Maniacs DSG paddle extension

[WazR36]

regarding my original post

i actually have the maniacs paddles - "satin chrome with black metal inlay" bought from zmaxautosport.com

similar to this, except without the white text on it:


these ones:


they look great and the satin chrome matches the accents on the R36 steering wheel perfectly.

the maniacs package was an exceptional piece of kit. it comes in a nice box with a pair of gloves, alcohol cleaning wipe, instructions, and 2 sets of 3M tape. the tape is already pre-cut to exactly fit the shape of the DSG paddle. the quality was really exceptional.

the reason i went for the maniacs of the s2t are numerous:
- i wanted to retain the original feel of the paddle "click" which i have read is somewhat lost on the aftermarket paddle replacements, or is at least dependent on how well it they are installed (ie using the OEM spring and putting it in 100% correctly)
- i preferred the shape of the maniacs paddle both visually and functionally
- i wanted to retain the OEM light on the "+" and "-" symbols

the paddles feel very solid and have not moved one bit since i installed them many months ago. previously i rarely used the paddles, now i find myself driving with the paddles on almost every occasion except in heavy peak-hour traffic.

i would highly recommend these stick-on style of paddles with my only hesitation being that they are generally a massive rip-off for what you are getting - but hey that's the car industry in general.

[Ryan_R]

Those Chrome ones do indeed look awesome & thanks for the review.


$46 v $195 (delivered) is the big question though.


I'll have a think about it over the next few days and see what happens - perhaps you could make a video to tempt me even more?

btw forgot to add that the eBay seller got back to me saying he doesn't have any other colours beyond those 4 shown on his site.

[frozze]

Are the eBay ones definitely Maniacs?? A bit skeptical coz it's so cheap.. Maybe they're just using Maniacs' pictures to advertise..

[Ryan_R]

The only difference I can see is that these come from China whereas the overpriced ones make a detour through the USA

[WazR36]

i will try to take some pics or make a video, however am on night shift this week so it will have to wait until after monday

initially i wanted all-black and decided it was too much $$, but after seeing the silver/chrome coloured ones i couldn't resist. to be honest if these cheaper ones had come up first i would have pulled the trigger without hesitation.

btw, the maniacs ones are japanese made but the only websites that seem to offer them in english with shipping to australia are the american sites. but i'm sure these eBay ones are simply a mould someone has made of the maniacs ones and a direct reproduction. they just look too similar.

[Ryan_R]

I'm now of the mind (again) that the stainless steel ones @ ECS would best suit my car colour-wise, as it should best match the steering wheel trim.

[frozze]

I'm tempted to try the ebay ones.. but they don't have a plain black one.. the CF looks a bit tacky..

but it is $50 v $200..

[Ryan_R]

Maybe buy a few for $50 then sell them for $100 until you've made enough to buy the $200 ones

[frozze]

Maybe buy a few for $50 then sell them for $100 until you've made enough to buy the $200 ones

Lol.. don't give everyone that idea!

Sent an email to the ebay guy enquiring about something.. I'll see what he says and decide then..

[DVSTwig]

Are the eBay ones definitely Maniacs?? A bit skeptical coz it's so cheap.. Maybe they're just using Maniacs' pictures to advertise..

If you look closely, they definitely aren't genuine maniacs. If you take the black with red text as an example, the eBay ones have some kind of gel sticker bubble where the text is, whereas the genuine it's clearly flat metal piece with the text inscribed.

[Ryan_R]

Yes, I noticed those differences too. The only one I can't distinguish from the ones on ECS tuning is the Carbon Fibre one, not that I'm interested in it.

Guess I'll wait and see how the Aussie dollar goes and pop an order in for the Stainless Steel ones.

[WazR36]

i have some pics of my paddle extensions but don't seem to be allowed to upload attachments or create an album to upload to. anyone have any ideas?

[Ryan_R]

Upload here: imgur: the simple image sharer

Copy each image URL and paste in here in between [IMG] tags

[frozze]

If you look closely, they definitely aren't genuine maniacs. If you take the black with red text as an example, the eBay ones have some kind of gel sticker bubble where the text is, whereas the genuine it's clearly flat metal piece with the text inscribed.

You're right.. Looks so obvious now!

The ECS/Zmax ones do look better being genuine Maniacs..

[WazR36]

my paddles:




my main decision was:
1) all black - stealthy, non-descript, non-offensive
2) black with brushed stainless inlays - they match the dash accents but don't match the steering wheel accents.
3) chrome with black insert - in my opinion the best as they match the R36 steering accents almost perfectly. the merc AMG cars all have this colour paddles too. it would only be bettered if the entire paddle (including the insert) was chrome!

the paddles have a nice groove on the back which produced great feedback when holding them.
also the ingenious design includes most extension at the top (helps for holding 10-2 style and changing with little/ring fingers) and also a small extension at the bottom - this is great for when holding 9-3 style so that you can still reach the paddle. its not too low as to get in the way when turning the wheel. certainly some thought has gone into the shape its not just there for looks.

highly recommended.

---------- Post added at 11:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:39 PM ----------

Upload here: imgur: the simple image sharer

Copy each image URL and paste in here in between [IMG] tags

thanks!