I've only gone through one ST290 Pro (on my second one now). Think I spilled a little too much beer in the first one
Took it out back, thrashed it, kept the joystick handle itself for spare buttons should the need arise. #2 has lasted a good 6-7 months so far with no issues. *knocks on wood*
Being that it's only a $20 stick, after #1 locked up on me, the beating it took afterward was more than compensation for having to drive 5 miles to Wal-Mart to get a replacement
A8Toof