My New Wheelchair: RGK vs Tilite Review

I finally got a new wheelchair after 12 long years! I was sitting in a dinosaur that was way past it's expiration.
In the past, I was never really involved in the wheelchair ordering process. I just let the occupational therapist and wheelchair vendor decide what I "needed" in terms of sizing and options on the wheelchair. This has resulted in every chair being too big, with backs that were too high for my level of injury, and too many accessories.
This time I wanted to be in the driver seat and so I did my research when deciding on the type of chair and made sure I was the one choosing every detail and measurement.
In this video I talk about why I went with an RGK, what's different about an RGK Octane vs Tilite ZR (my old wheelchair), and what I am liking and disliking about the new chair so far!
49 Bespoke in Ontario
www.49bespoke.com/index.php/c...
rgkwheelchairs.com/
Follow me:
Instagram:
/ bneunzig_em...​. .
Facebook:
/ empoweredpar...​
My Website:
empoweredpara.com/​

[@tomwellsmbe4260]

I have a T5/6 complete spinal cord injury which happened in 1992. I bought an RGK SUB4 about four years ago and it’s the best wheelchair that I’ve had so far. Great review and I might go for the RGK SUB4 Octane next time, although want to get some more time out of my current chair. Your reviews are so helpful. Thanks

[@EmpoweredPara]

I love my Sub 4 too!

[@FlipMacz]

Really great video.❤ I actually like all the extra room on the sides, for pretty much the reason you mentioned. And I have to have armrests. So I went with a Strongback 24. Best ever.

[@stevethomas9076]

Informative and glad you like the new wheelchair, I think a good sales point for the ZR is how well it's aged. It looks new.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Totally! Tilites are durable and well made!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Totally! Tilites are durable and well made!

[@dancingpianofairy]

That's what I was thinking! Apparently getting bare metal instead of paint helps too because then paint can't get dinged or scratched off.

[@GAINZonWHEELS]

I wait on the same, white with blue options and spikes .. can’t wait.

[@retired_in_portugal]

@empowered para Glad you're happy with you're new chair, I moved from Alberta to BC and went from RGK to TiLite primarily for the same reason you went to the RGK, hopefully you have better luck than I did. BTW, if you want to keep your Ti lite as a spare all you need to do to make it 14" wide is order a camber tube and foot rest, easy swap with a set of allen wrenches

[@EmpoweredPara]

really?! Thanks for the tip!

[@brin57]

What about the bar under the seat and the rigidizer bar on the backrest ! They are both welded fixtures !!

[@ryanmuir4819]

That RGK is pretty snazzy looking but those clothing guards are a little tall for my liking, also personally I would prefer them to be removable. I love the fact that it is so light. My own manual chair which I got last July is a Helio C2, a carbon fiber chair which is also super light. Hope to see another video in the future just to show if that RGK breaks down or folds at all to make it smaller for transportation should you ever have to travel in a vehicle that doesn't have a lift.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I actually cut them down lol. I hated having them so high!

[@grantm6514]

Instead of cutting the sideguards down, perhaps you could get more more mounting holes drilled, say, an inch above the current holes. Then you can move the guards down an inch for most of the year, but you have the option of moving them up an inch when snow is a problem.

[@EmpoweredPara]

That is literally brilliant. Thank you for the suggestion!

[@grantm6514]

@@EmpoweredPara You're very welcome. I'm not certain it would work, I googled images of the chair and it looks like the brake mount might prevent the sideguard from being moved down, but it's worth investigating. If you do it you can probably use one guard as a template/drilling guide on the other one, just lay one on top of the other, shift it an inch, and mark the 3 holes on the one below.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@grantm6514 I am going to try. I will let you know how it goes!

[@prettydisabled9060]

♥️

[@brin57]

Great idea. Also avoids having to cut and finish the Carbon, which would be a serious pain.

