Customer Reviews

CH Products Pro Throttle USB with 8-Way Switch3 4-Way Switches 3-Buttons

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

First of all, I believe this product should be complemented with a good joystick, CH Fighterstick being the first choice. Of course, it can function alone, but I really can't think of any situation where one would need a throttle without a joystick.

The device is extremely light compared to similar units. The resistance, however, is slightly stronger, making some kind of fixing it to the table almost mandatory. Either that or you'll have to push it down every time you move it, so the friction does the stabilizing.

The motion is linear rather than arcing, which requires some time getting used to. I'm still not sure if this was a good decision.

There is a number of hat switches and buttons on the throttle and you'll probably never run out of them. Their placing, however, is not as good as with Cougar's throttle, for example. In my opinion, an ergonomic rework of the unit would be beneficial. In any case, if you need more buttons, programming options make further possibilities almost infinite.

There is also a microstick which is quite useful, but there are no dials. A minus, as modern flight sims make good use of dial controls.

Programming abilities are exceptional and belong to the very top. Complemented with CH Fighterstick, there is no other equipment to rival it.

As with other CH gear, the feel is somewhat toyish, but don't be fooled by it - this is a quality product and it will last very long time.

Verdict: Fine product to complement your CH gear. Reliable, with great programming abilities, but it could have been even better with dials, arcing motion and somewhat improved ergonomics.

This is an amazing product, it truly transforms your flight sim experience. I had been used to the simple [$$] joysticks with the throttle as a little nob on the side of the thing. This, as part of a HOTAS system (like another CH products jostick), is just worlds apart -- they give you about a bazillion 4-way hat switches, which I use to increment prop pitch, fuel mixtures, supercharger stages, flaps, &c, and three buttons on the front. They also have an interesting mini-joystick, which theoretically one could use as a mouse, although I haven't gotten that to work -- but it is useful for other sorts of analog-action motions, such as the rudder control.

The motion is smooth and stable, and it has a large enough base that it doesn't slip around when you're

I had the analog game port predecessor to this throttle and it was the ONLY reason I felt any sadness when controllers all went to USB because I could not continue to use that throttle. It was solid as a rock. When my Saitek X35 control system began to give up the ghost after many years of Falcon 4 Allied Force sessions, I looked back to see what had become of the CH Throttle. The upgrade to USB has been very kind to this device.

Pros:
1) I love the feel of the throttle. It is solid in your hand, slides easily and for me all buttons are within easy reach
2) The programming software is immensely powerful! I was totally blown away at what you can make this throttle do in the way of programmability...especially if you have any other CH gear (I have the CH Fighterstick but no rudder pedals).
3) There is a control on the throttle you can use as a rudder (if like me you don't want to shell out for pedals just yet). Everyone has their preferences, but I HATE having the joystick "twist" be a rudder control...too many times you try to push forward and left on the stick and you end up moving the rudder unintentionally. One reason I loved my Saitek X35 was that it had a "rocker" switch on the throttle that was PERFECT for rudder. Please note that the CH Fighterstick DOES NOT have a joystick "twist" on it...so that cannot double as a rudder control even if you wanted it to. I only mention that because many times the CH Fighterstick is teamed up with this throttle (which is what I bought as well).
4) If it matters to you, the drivers and software are available as far back as Windows 98 and as far forward as Windows 7. I still run Falcon 4 Allied force on a trusty Windows 2000 machine and am thrilled that there are drivers for that O/S!
5) I like that fact that it is made in America.

Cons:
1) I think the base should have a bit more weight to it. It can slide fairly easily on a desk if you don't use a light touch (which is a good thing to develop anyway...a light touch). If you like to slam your controllers one way and another, I think it will slide around on you. Just keep all four rubber pads on the desk and develop a lighter touch and it performs great.
2) The programming software is very powerful...but if you haven't used any controller programming software before, their documentation is very light for the newbie. If you HAVE used programming software for controllers before, just use the help screens to see how the CH software works. The help screens are a good reference, but I think they could have supplied a bit more in the way of helping a first-time user/programmer of their throttle.
3) Purists will note that the throttle is a linear "forward and back" sliding motion. I've read that some people find that a bit annoying as it is unrealistic to many aircraft throttles. They are used to the "arc" that you get with other throttle controllers (indeed, my trusty Saitek had an "arc" in its motion as well). I found it took about FIVE MINUTES to get used to the motion of this controller, so for me it was not a big deal. Your mileage may vary!
4) I love the throttle, but even I will admit that it looks like something made in the late 90s. It is certainly not as "flashy" looking as more recent throttles, so if that matters to you then you may be disappointed. For me, I care only about the feel and performance, but I know others feel differently so I thought I should point that out.

