features a sleek gunmetal finish.
- The red gear numbers have a contrasting finish for visibility.
- It strikes an excellent blend of function and flair.
- The unit is of high-quality stainless steel.
- It is easy to install.
What We Don’t Like:
- The solid construction gives it a high thermal conductivity.
Summary: The Skunk2 627-99-0081 (10mm x 1.5mm) Six-Speed is a sturdy knob designed for Honda vehicles. It can also be used with your existing shift stick or combined with a Skunk2 Short Shifter.
The unit weighs more than 400 grams which gives precise shifting and makes it an excellent option for high-performance cars.
The PVD titanium coating helps in preventing scratches and also gives it a long-term look. The coat’s “self-healing” mechanism will eliminate any scratches and give you an all-clean material.
Though the product doesn’t come cheap, the artistry associated with it and the easy setup justifies the price.
10 Best Shift Knobs
TOP PICK – WEIGHTED SHIFT KNOB
Mishimoto MMSK-BK Weighted Shift Knob Black
What we Like
- Top-notch brand.
- It features a lightweight design for a smooth experience
- Stands firm without any modifications
- Aesthetically appealing
- Solid and sturdy construction
What We Don’t Like:
- Still shorter than the standard shifters
Summary: The Mishimoto MMSK-BK Weighted Shift Knob Black guarantees a smooth driving experience irrespective of your car model. It’s suitable for the following application fitments; M8 by 1.25, M10 by 1.5, and M12 by 1.25.
Choose between the silver or polished black colors and complement your interior. The elegant ‘M’ logo will add some flair and brighten your vehicle’s look.
Mishimoto features three different inserts that will ensure it properly fits on your car.
At only 0.8 lbs weight, you can rest assured of a smoother and faster shift every time you’re on the road.
The knob boasts an aluminum exterior that gives a smooth and comfortable grip. This feature gives you an enhanced experience.
TOP PICK – BUDGET
DEWHEL JDM Gun-Black Nickel Round Shift Knob
What We Like:
- Offers a secure grip for shifting.
- The gift shift positions come in the detailing.
- The unit fits most Acura and Honda models.
- Best for 5-speed and 6-speed gear transmissions
- Made from durable metal aluminium alloy.
What We Don’t Like:
- The metal gets hot during warmer weather conditions.
Summary: The DEWHEL JDM features a clean and minimalistic design but does its work perfectly to meet and exceed your expectations. The Gun-Black Nickel-colour comes with elegance and will be a great addition to any car.
It comes with universal thread adapters that fit pretty well in any car such as Mazda, Mitsubishi, Acura, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Scion, Subaru, Infiniti, and many more. Notably, this option is only suited for manual gear transmissions.
The unit is of high quality but features a lightweight anodized billet that guarantees ultimate comfort. The product will keep your vehicle running in tip-top shape.
The direct screw-on gives easy installation without the need for modification.
RUNNER-UP BEST SHIFT KNOB
Skunk2 627-99-0081 (10mm x 1.5mm) Six-Speed Shift Knob
What We Like:
- It features a sleek gunmetal finish.
- The red gear numbers have a contrasting finish for visibility.
- It strikes an excellent blend of function and flair.
- The unit is of high-quality stainless steel.
- It is easy to install.
What We Don’t Like:
- The solid construction gives it a high thermal conductivity.
Summary: The Skunk2 627-99-0081 (10mm x 1.5mm) Six-Speed is a sturdy knob designed for Honda vehicles. It can also be used with your existing shift stick or combined with a Skunk2 Short Shifter.
The unit weighs more than 400 grams which gives precise shifting and makes it an excellent option for high-performance cars.
The PVD titanium coating helps in preventing scratches and also gives it a long-term look. The coat’s “self-healing” mechanism will eliminate any scratches and give you an all-clean material.
Though the product doesn’t come cheap, the artistry associated with it and the easy setup justifies the price.
Mishimoto MMSK-CF Carbon Fiber Shift Knob
What we Love:
- Its quality construction promises durability.
- It works perfectly well with nearly all Japanese vehicles.
- The knob allows a perfect fit.
- The universal fitment increases interior aesthetics.
- Comes complete with black plastic inserts for universal fitment
What We Don’t Love:
- Tends to heat up after prolonged hours of use.
The Mishimoto MMSK-CF Carbon Fiber Shift Knob is large enough to offer easy access but small enough not to clutter the dashboard area.
The product is mainly designed to fit perfectly Japanese vehicles and could be a more premium alternative to your existing one.
It’s pretty easy to install as it comes with three plastic inserts for proper fitment. Furthermore, the adapters facilitate more straightforward installation.
