What a lifesaver!
UPDATE:  So I've had my forearm crutches for a few years now, and I still couldn't be happier with them.  Like I mentioned wanting to do in my original review (below), I have purchased a second pair.  I noticed that the thickness of the soles of my shoes made a real difference in how I set the adjustable height of these crutches.  I'm mostly barefoot in the house, but when I go outside I wear running shoes (for their thick impact-absorbing sole that makes walking easier on my back).  Since the soles of the shoes are nearly an inch thick, it only made sense to adjust my crutches an extra inch every time I put my shoes on.  And while these crutches can certain do that, I just found it more convenient to order a second pair, and keep them at that "higher" setting.  So I use my original pair of crutches when I'm barefoot, and use my new pair when I'm wearing shoes.  It really seems to make a difference for me.  Plus, I like the piece of mind of having a second pair, in case anything happens to the first pair (not that I've had any trouble from my crutches, but when you're talking about your ability to walk, it's better to be safe than sorry).  I still have no regrets about my purchase.  And the next time I decide I need another pair of forearm crutches, I will return to this brand and model once again.  The only complaint that I still have (as mentioned in my original review below), is it is almost impossible to find replacement rubber tips that are of the amazing quality that these crutches come with; at least at a price that doesn't rival just buying a whole new pair of crutches.  So I've taken to just buying normal tips for my "around the house" pair of crutches, and I just plan on buying a whole new pair of crutches the next time my "outside" crutches need new tips.  After all, these crutches really aren't very expensive at all.<br /><br />I should also mention that I recently flew across country with these crutches, and they collapsed to a manageable size while in flight.  Some airlines allowed me to keep them between my chair and the bulkhead, while others required that I put them in the overhead compartment.  But regardless, I was very happy with how well they traveled.<br /><br />And their durability is fantastic.  They have never failed me in over three years.<br /><br />I still whole-heartedly recommend this product!<br /><br />ORIGINAL POST:<br /><br />What a fantastic product!<br /><br />After a car-accident-induced spinal injury, I've had varying mobility issues.  After many spinal surgeries, I spent time going from a wheel chair, to a walker, then using a cane for quite some time.  But lately, my condition has degraded, and I needed more support than a simple cane.  But I also didn't feel I needed to go back to a walker quite yet.<br /><br />Enter the forearm canes.  My goodness, what a difference!  They really allow me to take the weight off of my lower back when walking, and have drastically increased my ability to walk; allowing me to walk faster and farther than I've been able to in years.  And the stability and reliability that these forearm canes provide (as opposed to a standard walking cane) cannot be measured.  They really do make me feel more balanced and secure.  By using two points of contact (a cuff around your forearm and the grip of your hand) your arm is locked into parallel with the cane, which means you don't have to "balance" your weight using only your wrist on top of a wobbly cane.  This allows you to securely put more of your weight on the forearm cane than you could reasonably do with a standard walking cane.  The stability factor of a forearm cane, as compared to a standard cane cannot be measured.  I would say its stability is comparable to using crutches, only with much less awkward cumbersomeness that comes with full crutches.<br /><br />Previously, I hadn't ever considered forearm canes, as they seemed too expensive.  But as always, Amazon came to the rescue with prices that couldn't be beat.<br /><br />This product has a long list of pros that have been covered by other reviewers nicely.  So I will do my best to list the ones that are most important to me.<br />-This is a very well-made product.  Strong and secure, I feel confident using this product.  I am well over six feet tall, and weigh around 250lbs., and need these canes to hold my weight with each step I take.  And they do not disappoint.  They're one of the few things I don't have to worry about when I venture out my door.<br />-Unique to this product, the manufacturers have used nylon bushing-washers at all of the adjustment points.  These serve to quiet the sqeaking sounds that are common with adjustable canes and crutches.  At first, I didn't really think this was much of a big deal, but now able to compare, I find this idea to be one of life's little gifts.  Kudos to the manufacturers!<br />-Unlike most forearm canes, these ones allow you to not only adjust the length of the cane, but also to adjust the distance between the handle and the forearm "cuff".  Until I had the ability to make this adjustment, I never really knew how much of a difference this can make.  And now, I would never use a forearm cane that didn't offer this ability.<br />-These canes came with a unique, large "footed" tip, that has improved traction substantially over other canes and crutches that I have used.  The one downside (which I mention in greater detail in the "cons" section) is finding replacement tips.  But after using these oversized tips, I won't go back to using "regular" tips.<br /><br />The only cons I can come up with are negligible (at least to me).