[@Jaggededge112]

I like the new wheelchair. Looks very comfy.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks 😊

[@WanderingWheelie]

Hi. My wife has had rgk wheelchairs for over 20-years and will not change brand. As for the side guards you can get them them that are rolled over, so they cover the wheel. this means they do not have a sharp Edge sticking up up and also makes it easier to put a transfer abroad on

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thank you so much! I wish I would have known that when I ordered! I wonder if I csn order new ones?

[@prettydisabled9060]

Nice! Thanks. ♥️

[@westiepower2020]

Man, I had no idea there was so much to consider when buying a custom wheelchair. Now I get the reason for the model name “Sub 4” meaning under 4 kg. I’m thinking that the narrower size must make it more manoeuvrable. I had no idea about the “push handles”; now I understand that how important they are for when someone bumps you up stairs. And I don’t seem to see - not sure what they are called - “anti-tip bars” at the back. Does your chair not have them? It is a very nice fancy and sleek looking chair Brittney!

[@JoshCartman]

I'm in the USA and was actually looking into TiLite. I've never even heard of RGK. I'm guessing they're based in the UK, though, from a Google search. I've been in a wheelchair my whole life due to Spina Bifida. Thank you for making this video, I thought I knew for the most part which TiLite wheelchair I wanted, but now I'm kinda liking RGK's Octane FX. My main concern is I weigh around the 220-230 mark and I like to be able to go off of curbs. I'll look more into whatever content is on your channel and see if anything helps me out here.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Here are the videos I would suggest you watch before choosing a new wheelchair. kzbin.info/aero/PLINXPKVZID238HgwvPVCw5jKSykB3TcNr I viewer commented on one of my videos that RGK is a lower quality titanium than tilite but I haven't heard any bad things from my heavier friends in terms of lower durability. Something to keep in mind though! Also another viewer said that the folding backrest on an RGK is poor poor quality. I have a fixed backrest so can't comment on that. I love my RGK and would recommend it to anyone.

[@AL-CAPONE-71-YTB]

I have the Panthera X ans it's just amazing weelchair !

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yeah my friend loves his too! Just wasn't the chair for me!

[@Fiddlinfrenzy]

I found your videos help better than my OT RGK smallest seat high is too tall for me so I went with tilte. My OT suggested 16” width but I insisted changed to 15” because I had 14.5 to 16” chairs and found 15” fits me the best. I have one side of pancake butt and want a smaller size to help me sit properly. According to my research, usually they suggest 2 inches bigger for winter clothing. But I don’t have jacket that thick. Thanks for your videos so I can get everything the way I wanted including the beck rest, cushion and fence side guards. I live in Ontario.

[@EmpoweredPara]

So annoying when they suggest a bigger wheelchair for coats. Why would anyone want to lug around a bigger chair just to have their coat fir nicer. Ridiculous

[@Kylie-oz3ks]

I find a tighter fit keeps my coat tucked in better. In my wider chair, my clothes tend to ride up and sit over the side guards.

[@lttl7621]

I saw your video with Reg from 49Bespoke yesterday, it was really good. I am currently looking for a new chair as well. I emailed them yesterday. Who measured you for your wheelchair if you didn't go to the store in Ontario? I have the same issue, as I'm in Quebec.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Sorry! Not sure how I missed your comment! A local occupational therapist did the measurements.

[@nezaroobest7139]

Congratulations

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks!

[@leahmilano9896]

you should try fendered side guards. they’ll stop the snow but still give you something to lean on

[@EmpoweredPara]

I don't like them. Hard to clean my wheels when they get muddy or sandy. But thanks for the suggestion!

[@brin57]

I like to be able to push on my tires when the going gets tough. Fendered guards don't allow for that without a high risk of thumb trauma !!

[@aleajactaeest]

Try the Carbolife Gurve L or the Natural fit Lt pushrims . If you are commuting in the rain they have models that come with antislip grip @@brin57

[@keithcallaghan2934]

Hi Brittany I have a Ti Lite Aero Z 17” X 19” and it weighs about 33 1/2 pounds with wheels cushion and everything assembled, that’s a RoHo cushion. Quick question what does your chair weigh completely assembled wheels cushion and everything? and what type of cushion do you have?

