Edzz
4:02pm, August 16, 2003
[Edit]
[Delete] | Hi,
I tried the Quickie "Extender" power assist chair today for about an hour. In my opinion, it is far above the iGlide power assist chair by J&J I tried back in late March.
Background on me: I'm a C5,6 quad, incomplete to weak C6 on my right side. I'm pretty tall, almost 6'5".
First, it's based on the tried and true Quickie II folding frame. That in itself puts it above the iGlide due to the many frame size options, backrest height options, a nylon sling, Ez-lock tie down bracket for the Quickie II frame fits it, and it comes in the normal Quickie frame colors (if that's important to you). It uses standard quickie brakes, forks and other parts. That's important to me, I have 18 years of accumulated parts kicking around. Frog Legs fit it. All it really is is a Quickie II chair with the Extender rear wheels & electronics bolted on. The iGlide currently comes in only one color, solid sling (which I personally dislike) one frame size, no Ez-lock tiedown bracket (tho one could be fabricated by the end user) and with one backrest that's adjustable.
Another great feature is the location of the battery pack. Quickie smartly puts it on the back of the chair where's it's easily accessed. It has a built-in handle making it simple for anyone with limited or no grip to remove/install. The battery also has power indicator lights which tells the user how much charge they have left. The iGlide battery slips under the solid sling from the rear. For me, it was impossible to see it never mind install/remove it. iGlide does not incorporate any handle in their battery and the charge indicator lights can't be seen while seated.
The quickie also has side bolsters (folding stabilizers) built into the backrest which significantly help with upper body balance. Both these chairs will FLY and that side stability is a must, IMO, especially for a quad. iGlide does not have it.
Service is done by your regular DME dealer, whereas the iGlide is handled by local subcontractors.
The on/off switch was even easier to reach and use.
All in all, I'd say the Extender blows the iGlide out of the water. Pushing is a breeze. I'm ordering one ASAP.
Ed :O)
Edited 7:26pm, August 19 by Edzz, author. |
