Let’s be honest, most cars come with unflattering shift knobs, just plain, hard plastic that others may not notice, but you do. Wouldn’t you like a shift knob that is functional but adds beauty to your interior? This makes the thought of the coolest shift knobs come to your mind.
You can upgrade your vehicle’s interior just by personalizing the shift knob. Which product should you go for? The RYANSTAR Carbon Fiber Shift Knob is one of the coolest shift knobs available. It is easy to hold and suits many cars, such as Acuras and Hondas.
If your car doesn’t fall on this list, don’t worry. There are dozens of shift knobs for different cars, styles, and budgets. We’ve rounded up 10 of them and what makes them stand out.
How Should You Choose A Shift Knob
Auto parts stores are full of shift knobs of all shapes, sizes, and materials. Some are made from metal, while others are plastic or carbon fiber. There are even shift knobs that feature decorative engravings or designs on them. So how do you choose? Here’s what you should look out for in a shift knob.
1. Functionality
You want a shift knob that does what it should to shift gears easily. On some products, the layout of the different gears is displayed on the top, so you know the direction to pull the lever when changing gears. The knob should also be easy to shift. No matter how fancy the shift knob is, it must be functional.
2. Comfort
If you drive a manual car, you know what it’s like with the gear shift. It can be tough to pull, so you’d want a shift knob that fits perfectly into your hands and gives you comfort.
Even with an automatic transmission, you’ll move the gear shift while starting, stopping, and parking. Therefore, a comfy shift knob is a must. Most people find that a 2-inch diameter is just about right for comfort and ease of use.
3. Design
There are many different styles of shift knobs on the market today. Some have simple designs, while others come in bright colors and have intricate engravings. There’s even a shift knob with a skull design; spooky, right? It’s important to consider what style you want before purchasing.
4. Fitment
Most aftermarket knobs are universal, meaning they fit into almost every car, but they sometimes need an adaptor to fit correctly. If your vehicle can take a universal shift knob, your options are limitless but if it needs a specific knob, check the manufacturer’s specs so you don’t buy an incompatible shift knob.
5. Material
Shift knobs can be made from plastic, metal, and even wood; hence some are heavier than others. Some people prefer the feel of a softer material, while others like the grip and control that comes with metal shift knobs. Generally, metal-based materials like aluminum are best suited for this purpose since they tend to be more durable than plastic alternatives.
6. Finish
The beauty of the shift knob is in the finishing. These include leather, painted, polished, carbon fiber, and chrome finishes. You will choose the one that suits your tastes or complements your car. Chrome is popular because of its bright appearance and durability.
7. Ease Of Installing
The best shift knobs are easy to install. You should not go to a mechanic for that.
8. Cost
The cost of shift knobs depends on the type of knob, the manufacturer, and the material. Plastic shift knobs tend to be cheaper.
10 Coolest Shift Knobs
Whether you’re looking for something unique or want to change your old one, here are ten cool shift knobs you can buy now.
Coolest Shift Knobs: #1. RYANSTAR Carbon Fiber Shift Knob
RYANSTAR Carbon Fiber Shift Knob is the perfect addition to your vehicle. Its eye-catching carbon fiber designs will give your interior a sleek and sporty look. The shift knob has a quality plastic base that stays comfortable in your hand even during hot weather.
RYANSTAR Carbon Fiber Shift Knob is lightweight with a 2-inch diameter guaranteeing a firm grip and gear control. It is available in different colors to match various car interiors. It fits most manual cars shifter, such as Acura, Honda, Subaru, and more.
Specifications
- Weight: 0.44 pounds
- Height: 1.9 inches
- Diameter: 2 inches
- Sizes: M12 x 1.25, M8 x 1.25, M10 x 1.25, M10 x 1.5
- Material: Plastic
- Package: Shift knob and 3 adapters
- Finish: Carbon fiber
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to hold the shift
- Universal fitment
- Easy to install
Cons
- It may be too low for some cars.
- Users say some knobs come with off-center holes, causing attachment issues with their shifters.
Coolest Shift Knobs: #2. Pokeball Gear Shift Knob For 4 5 6 Speed
The perfect shift knob for any Pokemon fan! The Pokeball Gear Shift Knob is made from resin and will look great in your car! It’s compatible with most standard shift levers, including Honda, Acura, Nissan, Scion, Subaru, Toyota, and Mitsubishi.
The company also offers a one-year limited warranty and free lifetime technical support for the shift knob.
