the x52 is a great stick. in fact i only put it in the box because i couldnt resist getting the THW.
i had the x52 for over five years and it still works like a charm (it really depends how heavy handed you are). And, yes it has a lot, i mean a lot of stick time.
that said, the THW is a fantastic piece of equipment and if you are serious about flying the a10 it is simply a must have.
cheers,
NotiA10