Correct me if i'm wrong but i think... The heavier gear knob is meant to reduce the effort required to change gears. Using a short shifter, actually means that you increase the effort required to change gears by simple physics. 1. Lowering the shifter by 2.5", means that you'll have less leverage 2. Increasing the fulcrum point height to reduce the shift movement, also means less leverage Therefore the heavier gear knob in principle is to offset this increase in effort.