VMAX Prime Throttle

As I wrote about the ALPHA Prime as well, a class of its own

No amount of reading or watching reviews can do justice to the sheer build quality and ergonomics of VIRPIL gear—especially the VMAX Prime Throttle. Everything from the unboxing to the button tactility and ultra-smooth travel feels top-tier.
You really have to experience it firsthand.
And yes, it’s 100% worth the wait.

I could not believe my luck when after receiving my FLNKR grip, my VMax Prime throttle arrived the next day. What a week. Virpil products are extremely well packaged. For anything to arrive damaged through the delivery process is very unlikely.

Virpil have thought of everything with this throttle, from the eco leather cover to the adjustable mounting plate on the throttle's base.

The throttle levers are a dream. The tension is adjustable individually from the top via a H3 Hex Key without having to take apart anything. For me, a 1/8th turn on the adjustment was sufficient to get the feel I like. The levers are extremely smooth and even throughout their travel and I could detect absolutely no "sticktion". The same is true for the MVR axis lever.

The front lift detent levers are nicely placed away from any buttons on the throttle levers themselves and are easy to operate with either the heel of the hand or the thumb. I've found that for me, I prefer to use my thumb to operate them either together or individually when the throttle levers are positioned at idle up to half throttle. From half to full throttle I tend to use my palm.

The only thing that is a bit awkward is using the spring clips to latch them back in the up position again. The right clip isn't too bad and can be operated one handed with the thumb. The left one though does require a bit more dexterity to operate one handed but it can be done. I have to move my hand to the left throttle handle only in order to reach it. Not too bad as long as the throttles are linked.

The buttons, momentary switches and hat switches are of premium quality with no looseness or play. The momentary switches can act as latching toggles via the software. They just feel so solid to operate and have a resistance (buttons) such that they won't be pressed accidentally and they have that good clicky sound too. I like that - it's an audible indication that your input has been recognised.

The five way mode switch is a great asset. This gives an incredible amount of possibilities for button assignments.

Now the software as others have mentioned is not entirely intuitive and I found the interface a bit daunting at first. That said, together with the manual and a few you tube videos can explain how it works and get you through the basics. Once you get the logical and physical aspects sorted out it isn't too bad.

The programmable lighting is great and an obvious way to use it is to have different colours for each of the five modes so it's instantly recognisable what mode you are in just by colour coding. Just scratching the surface here.

Overall, the all metal built quality is exceptional, it's very well thought out and ergonomic and looks great. I am sure this will be the only throttle I will need or want - unless Virpil intend topping this one which I would think will be extremely difficult.

I love the quality of virpil products, Everything I've bought so far is cnc machined, Made to last and will probably be passed down to the kids. The workings are extremely smooth and adjustable, The RGB lighting is nice and not too intrusive. Overall I'm very happy with my new throttle and give it a 10/10.

This is by far the highest quality of flight throttle I've ever had. I am extremely pleased with every penny of my purchase.

Ich finde den Throttle MEGA, er liegt perfekt in meiner, dann doch recht kleinen, Hand und ich komme überall super ran ohne meine Finger zu verrenken.
Die knöpfe fühlen sich fantastisch an bis auf einen und die 3 Achsen ebenfalls.
Der Stick lässt sich auch für Star Citizen perfekt nutzen für die Strafes L,R,H,R

Allerdings gibt es hier und da ein paar kleine Dinge die ich mir als Verbesserung, für ein Prime Produkt, wünschen würde und als Kritik anmerken möchte:
- Das Daumen Rad hat ein zu geringes Spiel <180 Grad ist echt wenig, schön wären 360 Grad also 180 in jede Richtung (Wäre für Trimm Perfekt so leider zu sensibel)
- Bei der anderen dreh Achse wäre etwas mehr auch von Vorteil wobei sie knapp 240 Grad was akzeptabel ist.
- Der EMERG Button fühlt sich nicht danach an.. Er sollte ein Button sein den man wie den APU Button tief reindrücken muss.
- die Möglichkeit umschalt Switches einzubauen bzw. weichsten 2 zu haben neben dem EMERG Button
- Wenn das 6er Tastenfeld so kleine mini Bildschirme hätte, wie das Stream Deck, würde es das ganze System noch mal um einiges aufwerten!
Da man nichts bekleben müsste und durch umschalten des Mode Schalters man immer weiß wo man was belegt hat da man kleine Symbole hinterlegen könnte, die sich jeh nach Mode durchschalten und ändern^^

