The Gearbox CX11 and CX14 are high-performance paddle shifter systems designed to enhance the driving experience in automatic transmission vehicles. As Gearbox’s flagship offerings, they provide faster and more engaging gear changes through the use of steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
But with both models sharing similar core technology, many drivers wonder – what exactly sets them apart?
In this guide, we’ll compare the key differences between the CX11 and CX14 to help you determine which Gearbox system is best suited for your needs and budget.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Gearbox CX11 | Gearbox CX14 |
| Shift Speed | Quicker than stock | Ultra-fast intelligent shifting |
| Customization | No custom modes | Multiple driving modes |
| Construction | aluminum paddles, plastic internals | Aluminum alloy paddles & mechanisms |
| Installation | Simple plug-and-play | Complex vehicle integration |
| Price | $$ | $$$$ |
How Paddle Shifters Work
Before diving into the specifics, it helps to understand how paddle shifters function in the first place. Paddle shifters operate as an add-on system that allows drivers to manually control the gear selection in automatic transmission vehicles. This gives you tighter control over engine braking and power delivery for a more dynamic performance feel.
The paddles mount to the steering wheel within easy thumb-reach. You simply pull the right paddle to upshift and the left paddle to downshift. The vehicle’s computer handles the clutch and throttle operation automatically. This allows you to keep both hands on the wheel while you shift gears yourself.
CX11 Overview
As the predecessor to the CX14, the Gearbox CX11 kickstarted the company’s paddle shifter revolution. Introduced in 2015, it immediately appealed to drivers seeking quicker shifts from their stock automatic transmissions.
Pros
- Faster upshifts and downshifts through manual gear control
- Crisp and precise aluminum paddle construction
- Easy plug-and-play installation
- Compatible with over 99% of automatic vehicles
Cons
- Slightly vague shifter feel and feedback
- Basic features compared to newer CX14
- Plastic interior components prone to wear
- Limited customizability
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Key Features:
- Billet aluminum steering wheel paddles
- Custom-calibrated tune for aggressive street performance
- Plug-and-play installation maintains factory warranty
- Integrated safety features to prevent over-revving
The CX11 strikes an appealing balance between performance, ease-of-use, and affordability. It unlocks quicker acceleration and responsiveness from stock automatic gearboxes. But with Gearbox expanding their capabilities in recent years, the CX11 lacks certain customization options and refinement available from the newer CX14.
CX14 Overview
Building upon the CX11’s success, Gearbox launched the CX14 paddle shifter system in 2018. Representing the pinnacle of their paddle shift technology, it introduces intelligent features and premium components to match today’s high-tech vehicles.
Pros
- Ultra-fast shift speeds through optimized calibration
- Fully customizable shifting behaviors and paddle sensitivity
- Premium construction with aluminum alloy internals
- Advanced safety mechanisms and engine protection
Cons
- High premium price tag
- Complex installation process
- Density of features may overwhelm some users
Key Features:
- Intelligent Shift Control with optimized paddle shifter calibration
- Custom Shift Modes altering shift speeds and paddle sensitivity
- Anodized aluminum paddles and alloy internal mechanisms
- Adaptive Safety Guard protects drivetrain during aggressive driving
- OLED dash display for real-time system feedback
The CX14 refines and expands on the CX11’s capabilities for truly next-level shift performance. Intelligent shift algorithms deliver lightning-quick yet smooth gear changes. Premium construction ensures precise feel and durability even under intense use. And extensive custom tuning lets advanced drivers optimize the system to their exact needs and preferences.
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Key Differences
Now that we’ve covered the backgrounds of both systems, let’s compare some of the major differences that set the CX14 apart from its predecessor:
Shift Speed & Control
The CX14 introduces an all-new Intelligent Shift Control system using optimized gear change logic to deliver substantially faster yet smoother shifts. Drivers can snap through gears at racing speed with minimal interruption in power. Gear changes happen so quickly that acceleration feels almost uninterrupted.
By comparison, the CX11 provides looser shift timing that prioritizes simplicity over outright speed. Shifts occur noticeably quicker than stock but with some power loss between gears. The CX14 outmatches its precursor with intelligent technology providing unparalleled paddle shift performance.
Customization & Modes
Another defining upgrade with the CX14 is introduction of Custom Shift Modes. This allows customization of shift speeds, throttle mapping, and paddle sensitivity to create specialized driving profiles for different situations. Modes range from a mellow Eco setting for fuel efficiency to an aggressive Track mode for race-inspired shifting.
The CX11 lacks any sort of customization or mode adjustment outside of baseline calibration. While reasonably well-tuned for street use, one-size-fits all tuning leaves performance on the table for many drivers. The CX14 finally unlocks custom paddle shifting to match individual vehicles and personal driving styles.
Build Quality & Durability
Gearbox pulls no punches when it comes to construction quality with their flagship CX14 system. Paddles feature a premium anodized finish far more durable than the basic aluminum pieces of the CX11. The control module and internal mechanisms also upgrade to CNC aluminum alloy for greater mechanical precision and wear resistance under heavy use.
While the CX11 holds up reasonably well to wear, plastic pieces throughout its constructions feel flimsy. Gearbox clearly invested in premium-quality components for the CX14 package to satisfy even the most demanding enthusiasts pushing paddle shifters to their limits. It’s built for performance applications far beyond normal street duty.
Installation Process
Ease of installation sees significant differences between the CX14 and preceding CX11 system. The CX11 maintains a simple plug-and-play procedure using an integrated control module to interface with the vehicle computer. Physical mounting proves straightforward for anyone comfortable working around basic wiring.
By comparison, the CX14 uses a far more intricate installation process to unlock its many capabilities. The system taps into multiple vehicle systems including the transmission computer, engine sensors, and dashboard display. Proper installation often requires professional tuning skills or expert mechanical knowledge to interface properly with individual vehicle electronics.
So while the CX14 enables extreme performance once installed, its complex process limits accessibility to non-professional installers. The CX11 provides a much more beginner-friendly plug-and-play package out of the box.
Also watch the review video of CX11!
FAQs
The Gearbox CX14 uses intelligent shifting algorithms, custom driving modes, premium construction, and advanced features to deliver faster and more customizable paddle shift performance compared to the entry-level CX11 system.
The CX14 upgrades to CNC aluminum alloy paddles with a durable anodized finish while the CX11 uses basic T6061 aluminum paddle construction more prone to wear.
Yes, paddle shifters allow manual gear control for quicker acceleration and higher top speeds by better utilizing the engine powerband. The CX14 specifically optimizes shifts to minimize power loss between gears, enabling faster speed potential.
Paddle shifters transform automatic transmissions for manual gear control that’s often faster than stock programming. But the CX14 delivers shifts faster than many high-performance automatics through intelligent shifting technology.
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Conclusion
While both the Gearbox CX11 and CX14 deliver excellent paddle shifting upgrades over stock automatic transmissions, the CX14 stands atop as the current performance king. Intelligent programming and extensive customization finally unlock a paddle shifter’s full potential for lightning-quick, customized performance.
Of course, that tremendous capability comes at an equally tremendous price – the CX14 costs nearly double that of its predecessor. For many drivers, the CX11 still strikes an appealing balance of improved acceleration, dynamic shifting feel, and reasonable affordability in one plug-and-play package.
But for genuine gear change mastery with the most mind-blowing paddle shift speeds on the market, accept no substitute – the Gearbox CX14 stands alone. It represents the current pinnacle of paddle shift performance.