Hey DEPete,
I don't extensive experience with a lot of different shifters but I can offer this. Most aftermarket shifters are going to be more reliable and enjoyable than the stock shifter. I have the B&M Ripper and I love it. It's not noisy and it is very precise with no play whatsoever. If you ask ten different people you'll probably get ten different preferences but that's my 2 cents. I got a great deal on mine at
www.carparts.com a couple years ago and have never looked back. I hope this helps some.
Have a good one,
Brett