[@EmpoweredPara]

Are you asking about my RGK? I'll let you know in a bit. I'll get my husband to weigh it!

[@EmpoweredPara]

I have a synergy solutions cushion

[@EmpoweredPara]

www.pridemobility.ca/pdf/brochures/canada/english_pdf/ca_stealth_cushions_bi_e.pdf

[@westiepower2020]

Hi there. I really wanted to know more about this new chair of yours, so I watched a couple of KZbin videos. Just barely 8 pounds - wow! Must be easy to wheel. Some described it as a “rigid active” wheelchair. Do you know what that means?

[@SoleEpiphany]

Where you are in Canada, why wasn’t motion composites on your list of potential candidates? I presume you prefer Titanium over Carbon?

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yes. I prefer titanium so didn't want motion composites. I am in Alberta. This week I am posting a video of the top wheelchair brands and motion composites is on that list!

[@morgancalvi6675]

Hi, watching this again...you can't switch the side guards with the other chair? Have you used a micro dremel tool to make it not as sharp?

[@EmpoweredPara]

My husband fixed them so they are smoother:)

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@EmpoweredPara super, in the event he didn't cut them down, if you get a larger wheel, dressing and transferring would be easier. What kind of wheels are those anyway?

[@wheelworldstan8608]

You can try anti slip tape on the footrest to help keep your feet in one place, I have put it on my Octane Sub4

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks for the tip!

[@red2775]

What about valcroe ankle straps????

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@red2775 I have never tried the ankle straps, but a few friends have them. I feel like they would be annoying for transferring. O would forget my feet were strapped in an break my ankle lol. Thank you for teh suggestion!

[@red2775]

@@EmpoweredPara yeah forgetting your feet were strapped in is definitely a downfall with that idea

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@red2775 lol I would 100% forget! My friend that uses an ankle strap has broken her leg 3 times! Not sure it's the straps fault but not gonna find out 😄

[@samuelself9629]

Nice review. In the US we have to get new manual chairs every 5 years because insurance won't pay for repairs if the chair is 5+ years old and medical supply shops won't work on them either (even if you pay out of pocket).

[@morgancalvi6675]

It's a trap. Medicaid forces you to use their services so when you die they can get real estate reimbursement. Don't fall for it. I refuse Medicaid and certain Medicare programs ARE Medicaid.

[@donbright3328]

The 11.000.00 you say you paid is robbery that chair is 4.000.00 in the US

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@donbright3328did you NOT read my reply???

[@donbright3328]

@@morgancalvi6675 yes I did and it’s not Medicaid or Medicare that price these chairs it’s the middle man companies that jack up the prices , cash price $4000 for it bill insurance to pay and the price doubles if not triples that’s why things you could buy you no longer can because of these companies ripping off insurance including Medicaid and medicare especially Medicare

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@donbright3328nope, wrong again.

[@westiepower2020]

Good morning. You say here that you have an outside chair and an inside chair. I understand why due to snow and dirt. And I think I saw a basement chair when you did laundry video. So, do you always have 3 chairs in use at a time?

[@EmpoweredPara]

I no longer have an outside chair lol. I lent it to a friend!

[@westiepower2020]

@@EmpoweredPara My goodness, you are such a caring person!

[@heelman8732]

Very nice videos. I like very much. Can you show us how you put on high heels and flip flops in a wheelchair? Thank you.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I have a,shoe video already! I don't wear heels though! You csn go find the video I did on shoes if you want!

[@Eebright714]

I would like the link- I have only used Quickie wheelchairs - mine now is a foldable but with my new car crane lift a rigid would be better

[@EmpoweredPara]

rgkwheelchairs.com/

[@donbright3328]

Stay with the Quickie Eebright714 you can swap out parts from other Quickie chairs as well depend on the settings and adjustments you give to the chair , I’ve been in a chair 34 yrs and this was my worst purchase of a chair ever !!!!

