You can get a VKB Gladiator NXT for $120, https://www.vkbcontrollers.com/products/gladiator-nxt-evo-space-combat-edition-right-hand-us?variant=42354440339574 ,
or a Virpil CDT Aeromax for $220, https://virpil-controls.us.com/cdt-aeromax-r-flightstick.html. You can add a "Throttle Module" to the side of the Virpil CDT stick for $20. https://virpil-controls.us.com/cdt-aeromax-throttle-module.html
The Virpil has an all metal gimbal. I'm not sure what the gimbal on the VKB is made of. They do say on their website that it has ball bearings.
I think either one of these two sticks would be head and shoulders above every other stick you have mentioned.
I don't Personally have any experience with the VKB sticks, but everyone that has one of their sticks is happy with it. I have been a Virpil fan from the very first Mongoos stick, and can attest to the high build quality of the Virpil gear.
The video link I posted way above goes into the mechanics of each brand.
VKB base is medal with ball bearing gimbal. Any stick that uses it is probably very smooth and long lasting.
I’m a non-owner Virpil fan. They are just top notch on every level. Also expensive.
I only play one sim. So I both VKB according to what I thought the game justified, and affordable.
I think buying a cheap but good stick will get him in the game and can shop a better stick further down the line. As soon as a separate throttle is included its a hard find under $200.
A used stick may get him better quality. Would I buy a used TM, x52 or x56? The plastic wears out. Nope. Would I buy a used VKB, being a metal bearing base, probably.
A used throttle doesn’t wear out as much.
Just a thought