You’ll love the black plastic inserts that allow for universal fitment, hence increasing the interior aesthetics.
It’s proper application fitments include the M8 by 1.25, M10 by 1.5, and the M12 by 1.25.
DC Sports SKB1000 Shift Knob
What We Like:
- Round and simplistic design.
- Easy screw-on installation.
- Scratch-resistant powder-coated finish.
- It is available in a selection of colours.
- White visible lettering.
What we Don’t Like:
- Gets hot in summer and cold in winter.
Summary: The DC Sports SKB1000 Shift Knob is a weighted unit featuring an elegant round ball design and best for manual transmissions.
The high-quality aluminium construction and titanium finish give a top-notch performance-look. The knob comes at a 400-gram weight that makes shifting an easy affair.
The included four metal inserts fit into various vehicle models including the 8 by 1.25, 10 by 1.25, 10 by 1.5, and the 12 by 1.5.
Furthermore, the unit offers an easy bolt-on replacement mechanism. Its necessary installation hardware will facilitate an easy assembly process.
The product understands best to give users more control for a better shifting experience.
DEWHEL JDM Round Ball Billet Weighted Five-Speed Shift Knob for Honda Acura (Black)
What we Love:
- Excellent quality at a great price!
- The knob is easy to install
- It fits nearly all Acura and Honda vehicles.
What we Don’t Like:
- Not suitable for those looking for a heavier shift knob.
Summary: The DEWHEL JDM Stick Shifter Shift Knob is a 5-speed car interior accessory designed for an ultimately comfortable grip.
DEWHEL’s unit is a 3-piece set including a smooth aluminium shift-knob, a locking nut, and a thread insert measuring 10mm by 1.50. The thread size fits an M10 by 1.5 and has adapter nuts for both Acura and Honda cars.
The overall weight of the accessory makes it hold up well. It’s also made of quality aluminium material and features a white and black finish for a performance look.
And its stock-style ensures mounting the shift knob is a breeze. You’ll only use 5 minutes or less when mounting or removing the knob.
Dewhel Universal JDM Honda Acura 5 Speed Manual Shift Knob
What we Like:
- Offers a secure grip when shifting the gear.
- It fits most Acura and Honda models.
- Gear shift positions included in detailing.
- Best suited for 5-speed transmissions.
What we Don’t Like:
- The metal gets hot in warm weather.
Summary: The Dewhel Universal JDM shift knob is the 3rd Dewhel’s unit on this list, a clear indication that this brand distributes accessories designed to improve your car’s performance and efficiency.
It is a manual 5 Speed car shift knob boasting a type-R style design for a comfortable and grip.
One look at the high-quality aluminium construction will give you confidence that this unit will last a lifetime. Additionally, the black finish and red letters offer a high performance-look that doesn’t disappoint.
The shift knob fits different thread sizes, especially the M10 by 1.5. It also has adapter nuts for all Acura and Honda vehicles.
RYANSTAR Carbon Fiber Shift Knob
What We Love:
- Available in a wide variety of colours.
- The shift knob includes three metal thread adaptors.
- Only weighs 0.35 pounds.
- The unique style perfectly matches any vehicle’s interior.
What We Don’t Like:
- The adapters can shear away under high force.
Summary: The RYANSTAR Carbon Fiber is a substantial shift knob made from high-quality plastic, aluminium, carbon fibre and construction. This material is comfortable to hold and doesn’t fade or scratch easily.
It features an elliptical ball round design that holds firmly and makes your car look cool and impressive.
The knob is ideal for nearly all manual shifting vehicles including a Subaru, Mazda, Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Scion, Infiniti, Nissan, etc. Notably, the accessory only fits gated style but not automatic shifters with push buttons.
The installation process lasts for less than 5 minutes; simply remove the shifting handle then choose the right adapter for the knob and shifter. Do not bottom out the knob on the shifter as you are tightening it, to avoid breakages.
Since the knob comes in different sizes, be sure to check your knob’s size before placing an order, or it may not fit!
Hurst 1630025 White 5-Speed Replacement Shifter Knob
What We Love:
- The replacement shifter knob is of a firm metal thread insert.
- It comes with a quality and durable plastic material.
- The white high gloss finish is super attractive.
- It included a jam nut for easy installation.
- Style of the knob is round with a manual 5-speed knob shift pattern.
What We Don’t Love:
- It’s not a universal shift knob.
Summary: This classic shifter knob has a 5-speed design with the reverse function in the lower right location and the Hurst logo beautifully engraved on one side.
Hurst focuses on quality, and it’s no wonder this product comes with a state-of-the-art plastic construction featuring a high gloss white finish. With this, you can always be confident of durability and a performance look.
