Long gaming sessions, concentrated work and optimum comfort – the ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH promises all of this. The features of the ergonomic office chair include a breathable mesh cover and a wide range of adjustment options, which add up to a total of 19 options. In this way, the ThunderX3 FLEX Pro is designed to adapt seamlessly to every situation and movement while providing optimum support for the head, back and lumbar spine. The Flex Pro is also one of the first models on the market to be equipped with the SYNC6 mechanism and therefore has integrated synchronous and forward tilt. The features are rounded off by the 5D armrests, which provide the necessary support in everyday working life, but are also ideal for console fans or controller freaks thanks to their folding function.
However, today’s test should clarify how all this technical sophistication works in practice and whether the mesh version of the ThunderX3 FLEX Pro is convincing in everyday use.
Technical data
| Model | FLEX Pro |
| Color selection | Gray (Loft), Black (Mesh) |
| Recommended body height | 160 to 195 cm |
| Maximum weight | 125 kg |
| Frame type | Aluminum, nylon |
| Surface material | Breathable mesh |
| Adjustability | 19D (8D self-adjusting + 11D adjustable) |
| Headrest | 2D self-adjusting + 2D adjustable |
| Backrest | 3D self-adjusting + synchronous tilt 1D adjustable |
| Backrest: resistance | four-stage adjustable |
| Lumbar support | 3D self-adjusting |
| Seat | 3D adjustable:
|
| Armrests | 5D x 360° adjustable |
| Mechanism type | SYNC6, multi-adjustable |
| Type of recline | Synchronous tilt |
| Locking mechanism | Multi-angle locking |
| Gas pressure spring | BIFMA-approved, class 4 |
| Basic size and type | 350 mm aluminum base |
| Weight | 25.5 kg |
| Price | € 670.40 * |
Scope of delivery
- Packed in a large cardboard box weighing approx. 33 kg
- Contains seat, backrest, armrests, mechanism and other accessories
- Operating instructions with graphics, without any explanatory text
The ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH is delivered in a generously sized and heavy box that weighs a whopping 33 kilograms. If you look at the individual components, you will notice that all relevant parts of the office chair have been wrapped separately in foil and protected from possible delivery damage with foam parts.
Once everything is unpacked and accurately placed next to each other, the seat and backrest are joined by the self-adjusting headrest and the two 5D armrests. The SYNC6 mechanism, a five-star base with the same number of castors and the gas pressure spring are also included. The package is completed by the assembly accessories in the form of various screws and Allen keys. Similar to the ThunderX3 LAB-X high table, the enclosed instruction manual is extensively illustrated and does not include any text for the assembly steps.
Assembly
- Allow up to one hour for assembly alone
- Divided into five specific steps
- There should be two people to place the backrest in the seat
The assembly instructions are divided into 19 steps. Sounds like a lot? It is, and of course we can give the all-clear straight away. The actual assembly only involves five assembly steps, while the following doings are more about the locking and tilting options of the ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH. From unpacking to assembly, a single person should still allow around 30 minutes to a comfortable hour. However, if there are two of you, the assembly of the ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH is guaranteed to take considerably less time.
The first step is to attach the armrests to the underside of the seat. At this point, the instruction manual is somewhat imprecise, as it assumes that the armrests have already been rotated 90 degrees for assembly. Once this has been done quickly, the starting point also matches the instructions. The SYNC6 mechanism is then also fitted to the underside of the seat and secured with four M5 hexagon bolts.
It is now important to ideally place the seat on a raised table and then slide on or mount the backrest. It is much easier to do this with two people, as you don’t have to hold and assemble it at the same time. Now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, it’s time to install the gas pressure spring and the five-arm base with castors. Finally, attach the headrest to the backrest and the ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH is ready.
Appearance & finish
- Successful combination of gaming and office chair design
- Breathable mesh fabric ensures a comfortable seating climate
- High-quality workmanship with versatile adjustment options
Of course, tastes differ and everyone has to ask themselves whether ThunderX3 manages the balancing act between gaming and ergonomic office chair. Our answer is clearly yes, because the back promises the typical gaming accents and at the same time the chair dispenses with any frills. As far as the choice of materials is concerned, the ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH is mainly made of plastic or nylon, aluminum and, in this version, of course the mesh fabric that gives it its name. In terms of color, it is noticeable that the ergonomic office chair is predominantly black. Only on the back of the chair does the gray frame stand out discreetly.
A closer look reveals the various embroideries and inlays by ThunderX3. The manufacturer’s name is embroidered into the mesh fabric on the front and also adorns the back of the Flex Pro | Mesh. What stands out visually from the usual grid of office chairs is actually the variety of functions and the number of locks or buttons. The mechanism alone has three individual latches, while the armrests can be finely adjusted using three separate locks. If you look at the backrest of the ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH, you will find another device in the area of the lumbar spine and another for attaching the headrest.
