Question:
In normal, by the book, shifting I would start my shift (gears 1 through 4) at 1,300 rpm and complete the shift at 1,000 rpm. Step by step would be: 1300 rpm, half clutch, shift to neutral, clutch out, half clutch, at 1000 rpm shift to higher gear, clutch out. Gears 5 through 10 are the same except start shift at 1600 rpm and shift into higher gear at 1300 rpm.
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How does progressive shifting differ? If I start out in 2nd gear, do I still shift out of 2nd gear at 1,300 rpm and into 3rd at 1000 rpm? I am guessing that at each succeeding shift I use a slightly higher rpm. How much higher rpm? If I start my shift at a higher rpm would I not have to engage the next higher gear at an equally higher rpm? What about shifting from 5th to 6th gear? Do I still raise my rpm for each shift in high range? Sorry, I just don't get it.

Answer:
Shift fast and accelerate slow.
The basic principle with prgressive shifting is that you shift at lower RPM's than what a driver may have learned to shift in the past. Also with each shift it is important not to mash the accelerater, but rather "roll" into it lke you have an egg under your foot. Between these two practices you will see an increase in fuel mileage.
From the sounds of it though if you are up shifting around the 1250-1300 PRM mark you are practing progressive shifting already. Just be sure to follow through with good acceletator control. Down shifting would be in the reverse.
Only two things I know of are infinite. The universe and human stupidity, and I am not real sure about the universe.
Answer:
Actually.....
The way it was explained to me, and taught by several folks inschool, safety meetings and in training:
"Progessive Shifting" means you "progress" your rpms higher with each up shift before grabbing the next gear.
Start in 3rd gear, shift at 1100rpm
Shift from 4th geat at 1200rpm.
Shift from 5th at 1300rpm.
Shift from 6th at 1400rpm.
Shift from 7th at 1500rpm.
Shift from 8th at 1600rpm
Shift from 9th at 1700rpm
(just an example, depends on your eqipment etc)
The rpm you shift at "progesses" higher on each shift, as you gain road speed.
The idea here is: At lower speeds, you get less benefit from winding it up to full rpm before shifting. Newer engines have better low rpm torque. You'll get up to speed faster, use less fuel, and create less wear on components by shifting sooner in the lower gears.
Of course, it depends on the grade too:
Going up hill, or with an expecially heavy load, you may want to wind-up higher in the lower gears so you don't lug too much when you shift.
Going down hill, you can shift much sooner, since gravity is helping you and will compensate for starting each gear at a lower engine speed.
"Progessive Shifting" simply means shifting at a "progressively higher" rpm with each up-shift. You almost never have to wind-up your rpms in low gears the way you do in higher gears.
[This message was edited by Shuffler on May 01, 2003 at 15:37.]