The stock stick in the HRAPs are the flagship sticks of Sanwa (JLF-TP-8) except they come with pre-installed shaft cover (JLF-CD) which makes it JLF-TP-8Y-SK. People like to say that these are not good for 2D fighters for some reason. Which is bullshit since the JLF is the most used stick in Japan arcades regardless of 2D, 3D, shmups, etc. The LS-32 however is the second most popular and is also pretty common.
People who complain the most are those that are usually transitioning from Happ parts to Japanese parts. Many people claim that the LS-32 is better for 2D fighters like 3S because of the shorter throw, smaller deadzone, stronger tension, and less defined corners. One common "remedy" for the JLF is to replace the stock square restrictor with an octagon restrictor (GT-Y).
All that being said, it's preference. If you're good, you can play with any decent stick Happ, Sanwa, Seimitsu, etc, for any game. I prefer Japanese parts and particularly the JLF (or Flash1 if you have the luxury), but I can play on LS-32, P360s, and even pad. It's only just the few people who aren't versatile enough that start rumors like "LS-32 is better than JLF for 2Ds." Again, the JLF is the most used in all of Japan across the board for fighters.
Here's my Sanwa and Seimitsu FAQ on SRK for those who have some common questions about the two brands:
http://www.shoryuken.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118289
And in the end, I think HRAPs are a waste of money for numerous reasons:
1) They are expensive. $100 + shipping is what you're looking to pay for an HRAP. More for the HRAP2 or the SA or SE editions.
2) Aside from the SA or SE editions, you'll have to replace the stock Hori buttons with Sanwa or Seimitsu buttons anyway which is another 6-10 buttons (depending on how many buttons you want to swap out obviously).
3) They aren't particularly nice looking. They are heavy and bulky.
4) You have to perform some modding to allow you to put personalized artwork on. This can be done by using some kind of print-out that you can adhere to the faceplate. And even afterwards you'll be directly touching the artwork so you'll be smudging it, rubbing it, scratching it, etc. The only real way to prevent this is to cut out a top layer of plexi/lexan to put on top of it.
5) With the amount you'll be spending buying, shipping, and modding this thing ($100, $20+, $30+), you could have bought a custom stick from a well known builder that you would probably be much happier with since it's personalized for you. OR you could buy a T5 stick (Can find them cheap nowadays for less than $50 and much more easily) and mod it with a JLF yourself and you'd be saving close to $50.
Here's a direct link to a pic of my T5 mod:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/Paik4Life/Mods/3b121f42.jpg
It has:
- all Sanwa parts (JLF, OBSF-30, OBSF-24)
- new white paint job with protective layer
- added wires and quick disconnects
- moved start and select buttons off the face and onto the sides of the case
- layer of lexan on top so you can put in artwork (none here since I don't even use this thing since modding it). Also this covers up the L1, L2, start, and select buttons so that when you have artwork in it you will only see the 6 buttons on top.
Even with all these mods to it, it cost less than an HRAP but has more than what HRAPs come stock with (aside from the JLF-CD since I didn't think it would match the white paint job well). My 2 cents. You can give me change if you'd like. : )
~Paik