Ultralight Carbon Fiber Wheelchair comparison - Panthera vs Apex

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  • čas přidán 30. 07. 2024
  • video to show comparison of two carbon fiber wheelchairs. Panthera and Apex wheelchairs

Komentáře • 63

  • @Hobbsthetiger
    @Hobbsthetiger Před 3 lety +2

    Awesome video! Not very many videos like this out there, keep it up!

  • @paralifetv-youreverydaywhe8314

    Hello, New Subscriber here. Thanks for the video! I got an Apex C about 5 months ago. Very happy with it so far. I'm a heavy user, put a lot of miles on my chairs and it is holding up really well.

  • @user-uo5fy5ur3c
    @user-uo5fy5ur3c Před 2 lety +4

    Nicely done John and Thank You for your service. I have a Panthera, which was bought for me when Delta crushed my Quickie Ti chair. It's light, but the front bend is about 80 degrees, maybe 75 degrees, so I can't get my feet back far enough, nor can I get close enough to anything without the "chopper" effect front end hitting everything. All of my newer chairs have a 85/90 degree bend in the front. The Panthera is meant to be adjustable to a specific person by adjusting the upholstery. The chair is super light, but because its so far off from me being able to use it, it sits over in the corner collecting dust. Pretty expensive dust collector $10,000 US. I am in the process of ordering an Apex C. Thank you for pointing out the weights. I have a Quickie Ti chair that is lighter 16W x 15D, short squeezed frame, no brakes no nothing except casters, frame, rear wheels and a ROHO. From what you are saying my current Quickie Ti will weigh less than the Apex C chair. I'm all about "weight." After 30 years of transferring into a car or SUV, when I grab the frame of the chair to put it behind me, even 1 pound is noticeable. For anyone newer to chair use, you will break-down your chair thousands of times. Buy a chair that works for YOU Lighter is always better, at least if you are a low-level para....T12/L1. When reaching outside your vehicle to grab your chair frame.....lighter is always better. It will put stress on your shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, so the heavier it weighs, the more you will struggle, and potentially damage your body. When I was younger, I'm 50 now, I was fine, but over time......3 elbow surgeries, 4 hand surgeries, rotator cuff......blah blah.....buy as light as you can afford. Also, Nice collection of chairs John!

    • @concernedcitizen8133
      @concernedcitizen8133 Před 9 měsíci

      How's your Apex C? I'm using Tilite ZRA now but looking into something lighter, possibly Panthera but after you pointed out the front bend able issue, I'm not sure now. Wonder if that can be ordered to have 85 or 90 degree bend.

  • @snoopu2601
    @snoopu2601 Před rokem +1

    Thanks very much for sharing the two option in wheelchairs. I do like the 2nd chair a little more the seat I can find some very light sold carbon fiber glass that could work? I'm pretty active in building stuff so any wheelchair I use will look pretty used after 6 months of working. Unless I get two chairs one for work and one for party chair but that's not likely once I'm in my chair and feel comfortable in it that's my chair like a pair of shoes you have to break them in to feel comfortable.

  • @DoncoDesigns
    @DoncoDesigns Před 3 lety +1

    Great video!!! Awesome presentation...and very informative.. thanks for sharing

  • @prestonpernell5266
    @prestonpernell5266 Před 2 lety +1

    I have a apex ultra light being made now can't wait

  • @ratfink13fan51
    @ratfink13fan51 Před rokem

    Thank you for sharing. Very helpful 😊

  • @robmanning4912
    @robmanning4912 Před 2 lety

    Great video. I'm thinking of getting a panthera X and I'm 6 foot one inch tall. Has anyone out there over 6 foot got one and how does it go for you. My concern is the lack of height adjustment and so I'm pushing with my elbows at 90 degrees rather than the preferred 60-70... Not even sure if this is an issue??? My quote was 14000 AUS. Kind of want to get IT right

  • @emilybarker3146
    @emilybarker3146 Před 2 lety

    The cat definitely added to the video

  • @petereriksson1390
    @petereriksson1390 Před 6 měsíci

    Hello friends out there! Im are a Panthera x user in Sweden. Yes the Panthera x is not cheap, but after 2 years of use it, my strongly recommendation is, if you can afford it, buy it! Simply as that! From Peter Eriksson Sweden Europe 😊😊😊!

