A throttling element, and throttling device utilizing the throttle element, provide absolute minimum possible resistance when in the fully opened position yet easily and effectively throttles the flow, so as to introduce a variable pressure drop, upon rotation utilizing conventional actuators. The device cannot be closed off completely, and it is possible to produce it in the same cost range as for butterfly valves yet having significant advantages thereover. The throttling element includes an annular metal substantially spherical segment having an exterior arcuate extent of about 80.degree. or less (e.g. about 60-70.degree.) with first and second elongated metal shaft stubs extending radially outwardly from the exterior of the annular substantially spherical segment, on opposite of the segment the dimension of elongation of the shaft stubs. The element may be mounted in a housing having an interior bore with a first diameter, the throttling element itself having an interior bore with a second diameter substantially the same as the first diameter so that minimum resistance to flow is provided in a fully open position. The width of the exterior extension of the throttling element is between about 50%-70% of the first diameter with the first width and second diameter mentioned so that the throttling element cannot preclude or substantially preclude fluid flow through the housing interior bore regardless of what position the throttling element is rotated to. The housing may be two piece only slightly wider than the throttling element.