#currently looking at the tilite aero z

[sam-the-pancake]

Thank you to my autistic coworker who said congrats on the new mobility aid when i told them I'm getting a wheelchair, unlike every other coworker who's been weird about it. I thought allistics were supposed to be good at reading emotions and body language. I know I don't usually emote "right" but is it not clear that I'm happy about this?

[wheelie-sick]

Ough!!! I love the pride wheelchair! (Currently looking at getting the same model or a different permobil) is it good? I've never gotten a custom fitted chair before so idk how to judge them

overall: yes, absolutely. there's a reason my model of wheelchair (TiLite Aero Z) is so popular

....but when you break it down it's a little more complicated

custom chairs don't really just come as a model, they come as a model with dozens of different options to choose from. every part of this chair can be customized. there are parts of my chair I love and parts of my chair I plan on changing.

footplate (angle adjustable aluminum): I don't really have many complaints about my footplate. it was initially set at an angle that caused my legs to regularly rattle off of it so I was very happy to have the angle adjustment ability. this footplate is also height adjustable, my footplate came too low so I had to raise it slightly. my only complaint is that my footplate tends to slip if I use it to step into my chair so I have to transfer without bearing weight on it.

seat cushion (comfort curve): this cushion is awful, it's a solid brick of foam and has given me many pressure sores. it's also a very sweaty cushion. I'm planning on switching to a stimulite cushion.

wheels (whatever the default wheels are): they're useable but when combined with solid rubber tires each wheel weighs 6lbs making the wheels over a third of the weight of my chair. in an ideal world I'd switch to spinergy wheels but I don't have that kind of money LOL

tires (primo solid tires): these last forever but don't have much grip so they're prone to skidding. I'm switching to shox solid wheelchair tires.

push rims (default metal): I'm okay with my push rims but they're very slippery and pretty much require wheelchair gloves to use. they also get cold very quickly. I'd certainly prefer natural fit push rims

clothing guards (aluminum): honestly these are a necessity. they keep my clothing clean and out of the wheels and they're very cozy. would recommend.

arm rests (tubular swing away arm rests): don't let custom wheelchair Tumblr tell you that arm rests just get in the way and serve no purpose because I love mine. they don't get in the way at all, they give me a nice spot to rest my arms (that isn't on my wheels which can lead to broken fingers if someone pushes you), they make transferring easier (especially important since I can't step on my footplate), and they offer a way to relieve pressure so I don't develop pressure sores. they're made with very comfortable materials. I love them. I'd strongly recommend them, you can always take them off if you decide you don't like them.

backrest (varlite icon low back system): actually my favorite part of my chair. this backrest is infinitely adjustable (height, depth, angle, left-right, firmness of the cushion, etc.) so you can create the most comfortable backrest possible. I adore mine, it does so much for my back pain.

push handles (integrated): I was originally supposed to have flip down push handles but they fucked up my order form. I was initially upset about it but they explained that one of the benefits was that I could use a wheelchair backpack without flipping the handles down in the process. I'm not totally sure that makes up for it but I actually haven't had many problems with my push handles (in part because I have a low backrest)

some of these things were upgrades and therefore require justification (assuming you're going through insurance)