  • @fasdude38
    @fasdude38 Před 8 měsíci

    I currently have an 2020 Apex carbon for my outdoor chair and a 2015 ZRA titanium as my indoor chair. They pretty much weigh the same except the weight distribution is different. They over-engineered the "clip on" caster arms. They are very beefy(too heavy in fact), and stick out too far. The width of my casters is the same as the rear wheels. More stable maybe, but I keep banging into stuff in tight areas. (I didn't order it that way, that's simply the way it was made.) Transfers are also a bit harder because I can't get the wheelchair as close. On the other hand the front of the ZRA is very light but the weight is distributed more evenly all over the chair. Both chairs costed close to $5800 CAD. I was expecting the Apex to be super light with my choices. It really isn't. In fact the lightest chair, I still have is the Top-end (Invacare now?) Terminator Titanium I bought over 20 years ago. It's all scratched up because I used to play wheelchair basketball with it, but with new bearings it rolls as good as my newer chairs. (I take care of my stuff!) It is extremely light on the front end, handles better and just plain easier to put in and take out of my car. I found one place in the US that still sells it--for $2579 USD.

  • @jamesbaldwin1617
    @jamesbaldwin1617 Před 11 měsíci

    Just bought a panthera x, extremely light, almost too light, especially if the backrest is as far back as it goes, had to move mine as far forward as it goes. The lightness makes going up steep hills nigh on impossible as you just tip. Also I'm used to a chair with an 8 degree camber, 2.2 on the panthera just isn't enough but that's personal preference. I think it would be better if they offered various camber options. All in all, I do like the chair but I think it's marketed solely on its lightness which can have it's downsides, especially given the cost. I could have spent 4k less and perhaps got something more practical for my needs

  • @JenDen9
    @JenDen9 Před 3 lety +2

    $8,000 for a wheelchair? That's insane! And he're I am with a couple of $150 walkers and a free transport chair sitting in my home hospice waiting for my brain cancer to finally kill me, hopefully sooner rather than later.

  • @mlp1701
    @mlp1701 Před 2 lety

    how many inches are the front wheels of the chair

  • @hillbillytc5653
    @hillbillytc5653 Před 3 lety

    It is made by RGK and they are about 4k US, they are very custom one of the lightest chairs in the market our NSM store near you can show you one or spec you out for one.

    • @neemafastcat
      @neemafastcat  Před 3 lety

      Internet shows Starting at $7000 in the US

  • @Zivbenishay
    @Zivbenishay Před 3 lety

    Can I change the back of the Panthera?

  • @thestretch
    @thestretch Před 3 lety

    Hi. Thanks for the vid! I'm new to this. I'm curious: obviously lighter is better for transporting the chair etc., but are there other advantages/disadvantages to lightness in terms of mobility? For my purposes, it would be for my wife who has MS, which means her legs work, but she's generally weak so would need assistance (i.e. being pushed).

    • @neemafastcat
      @neemafastcat  Před 3 lety +1

      In my eyes, the biggest benefit for lightweight is for when the chair user has to transfer the chair into a car. That is when the person is actually picking up the weight of the wheels and frame. At that point, an extra 5-8 pounds makes a big difference. When an able-body male is helping with the chair, weight may not be as big of an issue. Be sure that the chair you decide on has good push handles for you to help your wife with any curbs or steps. If she has leg movement, you may want a chair that has removeable foot rests. As for pushing the chair, the weight can be noticeable but a few pounds heavier in pushing is not an issue for most. There are so many chairs to chose from out there so do your homework and get the right one for you and her.