[@barbaradaley]

Informative!

[@EmpoweredPara]

🙂

[@westiepower2020]

I was very surprised when you said that you had your previous chair for 12 years! That seems like a very long time for something that is used so much. How long do most people keep their chairs?

[@givemewhiskeynow]

People with insurance can get a new chair usually every 5 years and tend to do so but a lot of us get attached to our mobility aids once we’ve found one we like so we probably hang on to them a longer than we should 😅 I use a wheelchair and a cane and my last cane broke super bad and is totally unfixable but I still have it because I’m too emotionally attached to throw it away lmaoo

[@givemewhiskeynow]

But usually they don’t last more than ten years. Titanium chairs last longer than aluminum (her chair is titanium) one also, and it also depends on how much and how rough they’re used. As long as the frame is in good condition you can just switch out parts as they wear down and it’s still technically the same chair so they can go on for a while!

[@basketfan6488]

my previous one was 10 years, the one i currently have is 7 years, just considering a brand new one right now . 1/ With proper maintenance, it's actually pretty rare to get any issue with the frame . I'm just moving from one to a lighter, better built one. 2/There are not much real innovations on manual wheelchair market , I switched from aluminum to titanium, now considering carbon fiber and suspension forks but innovation is slow and parts which can deteriorized with time can actually be easely replaced in most cases. If your chair fits your body and condition needs for your lifestile , there 's no reason to change without major upgrade available. 3/I won't be able to finance a brand new chair every year anyway

[@Fiddlinfrenzy]

Can I ask what are the small custom companies, you were checking? I am interested in titanium ones

[@EmpoweredPara]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqGUan6mjLebbpYsi=_0X3B9rfT5-m3jU4

[@joffrevillavicenciodeporte5921]

help!! My wheelchair, the seat is 15 "x 15", I want to buy a backrest and I don't know what is the appropriate size to order it, how is the backrest of my wheelchair measured ???

[@EmpoweredPara]

I believe it is ordered the same width as your seat. But that is a question for the vendor that you are ordering from. I am doing a video in a few weeks all about ordering and sizing wheelchairs and wheelchair components so I will make sure to include this question in that video when I interview the expert!

[@jaejung1210]

thank you for video. i'm using tilite tr and i want to buy rgk ... becuz my tilite's weight is 6kg. how much lighter is rgk sub4 than tilite??

[@EmpoweredPara]

It's guaranteed to be under 4 kg (without the wheels) as long as you are under the weight capacity I believe.

[@EmpoweredPara]

kzbin.info/aero/PLINXPKVZID238HgwvPVCw5jKSykB3TcNr This playlist is all about choosing a new wheelchair and in it I have a video with the top ridig chairs. I talk about weight for both tilite and rgk in that one

[@PeeAye650]

How do you maintain the wheelchair as far as keeping it looking new?

[@EmpoweredPara]

I don't lol

[@dougbrown7150]

Will rgk not deal with insurance? I've never been out of pocket more than 2-3 hundred in 30 years as a chair user

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yes my insurance covered it.

[@westiepower2020]

I’m not sure that this is the best place to comment about this, so feel free to tell me. For many decades, Debbie (wife) & I have collected many thousands of drink can tabs from ourselves, friends, family & even funerals (seriously), and donated them to a school so that young people can receive a wheelchair. But until I heard from you, I had no idea about how truly expensive a chair is, & that it should be custom fitted to the user. So now I am wondering if the wheelchair recipient gets a “generic” wheelchair or a custom-fitted one. I sure hope that it is a custom-fitted one. I wonder if you know….. Thank you!

