Long time no post. So I was looking to buy a daily use/touring full-face helmet within the Rs.7000 price point. Multiple weeks of research later, I zeroed in on the MT Thunder 3 SV. Did search on xBhp initially before purchasing for a review/overview but couldn't find any. Now that I have purchased it, thought I should put up one. So here it is.
Why the Thunder 3 SV?
4 Stars sharp rating which pretty much makes it worthy enough to buy just for that attribute.
Despite weighing 1500g, it felt surprisingly light on the head. I am used to wearing a much lighter Xlite X-802 and an HJC FG-17 for more than 2 years now but still didn't feel any discomfort.
Comes with an internal sun visor. This also happens to be the first lid I brought which has one. I was always of the apparition that the presence of the sunvisor compromises on safety but 4 stars here which is as much as my non-sun visor equipped FG-17
The graphics goddamn! MT does have some pretty out-there colour schemes but this matte black "Board" graphic really appealed to the Engineering nerd inside me. It depicts a drawing board conceptualizing the helmet's design elements. It certainly gives my more expensive helmets a run for the money in the appearance department.
Onward to the review. Spartan ProGear's showroom in Anna Salai, Chennai didn't have this in stock and they also mentioned that all the D-ring models in this range are going to be replaced with micrometric systems soon. So rushed home, logged into their website which luckily had it in stock in size S with the D-ring straps. I did check out the correct size in the showroom and it fit perfectly to my 56cm forehead circumference.
Ordered it on the 30th of July around 12 am and the helmet was delivered to me on the evening of 1st August. Prompt and timely delivery by SPG.
First let's talk about the packing. SPG did a wonderful job with it and I am sure you'd have to be really really unlucky to receive a damaged product with this kind of setup.
Received the package like this from Blue Dart. The small blemish in the middle got me slightly worried but I would figure this was a non issue later on.
Open her up and out comes another box with the MT branding that contains the helmet.
Open the MT box and you are greeted to a comforting sight of multiple layers of bubble wrap.
Standard issue cloth carry bag.
Out comes the beatuy!
No chemical anti-fog coating. The Thunder 3 SV comes with a pinlock system like almost all other MT helmets sold in India. Pinlock insert needs to be purchased separately.
Although its aimed at Sport-touring, the shape profile is decently aggressive especially at the rear.
Two inlet vents, one over the chin and on the top of your head. Simple two position toggle operation for fully open or fully closed. Observed a very minor defect on the chin vent which is slightly loose and doesn't seem to be shutting the vent completely in closed position. Hope it lasts the test of time.
Strangely, the rear passive vent also has an open and close mechanism. This feature is also present on the MT Revenge series.
DOT/ECE approved with the certification stickers under the base coat.
Visor has a three position operation. The first defogging detent seems a bit too much and kind of makes the much smaller second detent almost pointless. Then again I don't work in their R&D department so they must have had some reason for doing that. Third detent brings you to the fully opened position. Tried to remove the visor using the quick release system but it simply did not budge. Didn't want to risk breaking the mechanism so stopped trying to yank it out after a point. The small level under the visor release lock actuates the internal sun visor
Sun visor mechanism is smooth and easy to use on the go.
Inner lining is removable and washable as you'd expect and is decently plush for a helmet in this price range. Nowhere close to the HJC but again that's more than twice as expensive as this. Comfort over long rides remains to be seen.
One with the family. Feels good to see where I've come to from those initial fake LS2 days

Coming to the final part, the expenditure. It costs Rs.6250 with free shipping (which SPG offers for all addresses across India). Considering the price, this is indeed quite a lot of helmet for what you pay. Frankly speaking the fact that it's a Sharp 4-Star rated lid should itself seal the deal and the presence of that sun visor vastly expands its touring potential as well. Will be putting it to use almost daily starting tomorrow so hope it does its duty valiantly.



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