toploader

how used is your toploader , if it has never been apart in its lifetime i would put a kit in it immediatedly.brass synchro rings wear two ways small teeth get worn from incorrect shifter/clutch set up and after many miles the centres wear out and push back onto the gear hub they ride on causing difficult shifting.front and rear bearing wear is another cause for difficult shifting.
if you feel trans is in good shape re-adjust your clutch properly make sure it is releasing fully and check shifter rod adjustment.
yes a Hurst shifter is way better than any factory shifter.