8 replies to this topic

[kate42]

So...I'm going to be getting a new wheelchair, my current one (a TiLite Aero X) is not working out well, so I'm currently "in the market" as it were. So I'm thinking about either of these, and I was wondering if anyone had any input about either of these chairs? Thanks!

http://www.spinlife....m?productID=201

http://www.spinlife....productID=88772

[Rotarymotion]

Hi Kate,

I have used a Quickie GPV for four years and although I have heard other people on here who are not impressed with the GPV, I think it is ok as value for money. Here in the UK it is roughly half the price of many chairs and is the most expensive the National Health Service (NHS) would offer me. Also bear in mind that although I have long legs, I'm quite light at only 70kg.

Most of the problems I have had with it have been because wheelchair services insisted on telling me what size I needed, rather than listening to me. I have long legs and really needed a longer and higher frame than they ordered. I have replaced the canvas seat sling with a rigid piece of MDF board, which has added very little weight, but has given me a better position, together with a thicker cushion.

Its an aluminium chair, not titanium, and so comes painted, which has stood the test of time quite well.

The GPV is unusual for a rigid chair in that it doesn't have an axle tube. The wheel axle pins fit into plates either side which you can adjust within limits. I like my chairs "tippy" but I need the wheels as far forward as they will go on the GPV because of the weight of my callipers and boots, and I then have to be very careful on days I don't wear the callipers as the chair is then almost too "tippy".

I haven't had any problems with bolt threads stripping, but I do check for tightness every few months, and I use a torque-wrench when adjusting anything.

I find it a fairly rigid chair; I'm not too thrilled with cantilever chairs as they've tipped me out a few times when the castors have jammed on rough pavements. The castors don't look very inspiring, but do the job, and the back wheels (24" on mine") look fairly flimsy, but have stood up to four years of jumping off kerbs without breaking. Tyres that came with the chair only lasted a few months; I now use Schwalbe Marathon Plus.

Hope this helps.
If you want to know anything specific about the GPV, just ask.

[Wheelsonfire]

I had a GPV for years, had it there as a work horse, I got rid of it purely because it was in the way after 10 years, I use to give it some battering and it always stood up to the challenge, I do all my own maintenance which means there is a longer life expectancy, nowadays I have 3 chairs on hand, a front folding carbon fibre and 2 light weight crafted from aircraft aluminium, not much difference in the weight of them though.
Why not check out an RGK, they suit some people, personally, I made bits of the one I had.
But if your caught up with the Quickie, just make sure they measure you up correctly:
1. Front seat height
2. Back seat height
3. Seat width and seat depth
4. centre of gravity
5. Taper of the front forks
6. Forks at either 90 or 105 degree, stay away from a 75 as you will go head over heals(this is from experience)
7. Degree of wheel camber.

Regards

[Texaswheelz]

GPV was my first chair and lasted me about 4 years until I broke the frame when I started getting more active. There is no way I could go back to one now though, every chair I have had since then has been an step up. If those are the only two choices I would go with the Q7.

What has been your problem with the Tilite Aero? Bad fit or bad chair as there is a big difference between the two and many get them confused.

[Doppleganger]

Q7 any day! The Q7 is 2010 quickie technology whilst the GPV is from the 1980's!

Edited by Doppleganger, 22 January 2010 - 09:46 AM.

[russ1]

Seriously there is absolutely no comparision between these two chairs - I wouldn't have had a GPV 6 yrs ago when first injured - had a Quickie Ti & TiLite TRa since then and just changed to the Helium which is the European name for the Q7 and it's a significant improvement on either the Ti or the TRa which are both significantly better than the GPV. The Q7 will weigh les than half of the GPV, the cantilever frame is much easier to load in and out of cars and the Q7 doesn't suffer from the frame flex of some Ti cantilever chairs. I'd pay the money just to get the brake function - they flick on and off unlike any other wheelchair brake, no more having to choose between scrabbling around under the chair to put the brakes on or destroying your thumbs when pushing.

The only downside of the Q7 - it'll cost significantly more than the GPV once it's spec'ed up to meet your requirements - is it worth it - definately, even if you have to sell the children to finance it

[Denny]

I know nothing about Q7, my first chair was GPV and I would not buy it if I have another choice. My current chair is kuschall k4 and will opt for it again.
GPV is a metal box with wheels, takes more space and difficult to get it inside car.
back rest does not lock in folded state, making it difficult to get it inside the car.
Caster forks are long, have to be careful when leaning forward.
Side guards (if opted for) are bulky and attached to arm rest.
Brake : Opt for scissor brakes, standard brake liver stands in way during transfer. Bad design

On plus side,
It is bit cheaper, and lot of room to adjust camber and Center of gravity.

[allis53ca]

you should get mimi's opinion on the q7..she got one of the 1st and is the q7 model/(spokesperson?) for quickie