[Hedgejamz01]

Well hell i wanted a new chair but i really didn't mean for my present chair to take it personnal. Got up today and the damned thing won't recline back (back only goes forward, back to the upright position umm YEA THATS R-E-A-L-L-Y comfortable after hours of sitting_Thanks Invacare). I currently have the Ranger X (Invacare) with Recline seating system. I'm c-7 quad (Spina Bifida) and after 3-4 hours of sitting leg spams are quite jumpy. As many here probably know a recline(and/or tilt) can really helps to stretch out. Well anyway, the chair is close to 6 yrs old I suppose thats good reliability(?). Went to the local repair shop (3rd time this week, different probs with it) and was informed the control unit/gear box for the Seating unit is sticking. The model is no longer on Invacare.com and due to them revamping their models' electronics the part I need is no longer avaliable. The chair itself goes fine (for now anyway) but I need the Seating unit to work to sit as long as I do.

So while I didn't plan it this soon I'm looking for new wheels . I'm considering everything here because I haven't been totally satisfied with the Ranger X model (i.e. huge, not as manuerverable as id like, suspension sucks over rociky roads). I dunno what you'll here like but while in rehab 3 years ago I had a chance to test drive a Mid-wheel drive (Jazzy 1121, I think) and really liked the turns I could do in it. I know what I MUST have on the new one: Recline&Tilt, Small turn radius, preferably mid-wheel drive, and a fairly compact base. I understand for what I want/need the chair cant be the size of a manual but the Ranger to me is just to big. Brands Ive researched online are Sunrise Medical (maker of Quickie), Permobil, PrideMobility (Jazzys & Quantums), and Invacare. Like I said, I'm here for you to gimmie your opinions from experiences with different models/manufacuter, customer service, & reliability. Insurance is covering it so price isn't an issue. Look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks for the advice & your opinions.


Hedgejamz@yahoo.com

[Hedgejamz01]

I forgot to mention that the power chair is gonna be used about 50-50 for indooras well as outdoor.

[kanga2433]

I can't do much to help on this one, but you could go to this site. It has a very good forum for this sort of thing and the person running it is a powerchair user who works in the industry.