Don’t love the white colour? Hurst has got you covered! The brand offers another black option that comes with similar specifications with the white.
It also has a 3/8-16 thread size and best suits vehicles with 5-speed manual transmissions. The 1-7/8 inch diameter gives the best shift pattern.
Though the unit is a universal shift knob, its fitment may not be flawless on all vehicles.
MOMO Combat Evo Red Shift Knob
What we Love:
- World’s famous brand for designing vehicles’ interior accessories.
- Top-grain durable leather construction.
- It comes in different colours.
- It boasts aircraft-quality aluminium and high-grade plastics components.
- The knob is lightweight: measures only 177 grams.
What we Don’t Like:
- The shift knob has a complicated installation process that requires more than merely screwing it on.
Summary: A big chunk of the shift knob is from top-grain leather material, but the middle segment is from high-grade plastic.
The contrasting stitch color is likely to match your preferences, giving a striking and elegant-looking shift knob. This universal appeal will increase the appeal of your vehicle.
The MOMO Combat Evo Red Shift Knob only weighs 177 grams, lightweight enough for a smoother shifting experience. It fits levers between with a diameter of 8-5 mm, but you’ll need hex screws to get a tighter fit.
Since it is a universal knob, many users complained that the installation process was rather tricky. It goes beyond screwing it on, and you must have the hex screws to tighten the knob to your shifter. Otherwise, the installation may consume lots of your time.
DEWHEL 55MM Pokeball Pikachu Poke Ball Manual Gear Shift Shifter knob
What We Love:
- It fits a wide range of vehicles.
- The knob suits both automatic and manual transmissions.
- The high-quality and durable acrylic material makes it durable and comfortable to hold.
- It’s an affordable option featuring quality specs.
- The colour and design of the shift knob are quite attractive.
What We Don’t Like:
- The knob’s threading quickly pulls out since they are loosely glued to the ball’s inside, leaving the knob wobbly.
Summary: The DEWHEL 55MM Pokeball Pikachu Poke Ball Manual Gear Shift Shifter knob is a stylish yet reliable choice. It has3 threading copper adapters including the M8 by 1.25, M10 by 1.5, M10 by 1.25, and the M8 by 1.25.
It fits in different vehicle models including some Honda, Acura, Mazda, Jaguar, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Infiniti, Lexus, Toyota, Scion, Hyundai, Kia, BRZ Ford, and Jeep.
It’s also best for automatic and manual transmission and fits 4, 5, and 6-speed shifter knob. This option only fits the gated style but not the automatic shifters with a push button.
The 54 mm in diameter and high-quality, durable acrylic material fits perfectly well on the hand. These features ensure you have a great time shifting the knob.
Note: it’s not advisable to bottom out the knob on the shifter during its tightening. Instead, you can tighten it against the jam nut since bottoming out can break the knob!
7 Things To Consider When Buying A Shift Knob
When searching for the perfect shift knob, consider these factors:
- Fitment – Ensure that the shift knob will fit onto your shifter. It seems obvious but a lot of manufactures advertise “universal” fit but this is not always the case. Some shift knobs will be advertised as universal but they won’t actually thread onto your shifter. And there are plenty on the market that are designed specifically to fit on a particular make of car. If you want to be sure that you’re getting one that will fit and work well on your car, buy one that says it fits the model of car you’re driving. Some universal knobs include an adaptor which is another option.
- Transmission Type – This relates to fitment but is an important point worth highlighting. Before buying a shift knob, ensure that you are buying one that will work with your transmission, whether it’s automatic or manual. This goes without saying but you would be surprised at how easy it is to pick a shift knob out based on looks and consumer reviews, only to find out that it’s for the wrong transmission. And don’t forget to check how many gears it works with. If you have a 6-speed, then you’ll need a shift knob designed to work with a 6-speed.
- Weight – This is a personal preference. Some drivers prefer a lightweight shift knob, while others prefer a weighted shift knob which usually makes driving and shifting smoother and more controllable than the lighter shift knobs.
- Price Point – This is likely one of the first considerations. Shift knobs range in price, starting at $10 and can go above $100. Our list has a couple of good examples. Here’s our budget choice DEWHEL JDM Gun-Black Nickel Round Shift Knob and our runner up choice Skunk2 627-99-0081 Six-Speed Shift Knob
- Comfort – Before buying a shift knob, try holding it in your hand and see how it feels. If you have large hands, does the shift knob feel good to hold or does it feel unusually small? And vice versa. If you have smaller hands, does it feel like you’re trying to wrap your hands around a basketball?
- Design – Does our Pokeman shift knob work for you? Maybe not. But you get the idea. Will the glittery shift knob add some pizzaz or are you really looking for a simple black knob that blends with your interior?
