TC Electronic Thunderstorm FlangerFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 35 mentions across 14 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment74%
PROS 74%
CONS 26%

Rank based on 35 mentions across 14 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want an affordable all-analog flanger with classic BF-2-style character
  • You play bass and want a versatile modulation effect for band settings
  • You want a flanger that holds up well with distortion or fuzz

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You need buffered bypass or worry about volume drop when engaged
  • You want precise footswitch timing for quick riff triggers like Unchained
  • You're chasing a specific liquid, high-end sweep like the Vortex or Strymon

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Value
MXR Super Badass Distortion~$130 · 1.9× pricier
Exceptional versatilityNatural, amp-like tonePowerful 3-band EQDemo videos undersell the pedalNoticeable noise floorVolume drop when engaged
MXR Super Badass Distortion~$130 · 1.9× pricier
Exceptional versatility
Natural, amp-like tone
Powerful 3-band EQ
Demo videos undersell the pedal
Noticeable noise floor
Volume drop when engaged
2Value
MXR Sugar Drive~$130 · 1.9× pricier
Great for stacking with other drivesTransparent, organic Klon-style toneAffordable price for Klon-style toneSkepticism about matching the real KlonLost out to competing clones in some comparisonsSound depends heavily on amp/settings
MXR Sugar Drive~$130 · 1.9× pricier
Great for stacking with other drives
Transparent, organic Klon-style tone
Affordable price for Klon-style tone
Skepticism about matching the real Klon
Lost out to competing clones in some comparisons
Sound depends heavily on amp/settings
3Value
MXR Micro Chorus~$109 · 1.6× pricier
Simple one-knob operationFull, warm, rich toneGreat value for the priceVolume boost when engaged
MXR Micro Chorus~$109 · 1.6× pricier
Simple one-knob operation
Full, warm, rich tone
Great value for the price
Volume boost when engaged
4Budget
MXR GT-OD~$79 · similar price
Hidden ZW-44 switch (two pedals in one)Warm, transparent toneVersatile boost / stacking pedalSlightly dark toneAdds mud in certain setupsConsidered unremarkable by one user
MXR GT-OD~$79 · similar price
Hidden ZW-44 switch (two pedals in one)
Warm, transparent tone
Versatile boost / stacking pedal
Slightly dark tone
Adds mud in certain setups
Considered unremarkable by one user
You are here
5Budget
TC Electronic Thunderstorm Flanger~$69
Great value for the priceStrong performer on bassAuthentic analog BF-2-style toneRate knob sweep limitationsUnderwhelming for some listenersBass low-end thinning
TC Electronic Thunderstorm Flanger~$69
Great value for the price
Strong performer on bass
Authentic analog BF-2-style tone
Rate knob sweep limitations
Underwhelming for some listeners
Bass low-end thinning

Who wins on what (similar price)

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

An analog flanger that punches above its price. Commenters repeatedly emphasize the Thunderstorm's low cost paired with genuinely good, chewy analog BBD tone. Several bought it new for well under standard pedal prices and say it delivers durability and quality sounds without frills. It's frequently likened to the Boss BF-2, sometimes preferred over pricier options like the BF-3 or Electric Mistress, making it a strong budget pick for players wanting authentic analog flanging character.

Versatile across guitar, bass, and even acoustic settings. Users describe using it for subtle acoustic wobble, funky bass lines, distorted riffs, and full band-mix modulation. Several bass players call it their favorite effect, particularly live in a band context. It also reportedly pairs well with overdrive, distortion, and fuzz, producing usable textures beyond a plain chorus-like sweep, though a few felt some settings sounded average on delicate bass parts.

Some functional quirks temper the praise. A handful of owners report a noticeable volume drop when the effect is engaged, and one bass player noted low-end thinning when active. Another flagged that the footswitch actuates the effect on release rather than press, causing timing problems for quick riffs. Reports also suggest TC Electronic discontinued the pedal, frustrating shoppers who went looking for one in stores.

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