Specifications
- Weight: 0.306 pounds
- Height: 2.12 inches
- Diameter: 2.15 inches
- Sizes: M8 x1.25, M10 x 1.25, M10 x 1.50, M12 x 1.25
- Material: ‎Resin
- Package: 1 Pokeball Shift Knob, 3 Adapters
- Finish: Polishing
Pros
- Easy to hold
- Easy to install
- Looks great
Cons
- Too small
- Steel adapters may break if they are too tight
Coolest Shift Knobs: #3. Hurst 5-Speed Shift Knob
If you’re big on functionality, you’ll love the Hurst 5-Speed Shift Knob. The top of the shift knob is engraved with an inlaid shift pattern to make shifting easier.
The Hurst 5-Speed Shift Knob has a glossy finish that matches most vehicles’ interiors. It also comes with an adapter that allows you to install it on any standard manual 5-speed knob shift pattern.
Hurst 5-Speed Shift Knob is a direct replacement for the factory shift knob and can enhance your car’s interior.
Specifications
- Weight: ‎0.1 Pounds
- Height: 5 inches
- Diameter: 2.25 inches
- Sizes: M10 x 1.5
- Material: High-strength plastic
- Package: 1 shift knob, 1 jam nut
- Finish: Gloss
Pros
- Has an inlaid shift pattern.
- Trusted brand.
- Great aesthetics with a glossy finish.
- Easy installation with no modifications needed.
Cons
- It can only be used on manual 5-speed shift patterns.
- It’s slightly heavy.
Coolest Shift Knobs: #4. Tomei Duracon Shift Knob
The Tomei Duracon Shift Knob is made from a lightweight thermoplastic material called Duracon. Polyoxymethylene composites used to create Duracon are renowned for their high crystallinity, strength, and hardness, so the shift knob is durable.
The Tomei Duracon shift knob weighs around 0.3 pounds which is not particularly heavy. The lightweight design means less load on the shift collar. This increases their longevity and makes shifting easier. The shift pattern is also engraved for easy identification.
It’s not so fancy, but it’s functional. Functionality is cool too. It’s compatible with Nissan, Mitsubishi, Mazda, and Isuzu.
Specifications
- Weight: ‎0.3 Pounds
- Height: 3.5 inches
- Diameter: 2.25 inches
- Sizes: M10 x 1.25
- Material: Duracon
- Package: Not specified
Pros
- Has an Inlaid shift pattern
- Heat resistant
- Lightweight
- Doesn’t change gear levers stroke distance
- Reputable brand
Cons
- Looks dull
Coolest Shift Knobs: #5. Mishimoto MMSK-BK Weighted Shift Knob Black
The Mishimoto Weighted Shift Knob is the perfect add-on for your car. The ergonomic design helps to reduce driver fatigue and increase comfort when handling. This is the perfect alternative if you’re not a fan of round shift knobs.
Although made from alloy steel, it weighs only 0.79 pounds, so you can easily shift it. The Mishimoto weighted shift knob also has an appealing polished finish. The design is excellent, the paint is thick and long-lasting, and the plastic fittings tightly fit the thread.
With the spectrum of colors available (gold, white, blue, glow in the dark, etc.), you can pick any for an extra flair in your car. It gives you the best performance and fits all cars.
Specifications
- Weight: ‎0.79 Pounds
- Height: 3.42 inches
- Diameter: 1.23 inches
- Sizes: M8 x 1.25, M10 x 1.5, M12 x 1.25
- Material: Steel
- Package: 1 shift knob and 3 thread adapters
- Finish: Polished
Pros
- Easy to hold.
- Universal fitment.
Cons
- Not temperature resistant
Coolest Shift Knobs: #6. Samurai Sword Shift Knob
If you fancy the Samurai soldiers’ swords, this shift knob is for you. The Samurai Sword Shift Knob is a beautiful piece of art that will be the envy of your friends and family.
It is available in black/blue, black/white, and teal/black options to match your car’s interior color scheme and has a polyester fabric covering (it might help to learn how to clean car seats fabric yourself and how to clean fabric car seats) that gives it texture and allure while improving comfort when shifting. It fits, looks fantastic, and shifts with a satisfying weight and feel. Now you can drive your car with style and finesse.
Specifications
- Weight: ‎1.7 Pounds
- Height: 8 inches
- Diameter: 1.25 inches
- Sizes: M8 x 1.25, M10 x 1.25, M10 x 1.50, or M12 x 1.25
- Material: Full solid steel, polyester fabric, Nickel plated brass
- Package: 1 Samurai sword shift knob, 3 Lock nuts, 3 adapters
Pros
- Cool design.
