The paint/coating is chipping off my dipstick
I was freaking out when I saw a flake of something on the tip but then saw it was coating that came from the stick itself. I doubt a few paint chips will do serious harm to the engine but it can't be good. I still want to replace it.

I'm seeing lots of bad reviews for 'oem' sticks on Amazon. Even a few claiming the stick broke in the tube. Is the $75 red top stick worth the money?

I'm already buying a pile of other parts is the red stick just one more expense I have to eat?

 

Yes, it is worth the money as a lot of members have gone that route. The complaint mostly seen about the dipstick is not being able to properly read it and having it break off in the tube. Check out this NAM thread here.

 

The stock dipstick reads just fine, yes you'll eventually have to replace it, but I prefer it to the aftermarket dipsticks.

Like I said, it reads fine keep your oil at the top of the hashmarks and life will continue to be peachy. It is a plastic handle so when you check your oil when the car is warm you don't burn yourself (like with the aluminum handled units), the stock dipstick is rigid and not floppy making it easier to handle and keep oil off of your hands, and some of the aftermarket dipsticks with the metal reading end get tricky to read at times, the plastic end makes the oil level "pop".

 

I hate to say it, I use to trash talk the $75 dip stick, then mine broke. Then the second oem broke after two weeks. Well after a $450 bill to drop the oil pan and pull the broken dipstick out I went with a craven. Just do it now and save yourself the headache, and dollars.