Carbon Fiber Crutches- Ergobaum 7G Black Mamba Forearm Crutches 1 Pair- 5'1'' to 6'6'' Adjustable

These have been amazing for lower back support after intensive pelvis/lumbar fusion surgery that make standing more than a few minutes agonizing. We made them silent by taping the inner shaft snug and up, so it doesn’t reset the 1/2mm with each crutch-lift to click back again. Then we used some self-adhering stretchy tape-wrap that keeps the clever locking pin from micro-jiggling. And now the crutches are silent as can be Haven’t used the knee rests much- We may install them on the outside so they don’t catch my legs, then I can just switch crutches whenever I do want to use a knee rest.

A little noisy spring shock. I felt very secure. Comfortable hand grip

Congratulations on discovering that forearm crutches are superior to the underarm crutches. You have already probably figured out that the orthopedic surgeons and the physical therapists in the United States know little if anything about this style of crutch. As an emergency physician who prescribes a ton of crutches for my injured patients, I was also ignorant until I had to use crutches myself for an extended period of time. I tried some of the standard aluminum style forearm crutches, but found that they were constantly loosening, were heavy, and when my hands were sweaty, they were very slippery. I have also heard that aluminum crutches can cause delays going through airport security. I suspect this is because they have to inspect the inside of the crutches due to the fact that x-rays will not penetrate them very well. Another advantage in using them for travel is that they are overall smaller than the underarm crutches. I traveled to Europe and did not have to alter them in anyway like you would have to with the underarm crutches to make them smaller so they will fit in the overhead compartment. These Ergobaum crutches are light, strong, have the ability to quickly change the height and handle angle to use different muscles in your hands, wrists and shoulders. They also have adjustable forearm straps which are very useful. I weigh 225 pounds and carried a 25 pound backpack suitcase and a front pack during my travels. The crutches had no problem supporting me. I used them to hike in some very difficult terrain and had no troubles navigating rocks, slippery surfaces, stairs and steep trails. I purchased the additional tips which have the spikes in them, but since I was traveling in a non-icy environment, I did not have to use them. I never had to use the lights, but they seem like a good feature. The horn, however was a real problem. First of all, it is ridiculous because it is not loud enough to serve any useful function that I can think of. Secondly it is permanent feature without the option to turn it off. I was splashed by some sea water during my trip and some of it must have gotten into the crutches. This apparently caused a short in the system and they became a constant high pitched alarm that stayed on for two days and was incredibly annoying for everyone within a thirty foot range. I couldn’t conceive that this noise was coming from my crutches so I just discounted that option when we were searching for the source of the noise. I was so embarrassed when I finally discovered that it was coming from one of my crutches. It cost me €60 to pay an electrician to search for the noise in the apartment we were in. If any of the Ergobaum employees are reading this, I would strongly suggest that you get rid of the horn and instead use the switch to turn on the lights. Another good idea would be to use the switch for a blinking red light so that in the darker areas when you’re crossing the street you can be noticed by other people and vehicles.

These were a gift to a disabled friend, a US Marine. She says they’re awesome, sturdy and lightweight.

I use crutches and a wheelchair every day of my life. My old crutches wore out (dents, loose rivets, bad rubber, etc.) so I replaced them with this set. I was surprised to find a horn button where I thought the light switch was. The light switch is a toggle on the back side of these crutches. If you're using these as your daily mobility aid be aware that you'll need to stop walking and shift weight to turn the light on or off. Any benefit the flashlight serves is negated by this fact. These are bouncy and not rigid. That's from the tips doing their job so expect a sponge-like feeling when bearing weight. The handles are probably the softest over time I've ever used. I've been padding my old units with yoga mat material and with these I don't need to do that. They really are the best grips I've ever had. The forearm cuffs should be at your body's natural 30 degrees but these are set to 30 degrees from the crutch's shaft. If you're 6'4" like me that 30 degrees is different than someone 5'10" or 6'2". So be aware that the cuff is immovable and set to the shaft not your body. You'll need to adjust the handle to compensate which may or may not lead to stress and fatigue. Use your best judgement. I docked a star on the rating for this alone.