When I converted my '65 Valiant to a four-speed, I used a pistol grip at first but found it difficult to power shift. Changed over to a Hurst T-handle twisted about 45 degrees to the right, which made consistent power shifting without missing a gear routine. Never used the ball handle.
Here is a T-handle shifter on an Allison 4700 (18 wheeler?) I found interesting:
That's why I use the v gate as it is impossible to miss a gear and there's built-in stops underneath so you can jam it is hard as you want...
But really it's that second to third shift that can't be beat...