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yeah I think those tabs make crappy wheelchairs lol

[@KimonoSkunk]

Hi, Para… I am a new subscriber for a few months, and wondered if any of your used chairs would be available? As I am trying to get a wheelchair, but my insurance declined, as I live in an apartment.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Where do you live?

[@KimonoSkunk]

@@EmpoweredPara I live in Oxford, in Eastern Pennsylvania, close to the borders of Delaware and Maryland, my zip code is 19363.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@KimonoSkunk I don't think I could get any of my old wheelchairs to you without it costing a lot in freight costs.

[@KimonoSkunk]

@@EmpoweredPara oh ok, well thank you for helping anyhow. I’ll let you know how things work out. ^^ Thank you for being so kind.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@KimonoSkunk no worries! Good luck!

[@prettydisabled9060]

♥️

[@JamesSmith-pm9gp]

One other thing I’ve always wondered about but have been hesitant to ask - do people name their wheelchairs? Or is this a bizarre question?

[@EmpoweredPara]

lol I don't but I bet some people do!

[@JamesSmith-pm9gp]

@@EmpoweredPara Thank you! You are so kind!

[@keithhutchins8803]

So do you still like your new chair compared to your Tilite?

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yes I love it.

[@coltonmorgan3610]

Take the old chair and leave it at the bottom of your stairs for your laundry room if you don't already have one down there. it would make your life a whole lot easier let me tell you

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yeah I have one down there but I think I will give that one away and use the chair in the video. The chair I have down there now was the one I got at 13 and it is,huge!

[@coltonmorgan3610]

@@EmpoweredPara or you can put the big one out in the garage did you have more space out there I'm assuming

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@coltonmorgan3610 not really lol. My garage is,so small!!

[@coltonmorgan3610]

@@EmpoweredPara here's the thing to though you know I'm just an old country boy all about resources if you don't know. listen to the song It'll tell you because my entire family is that way.kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZS0f55_p8xgis0

[@lycanfpv9530]

What handles are those on both wheelchairs???

[@EmpoweredPara]

On the tilite there aren't any push handles in the video but I have clamp on ones for that chair. I have fold down ones on the RGK.

[@JulieSawchuk]

I really like my side guards that come over my wheels - better clothing protection and I can lean on them.

[@JulieSawchuk]

And Reg is amazing!

[@myphonekobe4556]

Are the fold down push handle working OK?

[@EmpoweredPara]

yep! they work great!

[@myphonekobe4556]

Can it fit the Tilite Chair?

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@myphonekobe4556 not sure what you mean

[@myphonekobe4556]

They are installed in your RGK right? I'm just curious if it can be install on a Tilite chair...

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@myphonekobe4556 no i don't think so.

[@litzayadira]

Hi. what color is the frame?

[@EmpoweredPara]

Silver

[@aleajactaeest]

Its Polished titanium

[@Randomoo7]

Is there any chance you’re still willing to donate your previous chair?

[@EmpoweredPara]

Possibly. Depends on location

[@Randomoo7]

@@EmpoweredPara I’m in the US

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@Randomoo7 I have an old Quickie that I would be willing to donate but not my tilite. I need it to use in my basement. The one I would be willing to donate is a quickie XTR that is 16 inches wide. It would cost a few hundred dollars to ship though

[@morgancalvi6675]

You said every wheelchair has been too big for you...but the one you're in that you were involved in the measuring process is STILL too big.

[@EmpoweredPara]

It is jist slightly bigger than my hips. But not by much. Maybe 1/4 inch on either side.

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@EmpoweredPara it looks bigger than that...I'd say at least half an inch on each side.

[@user-dg4yf6hz6l]

Hyee mam, I am a paraplegic patient, plz send me old used wheelchair, most kindness of yours 😊

[@morgancalvi6675]

Your hair colour shocked me 🤣.

[@EmpoweredPara]

It was a big change lol. But I don't think I'll ever go back! Too much work!

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@EmpoweredPara but it was essentially just not dying, wasn't it 🤔.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@morgancalvi6675 yes back to my natural color. Which has turned so dark as I've aged!

