I installed a steeda short throw shifter in the past. It works good but I wanted a longer shift handle. I purchased from summit a hurst flat bar stick part #5380015. and the 1.75 ball with the 3/8-16 thread. GREAT WHAT A DIFFERENCE I highly recommend this modification. It is much easier to shift the car, The 1.75 ball is very comfortable. And it looks old school and cool.
I have a hurst as well. With the stock handle I was hitting my knuckles against the dash in 3rd and 5th. I got it from thorco3 on here and he had a different handle that he had cut/bent/welded back together that I picked up a few days later and I have to agree was MUCH better then the one that came with it. Does yours pop out of 2nd sometimes if you downshift and feather the clutch?
I have no trouble with any gears. In 1st, 3rd and 5th the shifter is 4-5 inches from the dash. the shifter is closer to me I do not have to reach as far. Just to clarify it is installed on a short throw shifter.