Originally submitted at 1-800-Wheelchair
The Invacare Tracer EX2 Manual Wheelchair sets the new standard in manual wheelchairs. 5 Year warranty on frame and crossbraces. Meets RESNA standards for manual wheelchairs in product performance.
Two cheap manufacturing defects
Pros: Comfortable
Cons: Poor Construction
Best Uses: Daily Use
Describe Yourself: Elderly, Long Term User
I have not one but TWO of these chairs, and spend all day in them. They missed getting a top rating for generally first-rate construction because of two chintzy defects. (Will the manufacturer read this review and take corrective action?)
1) The side fittings that the armrests slip into are made of cheap fiberglass or plastic instead of metal, and broke on BOTH of my wheelchairs. Worse, they break when you're using the armrests for support getting up, which can result in an accident!
I had to spend hours on the phone finding some way to order replacement fittings, which they charge an outrageous $12 each for. (And 1-800-wheelchairs will NOT help you on this.)
2) The vinyl covering the padded armrests is so thin that it will crack within a year of use and rub your forearms raw. (Click on the picture below to see how cheap it is.) I even special-ordered black fabric tape to fix them, but have given up and had to unscrew the pads permanently.
Contrary to another review, the seat is extremely comfortable, and all the other construction features are fine.
Unfortunately, this is an example of somebody at the manufacturing plant deciding to save a few pennies and sabotaging what could otherwise be a virtual Volkswagen of wheelchairs.
Cheap vinyl on armrests cracks
Tags: Picture of Product
(legalese)
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