Anyone have experience with a steelstick 64?

[IrkenElite]

So I'm sure we all know by now, that N64 controller parts are made of plastic and thus get loose/degrade easy. Some guy online in the past made some n64 stick modules with a polished steel bowl and a steel stick, and these sometimes pop up on ebay once in a while. They're expensive, but speed runners apparently value them the most for durability. I feel like this is the last one thing I really want for the 64 that I don't have yet that will "complete" the system for me.

There's a newer creator making them too called the Renaissance N64 stick, but they sold out right now. Expect to pay 300+ USD for one of these steel sticks.

I'd be happy with a module to shove into a controller color of my choice.....considering how much it costs and I'd rather not open it up.

 

[TruxtonTatsujin TruxtonTatsujin]

Never been able to track down or try one of those steel sticks but here's a cheaper alternative that I've been using (Just 20 bucks for one of these):

8BitDo Mod Kit for Original N64 Controller

8Bitdo is a premier 3rd party video game hardware company with a special focus on retro themed game controllers. Renowned for producing the highest quality retro controllers on the market.

shop.8bitdo.com

8bitdo's hall effect GameCube style joystick is really well made and accurate. A lot of the other GameCube style replacement sticks are complete garbage with big dead zones and a square gate, 8bitdo's stick doesn't have these problems. It's very sensitive and precise, kind of like the og stick.

 

[NeonKnights]

I was interested in getting replacement parts from steel sticks however they were sold out and have been for the last five or so years last time I checked. The 8bitdo module is quite good actually as far as I've heard as I have not had a chance to try it myself though you can read about the fine details on the smash64 controller guide.
The smash64 guide also goes through a lot of the other N64 controller options too.
If one was so inclined you wouldn't need to pay 300$ to steel sticks or any similar company. Due to this being somewhat niche the prices will always remain high, and one could just download the N64 joystick parts models off of some 3d printing sites and then have a third party company print or CNC the parts including the bowl out of steel aluminium or brass. Then all you need do is some file or Dremel work and to drill the bottom of the stick section and add an Teflon insert and some silicone grease and you would have the same thing as a steel sticks module for the most part.