Lokar vs Gennie Shifter: Choosing the Right Shifter

When it comes to building or restoring a hot rod, one of the critical components to consider is the shifter. Two brands that consistently rise to the top for quality, durability, and performance are Lokar and Gennie Shifter. While both brands are reputable in the custom car community, they offer different features and designs that cater to various needs. In this article, we’ll compare Lokar and Gennie Shifter, diving into the aspects that matter most to hot rod enthusiasts: design, quality, ease of installation, customization options, and overall performance.

Design and Aesthetics

Lokar is known for its high-quality craftsmanship and clean, traditional look. Their shifters are designed with a vintage feel, making them perfect for hot rods, muscle cars, and street rods aiming for a classic appearance. Lokar shifters are often made from stainless steel or billet aluminum, which gives them a durable, professional finish. The brand focuses on creating a look that stays true to the heritage of hot rodding. They also offer the first electronic shifter in the aftermarket, and continue to lead the industry when it comes to innovation in this market.

On the other hand, Gennie Shifter leans into the more aggressive, modern design options, while still maintaining a retro vibe. Gennie Shifter is famous for its "Build your Shifter Kit", which allows the user to build it specifically for their application and design. These shifters can be customized with a range of shift levers and knobs that offer a personalized touch, from traditional shift levers featuring single and double bends, to their machined “Commander” levers providing a more aggressive look. Gennie was the first to offer an array of shift knobs from eight-ball knobs to skulls, dice, and even custom engravings. If you're after a unique, standout look, Gennie Shifter may be more your style.

Winner: This category comes down to personal preference. Lokar excels in offering clean, classic designs, while Gennie Shifter is better suited for those who want to add a bit more personality to their ride.

Quality and Durability

Both Lokar and Gennie Shifter are known for producing durable products, but they approach quality in different ways. Lokar prides itself on American-made, high-end products. Lokar shifters often feature a longer life due to their precision engineering and use of premium materials, like billet aluminum and stainless steel. Lokar also offers a lifetime warranty on many of their products, showcasing their confidence in their durability.

Gennie Shifter, while also delivering on quality, is a bit more varied in its range of offerings. They focus on versatility and customization, which means some of their lower-end models may not have the same level of durability as Lokar’s top-tier options. However, their shifters are still solidly constructed, designed to handle the wear and tear of daily driving or track use. Gennie Shifter also offers custom shift knobs and accessories that, while fun, may not always have the same durability as Lokar’s more traditional parts.

Winner: Lokar takes the lead here, especially for those seeking the highest quality materials and longevity. Gennie Shifter still offers durable products, but Lokar’s reputation for premium materials gives it an edge in this category.

Installation Process

For hot rodders, installation ease is crucial. After all, most of us enjoy working on our cars, but no one wants a headache during the shifter installation process.

Lokar shifters are generally considered easy to install, especially for those familiar with hot rod builds. Their products often come with clear instructions and all the necessary hardware, so the process is straightforward. Lokar is known for its "plug-and-play" style of design, with most shifters available to different transmissions and configurations. If you have a GM, Ford, or Mopar, Lokar likely has a kit that will fit perfectly. In recent years Lokar has developed electronic shifters for newer model transmissions and is now likely their biggest seller.

Gennie Shifter products are similarly designed for ease of installation, though they offer more options for custom setups. This can sometimes mean the installation process requires a bit more adjustment or customization, depending on your vehicle and the specific shifter style you're going for. However, Gennie Shifter does provide solid instructions, and the company offers plenty of resources and support to help get your shifter installed smoothly.

Winner: In the area of installation process it is basically a tie though Lokar offers many more options.

Customization and Options

Customization is where Gennie Shifter really shines. They offer a dizzying array of shifter designs, knobs, and accessories. Whether you're after a classic hot rod look or something a bit more wild, Gennie Shifter allows for endless combinations. Their product lineup includes everything from traditional straight sticks to the quirky and stylish “Suicide” style shifters. You can mix and match shifter levers, knobs, and boot kits to create a truly unique setup.

Lokar, on the other hand, is more conservative in its customization offerings. While they do offer different lengths and finishes, their focus is more on performance and functionality than wild aesthetics. Lokar shifters are typically sold as a complete package, which is great for those looking for a no-nonsense solution but less exciting for those who want to inject some personal flair.

Winner: Gennie Shifter easily takes the crown in the customization category. If personalization is important to you, this brand offers the variety you're looking for.

Performance and Functionality

When it comes to performance, both brands deliver, but they do so in different ways. Lokar shifters are built for precision. Their shifters often feature smooth, positive shifting, with minimal play or slop in the lever. Lokar’s focus on mechanical efficiency means that their shifters are often favored by those looking for crisp, clean gear changes, especially in high-performance applications.

Gennie Shifter also delivers reliable performance, though their focus on customization sometimes means their shifters can be a little less precise compared to Lokar’s high-precision models. However, Gennie Shifter’s products are still well-suited for street rods, custom cars, and daily drivers, providing smooth and consistent performance.

Winner: Lokar wins when it comes to precision and performance, especially in high-demand situations. Gennie Shifter holds its own but doesn’t quite match the engineering excellence of Lokar.

Price and Value

In terms of price, Lokar is generally considered the premium option. With higher quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship, Lokar shifters often come with a higher price tag. For hot rodders who want the best, Lokar is worth the investment.

Gennie Shifter, though similarly priced, is typically more affordable, especially for those interested in more style-driven designs. They offer a wide range of prices depending on customization options and materials. For those who want to add a unique touch to their vehicle without breaking the bank, Gennie Shifter is an excellent choice.

Winner: Gennie Shifter offers more value for money, especially if you're on a budget or looking to personalize your ride without going all-in on premium materials. Lokar offers higher-quality products but at a premium cost.

Conclusion

When comparing Lokar and Gennie Shifter, it ultimately comes down to what you prioritize in a shifter. If you're after precision performance, clean lines, and the highest-quality materials, Lokar is the brand for you. If you're looking for more style options, greater customization, and an affordable price range, Gennie Shifter is an excellent alternative.

Both brands are trusted by hot rodders and offer great products, but your choice should reflect your specific needs, whether that's performance or personality.