Clutch/Transmission question

Having my 2014 2wd 5speed manual AC Tacoma (2.7l 4cyl, 63000 miles) for about 3 weeks now I can say that I absolutely love it. However I do have a question about the clutch/transmission I hope you old timers can enlighten me about. When I first started driving it, I seemed to stall it out pretty often starting in first gear from a stop. The clutch has no slippage and I have gotten used to starting from a stop and rarely stall it out now, but am wondering about going between 2nd to 1st gear when slowing down. There is a no mans land in gearing between like 12mph and 5mph where it seems that I'm going too slow to use 2nd gear and too fast to use 1st. I notice this when slowing down to make a turn or in stop and go traffic. I'm getting used to it so its not really an issue, but was just wondering if this is normal for the 2nd Gen Tacos?

 

I can’t say I remember the issue.
But typically in that situation, I would Rev match the down shift.
Essentially, you would blip the throttle while the clutch was pressed in, this bring the RPM up to where it should be in the lower gear.

 

Parking lots are a pain in the ass with manual tacos.

I just use 1st.

The clutch changes over time due to the nature of the pressure plate, thinner material and wear on the pressure plate springs make it easier to slip, and harder to stall.

 

Thanks for the info guys. Not really a problem, I guess, just more like getting used to the way it is. Was just curious if they all are like this. Really love this truck compared to my F150 I had previously and am actually having fun with a manual trans after such a long time since I've owned one.