Flappy Paddle Gears - Who Uses Them ? (poll)

[Markjames]

I never used it on my c class as it was just to slow and never changed when I wanted it to but had a play on my e coupe today and it feels totally different, changes instantly. Still not sure I will use it though as didn't buy an auto to do the work myself.

 

[Dickie Fix]

I use them only when towing. Sometimes when going up a steep hill the car wants to stay in 6th or 7th and despite the revs holding steady, I chicken out and use the paddles to change down a couple of cogs. Makes me feel better, anyway.

 

[Trickythemerc]

I use them very occasionally if I am pushing on through a twisty section of road. Whilst the auto box should be in right cog most of the time, I do like to be able to have the choice. It's not the quickest paddle shift in the world and the manual function is a bit Fisher Price.

 

[splitpin]

Have tried the flappy paddles, and on the odd occasion will use them, but most of the time leave the car in auto with 'S' mode selected and rely on kickdown for a bit of acceleration (I have the 7 speed 'box).

What lets the flappy paddles down is that it is not a particularly fast gearchange, there is a slight delay when selecting gears with them. For a mass produced roadcar I would not expect lightspeed gear changing like an F1 car of course, but if the flappy paddles selected gears with just a little more haste I would certainly use them more often.

I will sometimes use them though, if only as a change to the norm, and a little bit of fun if nothing else.

Much the same here. Predominantly experienced on successive courtesy cars.

 

[b1g1an]

Think what the OP says highlights the whole problem. Except for some newer MBs that have DSG we don't actually have 'flappy paddle' gearboxes, just paddles that add the force up/down function that has been available through the gear selector on nearly all automatics for the last few decades.

Flappy paddle implies a manual gearbox with auto clutch operated by paddles, not an old fashioned slush box with a crude override function

I do use mine, as others have said, for dropping a few cogs for overtaking, far more controllable than the all or nothing kickdown with 500hp on tap, and good for holding a gear when required. If I had a 63 with the blip on down changes I might use it more though just for theatrical purposes.

 

[sync vr]

Use mine if I'm overtaking or if I give it a drag up the 1/4 mile

 

[cfoster]

I use them very occasionally on my SL55 but normally forget when i'm slowing down (so used to auto!). Never used them on my C220.....

 

[JimboDS]

I need an option inbetween 'You Use Them Regular' and 'You've Tried Them But Don't Bother' really.

I do use them, just not very often.

I use them if I need to make the most of an overtake opportunity (very rarely as kick down, especially in Sport, is quick enough usually), or when I need to overtake but the engine is cold, or occasionally driving down a steep hill.

I find them useful (I DO bother) and am glad I have them but I don't use them regularly.