Paddle shifters: When & how to use them

I haven't seen a necessity to use them on my VW Taigun except when I'm driving on the ghat sections.

BHPian asmr recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hey TBHPians!

I have driven only MT cars all my life until about 9 months back when I got my Taigun Topline AT, which comes with paddle shifters.

I have not seen a need arise to use them except when driving in the ghat sections and that too only because I wanted to try out how the experience differed from driving an MT. Overall, my Taigun's AT has proven itself to be capable of handling the standard variety of roads in TN and KA without much stress at all.

So, for normal day-to-day driving or on long highway runs, how/where does the usage of paddle shifters fit in? It feels like I am missing something that might make my life somewhat easier.

Is there a right way or time to use the paddle shifters? Any inputs from experienced folks here would be greatly appreciated.

Here's what GTO had to say about the matter:

The ATs of most cars are tuned so well that using the paddle shifters is entirely optional. I use paddle shifters mostly for (in order of priority):

• Engine braking. Am a big engine-braking guy.
• Downshifting to prepare the car for a sudden burst of acceleration or overtaking.
• When driving in pure manual mode. Not too often, but fun on your favourite roads.
• Sometimes to upshift too. Cars these days learn the driver's behaviour well. On occasion, once I am done with hard-driving, I'll use it to upshift and let the engine relax.

I am such a heavy user of paddle-shifters when I'm "in the mood" that my passengers have commented on the constant clicking sound.

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