Suggestions for newbies to game controller programming:

1) If you have never used software to program a joystick and/or throttle before, let me make a suggestion...the first time you play with this controller and the software DO NOT set up a "shift key" or use the different "modes." It will dramatically decrease the number of options you will have to choose from when programming a particular button or switch, and that will lessen the chance that you will get "overwhelmed" by the multitude of choices you have in the software for any given switch. Once you are comfortable with no shift and no modes, then try adding the shift key. Last add the modes.

2) Use the help screens in the software. They are not the best organized for someone who has never done it before, but be patient and keep reading. The information you need IS in there, but you may have to hunt around to find it a bit.

I am sorry that I cannot tell you what it is like to try to program this throttle as a newbie because I am a software engineer by trade...I already know how software developers think and I have also programmed other throttles before. Even so, I think that the time required to learn the programming software will not be very great, and that it will increase your enjoyment of this product many times over.

CH is the industry standard in flight controllers.

I've tried several different throttles from various manufacturers but this is best so far.

I've used it for all types of flight sims: general aviation, combat, and soaring (used as spoiler lever).

It works great and, because of the three modes available, it has so many options I will never find a use for them all. The CH programming software allows users to program the controllers in ways that are only limited by their imaginations and talent.

I wish that my model had a bit more resistance in the movement as I sometimes open spoilers or change throttle settings slightly without immediately noticing because I've slightly bumped or moved the throttle. There are modifications to the resistance that can be made once the warranty period has ended. I have not attempted any of these yet. You can find these by searching the internet.

I have this paired with a CH FighterStick and CH ProPedals.

This throttle is a great supplement to the fighter stick and pedals. I like the ability CH gives in mapping the products together for the games to read them as one unit. This gives an unbelievable amount of diversity in buttons and views for flying and tanks. It does not have any fancy lights or colors, but the construction, use, and diversity make it a fine product

The best throttle I have bought. I have had several others and they don't hold up to the standard this one does.

This is my second purchase of this product. I have nothing negative to report on the two units I have owned. I gave the first one to a friend who needed a throttleat that time I was using a thrustmasters system. I had trouble with some of the switches failing on the thrustmaster and I decided to purchase another CH Pro Throttle. I have been using CH products for the last 15-20 years and find them to be more reliable than any others. every now and then I will try another manufactors model just to see if they are better than CH. So far I haven't found anyone that will beat CH. Of course that is only my opinion, I can't say there isn't a better product out there, I haven't tried all of them.

The only reason for not giving this a 5 star rating is that the throttle is a little awkward to hold, even for someone with relatively large hands. The F16 TQS from Thrustmaster had a much more natural fit, but in every other respect the CH product beats it hands down.

I don't know how closely the motion relates to the real-world behaviour of the F16 throttle, but it works fine in sims.

Only issue I've had with using Flightstick/throttle/rudders is that with my USB hub XP doesn't always recognise them as the same device and that can lead to your control assignments in games being lost - takeoff is not the time to find out that F4AF thinks your rudders are your flightstick!

Even though I rated it 4 I'd still recommend this to complete your setup.

If you play multiple Combat Flight Simulators you will not find a better Throttle. I've tried most and none of them compare to CH Products. Superior build quality and functionality. They will last you a lifetime of flying and fighting in the virtual skies. Works perfectly with Oleg Maddox's IL2 Sturmovik series, LOMAC, DCS: BlackShark, DCS: A-10C, Falcon 4.0, ect.

Pair this with the CH Fighterstick and Pro Pedals for the ideal setup.

I wanted a throttle that worked with little hassle as possible and the ch throttle definately delivers. I had a saitek x52 pro but had software issues setting it up and with no response from the mfg co i said to heck with it. The saitek throttle definately looks better compared to the ch throttle, the ch throttle motion is back and forth(no arc) and the x52 has back and forth that is arched(which I prefer). The x52 has trim wheels on the throttle which is awesome but you can use the hat buttons for trim if you like on the ch. The ch throttle was easy to setup and will function without the included software, it took me a little time to get used to the non arched motion but now Im used to it. Overall i am happier with this product over the saitek(no more BSOD from driver issues!) Soon to purchase a ch yoke and the fighterstick with peddals.