On 2001-06-18 22:06, GS4-2-Z06 spewed forth this drivel:
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If the two detectors were the same price and quailty then would you use the one that is closer to you?
Of course. From the several reviews I had read though, the Kirban seemed to have a few shortcomings (no gasket, bad directions, two piece unit, noisy) whereas the Ripper only suffers from noise and difficult lateral movement due to heavy springs.
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I didn't see any shortcomings about the Kirban. I have to admit that the B&M looks very nice. But, after you installed it, and the boot goes over it, it doesn't make any different because you can't see anything. Unless, you have the carbon fiber dressing, then that would make a difference because the shinny looking stick of the B&M. When I took the stock shifter off, the gasket was still on the base, so I just but the Kirban right over it. With an extra $3 and some creative thinking (not saying that I'm smart or anything), the Kirban is quieter than the stock in my car. Carl had already covered the two pieces unit, so I won't go into that. About directions, when were the last time you need to read directions to change the oil in your car? Installing the shifter is not as easy......but, if you can change the oil in your car, you can change the shifter without much directions. There are pictures and sketches on the installation instruction sheet that one can follow. It's not very clear (not a lot of words), but I think a person with minimal IQ (like myself) can figured it out. So, you shouldn't have any problem at all.
How easy is it to shift? To put it in to 1st, move lever left and push forward. To put it into 2nd, use little (very little) force to left and pull it straight down toward you. To put it into 3rd, jam it straight up (forward, no angle required), it will go into 3rd. Jamming it straight up won't make it go back to 1st, it will be in 3rd. 4th, pull straight down. 5th, push forward at an angle to the right. 6th, use little force to the right and pull down toward the rear. It's almost impossible to mistaken 5th for reverse (I had the CAGS removed too). I don't remember have to flex lots of muscle to shift at all. Of course you'll have to use a little more energy than the stock shifter, but it doesn't sound like what people had complaint about the B&M.
Anyway, just my 2 sense, it's your money, put it where you'd like to.