    • @thestretch
      @thestretch Před 3 lety

      @@neemafastcat thank you so much

  • @BasicParaStuffwithCoachVic

    How do you like theQ7? (That’s what you were sitting in, correct) I see Quickie has two new models out. I used Quickie for 25 years, and recently, Tilite for the last 5. ‘Might be going back to Quickie. Wasn’t happy with tilite. I sooo dislike the caster placements on the newer chairs. Nice review.

    • @neemafastcat
      @neemafastcat  Před 3 lety

      I like the Q7. Very light and compact. I do not use it daily as I normally keep it stored in my motorcycle trailer and use it only when I take the bike out.

  • @The_Golem_78
    @The_Golem_78 Před rokem

    What about wear on the carbon fiber?
    When I get into and out of my car, I put the front of the frame on the ground and spin the chair to put the tires on. I had the Quickie A4 in the past, and it had oval aluminum tubing instead of round tubing like most chairs, and they were able to cut the weight by making the tube walls thinner. The problem that I had with it is that over time the way I put my tires on and off, the tubing wore through and I had to get it welded at a local welding shop.
    This happened where the orange part is on the Apex chair in your video. Right where the foremost tube bends over to the seat.
    Would the way that I swivel my chair around cause excessive wear to the Apex? Enough to wear through the frame?
    ...and what is that orange piece? Is that a guard so that what I'm asking about doesn't happen?

    • @fasdude38
      @fasdude38 Před 8 měsíci

      Hi there. All you need to do is change your technique. Stand your chair up on front of the footplate, as you pop the rear wheels off. You can even lean it on the car door, while you are putting the rear wheels in the car. The rest of the procedure I'm sure you can figure out. With my Apex C wheelchair, I can actually balance the frame (without the rear wheels) on the front foot plate and the casters if it's not windy. There is no need to scuff up the whole front side of your wheelchair.

  • @jkinney5
    @jkinney5 Před rokem

    Thanks for the review! Which wheels and handrims do you use on the Apex C? I'm going to order an Apex C and am leaning toward the Spinergy CLX wheels with the TC stainless steel handrims.

    • @neemafastcat
      @neemafastcat  Před rokem

      It has been so long, I do not recall what option I selected on the wheels and handrims.

  • @dayleerickson4554
    @dayleerickson4554 Před 3 měsíci

    Hi, From Melbourne, Florida.. I really liked your video, you gave a really good explanation of both chairs. Some features of the chairs and their weights. I’m really glad you added the cost or price in with your video. I’m retired & a little older than you. I have neuropathy and it’s getting just a little worse. I’m kinda new to wheelchairs, but I think I’m looking for an ultralight wheelchair that I can use a smart drive with. I would like to take it on an airplane with me. I sometimes fly several times a year. Do you have an opinion about the Smart Drive Power Assist. Do you or anyone else have any opinions and what I’m trying to do or advice…. Thanks from everybody and keep up the good videos. I always liked lots of details..

    • @neemafastcat
      @neemafastcat  Před 2 měsíci

      Being that you travel a good deal, I would suggest to keep the chair to a minimal width. Do not get more than 2 degrees of camber. Getting on and off planes and in and out of public bathrooms and stalls, you will want to keep your chair as skinny as possible. I have no experience with Smart Drive so I cannot offer any advice on that subject.

  • @olms82
    @olms82 Před 2 měsíci

    Hi John, great video. I'm new to paraplegia and find your videos excellent for someone to learn from. What is the wheelchair your in during the video. Any preference of titanium and carbon fibre?

    • @neemafastcat
      @neemafastcat  Před 2 měsíci +1

      Glad to hear the videos can help you. In the video, I am sitting in a Quickie Q7. I do not have a preference of Carbon Fiber or Titanium. I usually go for anything light weight that I like the look of and that has some adjustability so I can make it a perfect fit. If you have to tear down the chair often to place it in your car, then you may want to make the weight a priority.