- Made from durable steel.
Cons
- The polyester covering comes off after a few months.
- The knob is small.
Coolest Shift Knobs: #7. Dewhel JDM Shift Knob
If you want something unique and sporty, the Dewhel JDM Shift Knob will suit you just right. It is a round, low-profile knob compatible with five- and six-speed manual transmissions. It fits Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Honda, and Acura cars and offers the perfect combination of style, functionality, and value.
The Dewhel JDM Shift Knob provides excellent wrist control and simple shifts. It is built of a light aluminum alloy with a gun-black nickel finish for a brilliant sheen.
Specifications
- Weight: 0.55 Pounds
- Height: 0.31 inches
- Diameter: 1.96 inches
- Sizes: M8 x 1.25, M10 x 1.25, M10 x 1.50 and M12 x 1.25
- Material: Aluminum alloy
- Package: 1 shift knob, 3 Adapters
- Finish: Polished
Pros
- Lightweight for ease when handling.
- Easy to hold.
- Universal fitment.
Cons
- The polish wears off with time.
- Not temperature-resistant.
Coolest Shift Knobs: #8. Aluminum Weighted Manual Shift Knobs
If you want to add something to your manual car, try out the Aluminum Weighted Manual Shift Knobs. These will fit almost any manual transmission vehicle, SUV, or truck and give you extra control over your gears. It can replace the original shift knob without modifications.
The gear shifter is made of aluminum alloy and has a long weighted style. Its shape is similar to a pen and can be customized with brilliant burnt colors to change the inside of your car.
Specifications
- Weight: 0.5 Pounds
- Height: 5.1 inches
- Diameter: 1.26 inches
- Sizes: M8 x 1.25, M10 x 1.25, M12 x 1.25
- Material: Aluminum
- Package: 1 shift knob, 3 Adapters
- Finish: Polished
Pros
- The pen shape makes it easy to hold
- Made from long-lasting aluminum
- Looks great
- Easy to install
Cons
- The plastic adapters break in no time
- Not temperature-resistant
Coolest Shift Knobs: #9. Fancyeel Universal Shift Knob
Fancyeel Universal Shift Knob is a handy, fancy, practical accessory that fits different vehicles. The knob has a lightweight design, which makes it easy to use and install. It is a direct replacement of the original shift knob; no modification is needed. With three adapters, installing it should be easy.
The Fancyeel Universal Shift Knob works with most manual transmission cars, including Honda, Subaru, and Scion. It’s available in red and green.
Specifications
- Weight: 0.46 Pounds
- Height: 1.9 inches
- Diameter: 2 inches
- Sizes: M12 x 1.25, M8 X 1.25, M10 X 1.25, M10 X 1.5
- Material: Aluminum alloy
- Package: 1 shift knob, 3 Adapters
- Finish: Carbon fiber style
Pros
- Universal fitment
- Easy to hold
Cons
- The color fades within 2 months
Coolest Shift Knobs: #10. YIUIY Universal Skull Head Gear Shift Knobs
The YIUIY Universal Skull Head Gear Shift Knobs are made with high-quality material resin painted with colorful designs. It’s compatible with most manual transmission (MT) or automatic transmission (AT) 4-6 speed and is available in red, black, green, and silver colors. It’s universal except with cars where you lift the shift lever in reverse gear.
The shifter knobs are durable and smooth to the touch. It’s one of the coolest shift knobs out there, but it’s not for the fainthearted.
Specifications
- Weight: 0.39 Pounds
- Height: 3 inches
- Diameter: 2 inches
- Sizes: Adapters: M12 x 1.25, M8 X 1.25, M10 X 1.25
- Material: Resin
- Package: 1 shift knob, 3 adapters, a set of screws, and a hexagonal wrench.
- Finish: Painted
Pros
- Easy to install
- Universal fitment
Cons
- A bit ugly
How To Make A Shift Knob Out Of Wood
You can DIY a shift knob with wood to save some money. The procedure is simple, but it’ll be natural if you’re good with woodwork.
What You’ll Need:
- A chisel to shape the wood and a handsaw to cut it
- A piece of wood
- A drill bit
- Epoxy glue
Procedure
Step 1: Get The Wood
Redwood is perfect for projects like this because it’s hard. You don’t want your shift knob cracking in less than a month.
- Get redwood lumber from a timber store.
Step 2: Cut The Wood
- Use a pencil to mark the length you want to cut. 5 inches should be fine.
- Place the lumber on a flat surface and cut out the 5 inches using a handsaw.
