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When I first had my Mk5 GTI with DSG, I was very apprehensive about the small plastic paddles which are somewhat hidden from view when driving. I used to mostly use the box in only two gears - D and S, driving mostly in D and just popping in and out of S-mode for overtakes and twisties. I didn't, and still don't, like the feel of nudging the floor stick in a tiptronic fashion so I eventually started using the paddles. To my surprise I found them perfectly placed when holding the steering wheel and I also liked their very contoured and ribbed feel. Yes, we are still talking about a car product here.
I was aware of some people's criticisms of the paddles as feeling like a Playstation but I never found that, and most of such criticism comes from those who much prefer to drive conventional manual gearboxes. The stock paddles do have a soft click sound but the gear selection is still instant and feels direct.
One problem I found was occasional situations such as on a roundabout when the hands weren't still exactly where the small paddles were when turning the wheel. The problem is usually from wanting to change into 2nd from 1st but there are always lots of workaround options with the DSG box of tricks such as nudging the floor stick or starting off in D or S and letting the system find 2nd gear for you before going into full Manual mode and continuing. With this problem in mind I wondered, back in 2006, whether any aftermarket paddle extensions were available but there weren't. TTSroadsport helped me at the time to investigate whether Audi ones would fit the Mk5 Golf but they don't. Some rare versions of the late Mk4 GTI's in France had DSG but their paddles wouldn't fit either. So I gave up and got familiar with the stock paddles and continued to enjoy using them.
Then suddenly there was a post on the Tyresmoke forum about some carbonfibre ones made by TID and fitted to a Mk5 GTI Edition 30.
Although they looked both very cool (I love carbonfibre!) and very oem, I wasn't convinced. But then a colleague on GolfGTI.co.uk forum also got some and both were independently reporting how pleased they were with them. So, in learning that they were available from my friends TTSroadsport, I had a chat with Dave and a pair were immediately sent.
The parcel arrived the next day and on opening it I was immediately amazed at their quality. I had assumed that they might be thin and possibly flimsy but the carbonfibre is 4mm thick and utterly rigid.
Not only are they rigid but they are very securely bolted to a mount which is perfectly shaped to fit onto the contours of the stock paddles. A lot of thought and effort has gone into their design. I had to spend the morning at home but found that I spent the whole time with one of these paddles clutched in my hand and my fingers constantly exploring and testing for any weak spots - None were found.
I quickly became aware of a long slightly raised ridge and realised it was there for a purpose. So far I just wasn't succeeding in finding any faults but the proof of the pudding is always in the eating, so it was time to install them and then go for a test drive.
I removed the manufacturer's labels whilst cursing the strength of modern adhesive but knowing that soon after I would ironically be hoping that the adhesive tape for fixing them on my car had extreme strength! Before adding the tape I offered the new paddles up to the stock ones and was very pleased to see how well they would fit and how oem they would look. The enclosed instructions suggest either using the supplied tape or using a sealant/glue. I decided to start off at least with the tape and couldn't help noticing the letters VBH printed - That Vicky gets herself everywhere in the world of motorsport.
The instructions suggest "applying heat to double sided tape" - What with!? I wasn't about to set fire to my brand new carbonfibre paddleshifters! I just rubbed the tape hard and thought of VBH. Well, whatever happens I know that Plan B will involve glue. I then noticed that my stock paddles were beginning to wear and show white - Not a good standard after only 50,000 miles, Mr Volkswagen!
Once on I noticed how much further away from the back of the wheel and closer to the stalks they were and I was a bit concerned. Too late now, time to try them out. Just sat in the car with no engine running they felt awkward but fortunately reassuringly very firm and rigid.
I needed some more Meg's Detailer so decided to go to my nearest stockist about 30 miles away, especially as it was a gloriously sunny day and would involve all sorts of roads. Once through town and out of D-mode I immediately found that the new paddles were very comfortable and a real pleasure to touch. The ridge makes perfect sense and it's a case of driving more with your finger tips than pads.
[Sorry for poor quality pic]:
Although my hands are nearly always in the 'quarter-to-three' position which the GTI steering wheel sensibly urges you to adopt, I found that the extended paddles are easier to find. What really surprises me while driving is that there is no longer any click when shifting and the result is a much smoother gear shift sensation. The carbonfibre maintains a perfect temperature and I would advise very strongly indeed against an aluminium version as the material can get either sizzling hot or frostbite cold.
I ended up buying rather more Meg's cleaning products than I intended but the round trip of 60 miles was a real joy and I even had the opportunity to play with a Porsche on the way home - Those carbonfibre paddleshifters made me feel I was driving a Ferrari!
I'm now used to the paddleshifters and overall I much prefer them to the stock paddles. However, the lower extensions don't action the gearshifts as superbly as the upper extensions do - The leverage seems to be weaker. I hasten to add that they are well and truly stuck on and integrated with the stock paddles and so there is no weakness whatsoever in their installation. The key to using them is to gently pull on the ridge as if beginning to close your palms. They are much more at your fingertips than the stock ones - The connection between brain decision and finger action is faster.
A couple of times I have unintentionally changed gear when I wanted to use the signal indicator stalk, but now I know, I'm learning quickly to avoid doing that - It's just a matter of adapting one's habits.
One thing that I really, really cannot understand is that the actual gearshifts themselves feel very noticeably smoother and seamless with the new paddles.
They are exclusively available in the UK from TTSroadsport - 01234 855 555 - and I have no hesitation in very highly recommending this carbonfibre version. You don't need these paddleshift extensions but like all good mods, it takes you that extra mile.
Forum member Mandy can usually get alternative paddleshifter extensions for around £25, which is considerably cheaper than my TIDs. But mine were the only option available back in early 2009.
