Posted December 31, 1969 by Scott Parrino

Precise throttle control and sturdy design is the name of the game for CH Pro Throttle.

Flying a plane with just a joystick is usually what some gamers are happy with. Then again there are those who want the feeling of their hand resting over a throttle and having the sensation and the immersion of being able to directly control the precise input of power to their engine. Sheathed in black and gray, CH?s Pro Throttle is here to adjourn your desk with that level of control.

To flight simulation enthusiasts, HOTAS is a common name of hardware that they strive for in the ?perfect? setup. Standing for Hands On Throttle And Stick, a majority of these enthusiasts have the joystick. Missing from that equation is the throttle, usually a lever that is either on an arc (seen on Saitek?s HOTAS setups) or with CH?s Pro Throttle, on a level axis.

The Pro Throttle rests on a solid base with non-slip feet at the corners. The rugged design and sturdiness of design is very impressive. It doesn?t feel flimsy nor heavy; a valued asset for combat flight simulations or civilian piloting. The Pro Throttle is tough enough to survive the rigors of my use as well as traveling with me to school and being bumped around while loading and unloading. At $150 you are definitely paying for durability as well as quality.



Installation of the Pro Throttle is pretty simple. Find a spot on your desk that can accommodate the throttle and install the software and plug it in. The overall size of the throttle isn?t big, but it isn?t small either and I recommend that if your desk isn?t up to size to handle a throttle and most likely your joystick, buy a new desk. I also recommend that you have a good chair that can adjust your height in as controlling a throttle when you?re too low is a strain on the wrists.

Once you are set and ready to go, be ready for a configuring dream. The Pro Throttle is armed with three 4-way hat switches, one 8-way hat, three push buttons, and a mini-joystick with a click function to change modes on the throttle for a total of 69 programmable functions. Take in mind that the Pro Throttle is usually paired with its CH joystick brethren with more functions to program. All in all, the throttle has a great number of functions to program and it isn?t a hassle to use the hats or the buttons as they rest in comfortable parts on the ergonomic grip.



The throttle movement is smooth and isn?t loose enough to get spiked readings or too tight to restrict your push or pull on it. This is essential for most flight simulations especially with jets when you need precise throttle management for maneuvers. Using the Pro Throttle was a genuine dream and I have to say the mode of axis travel compared to an arcing throttle travel is a better way to control. With an arced movement your hand has to reach even more to get at the buttons on the throttle as well as deal with straining your wrist. With the Pro Throttle that aspect is virtually eliminated.

The buttons and hat switches on the throttle are my favorite part. Each are uniquely designed so that you don?t get confused as well as easy thumb control. I had my hat switches assigned to trim and command functions with the buttons as secondary controls like weapon arming and radar. The whole scheme was very comfortable to manage and with such a modern look, the only thing missing was a pair of flight gloves.

As I mentioned earlier, the Pro Throttle comes in at $150, which could be steep to those who are short on money and still want to get into flight simulation on the PC. However at that price, those who are able to afford it will not be disappointed by the high quality and durability of the Pro Throttle. Combined with Pro Pedals and the FighterStick, you are set for an enjoyable experience with your flight simulations.