  • @user-vi7xl1fo2l
    @user-vi7xl1fo2l Před 3 lety +1

    FYI the rigid seat is available on the Panthera X in 2 possible thicknesses. It's a carbon fiber plate that you can even easily add to an X that you already have. On the X you do not adjust the position of the rear wheels, you adjust the position of the backrest on the frame. But it IS adjustable. The seat upholstery is also adjustable, so you can lower the back a bit if you need. When you plug the sideguards, make sure that the alu part is outside, clamped to the seat, to have the best position.

    • @neemafastcat
      @neemafastcat  Před 3 lety

      Great to know that you can get the rigid seat now. Will have to reach out to Panthera because that is a great option to have.

  • @pintaalexandru3148
    @pintaalexandru3148 Před rokem

    Sunt interesat de un astfel de scaun foarte usor. Sunt din Romania si am o amputatie dubla. Unde gasesc o adresa la care sa comand?

  • @sbolger5336
    @sbolger5336 Před 3 lety

    How is the ride quality? I understand carbon can be unforgiving and a rougher ride compared to titanium (which supposedly absorbs shocks) Thanks for the video!

    • @neemafastcat
      @neemafastcat  Před 3 lety

      If worried about the ride, I think I would consider the tires you use. If you had exact same tires and wheels on each, I dont think you could tell the difference in which of the two frames was used.

    • @fasdude38
      @fasdude38 Před 8 měsíci

      @@neemafastcat Agreed. I see no difference.

  • @pranj-sd5hq
    @pranj-sd5hq Před měsícem

    can you please talk about how you have a "dump" on your wheelchairs? The seats are angled up so you kind of are tucked in the chair in a cozy way... does this help you sit up and with your posture at all?

    • @neemafastcat
      @neemafastcat  Před 29 dny

      Yes, that angle is intentional ( I always called it "crunch"). By setting the rear lower, it does make you sit up more straight, makes it easier to push, makes it easier to hold your balance, puts less pressure on your backrest. The only downside is when you need to carry things on your lap and it is not level. If you have the ability to change your chair like this, I suggest you make the change to try it. The change it to be even more crunch than that and see if you like that better.

    • @pranj-sd5hq
      @pranj-sd5hq Před 29 dny

      @@neemafastcat thanks so much for your reply, I am a C6-C7 quad and have horrible back pain from sitting in my manual wheelchair for 5 years with a huge slouch. I dont have any trunk control so I slide my butt out in order to get more control and due to this the pain is getting out of hand. When I am sitting in my chair I am constantly feeling like im going to fall forward and then I slouch so and my back pain begins immediately.. only solution I have not tried is a wheelchair dump or crunch as you call it so I have an appointment tomorrow with my wheelchair technician and im going to see if he can let me test the "dump" to see if it helps me stablize + relieve my back pain

  • @poppew
    @poppew Před 2 měsíci

    How has your Apex C chair performed over the last few years? Is it holding up to heavy use?

    • @neemafastcat
      @neemafastcat  Před měsícem

      The Apex is my everyday chair and has been for a while. No issues at all. Going strong and very happy with it.

  • @aguieratouilboudo5615
    @aguieratouilboudo5615 Před 3 měsíci

    Je ne comprends pas votre langue, mais c'est comme ça 👍🏼👍🏼

  • @matthewstriet6993
    @matthewstriet6993 Před 2 lety

    Where did you get the solid seat sling for the apex?

    • @neemafastcat
      @neemafastcat  Před 2 lety

      When I ordered the chair, I asked APEX if they could put one on. The did not have it as a option item, but they said they could do one for me. If you are looking for a generic one that could fit most chairs, try Permobil web site and search for Solid Seat Pan. Link is here if it is still working: www.comfortcompany.com/product/Comfort%20Rehab/Wheelchair%20Cushions/Solid%20Seat%20Pan

  • @maylaimaylai4033
    @maylaimaylai4033 Před 2 lety

    Hi John..I'm interested to know more about apex w.chair..hiw can I get more detail where the shop at location?

