xA_Factor

Any of you 5spd xA owners with armrests care to give me an honest answer on whether the armrest is in the way while you shift? I would love to have one, but not at the expense of comfortable shifting.

Thanks.

Easyoboe2

I have an 05 xB with manual tranny. I am 5'10" with somewhat long arms and legs. I sit with the seat at its farthest back position with the seatback fairly upright. My right arm rests naturately and comfortably on the arm rest and my hand hangs right over the gearshift. I don't see how it could be more comfortable for me.

Easyoboe2

Oops. I just noticed you have an XA. One of us is in the wrong place.

SkyonXa

Forums are shared between XA and XB except for "lounge" and "exterior".

kalaiwa

It's not in the way for me. But it IS in the way of the hand brake. Really like it, though.

raceronabudget

i used to have the armrest. it was prefect, except the lack of storage. thats why i sold it

kevets

Did you put something with storage space in the spot where the armrest was? Just curious, cause I'd have to have something there. Felt too empty for the few days I was driving around before I had mine put in.

cierrecart

My Boomerang does not get in the way of shifting. I couldn't drive without it actually.

Waitech

Yes, the armrest does get in the way while you shift. I tried getting used it to but I cant properly shift into gear with that in the way.
I also can fist the person next to me while switchin to 5th gear if they have their leg spread apart.

pandaslayer

OEM doesn't get in the way.

andrewjc

I have an aftermarket armrest and don't even use it. When I'm driving my hand rests comfortably on the shifter.

Easyoboe2

Some wise mechanic told me years ago that it was bad to drive with your hand resting on the gear shift, but I can't remember why.

raceronabudget

yeah. something about wearing out some teeth on something... i dont know if its true.

losmorob

I made an extension for my gearshift shaft. About 3" long. Makes for a longer throw and a slightly longer shift time. But I'm not racing the thing and it's a natural feel off the armrest now.

Kindof gives it a old school look as well!
I'll post pics tomorrow (if I remember!)

xA_Factor

Thanks for all your responses. My gut feeling says not to get one. All addtional comments and pix are welcome though.

andrewjc

Probably a wise choice not to get one. However, I have the short shifter and that is worth the money. Take care....

LeroyJMC

Of course the optimal thing would be for you to find someone locally that has one and see if they'll let you have a seat and see for yourself.

Apart from that, I don't have any issues with my boomerang. The first couple of days that I had it in the shifting was a little different, but not really in the way. I got used to the different feel and have no issues.

The p-brake is a little more concealed, but by no means is it inoperable. You just have to use your fingers more when you're setting and releasing it.

brini

I have the dealer installed arm-rest .... and have found no problems with it getting in the way of shifting.

I test drove a 5 speed withOUT the arm rest - and bought my xB WITH the dealer armrest.
On the test drive (no arm rest) I found my arm was "looking" for somewhere to rest it - so I made sure I had one installed on the one I bought.
I found comparing the two ..... I much prefer with the arm rest and have had no problems with it being in the way for shifting.

vintage42

I have a manual transmission with a Zeta Generation 2 Storage armrest that sticks way out.
http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f2...atherRtFrt.jpg
If you want to grab the shifter like a ski pole, the armrest prevents that. I find the transmission wants to be shifted with a softer touch and don't hold the shifter that way.
I move the shifter with my fingers from above, whether the armrest is down or up, and the armrest does not interfere with that.

Koogs

i got the armrest which was a waste of money. i used it for a month and got sick of it (i have manual). i didn't use it for another month but whoever was in the passenger seat would put it down and it would get in the way allllll the time. not worth the $125 dollars.