Question
what is the drop-dead, best sidepass pruner in the world. sick of inferior stuff.

Answer
Andrea,
There are two manufacturers that come to mind-Corona and Felco. Personally, I feel that Felcos are a beter hand bypass pruner than the Coronas. My Felco no.7s have been no problem for me for the past 6 years, where I have had trouble with Coronas that I used.
Both should be available at your local garden shop.