I used the sidewinders but found the FF2 was spiking in AH. I switched to a CH Products USB Fighterstick and the problem went away. I have had some trouble with the hat switch, but everything else is pretty solid. The Fighterstick is not that easy to program, but I've done it. All in all, even with the hat problems the USB Fighterstick is pretty good value for the money compared to previous Sidewinder products. I tried TM (~10 years ago) and was disappointed. The TM had a nice metal base, but a plastic retainer broke after little use. I made another from wood, but there was some other problem with it that I can't remember now.
I replaced one of the USB Fighterstick hat switches myself. I am no soldering artisan (by any means), but it wasn't that difficult. I bought a new 25watt soldering iron from Radio Shack and some desoldering ribbon. My only problem was tearing a ribbon connector which went to the side 4-way hat. That took more time to resolder than replacing the hat switch.
Even with the hat problems, I like the CH products. The CH Products Control Manager is used to program their products and an excellent diagostic tool to fix problems. I now have two USB Fightersticks both bought from Provantage.com. I also use the CH USB rudder pedals which I think came from CompUSA. The pedals have been outstanding!
Regards,
Malta