Adjustable Deluxe Forearm Crutches

Superlite Crutches come with a variety of choices because we feel it is important to accommodate a wide range of unique customer needs. Below we provide some insight and general recommendations to help you with these choices.

Color

• Anodized Black is our most popular color for a sleek look that goes with everything.
• Anodized Silver is also available. It will show less scratches.
• Desire something else? Crutches can be custom powder coated other colors for $75. Specify in the notes box and we will contact you. 

Tube Style

• Standard Bend occurs above the handle. The majority of our customers choose this style.
• Low Bend occurs below the handle. This brings the tips closer to the crutch user and increases stability. Low Bend can be advantageous for individuals with less mobility.

Grips

• Performance Grips use Absorbalite ™ gel inserts that provide a shock absorbing system.  By reducing "crutch shock" they can improve the health of your hands, wrists, arms and shoulders. The weight-bearing surfaces of the grip stays static against your palms so skin sheer is eliminated and calluses are diminished. The easy to clean exterior of the grip is made from a tough but pliable black PVC vinyl that has a pebbled texture for secure gripping. Finger notches are sculpted into the bottom of the grip reducing the amount of strength necessary to hold the grip securely. The grips are not left and right specific.
• Right Grips are ergonomically designed and are left and right specific. Right Grips hold the wrist straight rather than having the wrist bend. For for the vast majority of users this is advantageous. Some may find the change can cause discomfort in the thumbs. We recommend Right Grips to people experiencing pain and fatigue from prolonged crutch use. These grips are not suitable for those with small hands, as they are on the large side.
• Endurance Grips are not left and right specific. They are made from durable, firm rubber and are most suitable for children and adults with small hands.
• Ergon GP1 grips are made from latex free rubber and provide optimal pressure distribution under the palms. Aluminum clmaps ensure they are secure and rotation free. The grips are left and right specific. The size small has a 92mm cross section, while the large has a 102mm cross section.

Tips

All of the tips sourced for Superlite Crutches use an Absorbalite ™ gel core that provides a shock absorbing system. They are made from high quality rubber that has superior flexibility, aggressive ground engagement, and extremely long wear.  The engineered pivoting action enables more of the bottom to engage the ground for amazing traction, even at very steep crutch angles. 

• Tornado Tips are our most popular option. They have a 2" base diameter and weigh 4.4 ounces each..
• Tornado Rain Tips have all the same great qualities as the Tornado Tips, but with highly improved slip-resistance in wet conditions. Tornado Rain Tips have a rain disk formula bonded over the tread making them over 300% more wet slip resistant. They have a 2" base diameter and weigh 4.6 ounces each.
• Performance Tips tips have a larger 2.375" base diameter and weigh 6.8 ounces each. They offer increased stability, but they do weigh more than Tornado Tips.
• Performance Rain Tips have all the same great qualities as the Performance Tips, but with highly improved slip-resistance in wet conditions. Tornado Rain Tips have a rain disk formula bonded over the tread making them over 300% more wet slip resistant. They have a 2.375" base diameter and weigh 7.1 ounces each.

Crutch sizing tends to correlate with a user's height.  Wing span and disability will affect length preferences, but these are our recommendations.

X and Y are two measurements we use for forearm crutch sizing.  X is the distance between the top of the cuff and the top of the grip. Y is the distance between the top of the grip and the bottom of the crutch tube or tip.

Below shows how we measure X and Y. If you have a pair of crutches you are currently using, you can measure them and compare with the chart above!

X Measurement

Using a tape measure, measure from the top back surface of the hand grip to the top of the arm cuff. Measure along the bend of the crutch.

The higher up on the forearm your cuff is, the greater the mechanical advantage for you. However if it is too high up, the cuff will bite into your upper arm when you lean over. While we only need to know the distance from the hand grip, one method for determining where the cuff should be is to measure the distance from your elbow. The distance from your elbow to the top of the cuff should roughly be:

• 2" for 5'0" tall
• 3" for 5'8" tall
• 4" for 6'0" tall

This is only a guideline and your own comfort and usability will be the real final deciding factor. If your current outriggers are adjustable, try them at different heights.

Y Measurement

Using a tape measure, hook the end to the bottom of the crutch tip or tube and measure to the top surface of the hand grip. 

Trouble Shooting

Do you often stub your crutch tips on the ground? It may mean your crutches are too long. Do you  feel stoop shouldered? They may be too short. Try this test: Standing tall with your crutches at you side, allow your hand to drape over the grip. The deep crease between the palm of your hand and your wrist should line up with the top surface of your grip. If that crease falls above the top of the grip, there is a good chance your crutches are too short. If the crease is below the top of the grip, your crutches are probably too long.