Des Weiteren bekomme ich es irgendwie nicht hin das jeh nach Mode Position die Tasten anders beleuchtet werden, dies kann aber auch ein Anwenderfehler sein oder auch an der Software liegen die dringend auf einen aktuellen Stand gebracht werden sollte und nicht mehr nach Windows XP schreit xDD

Simply the best controller I have bought for the past 30 years. From the noticeable quality to the in depth software it allows you to customize your throttle for any present day flight sim. The only thing I would like to see is some pre-made profiles for the more popular flight sims on the market. Those will appear as the throttle sees more users but it would be a real selling point to have them come pre-packaged with the Virpil software. Overall, this is the best controller I have purchased by a landslide.

The previous version already had the best gases you could buy. These are even better. If you like flying more than one type of aircraft, they're great. And if you only like one type, they're great too. I fly World War II planes, airliners, and General Aviation aircraft. Plus, with the software, you can have up to 128 fully functional buttons.

I really love this throttle. It’s SUPER customizable and modular which is amazing. I did have a problem with link errors but customer support was EXTREMELY helpful with diagrams and clear instructions (Mr Alexei you are a hero!).

My only nitpick is that after 5 months of regular use, the middle detent for the cosmosim detent is getting worn out and I’d much rather buy an OEM replacement from virpil than buy a 3d printer or commission someone for it

The VMAX Prime throttle is a standout piece of kit. The metal handles with rubber grip pads are nailed: the throttle feels premium and durable, while the rubberized areas give you control and comfort where your hands actually need it. It never feels slippery, and it never feels like the rubber is covering up weak construction. The combination is exactly right.

The buttons are a big part of what makes it feel “high end”. They are crisp and clicky with a precise tactile response, so you always know what you pressed without needing to double-check. Inputs feel clean and intentional, which matters a lot when you are working under pressure in a sim.

Where it really earns its price is customization and tuning. The front-lift detent system is excellent: it is genuinely customizable and lets you configure detents to match aircraft behavior and your own muscle memory. On top of that, the adjustable throttle axis tension is the kind of feature you do not fully appreciate until you have it. Being able to set resistance exactly where you want it changes everything, especially for longer sessions or fine throttle work. The independent axis and lever tension controls make it even better because you can tune different controls differently instead of being stuck with one “compromise” feel.

Swappable button modules are another win: it is a throttle you can adapt over time as your setup evolves. Finally, the cable connector quality is great, and paired with the purpose-built desk support ecosystem, it feels like a complete, integrated solution rather than a collection of parts.

Overall: premium materials, precise feel, excellent tactile feedback, and real customization that actually changes the experience. This throttle feels like it was built for people who care about control fidelity, not just looks (although the looks are indeed, definitely there!).

By far the best flight simulator hardware you can get. The quality is outstanding, and programming the hardware via the VPC software is intuitive once you get the hang of it. I mainly use the throttle for DCS World, and it's incredibly fun to fly with. The ability to swap and move the detents to adapt to different flight patterns is fantastic. I wouldn't want to be without this throttle. Virpil is more than just a name; it represents an indescribable flying experience.

To be honest there is not that much to say apart from this equipment from Viirpil controls is by far and above any other company,s gear . Ive already purchased a second piece of equipment from them, I was that impressed with there gear.

This throttle feels great to use. The quality is impeccable, there's no wobble or play in it. I have but two gripes: First, the switches are momentary. I understand why they did this, but a choice between momentary and latching would be great to have in the future. Second, the thumb-lifts are awkward to use. Again, I think know why they made this choice, the latest Russian jets have thumb lifts instead of finger lifts. But the shape of Virpil's throttle (more ergonomic but also bigger than what you'd find on the Su-57 throttle, I think) requires sliding your whole hand backwards to us the thumb lifts, which is uncomfortable. This don't really affect me because I don't use detents that require lifts anyways, but I think it's something to note in my review. Please be aware!

THis is my 4th VIRPIL product and like all of the other purchases I'm beyond delighted. As usual the build quality is superb and the design shows that these products are obviously made for the serious simmer/gamer.