- Material and Finish – The finish you choose will depend on the look you want. But a more important factor to consider is the material. Some materials hold the heat or the cold more than others which means you could end up with a scorching shift knob in the heat or one that’s way too cold in the cooler months.
- Shape – The shape you choose will depend on how you shift. Did you realize that there are different shaped shift knobs, not just round? There are cylindrical-shaped knobs that are meant for side grip shifting, and spherical-shaped knobs work best for overhand shifting. The contour design works for multiple shifting positions, including overhand, angled overhand, and sidearm. Who knew.
4 Types of Shift Knobs
1. Weighted Shift Knobs
Weighted shift knobs are designed to be heavier and the result is a smoother shifting and driving experience. They are made from materials like stainless steel, which are denser than ordinary shift knobs and typically of a higher quality. Our top pick is this weighted shift knob from Mishimoto, one of the top manufacturers of car parts and accessories.
2. Standard Shift Knob
Standard or stock shift knobs are the shift knobs that are installed by the manufacturer when the vehicle is built and of course, they’re tested for compliance and safe operation.
3. Vehicle Specific Shift Knobs
Vehicle-specific shift knobs are designed and manufactured to serve a specific type of vehicle. As an example, if you’re driving an off-road vehicle like a 4-wheel drive or a sports car, the shift knobs will not only look different but they will feel different when driving. Likewise, if you’re driving a VW Bug, your shift knob will look and shift very different than the shift knob on a Porche.
4. Custom Shift Knobs
Ya, can you believe there are custom shift knobs? Yes, that’s right. Shift knobs that are customized to your specific desires – look, feel, color, design. You name it. Get your initials engraved. Just name it. Of course, you’ll pay significantly more but if you love your car and want your interior to reflect you, this is the way to go.
How To Change A Shift Knob
Here’s a great video that explains how to change a shift knob:
FAQs For The Best Shift Knobs
Are weighted shift knobs better?
Yes, weighted shift knobs are better, for some drivers, and in certain situations.
According to raceseng.com, a weighted shift knob requires a bit more effort to initiate the shift – but less effort is required through the rest of the shift. This is due to the increased momentum made possible by the weighted shift knob. In short, it takes far less overall effort from you to shift between gears and lets you shift gears a little bit faster. Many people find this provides a more confident and consistent shifting experience. This reduction in effort is not possible without a shift knob that has sufficient mass and weight. Weighted gear knobs result in a crisper, more solid shift.
Keeping this in mind, how you drive and what you drive and your shifting capability will determine whether a weighted shift knob or a regular shift knob will work better for you.
What are the cons of a weighted shift knob?
The cons of a weighted shift knob include:
1. A full metal model can get hot to the touch when exposed to sunlight and rather cold in the winter.
Here are 3 solutions:
a. An easy solution is to drape a rag or, better yet, an attractive cloth bag over the metal knob to keep the sun off it when parked. In the winter, many drivers use gloves to protect their hands from the cold.
b. Another solution to the temperature issues is to use a Hybrid knob. These models have a Delrin (plastic) exterior and a solid stainless steel metal core. As a result of this design, they don’t get hot or cold regardless of outside temperatures and sun exposure, but you still reap all the benefits of a weighted shift knob.
c. A third solution is to use a shift knob cover often made of leather and less likely to be too hot or cold to hold.
2. Another potential downside to a heavy shift knob involves extra high + heavy setups. These can overpower the stock gear select springs. The result is unwanted bounce and the inability to automatically return to neutral when removed from gear. That doesn’t mean, however, that you can’t have an extra high + heavy setup. The gear select springs can be upgraded to springs with a higher spring rate and preloaded to eradicate this problem.
Reference: raceseng.com
Summary – Best Shift Knobs
I hope that you’ve found this article helpful. I don’t know about you but when I’m searching for the perfect car accessory, like the perfect shift knob, I appreciate it when someone does the research and breaks it down for me. Here’s a quick recap:
We’ve selected the Mishimoto MMSK-BK Weighted Shift Knob Black as our top pick. It’s a weighted shift knob which means it will eliminate the unwanted vibration and feedback resulting in a smoother feel when shifting.
Our runner-up is the Skunk2 627-99-0081 Six-Speed Shift Knob for those with a bit more of a budget and are driving a 6-speed.
If you aren’t looking for a weighted shift knob, our top pick for those on a budget is the DEWHEL JDM Gun-Black Nickel Round Shift Knob. Not only does it look great, but it feels great and since it has universal thread adapters, it will fit well in most cars.
Good luck with your search for a shift knob that works well and gives your stick a smooth drive.
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Last update on 2023-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API