In terms of workmanship, the ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH shows its high-quality side. All seams are carefully finished and illustrate the manufacturer’s professional approach. The materials are also pleasant to the touch, with the mesh fabric in particular feeling extremely comfortable. All the more advantageous: thanks to the breathable properties of the mesh fabric, the seat remains pleasantly cool even when sitting for long periods. This makes a difference in summer when it is over 35°C and is less agonizing than leather seats, for example. In this respect, we can state that we did not notice any cracking or wobbling and that there were no other quality defects. Of course, with plastics such as the chair frame, you always have to watch out for possible scratches over the course of its service life, but as we all know, you should always pay attention to this.
Seating comfort
- Synchronized mechanism and adjustable lumbar support relieve back strain
- Height-adjustable backrest and flexible headrest for comfort
- Improved ergonomics thanks to 19D adjustment and flexible seat surface
The ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH definitely focuses on ergonomic functions, as you can already see from the 19D adjustment options. Starting with the seat, which can be tilted by 6 degrees, through to the seat surface, which is approx. 50 cm wide and can be moved forwards and backwards using a mechanism. As already mentioned, the locking points for this are located under the seat itself.
The integrated synchronous mechanism, in which the seat and backrest work in a coordinated movement pattern, should be emphasized. This optimizes blood circulation and reduces the strain on the muscles and structures in the back area. The degree of firmness of the backrest can be adjusted in four stages, and the same applies to the synchronized mechanism. It continues with the lumbar support, which, unlike other office chairs, is extremely adaptable. In the ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH, the lumbar support is divided into two flexible elements. At the same time, it is not rigidly anchored, but moves with you when you lean back and forwards when you move forwards.
Now for another comparison, in which we contrast the ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH with a standard gaming chair. After all, gaming chairs are generally designed to be rather rigid in the backrest area and are not height-adjustable. This is where the FLEX Pro | Mesh really stands out, as it provides the best possible support for dynamic sitting. In short: the backrest is individually height-adjustable and, as an independent component, flexibly follows the tilting movement when leaning back. The headrest is also very comfortable and provides support in almost any body position. A joint allows the headrest to be moved continuously up and down and its depth adjusted to the same extent.
Ergonomics
- Suitable for people up to 195 cm and 125 kg
- High flexibility thanks to numerous adjustment functions
- Armrests are height-adjustable, but are slightly too high at the factory
One of the strengths of the ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH is certainly its high level of flexibility. In particular, the numerous adjustment functions such as seat depth, backrest and headrest adjustment allow the office chair to be optimally adapted to individual body dimensions. As a rule, the chair is designed for people between 160 and 195 cm and a maximum body weight of 125 kg. As the seat also offers plenty of space in terms of width, there is no need to squeeze into the seat. The chair is therefore by no means an exclusion criterion for people of larger stature.
We see a small potential for improvement in the height of the armrests. Although they are height-adjustable, the lowest step is a little too high. Several intermediate levels would be better here. Of course, this is complaining on a very high level, as the armrests can not only be easily adjusted in height, but also rotated and aligned in all directions. Apart from that, we are more than satisfied with the armrests and everyone is sure to find their personal favorite position. Clever detail: if required, the armrests can be swiveled backwards by 180 degrees, bringing the chair closer to the table.
ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH test: Conclusion
In the test, the ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH presents itself as a balanced combination of comfort, attractive design and high quality. Particularly noteworthy in this model is the special design with breathable mesh, which ensures a pleasant sitting climate even during longer sessions. The enormous range of functions, which extends from the headrest to the backrest and armrests to the seat itself, is a real challenge considering the price. Highlights include the adjustable synchronous mechanism, the adaptive lumbar support and the flexible headrest. The chair also scores points with its height-adjustable backrest and versatile 5D armrests.
However, there is some potential for optimization in the armrests, which are already a little too high in the lowest setting. In addition, the current choice of two models is still somewhat limited compared to the configurable Backforce One. In this respect, the manufacturer is welcome to launch further designs on the market in the near future.
Basically, the test can be summarized as follows: In the price range of around €500, the ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH offers an exceptionally high level of functionality and should therefore definitely meet the requirements of many customers. For this reason, we can recommend the ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH with a clear conscience.
- Numerous adjustment options
- Adjustable synchronous mechanism
- Flexible backrest & headrest
- Airy mesh cover
- High level of comfort
- Plastic tends to scratch
- Armrests a little too high at the factory
ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH
Optics
Processing
Seating comfort
Equipment
Price-performance ratio
96/100
The ThunderX3 FLEX Pro | MESH is an impressive ergonomic office chair with well thought-out features, a modern design and a high level of comfort, even during longer sessions.
