Great Video, thanks! In my experience Carbon Fibre is the most rigid and durable material of all as far at is stressed in the way it is supposed to. Meaning: As long as the stress is divided in the manner as the (weight of the) user that sits in or his strenght in pushing the chair forward, it will last for ever. What you should absolutely not do is to shock it against hard materials as tarmac by dropping it for example. It will just splatter at that point, so you will have a hole where the frame hit the ground or obstacle. Happened to my former chair as i had to transfer it to my car. AlumINium is not durable enough. So in order to make it almost strong enough, you will have to use a lot of it. And still... One fault in driving, like driving it into a curb or against a tree-root or what have you, can bend the frame. And even if it's bendable, noone will fix it. (It would lose even more of it's already weak material strenght) My winner was Carbon, until i had to reinforce it with metal at the spots exposed to shocks. After that i switched to chrome molybdane steel. a very strong material with good characteristics. And because of that, you can create a frame that is almost as light as carbon. Without the "criticality" or cost of the use of carbon. (Check Panthera chairs, for CMS and lightest Carbon, or Quickie and probably others for "stronger woven carbon")

Thank you so much! The timing is perfect as I’m doing research before choosing a new wheelchair!!

@EmpoweredPara

3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!!!!

Thank you for this video. I'm looking into getting my first custom made wheelchair this year and this is the kind of information I need, I've been using a standard wheelchair for the past 5 years but I didn't need it very often the first year or two. But since my paralysis is worsening I need it almost all the time now.

@EmpoweredPara

3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Very nice. I tend to agree with you on most of your analysis. My very first chair was a folding aluminum Quickie. The physical therapists chose it for me .... it fell apart after 6 months of use. I vowed to never use a folding chair ever again. I had the first titanium that Quickie came out with years and years ago ... didn't notice much difference from the aluminum. It did squeak and creek less, but the weight was negligible and the shock absorption was negligible. If I had to keep the chair for 10+ years I would go with titanium. Otherwise aluminum is fine. If I were a millionaire I'd have someone make a custom chair out of titanium. Backrest, foot plate, and seat pan would be carbon fiber.

@EmpoweredPara

2 жыл бұрын

I have never actually had an aluminum chair so I was just going with the research I did online! Thanks for the feedback from your real life experience! Very valuable for other people to read these comments!

I'd love to see a video on mono-tube versus dual-tube.

@EmpoweredPara

Жыл бұрын

I'll try to put something together!

e bine si important de stiut.Multumesc pentru informatii ( it's good and important to know. Thanks for the information )

@EmpoweredPara

Жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Great video. I'm about to go through the process again soon, after 44 years as a L1/T12. As an active user and one who knows full well the knocks a chair takes all the time, and the disaster a major failure would be, I won't be going with Carbon. For the 1st time ever, I will have the funding to have a Titanium chair. Yay!! Carbon Fibre is definitely a risky proposition, as even a deep scratch or a hard knock on the tube from a hard edge, can compromise it's structural integrity. I've seen bike frame fail, and it's not pretty.

Hi, thanks for the video! As someone who has done lots of research on this topic as well, I'm wondering how you decided what information to talk about and what to omit?

@EmpoweredPara

3 жыл бұрын

Just tried to keep the video a decent length and talk about what I thought was relevant for wheelchair users! If there is something you think I left out please let me know!

Very informative, thank you! I'd say carbon fiber only makes sense if you're a quadriplegic or suffer from muscle weakness. If you're an active user it just gets damaged easily. But because of its light weight, it's the best material for racing wheelchairs

@EmpoweredPara

3 жыл бұрын

Yes! Carbon fiber is light and allows maximum propulsion! A quad is likely not throwing their chair around so it makes sense for them to have carbon fiber. Almost all sport chairs are aluminum because it doesn't transfer or absorb energy. All the energy in your push goes to what it's meant to. Lots to consider for sure!

@MultiSimon1993

3 жыл бұрын

@@EmpoweredPara Makes sense :) Maybe you can talk about wheels and tires in your next video, I guess there's also a lot to talk about

@EmpoweredPara

3 жыл бұрын

@@MultiSimon1993 great idea! Thanks for the suggestion!

