CH Products Pro Throttle USB - Professional Flight Simulator Joystick Controller for PC | Perfect for Flight Training, Gaming & Aviation Enthusiasts

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.