The first gear does not have a synchromesh (does revmatching for you when you are downshifting. however, the driver should revmatch while downshifting to reduce workload on the synchros, which in turn increases the life of synchros and avoiding any transmission problems). It is a protection against accidently downshifting to 1st at redline while trying to put it in 3rd (no rev limiter guarding you when you shift so the engine can blow up through overreving). Therefore, you have to do the work of a synchromesh yourself by double clutching. This is what I do:

Double clutching:

1 - Push clutch in
2 - Pop the gear to neutral
3 - Let the clutch out
4 - Blip the gas pedal to revmatch
5 - Push clutch in
6 - Put it in 1st.

 

I think if you are shifting to first while moving you need to relearn how to drive a manual again. Just keep it in second and use first when you are completely stopped.

Everyone I know keeps it in first unless stopped. I think its common sense.

If you try to put it in first (10+mph) the car will jerk and rpms will go high. There is no need to do that unless in an emergency situation that you need to accelerate immediately at that given moment.

 

If you're needing to put the car into 1st at any speed other than a complete stop to get any power, maybe the 250 is underpowered?

 

you can also try to rev match with clutch push in.

Today's gearbox is strong enough to take some abuse, but it is almost BEST to double clutch when you downshift. save your gearbox's wear and tear.

 

Yea. 85 MR2 could get in 1st at 20mph... was sliding sideways when I did so.

 

or heel toe