<br />-First off, these forearm canes are a bit on the heavy side.  But I compare this to the weight of a regular cane.  I'd say their weight is in the ballpark of regular crutches, probably a little less.  However, noting my height/weight above, and needing these canes to hold my entire weight reliably with each step, I would expect them to have a "sturdy" weight/feel to them.  Anything less and I would probably have my doubts as to their reliability.  If you need something that can reliably take your weight with every step, this is your product.  However, if we're talking about an 80 year old user (where the weight of the device is more important than its ability support weight), then you might want to look at a product that sacrifices stability/reliability in favor of being lighter and easier to maneuver.  As with any product, always consider the target audience.<br />-Secondly, (and this is really a minor issue), the canes have a beautiful chrome looking finish to them (I believe it's actually nickel).  But I've found that it's easily scratched; mostly from banging into each other when I put them down, or stow them when I get into the car.  After many month's use, the finish on my canes is seriously marred, which detracts from the looks a little.  But in reality, they should be a convenient medical assistive device first, and a fashion statement second (if even that).  So I'm not really complaining.  But if the manufacturers were looking for a way to improve their already great product, then I would recommend a more sturdy finish.  Something that can really stand up to the rigors of life.<br />-Third (and also a minor issue), when I recieved my canes, one of the nuts that compresses the nylon washer (that in turn, cuts down on the squeaking noises) arrived stripped, making it uesless.  This wasn't enough of an issue to write to the manufacturer to ask for a replacement.  Although, the prodcut did come with a warranty card that suggested that this kind of issue would be covered by the warranty.  I simply swapped the nut with one from the top of the forearm area (where it was less important), and that mostly took care of the issue.<br />-After many months of use, I'm finding that the rubber coating on the forearm "cuffs" is beginning to wear away at the edges, exposing the metal below it.  I can't really fault the manufacturer for this.  It's really just normal wear and tear.  In other reviews, some people have mentioned that they use "after market" covers on their cuffs.  I'm toying with the idea of buying a can of that liquid rubber substance that you use to apply a rubber coating to the handle of your shop tools.  Perhaps that product can be used to apply a new coat of rubber to the cuffs of my canes.<br />-The canes can be a bit difficult to stow in your car while driving.  Luckily, I drive a large SUV (mostly for the comfortable air-ride suspension that makes bumps easier on my back), and I've perfected a way of securing them between the passenger's seat and the center consol.  But for folks with a smaller car, it may be difficult finding a place to safely stow forearm canes or crutches. Having been in a serious car accident, I'm always mindful of how objects can become flying missiles during a car accident.  So be sure to find some place safe and secure to stow these guys while you're on the road.<br />-Even with the nylon bushings, there are still some ocassional sqeaks every now and then.  I find that a little baby powder to the right places usually takes care of this.  I wouldn't recommend WD-40 or any like lubricant, and it can react poorly with the nylon, plastic, and rubber parts of the product.  (Plus, who wants to smell that all the time?)<br />-The only real issue of note, is that I'm having a difficult time finding replacement tips at a good price.  These canes came with an unique tip that I've never seen before.  It's quite large and very stable.  But the only replacement tips even close to this style (that I can find online) are around $20 EACH.  At that price, it would be near the same cost to just order another pair of canes here.  I'll post an update if I find a better deal on replacement tips.<br /><br />Some other reviewers have made mention of the handles being too hard.  I haven't had an issue with this, and I've spent a lot of time on my forearm canes.  So to each their own.  Personally, I don't care for the soft rubberized handles that some canes and crutches come with, as I find it deteriorates quickly and over-all becomes more of a problem than a solution.  I feel that it's a benefit that these forearm canes do not come with a soft rubber handle, and instead come with a hard plastic handle.  This allows the option to add your own "after-market" rubberized grips, and the ability to replace them as they wear out; without makig it necessary to use the rubberized grips.  After all, how horrible would it be if your soft rubber grip started tearing away at a time when you couldn't replace it, and all you were left with was a metal bar to grip until you could get a replacement?  So I consider the hard plastic grips to be a benefit not a disadvantage.<br /><br />At some point, I plan to purchase a second set of forearm crutches for two reasons.<br />1) To have a second pair around as a back up, just in case anything happens to my current pair.<br />2) So I have a set that still has a nice, un-scratched surface, for those ocassions when appearances matter.<br />I have every intention of purchasing this same product when that time presents itself.<br /><br />Without any reservation I whole-heartedly recommend this product.
Rating: 5 stars