Thanks for that great information for me. Which wheelchair has that good features or is the best? It’s important the weight for me.

@EmpoweredPara

2 жыл бұрын

Panthera x is the lightest one. I don't really think there is one that is best. Depends on what you are looking for so you would have to decide that for yourself.

Speaking of smooth ride...I am thinking about getting some loopwheels to absorb shocks and vibrations. Have you ever looked into these?

@EmpoweredPara

Жыл бұрын

never heard of them! Drop me a link!

This is the second video of yours that I've watched, you replied to my comment on the other video so I'll just continue that reply here. From this video, I'm getting that for my sake, that Titanium is the way to go. I'm mainly concerned about taking curb bumps and overall durability. What you said about Carbon Fiber, concerns me. As in, it's the strongest but when it goes, it just goes (breaks). Secondly, I like what you said in terms of the scratches on carbon fiber vs titanium. Ideally, I would want my next wheelchair's color, whatever it ends up being, to blend in with any scratches. What is that color, is it Chrome? Something like that. The only wheelchair type I've had is Aluminum. One of my chairs, the side plate broke and was irreplaceable. My most recent chair, the screws that hold the sling in place became threaded, for the most part, it's no longer usable. I'm currently using an old basketball wheelchair to get around, I had to tweak the camber quite a bit. In short, would you agree with Titanium for my case? Also, per your comment on RGK's wheelchairs with respect to the quality of titanium used vs TiLite and the quality of the folding mechanism for the backrest as well, I'm more inclined to go with TiLite, which was what I was going with, originally. I'm just not too keen on their oval-shaped backs, but I'm guessing that can be swapped out with something I expect to see. Oh, and I found out yesterday that one of my old wheelchair tennis instructors from about 30 years ago, works as one of the managers for TiLite. He used to work for Quickie awhile back.

@EmpoweredPara

2 жыл бұрын

I am definitely not an expert but I chose titanium for all the same reasons you stated above. The chair I have now the finish is polished titanium (so it shiny and reflective) and I feel it is the most forgiving with scratches out of my three wheelchairs.

@marcofacen9564

4 ай бұрын

@josh: Carbon Fibre is the most rigid and durable material of all as far at is stressed in the way it is supposed to. Meaning: As long as the stress is divided in the manner as the (weight of the) user that sits in or his strenght in pushing the chair forward, it will last for ever. What you should absolutely not do is to shock it against hard materials as tarmac by dropping it for example. It will just splatter at that point, so you will have a hole where the frame hit the ground or obstacle. Happened to my former chair as i had to transfer it to my car. AlumINium is not durable enough. So in order to make it almost strong enough, you will have to use a lot of it. And still... One foult in driving, like driving it over a curb or against a tree-root or what have you, can bend the frame. And even if it's bendable, noone will fix it. (It would lose even more of it's already weak material strenght) My winner was Carbon, until i had to reinforce it with metal at the spots exposed to shocks. After that i switched to chrome molybdane steel. a very strong material with good characteristics. And because of that, you can create a frame that is almost as light as carbon. Without the "criticality" or cost of the use of carbon.

I thought it was a good video, thank you.

@EmpoweredPara

3 жыл бұрын

You're welcome!

Awesome video I'm considering getting myself a new chair anyways I need one it's been about five years

@EmpoweredPara

3 жыл бұрын

What kind of chair are you thinking of getting?

@coltonmorgan3610

3 жыл бұрын

@@EmpoweredPara right now I have a chair that's called a quickie and I hate it it's too big and bulky and it's hard to fold and everything else

@coltonmorgan3610

3 жыл бұрын

@@EmpoweredPara I'm looking for a better chair I appreciate the recommendations

@EmpoweredPara

3 жыл бұрын

@@coltonmorgan3610 I am gonna do video of the top brands I would recommend!

@coltonmorgan3610

3 жыл бұрын

@@EmpoweredPara I'm looking forward to that video thanks for letting me know to be on the lookout for the video

My goodness, there is a lot to think about in choosing a new wheelchair! Very informative video. I was wondering - why is it that when weight is discussed, it is always without the wheels? Is it because those who break down their chairs always remove the wheels before they move their chair into their vehicle? Or is it because there is a wide range of the weight of wheels and tires? And, how much on average does an average wheel and tire for a chair weigh?

