A high force detent mechanism to selectively hold a control input lever in any selected position between neutral and its maximum travel in either direction. The high force detent mechanism includes a coil assembly connected to a control input lever and disposed in close proximity to a semi-circular member having a serrated edge defined thereon. An armature of the coil assembly has a first portion in driving contact with the serrated edge and a second enlarge portion having a latching surface disposed adjacent one of the first and second end faces of the coil assembly's detent coil. The size of the latching surface is larger than the size of the first portion that is in driving contact with the serrated edge. Consequently, the latching force generated between the latching surface and the one face of the detent coil is multiplied several time to create a detent holding force that is larger than the latching force.