Originally Posted by blackfunk

I use the paddles ALL the time. Believe it or not if you time it just right and lift briefly as you shift your shifts are smoother and faster. I find that having the ability to see whats happening ahead and preselect an appropriate gear is better than any dual clutch box.

I've been lucky enough to have driven DSG and DCT equipped cars back to back with the 5AT and I can honestly say I prefer the day to day driving of the AT. I'm not sure what people are talking about when I hear them say a dual clutch trans is better in day to day driving. There are two or three specific instances where a dual clutch is better, but having a torque converter in stop and go traffic is infinitely better (for me)

1) going down one gear at a time is smoother, debatably faster
2) Up shifting in manual mode is decidedly smoother going from 1->2nd gear
3) At freeway speeds flooring the throttle causes the exact same delays with the 5AT except where a swift partial throttle application is followed instantly by WOT

Originally Posted by Tazicon

People that have not learned how to use the paddles do not use them nor like them.

Originally Posted by Bigwater

I'm hesitant between purchasing a 2010 G37x or a 2009 G37xS. For me the real plus with S are the paddle shifters. I drove only manual cars for the last 20 years.

During the test drive I enjoyed using the paddle shifters. But I'm concerned that once the honey moon new car/new gadget is over I'll stop using them, so the extra money spent is wasted.

What do you think?

Originally Posted by G37Sam

They come very handy on the track and canyons. If only they were more responsive.

Originally Posted by ZenZiglar

Educate us a little more about how to use the paddles. I like them, but wish I loved them. They are the reason I chose xS.

Are you saying we should lift off throttle just a bit after tapping the paddle?

Also, isn't the 5AT smoother than the 7AT?

Originally Posted by blackfunk

I lift just before downshifting (it can be a partial or even a full lift). Seems that the computer is better able to rev match and the shifts aren't nearly as jerky. WOT upshifts don't require any special changes to your driving style. Simply pull at or near redline.

Unfortunately I have verry little experience with the 7AT and paddles, whenever I've gotten a loaner its been the x models without shift paddles.