[@morgancalvi6675]

@@EmpoweredPara I don't understand how changing it back to it's natural colour was hard work...am I missing something 🤔?

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@morgancalvi6675 no I mean I won't go back to blonde..too.much work.to maintain

[@iriscassinelli4596]

beautiful but too expensive 6,,000 to 11,000 i prefer ti lite zra 3,000

[@EmpoweredPara]

they are very similar so definitely go with the most cost effective if you have to pay out of pocket

[@aleajactaeest]

You can get the tiga without the lightweight extras is almost half the price of the Sub4

[@louisangel5868]

What insurance covers that wheelchair ?

[@EmpoweredPara]

Like coverage for paying for the wheelchair? Or coverage if it gets damaged?

[@louisangel5868]

@@EmpoweredPara I’m sorry, is the RGK One of the wheelchairs covered by insurance?

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@louisangel5868 my insurance covered it but it would be something you have to check into with your own insurance company

[@Eebright714]

It was $11,000????

[@EmpoweredPara]

$11,500. My portion was $8400 after the government portion.

[@coltonmorgan3610]

Side guards are annoying they keep you from leaning over to grab stuff out of the floor they keep you from getting dressed.to me those things just get in the way.

[@EmpoweredPara]

Yeah I am kinda regretting the high ones!

[@nygirlinancworld1628]

The lower ones aren’t bad. I’ve noticed they are a lot easier than the higher ones.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@nygirlinancworld1628 yeah I have low side guards on my old chair and I like them

[@brin57]

You could still go an inch narrower and with your trunk, lose 2 or 3 inches off the back. Why do American OT's script so big!

[@EmpoweredPara]

yeah I know lol. I'm always scared to go too narrow! I'm in Canada.

[@andybernal9690]

Hi I'm Andy subscriber from the Philippines, I hope you can donate your old wheelchair, I'm also paralyzed. God bless you always.

[@EmpoweredPara]

I am definitely going to try to donate it! Do you mean for me to donate it to the Phillipines?

[@andybernal9690]

@@EmpoweredPara Hello, I'm personally interested in your wheelchair, I will truly appreciate if you can donate it to me, if that's okay with you. Just want to have something coming from good person like you. It will really help me motivate to just move forward regardless of my disability. By the way I was paralyzed in February 2017 but until these days depression sometimes still attacks me. Take care and God bless you always.

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@andybernal9690 I am not sure how!I would get it to the Philippines? I can check into freight charges but amassing it would be alot! What size wheelchair do you need?

[@Jaggededge112]

@@andybernal9690 do they not have resources for helping you to get a wheelchair? Freight is very very expensive. Also sometimes you can get a grant for a wheelchair if you’re in financial hardship. Go to tilite.com and there will be a menu and you’ll pick contact and you can ask if they can help you.

[@donbright3328]

Do not buy this chair the brackets for the back and adjustments are total crap and will not keep the setting you apply to the chair . This was my worst purchase of an wheelchair in my 34 years of being in one , my suggestion would be a Quickie , Topend or an Perfomaxxx

[@EmpoweredPara]

Thanks for thr feedback! I am happy with mine but it isn't adjustable so I guess I don't have that issue.

[@donbright3328]

@@EmpoweredPara I gather you have an locked backrest and not a folding backrest

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@donbright3328 yes.

[@donbright3328]

@@EmpoweredPara Buy one with a folding backrest then let’s talk but I would stop trying to promote these cheap made chairs with cheap made bolts and screws

[@EmpoweredPara]

@@donbright3328 I'm not promoting it. Merely expressing my experience with them and with the company that helped me measure and purchase the chair I chose. All I can do is be honest about my experience. I do appreciate you leaving your comments though. They are valuable for others to read who may be interested in and RGK. I suggest you make your own KZbin video to review your chair if you are passionate about letting people know about some of the things you dislike. If you do let me know and I'll link to your video!