Hi Swalls569,
I have had Logitech / Saitek and Thrustmaster products in the past, and like you I have always found them to fail disappointingly early. Partly the design, build and component quality are not really up to scratch for extended use, but they are also fatally flawed thanks to the (ultra cheap) plastic ball and socket gimbal that they all use, and this still applies to the more expensive X56 and Warthog models.
A better designed and built joystick with a spring and cams gimbal will always feel much better in use, and this leads to more precise, enjoyable flying for the user. Plus of course you can expect it to last a lot longer!
The entry-level for high quality joysticks is the current version of the VKB Gladiator NXT Evo, which starts at USD 135 for those in the US or EUR 175 for us Europeans. This comes with a proper gimbal that has ballraced bearings, adjustable springs and adjustable dry clutches for damping, twist control for rudders, contactless sensors throughout, a two-stage trigger, seven buttons, three 8-way hats, two rotary encoders and a throttle axis in the base. It is available in left or right handed versions, and the ‘Premium’ version for a few extra $$ adds a second trigger and replaces one or two buttons with more 8-way hats. The gimbal in the Gladiator is still made from plastic, albeit high impact ABS, but it is their entry-level stick after all and it is the design type that makes the critical difference over Logitech and Thrustmaster products.
The VKB NXT range includes additional modules for multi engine throttles (inc. prop & mixture), more controls like flaps & landing gear, loads of extra buttons and an autopilot panel which you can choose to add later as time and budget allow. They also do a range of bespoke mounting hardware.
If budget allows you to step up to the very best in quality, then VKB, Virpil and WinWing all make excellent top-end joysticks, which will generally feature metal construction of the grip and the gimbal allowing for a more realistic range of movement thanks to grip extensions. These sticks come in at around 500 - 600 whether USD, GBP or EUR.
My previous Thrustmaster joystick lasted for about 150 - 200 hours in MSFS and DCS before it began to have multiple failures and needed replacing, and it had been taken apart for re-soldering and re-greasing in that time too. I replaced it with a VKB Gladiator that has now done over 1,000 hours in MSFS, and it still looks and feels exactly as it did on the first day I got it. As a cost-effective yet significant upgrade from your current stick, it’s a no brainer. You can find loads more info on r/hotas, or just check in YouTube for “VKB Gladiator vs X56 / T16000.”
