Not really a complaint, more of a warning to 5sp xA owners thinking about getting the optional armrest:

In down position, you have to contort your wrist to shift. In the up position, it juts out enough that your elbow is constantly hitting it, preventing you from moving your arm freely.

In short, save yourself the $125.

 

I had my manual xA for about 4 days before I got the Boomerang armrest and installed it. I have to admit that when I first put it in, it felt strange to me too. I was used to having my elbow lower between the seats to shift. After I put in the armrest , I felt a little bit like I was reaching down to shift. I got used to it after a a few days. Now I love it. I wouldn't want to go back to not having an arm rest (it makes the car much more comfortable).

 

I love my armrest...

Not sure how much I'm going to dig it with the short shifter though.

 

I had the Zeta in my auto xB and loved it. But my xA is a manual. What you just mentioned above is the reason I had yet to get one. Thanks for the confirmation. I'll put that $200 to better use.

 

I think this should be a personal feeling. Based on body geometry, etc. I would not give mine up, but I don't have to do any leaning or twisting or "contorting" to shift.

I was surprised that it was an extra expense to begin with. But I can't deal without an armrest.

 

i'm more worried about durability of the boomerang. i've bent up the hinge about 3 times now. there are no stops or supports to keep the stress off of the hinge in the open or closed position. so far i've just taken it off and straightened it up in a vice.

 

Do you mean when you open it? Yeah, I noticed that when I open it all the way, the weight of the lid is only supported by the hinge. It hasn't been a problem for me though because I hardly ever open mine for anything. After having one I would never want to be without one.

 

I paid for the armrest. I always like to have an armrest.

 

once i leaned on it the wrong way and forced the lid over toward the passenger seat and bent the hinge all to hell. the lid should fit down over the main body of the armrest instead of just on top or it.

 

Oh...ok, I see what you mean. Luckily I haven't done that....yet.

 

I've had my xA for about 3 months and it's a 5spd w/the armrest... I just leave it up when I'm in traffic or city driving and once I get on the hwy and hit 5th gear I put it down since I'll just be cruising. I've had to do this in every manual I've had that had a center armrest like this. I've never had a problem with banging my elbow against it in any car unless I'm aggressively shifting which is pretty rare.

 

I drive with my armrest down and my arm resting on it - I actually like it better that way because in stop and go traffic my arm doesnt get tired. I even have a windy 2 lane commute to work (I LOVE IT) and the armrest stays down.

And I'm not your typical petite female - I'm 5'8'' with long legs and arms,

It took some getting used to, but now I'd hate it if it was taken away.

 

Get the Boomerang, on Ebay, it comes with an integral CD case. You will get used to it and loveit.

 

Shoot, with the iPod upgraded head unit, my car may never carry another CD again. I think I've listened to the radio a total of about ten minutes in the three weeks I've had the car -- and that was because I'd forgotten my iPod.

 

the boomerang can be used for storage of other crap if you don't carry CD's. like coins, sunglasses, chewing gum, tire guage, pocket knife, taser, handgun, etc.

 

Armrests are awesome. Use them wisely...

Boomerang is the best one for the money that Ive seen in person and Ive seen most of them.

 

I got the armrest from the dealer. I never put it in the up position and have been driving the 5 speed that way for over a year now. I have never had a problem with it being in the way.

 

I've had my xA for about 4 months. It came with the armrest and I love it. Its in just the right position to do what it was made for (rest your arm), and it does not interfere with my shifting at all. I agree with norse that it's just a matter of body geometry. I'm about 6'0", and it works perfectly fine for me. I wouldn't feel right driving without it.

 

solrac88 -- I'm going to print this out and frame it. Someone agreed with me! It took 35 years, but, it happened.

My wife will never believe it.

Thanks so much.

 

Anyone here with the Zeta?