@EmpoweredPara

Жыл бұрын

It's because tires can be very different depending on the preference and type. Also people who take their chair apart to drive always take the wheels off first and lift the frame in separate so the frame weight is more relevant for making decisions

@westiepower2020

Жыл бұрын

@@EmpoweredPara Great! You explain things so very well!

Hello! This is a very personalized question so you may not be able to answer this but I’m currently looking into getting a wheelchair and your videos have been extremely helpful! I’d be getting this chair for POTS, hEDS, and possible FND. The symptoms I’m getting this for are leg pain, subluxations, fatigue, high heart rate, as well as weakness. Because of this weakness, I’ve been looking at carbon fiber chairs as it is the lightest and I also deal with the weakness in my hands and arms sometimes. Because of this weakness and fatigue I’d need a light chair. But I’m also going to be a brand new chair user so I’m definitely going to be bumping into things, having me lean towards more titanium. Another reason I’m leaning towards titanium is because it absorbs the “shock” of numbs and such and I have back pain. But at the same time, I’d like to have more power per push which leads me back to carbon fiber. Which do you think would be better? Feel free to ask me any clarifying questions! Thank you so much in advance!

@EmpoweredPara

2 жыл бұрын

Carbon fiber is very strong and durable in low impact situations. So bumping into things won't likely be an issue. I would go with carbon fiber if you need something very lightweight!

@GingerKiwiDev

Жыл бұрын

I’m also a zebra (hEDS, dysautonomia, mcas) and the less weight our connective tissues have to deal with the better. Also look at getting power assist wheels (they have batteries in the hub). You can still be physically active, but it can help lots for high pain and the yet another subluxation days. One brand is e.motion power assist wheels. I’m going to be discussing these with my new seating and mobility OT.

I have always had aluminum chairs of the brand Mobility Plus in Australia and have never had any problems with them if they are fitted properly. I wanted a Tilite ZR custom made similar to the chair I was in. The chair that was ordered for me was a ZRA and more like a hospital chair. The salesperson ordered what they thought I should have not what I wanted, I have never been able to use it and am so sad as I was so excited to be getting it. I asked for the order form to be sent to me for my review before placing the order but next thing I was called to say the order was done and I said I asked to review it first I was told, "oh well no point sending it now it is ordered" I ended up getting another aluminum fame made and transfered parts from old frames as I couldn't afford to pay for another titanium frame myself as you can only get one chair funded. I would still like to try a ZR one day just don't know how to get one ordered as I want it.

@EmpoweredPara

2 жыл бұрын

That is beyond infuriating! I have had 3 chairs that did not fit me properly because the "professionals" ordered them wrong. There should be something we can do when this happens instead of just having to swallow it and live with it!

@kyliemccutcheon9969

2 жыл бұрын

@@EmpoweredPara when I was the one paying for the replacement frame I would not let any 'professionals' have any input into the specs. They were not happy but couldn't really do anything about it as when you are paying for it yourself no one else can sign off on the script. After 25 years I know what I need. The only way I can see to reduce this badly fitted chair problem is from your second chair (most people with the first are not really in a place where they could) the wheelchair user needs to take responsibility for understanding their needs and be required to sign off on the final script for funding to be released so that we know exactly what is being ordered. If I had seen the order form before it was sent I would have insisted on significant changes (like the correct model and front frame angle) before I agreed to use my funding for the chair.

@EmpoweredPara

2 жыл бұрын

@@kyliemccutcheon9969 it's so wrong that they ordered it without showing you the final order form.

@brin57

2 жыл бұрын

Hi Kylie. That's a horrific story that should never have happened. Who was the controlling party there. An O.T. or the company selling the chair. Either way, they should never be scripting chairs, especially for an experienced user. I'm a para for 44 years, also in Oz, and after my first chair, never let anyone have that kind of control. I have had a few battles, but always came out on top.

