I've had a few Sidewinders over the years and when the one before this one started giving up, I worried about getting a replacement as they've been out of production for yonks. I found the (now broken) one advertised as secondhand and in good condition which I have to say, it was. At least 6 years on.. I felt the chances of being so lucky were slim. There are plenty for sale (all secondhand of course) from about £7.50 up but after a bit more digging, I found one advertised for £40 (yikes!!) and listed as 'unused, as far as the seller could tell'. 
I was sceptical about spending £40 on what could end up being a piece of old tut but it turned up about an hour ago. I quickly opened the packaging to find the original box looking rather worse for wear. I've boxes in my loft which look as new. This one looked like it had come off a tip 
Anywho.. the stick inside was in it's original plazzy bag (it looked like it had been opened and retaped).. the wire was still in the original cable-tie and un-furled as far as I could see and the stick itself looks and feels new. The switches are all sharp in operation and there's the exact amount of movement in the stick you'd expect on a new one. Plugged it in and hey presto. Works like a good'un
What I'm going to do when this one needs replacing, I've no idea. Probably better to retire from flightsim
ATB
DaveB
