There’s more to a throttle quadrant than just its levers and buttons. Flight sim fans looking for the most enjoyable virtual flying experience need a throttle quadrant that can deliver a realistic experience, offer a good amount of customization, and is built to last – all at ideally a reasonable price.
Here are 3 of the best options currently available that I recommend.
Best OverallThe Honeycomb Bravo Throttle Quadrant features all the realistic details necessary to make it feel like you're inside a real cockpit.
New: $299.99
With its six commercial levers with flaps, spoilers, and functional thrust reversers, the Honeycomb Bravo Throttle Quadrant is able to accurately simulate two-engine and four-engine aircraft.
Six general aviation levers with a functional TOGA (Take-Off/Go Around) Button also allows for multiple aircraft configurations, including singe-engine, single-engine complex, multi-engine, and single and multi-engine turboprop aircraft.
An adjustable lever tension, trim wheel, autopilot with backlit buttons, general aviation flap lever, annunciator panel with 7 two-way programmable switches and 14 Warning Lights, as well as Gear Lever with Red/Green LED Landing Gear Indicator Lights means that I found the Honeycomb Bravo to have all the realistic details necessary to make it feel like I was inside a real cockpit.
Most Realistic: Thrustmaster TCA Quadrant Airbus Edition
The dual thrust levers really are very similar to those found on the Airbus flight deck, ensuring that the throttle quadrant delivers a very realistic simulation.
In total, 16 buttons can be found, including 8 physical action buttons and 8 virtual buttons on the thrust levers, which replicate Airbus airliner controls. From the throttle quadrant’s buttons to all its other controls, everything was very accurately replicated.
If you love flying Airbus aircraft, the Thrustmaster TCA Quadrant should be your only choice.
Budget Pick: Logitech Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant
Budget PickThe Logitech Pro Flight Quadrant is modular, interchangeable, and allows for a wide range of customization at an unbeatable price.
New: $52.52
The Logitech Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant is an excellent choice if you’re on a budget, and makes a great addition to the Logitech G Flight Yoke System.
Out of the box, you can control even more engines, flaps, gear, spoilers, or any other programmable axes. With 3 axis levers and 3 two-way rocker switches, there was a sense of realism to my flight sim setup at a very friendly price point.
The Logitech Pro Flight Throttle Quadrant is modular and interchangeable, making it fully customizable for all flying conditions and allowed me to create a custom configuration of throttle, flaps, mixture, and prop pitch.
Also GreatSimplicity and ease of use is at the forefront of the CH Products Throttle Quadrant's design.
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With its 176 programmable functions, six-axis of control, and six bi-directional flipper switches, the CH Products Throttle Quadrant is a great option for flight sim fans who want a great deal of customization.
As with most CH Products tested, the throttle quadrant was truly a hassle-free plug-and-play experience. Don’t be put off by its simplicity, though, as the quadrant gave me precise control of multiple engines, flaps, fuel mixture, lights, and more.
Helen Krasner holds a PPL(A), with 15 years experience flying fixed-wing aircraft; a PPL(H), with 13 years experience flying helicopters; and a CPL(H), Helicopter Instructor Rating, with 12 years working as a helicopter instructor.
Helen is an accomplished aviation writer with 12 years of experience, having authored several books and published numerous articles while also serving as the Editor of the BWPA (British Women Pilots Association) newsletter, with her excellent work having been recognized with her nomination of the “Aviation Journalist of the Year” award.
Helen has won the “Dawn to Dusk” International Flying Competition, along with the best all-female competitors, three times with her copilot.