@kyliemccutcheon9969

2 жыл бұрын

@@brin57 yeah, I was pretty upset about it to put it mildly. As I found out no one will take any responsibility. I do have an OT who was at the measure and she was expecting something very different as to what arrived as well. She didn't get to see the order until after the chair arrived to work out who had messed up. Our next problem was the person who had done the order retired before it arrived so there was no one to argue with. Then I was pretty obnoxious really when I think about it, when ordering the replacement alloy frame from Mobility Plus. I was not giving anyone the chance to sign off on anything. I new it would have some of the same issues as my original (angle adjustable foot plates don't go so well with a freewheel) but it would function on a daily basis. Have you had experience with Mobility Plus wheelchairs?

Basically in a nutshell, both carbon fibre & titanium are over the top expensive materials, where aluminum (which is still lightweight), is much more affordable.

@EmpoweredPara

7 ай бұрын

Yep:)

I read somewhere that a Swiss company (Kuschall) makes a superlight wheelchair in graphene. I would assume that it comes with a super-high price tag as well, although it still boggles my mind that a lot of custom chairs are already over $10,000.

@EmpoweredPara

Жыл бұрын

Yes! I'm excited about that one! Not sure if it's out yet.

@westiepower2020

Жыл бұрын

@@EmpoweredPara It might be a game-changer for those who break down their chairs on a daily basis!

@EmpoweredPara

Жыл бұрын

@@westiepower2020 totally!

@westiepower2020

Жыл бұрын

@@EmpoweredPara 1.5 kg = 3.3 pounds! Man, that is light!

@EmpoweredPara

Жыл бұрын

@@westiepower2020 Almost too light lol

I have a wheelchair made from Carbon Fibre they are as light as everyone says some times i have to lift it in and out of my car or my mum lifts it and gets a sore back.

@EmpoweredPara

Жыл бұрын

yeah carbon fiber is the way to go if you lift it often!

You're going to put your "spin" on it? No pun intended?

Ok she does a lot of "how to pee" videos, so obviously my first question was what was sitting on that table? Lol.

@EmpoweredPara

2 жыл бұрын

lol this made me laugh 😃. It's ginger tea for the record 🤣 .....or is it 🤔 lol!

Thanks, then it would Titanium for me. ❤

@EmpoweredPara

Жыл бұрын

Me too!

@knupification

Жыл бұрын

@@EmpoweredPara Thank you for your reply. I have made up my mind after all. 😃 Because of my MS, I will probably go you on carbon because I will be using the wheelchair mostly indoors. Can you say when to choose a foldable or a rigid wheelchair?

@EmpoweredPara

Жыл бұрын

@knupification I would not choose a folding wheelchair unless it's a space issue during transportation. Folding is heavier and harder on your arms over time. But if other people need to be able to get your wheelchair in and out of their vehicle then maybe consider folding

Say you have your doctor's prescription for a new wheelchair, but it hasn't been the 5 years most insurance company's go by, for whatever the reason is, you need to get and/or replace your wheelchair, they are expensive for a premium chair, generally known as a rigid style, on a budget, aluminum is the ways to go, titanium is on the high end, my chair is aluminum, I use a gel cushion to help with bumps, my chair does the job, just take care of it, like a car, and it will work, my chair is a custom Quickie QR in purple, aluminum doesn't rust and it can handle most situations, all wheelchair go through paint chip, scuffs and such just from normal use, I have touch up paint just in case, out of pocket did play a factor, so do the homework

@EmpoweredPara

2 жыл бұрын

All great points!

here's an interesting fact ... the metal s Aluminium ... the Name aluminum is part of a trade marked name of aluminum foil wrap by reynolds .... that's right by using the name Aluminum you are actually using a trade mark name ... and NOT the proper name ... Aluminum foil is made from Aluminium .... . just like you blow your nose with Kleenex ... ok facial tissue ... or you hold gift wrapped stuff together with scotch tape .. well cello tape or cellophane tape ... yup Name brands . so you know using aluminum to refer to Aluminium is using a name brand trade mark name

@EmpoweredPara

2 жыл бұрын

Wow! Thanks for the lesson! I always wondered why they say Aluminium in Europe!