10 replies to this topic

[wheels5894]

I have a Quickie 2 which was 20 last month and was forced into it when my GPV broke down a few weeks ago. I have also been using it in the last few days as I was being taken to rehearsals in someone else's car and need a folding chair. The chair is, though, getting to the end of it's useful life as holes are getting a bit oval and the thing is a bit wobbly and so on. So... I need to replace this Quickie 2 but with what?

I have identified couple of Kuschall models, the Champ and the Compact as possible replacements and am off to them on Monday; I haven't done more than look at the Internet for these. The question is how good these are so I am wondering if anyone here has one of these would care to comment on their experience.

There is, of course, the Quickie 2, but it is a bit old and a bit heavy. THe Quickie Neon looks the part but the frame is only warranted for 5 years instead of for life.

I would be very grateful for any information you can give about these chairs as buying is a rather worrying time. Any other suggestions would be handy too!

Edited by wheels5894, 16 June 2007 - 03:07 PM.

[meeklo]

Im fairly new to being paralyzed but i had a kuschall for a week or two while in rehab to see if i might like it....they arent that great.My therapists said even if i liked it he wouldnt order it for me.I am 25 and like to get out even though its not as much as i should but ill go off curbs and stairs and apparently kuschalls are pretty weak.it folded so transporting it wasnt as much a deal but id rather go with something rigid and not that brand.I have medi cal and they didnt give me the chair i ordered anyhow so i have a quickie gt....i like the frame shape but am getting the titanium version pretty soon.

[milosh]

consider kuschall champion or quickie revolution.

[stef01be]

i've got a Küschall Airlite Pro. Full titanium rigid frame thingy.
It's tiny, agile, lightweight... and I think it looks cool and kinda hi-tech in the chrome version.
Been using it for a year and a half now and I LOVE it.
I got the spinergy wheels with it and they're great.

Only drawback I see is due to the way the frame is built, the brakes are kinda far away but while that's a problem for me, being a quad, I've heard para's love this feature ecause they don't break their fingers on them while wheeling at full-speed.

I'd say try to get some different rands/models to try out before you decide.

Good luck shopping for the perfect set of wheels.
S.

[axl from down under]

One word for Kuschall - EXCELLENT

I originally purchased mine in 1997 (the first Champion 2000) rigid chair, only 11kgs with the wheels on AND I am still using it!.

I have had no problems with it at all- still all original parts except for tyres and some spokes replaced. I'm about to try and get a new one - the new folding Champion probably.

The other chairs I had before the Kuschall were not as comfortable and reliable as my current chair- probably why I've had it so long, since nothing has ever gone wrong with- a true testiment to how reliable it is.

Good luck with it, I know its a worrying time- just as stressful as buying a house

Tanya

[Texaswheelz]

I've had a Quickie, E&J, Kushal, Invacare and now my TiLite and I all say for certain that I'll stick with Ti in the future. Easily the lightest and best made and riding chair I've ever been in. Are you loooking only at a folding chair? They have one that is like 21lbs and would be what I would want if I didn't use a rigid. Check out the Tilite X, TX or SX.

Also there is a web site that has Reviews of chairs and has quite a few on it. You can read what other users have said about different chairs and leave your own reviews if you wish. You can find it at http://usatechguide.org/reviews.php

Edited by Texaswheelz, 18 June 2007 - 08:27 PM.

[wheels5894]

Thanks for the advice, Texas. Sadly the Tilite range are VERY expensive here in the UK so really the only way is to import from somewhere like Sportaid in the US. I'll have to try the Tilite out somwhere and see if import is possible.

[COOL Mobility]

Have a friend in Europe who has an old Kuschall Champion he travels with that he claims he has used for 14 years and he is a para and pushes that chair hard (and ot looks it scratched up severely but still solid). His other chair is a new Champion carbon and he loves that even more. Another mate in Hungary (para) loves his carbon too.

I bought one too and like the look but find changing it (bought it off ebay and needed to make new seat and back and handle heights, after I adjusted width) to suit my needs has taken time but very well made and solid. Looks very cool and folds very easily even for a quad. Worth the money.

[justin]

i have a kuschall airlite and it great it my first chair and has gone threw some beating with me trust me i would deffently get another 1 any day

[wheels5894]

update on my search for a wheelchair.

I have since look at Cyclone as well as seeing RGK in the winter. I contacted MBees and went to see their recommendation, and Russ' as well, the Quickie Ti. Well, i was astounded by the weight, the ease of use and the build quality; the welds do seem amazing without any of the usual excess solder around. They are all made in Fresno in Florida.

So that's it! Search is over and I shall soon be rolling in Titanium. The reduced weight will be great for my shoulders and arms; 24 years takes their toll you know. I'll post a picture later though you will know how they look already.

Oh, finally, MBees calls itself 'Discount Wheelchairs' for a reason. They are the only company I have tried that offers a significant discount. Everyone else wants the list price. If you are looking for wheelchairs, give them a ring, and I am NOT getting commission, they are just good.

Edited by wheels5894, 16 July 2007 - 11:26 AM.

[glamisgirl]

I have a Kuschall airlite, it's the only chair I've owned, so i don't have anything to compair it too, but i like it.