TiLite ZRA Series 2

Configuring Parts For The TiLite ZRA Series 2

It is five o’clock now. That means I have been sitting here for the past ten hours fussing over the specification for the TiLite ZRA Series 2. Having decided on the measurements, now I am juggling the parts list to get the best bang for the buck. There are expensive performance parts that are esoteric and lighter and there are cheaper standard parts.

Should I opt for the Spinergy Light Extreme (US$589) over the Spinergy Spox Everyday (US$485)? Should I go for 5 X 1″ or 5 X 1.5″ front casters? If 5 X 1″, I have to decide whether I want the standard plastic wheel with poly tire at no charge or should I pay US$148 for the Performance 5 Spoke 2-Piece Billet Aluminium Wheel with Softroll Tire? If 5 x 1.5″, should I go for the Frog Legs Epic Aluminium Softroll (US$83) or the Lexan Softroll (US$38.99)?

I am trying to put together a ride that is within my budget and at the same time lightest possible. A light chair is easier on the hands, arms and shoulders when pushing. A good-fitting one improves sitting posture and prevent backaches. It also reduces the risk of repetitive stress injury which I am already suffering from for overworking my weak fingers on the mouse buttons.

I guess I will be still be here configuring the parts for the next few days, switching one for another, until I am absolutely satisfied that the final specifications fulfill my needs. I have never realised that buying a wheelchair can be such a complicated affair and that one can be built to exact specifications according to the user’s requirements. In this area, I have a lot more to learn.

Finalizing The TiLite ZRA Series 2 Measurements

I spent a good part of today going through the measurements of the wheelchair I am about to order after receiving feedback from specialists well-versed in customising wheelchairs in the CareCure forum. The specifications are close to being finalized. A big thank you to SCI_OTR and everyone who has given me valuable advice.

There are many factors to be considered to make a wheelchair good fitting and work like it should. The critical areas are seat depth, front and rear seat to floor heights, seat dump, seat back angle and centre of gravity. Each has to be right for me to be comfortably seated for the entire day, and for the chair to be well balanced and easy to push.

Most importantly, I need to get it right because it is going to cost me about US$3,000. The good thing about the TiLite ZRA Series 2 is that it is very adjustable. Minor mistakes in the measurements can be easily rectified. Still, I want it to be done properly in the factory to reduce the hassle of having to do adjustments it when it arrives.

Apart from the wheelchair, I am also ordering the Supracor Stimulite Classic cushion, an extra pair of wheels, spare spokes and inner tubes. The cushion is crucial for preventing pressure sores to the buttocks. The extra set of wheels is cheaper to buy separately than upgrading from the standard wheels provided with the chair.

I hope the TiLite ZRA Series 2 will last longer than the Max Pleasure Synergy that I have been using for the past three years. It will cost JPY25,000 to have the broken cross brace replaced, excluding shipping and other charges. This is equivalent to about RM970. I will just have the fractured tubed welded back later and use it as a spare chair.

Back in 2007, I blogged about getting my dream ride. I was deciding between the Kuschall Airlite Pro and the Invacare Top End Crossfire Titanium. In the end, I got the Matsunaga Max Pleasure Synergy GS-V instead. I settled on this Japanese-made aluminium folding wheelchair due to the fact that they had a local dealer who could take measurements and customise the chair to fit my body.

Matsunaga Max Pleasure Synergy GS-V.

The first chair that they delivered was too wide. I had problems going through doorways. I complained and it was replaced with a narrower chair. Having used it for more than two years, I quite like its maneuverability, how my body fits into it and how it improves my sitting posture. At 10kg, it is lighter than my previous chairs and easier for Wuan to lift up and store in the car boot.

Unfortunately, it began to squeak early this year. The seat does not fit snugly to the frame anymore and it tends to pull to the left when pushed. I cannot send it back to the local dealer for repairs as he is no longer in the wheelchair business. While looking for a wheelchair repairman who is familiar with this chair, I am going to get another one.

TiLite ZRA Series 2.
Image taken from TiLite.

This time, I am going for the TiLite ZRA Series 2. It is a rigid titanium frame wheelchair and weighs about 5kg without the rear wheels. I have never used a rigid wheelchair before but from what I read, the frame has less flex as compared to a folding one thus making it easier to push. Besides that, less moving parts translates to less wear and tear and less maintenance.

The TiLite ZRA Series 2 has to be ordered from one of the online stores in the USA. The frame itself costs USD1,895. The chair I configured with the parts I want is around RM13,000 inclusive of a suitable cushion and shipping. The other snag here is that I have to do my own measurements. I need to get it right else it will be a very expensive piece of living room décor. The good thing about the ZRA Series 2 it is adjustable to a certain degree should my measurements be marginally off.

My “TiLite ZRA Series 2 Wheelchair Fund” has only achieved one-third of the amount needed. I plan to place my order before the year is out. Hopefully, I do not need to dig into my savings to fund this ride by then. It may appear like a large amount to pay for a wheelchair but it is worth the money if properly tuned to fit my body. In the long run it will reduce repetitive strain injuries to my shoulders caused by pushing a badly fitted wheelchair.