    • @neemafastcat
      @neemafastcat  Před 2 lety +1

      You can go to sportaid.com and find them for direct sale. Search on Ultra light wheelchairs. Here is link, till it changes: www.sportaid.com/veloce-ultra-lightweight-folding-wheelchair.html

    • @maylaimaylai4033
      @maylaimaylai4033 Před 2 lety

      @@neemafastcat . Good👍, thank you for your respond.

    • @maylaimaylai4033
      @maylaimaylai4033 Před 2 lety

      hope that under the guidance of Mr John, I can choose a wheelchair that is truly satisfactory to me. I'm difficult to choosing what I want the weight wheelchair.

    • @maylaimaylai4033
      @maylaimaylai4033 Před 2 lety

      I am an accidentally disabled person and I have no feeling below the waist. Therefore, wheelchairs need handrails to be safer, as well as the distance and height of the wheelchair. I am driving myself.

  • @hillbillytc5653
    @hillbillytc5653 Před 3 lety

    Have you tried a Sub 4

    • @neemafastcat
      @neemafastcat  Před 3 lety

      I had not hear of it before but if you send me one, I will tell you how I like it.

  • @pinkladybikermamma3603

    BOGDLES MY MIND THAT WHEELCHAIRS COST MORE THAN A USED JUNKYARD TRUCK. I WENT FROM MIDDLE CLASS DOWN TO BELOW POVERTY LEVEL AND NO INSURANCE COMPANY WOULD SPOT ME EVEN AN ARCHAIC WHEELCHAIR, AFTER MY ACCIDENT. I FINALLY GOT ONE FROM THE AMERICAN LEGION. SEMPER FIDELIS FAMILY. BY THE WAY NICE RIG AND DIFFERENCE VIDEO.

  • @morgancalvi6675
    @morgancalvi6675 Před 3 lety

    They have hard pan seat bottoms...not the boards that go under your cushion...flat pan seat bottoms www.comfortcompany.com/product/Comfort%20Rehab/Wheelchair%20Cushions/Solid%20Seat%20Pan. I don't like the cloth seats AT ALL because after a few months, there is no support. $8,500? Someone saw you coming...the side guards aren't even the right shape. They are supposed to curve around the tire. My Karman S-ERGO ATX (AKA a piece of poop) weighs around 14 pounds and was less than $1,500.00 I'm personally surprised the Apex let you add inches beyond the seat because the set needs to end where the legs bend...or else there can be a pressure sore problem. I do like the reflectors or lights on the bar across the back of the Apex chair. Do you have a link for those?

  • @JahJJMac
    @JahJJMac Před 3 lety +1

    panthera X has a transport weight of 2.1kg
    Your MC Apex looks like the aluminum frame with carbon fibre seat back posts which is not true comparison as it’s the Apex A , not the Apex C

    • @jkinney5
      @jkinney5 Před rokem

      I'm pretty sure he knows which Apex chair he bought.

    • @fasdude38
      @fasdude38 Před 8 měsíci

      Wrong. The Apex C has a sharp almost 90 degree front angle, whereas the Apex A has a more gradual curve downwards because it's just regular bent aluminium tubing..

  • @marcofacen9564
    @marcofacen9564 Před 4 měsíci

    the weight info is wrong. Horribly wrong. 2.1 kg min. for the chair is just half of what you claim. Wheels are more difficult to tell, as they can be customized. But if you take the lightest options, you are at 6gk and some grams for the panthera x.

  • @brin57
    @brin57 Před rokem

    I feel the Panthera is quite beautiful asthetically, but the design geometry is very dated and with limited options. The Apex is just ugly. They need to spend more money on their design team. The Q7 you're sitting in, to me is what I'd choose out of the 3. I would love to see Panthera add a 3rd frame option that is shorter and more upright. It's way too long for me.

  • @duffnugg5810
    @duffnugg5810 Před 3 lety

    Apex is a garbage chair coming from a ti Light

    • @Sid-xh6so
      @Sid-xh6so Před 3 lety +1

      Why u think the apex is trash