Well, I solved my problem of too much tension on the X45 Stick. NOTE: I don't recommend doing this unless you have steady hands. I CAREFULLY, took the screws out of the handle, spread it just enough so the 2 handle halves will come off the post the tension spring is over. Be especially careful of the "pinky trigger" - if you separate the handle halves too far it will come out and you'll have a hard time getting back in. :'( Don't pull too hard or too much, there are fragile wires that run through the post to the handle. You only need to separate the handle from the post just enough to get a strong pair of snippers in there to cut about a full turn and a half of spring off the top end. Put it all back together and you come out with about the same amount of tension thats on the X52. Works just fine.
You don't need to take the base apart in fact I would definitely say not to because there's a VERY small wire between the base halves that could be damaged.
Bottom line though, like I said before, don't even try it unless you have strong, steady hands. The spring is made of very strong steel and is hard to cut even with good snips.
Most of you may be just fine with your X45 sticks. But some people like me find the amount of tension a little irritating.
Keni
The only thing you never want to hear a Navy ordnanceman say.
