Thinking of my next chair, and have not found many models that would fit my needs apart from the Permobil M400. I have also read up about the Sunrise Medical Jive M Black Edition and the TDX 2 Ultra. Have any of you got/ tried any of these chairs, and how would you rate them? In the online research I've done, the TDX 2 Ultra is the same as the chair I have now, but has 20 degrees more tilt available (50 as opposed to the 30 I have), plus full recline.
It has a wider base than my chair, at 65cm wide vs the 61cm of mine. It has larger batteries too. I very nearly bought the TDX 2 then tried the narrower base, and the narrow base chair fits my current home environment better- the wider base would have been too wide.
I wrote on this forum (Everything Powerchair section) about my experience with trialling the version of the Jive M that came out before the Black Edition I have compared the previous Jive M with the Black Edition, and apart from aesthetics, it seems there's little difference between the two. I know someone who has the Black Edition but she seems reluctant to tell me about the chair or what it is like to use, given my trial of the original Jive M was cut short due to flat batteries. Her attitude is this although I asked out of interest and have know her years.
One reason I am reluctant to consider the TDX 2 or the TDX2 Ultra aside from the frame width is that seating options are limited, with the frame built to the sizes of Matrx seating, although other cushions can be used. I have ruled out Matrx seating for me, as their cushions are low profile foam and gel, and I feel uncomfortable with that type of cushion. I have not felt comfortable or well supported with Matrx Deep backs and anything less contoured does not support me.
My number 1 would be the Permobil for speed options, positioning and seating options (different seating can be used.) I see Permobil charges for things other brands do not, eg calf pads, but have heard the durability and quality of Permobil is far superior to any other brands. Many technicians have confirmed this, and the reason I don't have a Permobil is the cost.
Interested as to what advice you have. My diagnosis is spastic quad CP plus hydrocephalus.