Crutches- Latest Generation Ergobaum by Ergoactives. 1 Pair of The "Pain Reduction" Crutches

Full and fair disclosure. Ergobaum contacted me prior to submitting a review. When I mentioned several of the issues with this product. The manufacturer acknowledge the issues and requested I return the product in exchange for the "latest generation" which they assured me corrected all these issues and they had perfected the crutch. They asked me not to review at all unless I was willing to give them a 5 star review. I wasn't adverse to this exchange option at first, but when I questioned why they would continue selling the previous generation, with issues they acknowledged, as opposed to simply removing bad stock and replacing them with the newest generation. I received no reply. I would rather keep my product with it's flaws and edify other potential consumers and save them some of the hassle of finding defects and having to go through the exchange process to get the "latest generation". But in fairness the manufacturer will offer to do so if you agree to provide a 5 star review.The Pros:- The metal and hard plastic portions seem durable and we'll constructed.- The reflector on the handle and reflective tape on tape along the forearm brace are very bright and will provide for high visibility with night use.- The tip of the crutch offers good slip resistance and lots of flexibility for various gaits.- The beeper feature is handy for use in public, especially in places like store aisles where you may need to get someone's attention to let you pass by.- The hand grip adjusts easily with a convenient screw on the back which you can adjust with just your hand.The Cons:- The shock absorbers are extremely noisy. Every step sounds like a rusty gate swinging on it's hinges.- The knee rest only has 7 positions to adjust. You may find like I did that one is too high while the next is too low. I corrected this with some foam rubber underneath the the pad. Be aware that the knee rests do not quick adjust and will require some assembly with a screwdriver. Also once in place it will effect your ability to adjust the length of the crutch. Make sure you have your crutch adjusted to the right length before adjusting the knee rest. On the plus side you can also just remove the knee rest if you don't need it. This is what I did on my left crutch.- The LED lights simply do not put off enough light for their intended use of lighting the path in front of the user. Installation of the provided batteries is very difficult and frustrating. However; if using at night in public they do add another level of visibility for other pedestrians.- The hand grips are meant for one size fits all. However; I found issues with the raised thumb guard. I don't know if the latest generation corrects this.- My biggest issue is the forearm braces. Where everything else seems sturdy these are rather flimsy. While this does offer some give with each step, I think making these more sturdy and adjustable like the handles would serve better. I've noticed pain in my biceps and elbow after prolonged use which I would place as their inability to adjust. The padding inside both braces is very loosely adhered, I found mine actually fell off on one crutch and needed re-glued. I went ahead and did the same on the other crutch to insure it wouldn't happen to that side either. Also the adjustable straps are difficult and frustrating to adjust, this may be corrected with the latest generation, but I think there has to be a better option for adjustment.Fortunately, I only need these for 6-9 weeks and my insurer reimbursed me for my purchase. Like I said all the features are great in concept, it just seems the execution is lacking (but again the "newest generation") might correct these issues.So while these are a better alternative to the bare bones crutches, with so many flaws I don't know if it warrants the price point, unless you can get them to send you the latest generation right off the bat. I would especially exercise caution for anybody who might need to use these for long-term use. You may want to see if you can find someone with a pair to try first before plunging in headlong and going through the exchange and refund process. Just my thoughts.

I have wanted this type of crutches for quite awhile. I didn't buy them because I thought they were expensive. The cost is nothing compared to how I feel when I use them. Without them I couldn't walk 20 feet without feeling that my legs would giveout and down I would go. They would get so weak and burn and hurt and at times they would vibrate. It is a horrible feeling that I would fall at any second. I have had 7 spine surgeries, 2 knee replacements with three additional surgeries on my right knee because of a nasty infection after the initial surgery. The infection caused my right knee to split wide open. I also had 2 right hip replacement surgeries (the first replacement failed). After all of that I was warned not to fall. Because of my age my bones are thin. If I fall and break my right leg I am in trouble. I am not sure if the leg would be repairable. When I saw this brand of crutches I ordered them with no worry about the cost. It wasn't until after I received them that I realized just how safe they are, how well made they are, all of the safety features that have really put my mind at ease. The product is more than worth the cost of $189. That amounts to 26 cents per day over a 2 year period and a mier 10 cents over a 5 year period and 5 cents over 10 years and on and on I am held up with no worry of defect. This pair of crutches has so many great features. My husband has had to pick me up from falling so many times. I am beyond confident with these I WILL NEVER FALL WHILE WALKING WITH THESE. THEY ARE THAT GOOD !!!!!

Latest Generation Ergobaum By Ergoactives.Above knee amputee here for 47 years. I use crutches only when not wearing a prosthetic leg. Previously used the popular axillary crutches, so I was a pro at them. However, I developed the bad habit of leaning on the crutches to perform basic activities of daily living, which is detrimental to the upper back, shoulders, and brachial plexus.I became interested in these crutches because they fold, so therefore can fit into my 26”suitcase for travel.Pros1. They fit into my luggage2. They are equipped with lights which are very valuable when getting up at night- particularly when staying in a hotel.3. They are equipped with a horn, which might come in handy if God forbid, I fall, and need to summon help.Cons1. Price point2. Knee rest should be optional, which “could” potentially decrease the price point when they aren’t needed (my case 3. Not adjustable to my height without removing the knee rests.I would recommend this product with one precaution- The learning curve. Be prepared to take your time learning to find your center of gravity. Especially if you are a longterm user of axillary crutches.The adjustment of the crutch height and balance on these crutches is quite different, but entirely do-able.

After losing my legs again and having another spinal surgery. I have used these to relearning how to walk again. They are very sturdy and allow me to maintain balance well. I can use them without the fear of falling unlike using a framed Walker. Well worth the money!!