If I ever need another gaming peripheral it'll be VIRPIL without hesitation

Overall quality of this throttle (much like the cm3) is fantastic. It's solidly made and has a fair number of switches on it. The switches on this also feel solid substantial.
The removal of the two way rocker switch and a 4 way hat vs the CM3 is really the only downside.

First of all, I was looking for a very versatile throttle grip to replace my old faithful TMHW throttle quadrant. I am using it for many kinds of aircrafts and also as the collective substitution for helicopters.

I am very impressed with the ergonomics of the handle. The accessibility of all the buttons is very good. What I like most is the ability to quickly adjust the physical stops as needed. The software is one of the most important parts that allows huge customisation.

Unfortunately there is little missing to make it perfect. There is no "toggle" switch. All swtches are spring loaded. The "mode" switch is the only one switch that is possible to use as the toggle switch. Until there are no rudder pedals with integrated microswitch, the toggle switch is the only way how to substitute this function without need to constantly hold any button.

I could program one of the buttons to "on/off" and I would know its function by the backlight, which would be blue in the ON position and red in the OFF position, but I think that would reduce the versatility of the handle. I want to have one universal profile for all machines, so I don't have to deal with uploading individual profiles for each machine into the firmware.

Prezise Throttle axis makes aerial refueling more like refuel a car!
Well designed layout (with big hands too!), finger lifts or palm lifts works great for me. Buttons feel crisp and satisfying.
No complains about the hardware! Worth the money.
Only the software looks a bit overwhelming and confusing but it keeps the job done once you get the hang of it

I've been waiting for so long to change the A-10 HOTAS WARTHOG replica which is not that a good quality actually and broke multiple times and had to fix it. With experience in replacing a lot of HOTAS gaming devices, I haven't seen one as sturdy and so wonderfully and carefully done like this one. I'm the happiest virtual pilot now.

This throttle is perfect for me in Star Citizen. All of the inputs are exactly how I need them and I love that this is all Metal from the throttle grips to the base. Very configurable and easy to use out of the box.

The only problem I had was with shipping, was delayed time after time. Was originally supposed to receive it in November, then January, then April and finally got it on May 8th after ordering on October 22nd. I understand there were some issues but they were not announced until I reached out. Not sure I can go through with another order from Virpil even though they make the best stuff. Shipping was a very frustrating experience. Would have been 5 stars if it didn’t take so long to get to me.

Yes I recommend it but you’ll have to be very patient with the shipping time.

This throttle is like no other I’ve ever used-and I d been through many. From early flight sim in the 90’s to DCS and xplane Nothing has come close . Silky smooth throttles, every button or switch moves in a way so satisfying I’m thinking of getting another instead of my fidget spinner ! It literally screams quality !

Upgrading from a Warthog throttle. I have to hand it to VPC. Wow. This thing is brilliant.

This device is truly incredible. The quality of the materials you feel is amazing. There are so many buttons and all the controls you need are right at your fingertips. You can customize 30 different things on 6 buttons with 5 different modes. It has an analog that you can control with your thumb. I bought it on pre-order and it took a long time to get to me but it was worth the wait.

Ok, I had the CM3 for quite a long time and I didn't hink it was possible to make a new throttle that would be REALLY better. They did. It's not just a gimicky update it's a very succesfull redesign. I'm so thrilled.
the Contactless Analogue Stick is also amasing compared to what they put in their stick. SO I hope to see an alpha update with these Contactless Analogue Stick.
Keep it up virpil, the wait and price is really worth it.

7 mois d'attente ;), mais cela vos vraiment le coup, la qualité des matériaux, la précision micrométrique des accélérateurs, la position des boutons et leur qualité en fait que tous est vraiment excellent.

I am impressed with the quality of the product. It is very well made, looks durable, and honestly, I'm sure I don't know everything that can be done with it in terms of configuration. And this is the reason why I’m not giving it 5 stars. As a product, it’s amazing, but the software for configuring it is not very intuitive and there’s no documentation. It would be great if you created video tutorials on how to use it, since it’s very new and there’s little information available—only for the CM3, and I’m not sure how much of that applies here. As a product, 5 stars. 4 stars for the overall experience.

The quality of the product is excellent. And the fact that the damper can be adjusted without disassembling it is a plus. In my experience, all the basic buttons are of the toggle type. Is it possible to provide a setting through the software to keep the function when pressed once and stop the function when pressed again? If so, it would be nice if the software guide could be supplemented!