What Is a Hotas Mounting Plate and How to Set It Up
By SimXPro l Sim Racing Shop | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: Buying Guides
Learn what a HOTAS mounting plate is, why it matters for flight sim setups, and how to choose and install one on your SimXPro rig.
Quick Answer
A HOTAS mounting plate is a flat bracket that connects your flight stick and throttle to your sim rig, giving you a stable, ergonomic position. For most SimXPro cockpits, a plate set like the SimXPro Hotas Mounting Plate Set L+R offers a clean, practical fit without extra drilling.
Why a dedicated plate beats desk clamps
Desk clamps work for casual flying, but they shift under load and take up desk space. A mounting plate bolts directly to your rig's profile, so your controls stay rock-solid even during aggressive maneuvers.
A dedicated plate also simplifies cable management and lets you position the stick and throttle at the same height as your real aircraft seat. That consistency improves muscle memory and reduces fatigue on long flights.
What to check before you buy
Not all HOTAS plates fit every rig. Measure the width of your profile (e.g., 40mm or 80mm) and confirm the plate's hole pattern matches your frame. Also check the plate's thickness—too thin may flex, too thick adds weight.
Consider adjustability: some plates offer slots for fore-aft or lateral movement, which helps dial in your ideal reach. Fixed plates are simpler but less forgiving if your seating position changes.
Think about future upgrades. A plate that supports multiple mounting patterns will accommodate a new stick or throttle without replacing the plate.
Decision Rules for Choosing a HOTAS Mounting Plate
- Check your rig profile: Measure the slot width and hole spacing on your cockpit's profile. Choose a plate that matches those dimensions exactly, or one with adjustable slots. If your rig uses non-standard profiles, confirm compatibility before ordering.
- Decide left/right vs. single: If you use a separate throttle and stick, a left+right plate set covers both. If you only mount a stick, a single plate is lighter and cheaper. Buy the set only if you actually need both sides.
- Match the mounting pattern: Check the plate's hole pattern against your HOTAS base. Many plates support multiple patterns, but verify before purchase to avoid returns. When in doubt, look for a plate with slotted holes for flexibility.
- Consider adjustability: Plates with slotted mounting holes let you fine-tune stick position fore/aft and laterally. Fixed plates are simpler but less forgiving. If you share your rig with others, adjustable plates make changes quicker.
- Think about cable routing: Look for plates with cutouts or nearby cable clips. Clean routing prevents snags and keeps your setup tidy. Plan your cable path before tightening all bolts.
Product Facts
- SimXPro Hotas mounting plate Set L+R: The SimXPro Hotas Mounting Plate Set L+R is designed for sim racing cockpit builds and helps create a clean, practical, and reliable racing simulator setup. It gives you a ready-to-use pair of plates for left and right controls, so you can mount both stick and throttle without fabricating your own brackets.
SimXPro Hotas mounting plate Set L+R
Who Should Choose a HOTAS Mounting Plate
Best for
- Sim racers who also fly and want a dedicated flight control position without desk clutter
- Pilots using a SimXPro rig who need a stable, adjustable mount for stick and throttle
Not for
- Casual flyers who prefer desk clamps and don't want to commit to a permanent mount
- Users with non-standard HOTAS bases that don't match common hole patterns
