WinWing Orion 2 F-15EX Throttle Review
A metal-bodied, faithfully-mapped F-15EX throttle that punches well above rivals on inputs and software, held back only by a fiddly desk-clamp and a premium price.
Where to buy →Scored by Baltic Dragon, Sim Sedlo
Six-axis scorecard
| Axis | Score |
|---|---|
| Build & materials | 5.0 |
| Ergonomics & fit | 4.0 |
| Features & inputs | 4.5 |
| Software & integration | 5.0 |
| Compatibility & mounting | 3.5 |
| Value | 3.5 |
| Overall | 4.3 |
Built like a ramp-side jet
The Orion 2 F-15EX throttle is one of the few consumer units that actually feels like the hardware it's modeled on. The base and grips are metal, the detents are crisp, and there's no perceptible flex when you slam it forward into afterburner. After a few weeks of daily DCS sorties the finish shows no wear.
Ergonomics & fit
The dual-throttle layout matches the real Eagle closely, and the finger-lifts for the idle gate are a genuine tactile improvement over plastic competitors. The only ding here is that the hand-shelf angle is fixed — larger hands adapt quickly, but there's no adjustment if it doesn't suit you.
Features & inputs
Where this unit shines is switchology. Every hat, wheel, and two-stage trigger on the grip is mapped, and there are enough spare inputs to cover the F-15EX's real cockpit without resorting to keyboard fallbacks. The analog friction control is a nice touch for smooth power management.
Software & integration
SimApp Pro remains the strongest configuration suite in this segment. Profiles bind cleanly, curves are easy to tune, and firmware updates have been reliable. DCS and MSFS both detect the device instantly with no driver drama.
Compatibility & mounting
This is the weak spot. The included desk clamp works, but it's fiddly to seat squarely and doesn't love thick desktops. Most owners will want a proper rig mount — budget for one.
Value
At $449 it's not cheap, but for a metal, fully-mapped module-specific throttle it's fair. If you fly the Eagle seriously in the sim, few things elevate the experience this much.
Video review