Step 3: Make A Hole On The Wood
You’ll need a hole in the center of the wood. This is where your shift lever will fit into. To get the perfect hole, check the size of your shift lever. Also, get matching nuts for that thread size.
- Mark the center of the wood.
- Place the nut on the marking and draw a circle around the nut. Make the circle about an inch larger than the outer diameter of the nut.
- Clamp the lumber wood firmly to your workbench and use your hand saw to trim the corners, so it looks like a circle, not a square.
- Grab your chisel and take small shavings off the wood.
- Create a pilot hole in the center of the circle you drew on the wood using a small drill bit.
- Drill a bigger hole on that spot. The size will depend on your shift lever’s thread size.
Step 4: Glue And Finish Up
To secure the nut in the wood, you’ll need epoxy glue.
- Pour some epoxy into the hole and put the nut in there.
- Leave it to dry.
- Use sandpaper to smoothen the shift knob.
- You can add a flair to it by painting it in a color of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions On Coolest Shift Knobs
Can You Change Automatic Shift Knob
You can change the automatic shift knob, but you must check the height and width of your automatic shift lever. This is because there are different sizes of shift knobs available, and they may not fit with your car. You can get a shift knob designed for automatic cars or a universal fitment type. Universal shift knobs fit most cars and come with adapters of different thread sizes but may need adjustments.
Are Shift Knobs Universal
Not all shift knobs are universal, but most have universal fitment. Universal shift knobs usually come with plastic or steel adapters of different thread sizes so that you can fit them onto almost any car. If your vehicle uses a specific shift knob, you must buy the OEM shift knob.
How To Change Gear Shift Knob
To change the gear shift knob, put on the emergency brake to stop your car from moving or shifting unintentionally while you work. If your car has built-in threading inside the shifter and at the bottom of the knob, turn the knob counterclockwise and remove it. If your shift knob is secured with a screw, remove the screw with a screwdriver before removing the knob. Also, if you bought a direct-replacement shift knob, place it on the shift lever and turn it clockwise till it’s tight. A universal-fit shift knob, on the other hand, could need an adapter piece to fit over your shifter.
How To Make A Shift Knob
To make a shift knob for your car, check the thread size of the shift lever and get a threaded nut of that size. Proceed to buy a pool ball and then drill a hole using a drill bit. The hole should be large enough to fit the shift lever. Pour some epoxy into the hole and drop the threaded nut in there. Leave the glue to dry, and your shift knob is ready. This method works well for those who aren’t bothered about aesthetics or durability.
How Much Does It Cost To Replace A Gear Shift
The average price for replacing a gear shift is $300 for labor and parts. This can vary depending on whether you have an automatic or manual transmission. Automatic transmissions are more expensive than manual ones. Generally, luxury cars cost more to repair.
Where To Buy Shift Knobs
You can buy shift knobs at local auto parts stores or e-commerce sites like amazon. Look for a shift knob that fits your specific vehicle. Some knobs come with adapters that allow them to fit multiple applications. If your car has an unusual shifter location or style (such as a column shifter), there may be fewer options available than a standard stick shift.
What Is A Shift Knob
A shift knob is an object on your gear stick that you grab when you want to change gears. It’s at the end of a shift lever and is typically shaped like a ball. It can be made from plastic, metal, or wood. The type of shift knob you choose depends on what fits your car and your taste.
How To Replace Automatic Shift Knob Toyota
To remove the automatic shift knob on your Toyota, pull the wrapping at the base of the shift knob to reveal the shift lever. Turn the shift knob counterclockwise till it comes out. Place your new shift knob on the shift lever and turn it clockwise until it’s tight. This procedure works for Toyota Tacoma.
How To Remove Shifter Knob Jeep Wrangler
To remove the shifter knob on your Jeep Wrangler, pull it upwards while turning it counterclockwise till it comes off. Remember to put on the emergency parking brakes before removing the shift knob so your car doesn’t roll off while you’re working.
How To Change A Manual Shift Knob
To change the shift knob on your manual car, remove the old one by turning it counterclockwise. Place the new shift knob on the shift lever and turn clockwise till it sits perfectly. Note that shift knobs aren’t all universal, so the replacement shift knob must have the same thread size as the old one. You can also get an OEM shift knob from a dealer shop.
Conclusion On Coolest Shift Knobs
Every car has a shift knob, but the styling isn’t always what we like. If you’re tired of the dull, boring factory look of your current knob, try out one of these fabulous options in this article. You might just find the coolest shift knobs for your car.
