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• Gaming chair

Thunder X3 XTC

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Central Features

• SYNCHRONOUS TILT
• SELF-ADJUSTING BACKREST & LUMBAR SUPPORT
• PASSIVE COOLING MESH MATERIAL

Some of the features that we see here are not unique to the Thunder X3 XTC, but the combination gives a good result, which I will get into later in the test.

A tour around the Thunder X3 XTC

If you imagine an average Gaming Chair, then the Thunder X3 XTC stands out immediately in its design. Here there is no shadow of the by now well-known Racing look, which for many is firmly associated with gaming chairs.

Instead, the design is more in the style of real design office chairs, such as the type you know from, for example, Herman Miller at the expensive end.

The Thunder X3 XTC comes in two colors. You can get a black version or the gray one we got for testing.

Before you can start using the chair, it must be completely assembled as you know it from virtually all other chairs of this type. It is all a relatively easy process, however, and Thunder X3 has made sure that everything you need is included in the box and there is a sensible guide.

The chair is built over a solid steel frame, which at the same time feels strong and solid, but also looks light and airy.

Much of that is naturally connected to the fact that a Nylon Mesh material has also been used on the primary surfaces of the chair. This means that there is no foam cushion in the chair.

The soft sitting experience is thus created by the Nylon Mesh material, which gives when you sit in the chair. The mesh material is complemented by PU leather on the head/neck support.

It is possible to adjust the height of the chair via the gas cartridge. In addition to that, you can also adjust the seat itself forwards and backwards, while the backrest and neck/head support can also be adjusted in several heights and angles.

The two armrests can be adjusted in height and pushed forward or back. There is therefore no possibility to adjust the width, as we saw on the Core Loft chair.

The base is made of steel and comes with five 75mm PU caster wheels. They don't offer the smoothest glide I've experienced, but they're really nice on at least hard floors, which I'm testing on.

Materials and build quality feel solid and well-made all around. The quality of the components and assemblies is also of a higher quality than the average gaming chair, which is nice to see. It also made the assembly of the chair a narrow affair.

Thunder X3 states that the weight limit for the chair is 125 kilos.

The test

I've had the Thunder X3 XTC around for a little over a month now, and during that time have used it as my primary office chair for both work and gaming in front of the PC.

If you have read any of my previous reviews on gaming chairs, it is no secret that I am more than tired of the classic racing design on gaming chairs. That's why I was happy to see that the Thunder X3 had chosen a completely different style.

The choice of materials on the Thunder X3 XTC means that you get a comfortable and airy chair that has never felt hot or uncomfortable to sit in. Even though it has been a winter test this time around, I imagine it would have been still more evident in the summer, when I often get hot in that chair made of solid materials.

The Thunder X3 XTC doesn't have the same dynamic back support that we saw on the Core Loft, but it does adjust really well. The back is two-part, so there is separate support for the upper and lower back.

The lower part adjusts automatically and is quite flexible. There is not quite as much adaptation in the upper part, but nevertheless enough flex that it adapts well to the person sitting in the chair.

The headrest is also very comfortable, and I'm glad that Thunder X3 went with PU leather here, instead of the Mesh material. The headrest can be adjusted both in angle and height, so it should be possible to find a suitable position.

A detail that I am very happy about is what the Thunder X3 calls Synchronous Tilt. When you lean back in the chair, the angle of the backrest is adjusted without the seat itself tilting. It's much more comfortable and means you can lean back without having to push off with your legs.

There is an option to lock the backrest so that it cannot tilt or lock it in place in a few different steps.

Despite the fact that there is no foam cushion in the chair and the sitting experience is handled exclusively by the mesh material, the sitting comfort has been good. The pressure distribution is not quite as good as I experienced on the Core Loft, but still good.

Price

An expected price for the ThunderX3 XTC will be around 440$. It is at the upper end compared to many gaming chairs you can find on the market. In relation to quality, design and features, I think the price is pretty fair.

Conclusion

I am happy that Thunder X3 has chosen to shake up the bag in relation to the design of gaming chairs. Both with Core Loft and here Thunder X3 XTC I think they have made some good choices.

Both in terms of design and seating comfort, I think the Thunder X3 XTC has been a nice visit.

Choice of chairs and preferences on that front is of course very much a matter of taste, but personally I love the options that you get with the Thunder X3 XTC.

The build quality and materials feel top notch and the seating comfort is also among the best I have tried for a chair in this class.

We end up with a final grade of 9, what a nice chair for those who want something other than the racing style for their gaming setup.

Well:

• Good materials
• The build quality feels good
• Seating comfort at its best
• Good adaptations

Dirt:

• The armrests are still a bit average