Another vote for HOTAS. Not so long time ago I have upgraded from 3D Extreme Pro to X52 Pro and it was one of the best decisions. 3D Pro is ok stick, I have used it for over 2 years. I was researching options: dual stick (T.16k for left hand) as addition to my 3D Pro - felt weird having better stick in my off hand. 2x T.16k as base setup but cost wise I could have proper HOTAS. So if HOTAS then which?
Warthog and Virpil was above my budget, T.16k HOTAS I have touched and wasn't impressed at all. Especially with this sliding throttle. Too light, too small (I have rather large hands), too "cheap and plasticky" in feel. I won't deny sensopr quality as I heard only praise - for me this product wasn't "speaking to me".
Ideally I opted for new (gray) X-56. Two problems with it: 1. still unconvinced about build quality. It improved over previous blue version but I still hear mixed reviews. 2. totally out of stock in my country. Price wise it was slightly over the budget but if quality was top notch and available to purchase I would buy it. Instead I went after X-52 Pro.
Not what I was aiming for, I could use features present in X-56, like thumb stick on stick, additional throttle buttons. But despite X-52 being few steps lower than X-56 I'm totally happy that I bought it. Not only it costed half the X-56 price, it performs surprisingly well. Size and ergonomy fits my hands well, materials are nice in touch, buttons and functions are well spread. Upgrading from 3D Pro added massively to the overall experience. There is something in sliding that throttle. i just wish it had longer move for more precise speed control but it's just personal preference.
Get HOTAS, you won't be disappointed.