Review on Ergobaum® 7TH Generation Prime Forearm Crutches - Adult Adjustable From 5' To 6'6'' (Green) - Ergonomic Pair (2 Units) By Ergoactives by Missy Yang

I had read reviews concerning how flimsy the upper part was, I thought they were exaggerating (since many other reviewers said they were satisfied). When I received them, I tried them out, wow, I almost fell over, catching myself on a dresser drawer!I have polio, and have been using crutches for many years, and this crutch is not at all weight bearing! I can only guess that to those who gave a positive on this product (3 stars or more), weight bearing may not have been a real issue. That is, their legs were/are strong enough to both move a bit and carry a load.Indeed, if someone had any paralysis of the lower limb, the weight that would have been on the limb, would have to then be transferred to the arms, and thus, the need for strong load bearing crutches, this particular crutch, will in no way serve them.If one is a cane user (and their legs are strong enough), and just want to try something different, then ok it may serve you as a fashion statement, but otherwise, I would skip this product.Lord bless.Reassesment 31.May.2015Since my first review, some time has passed by, and out of the blue, I received an email that informed me that the original Ergobaum crutches I originally received (i had sent it back a day after receiving it) was defective (it truly was the proverbial "rubber crutch").Indeed, I was quite puzzled how anyone could use the Ergobaum crutches, which had a quite flimsy (as in slinky bend flimsy) forearm part. Be that as it may, I thought that some people really just didn't put any load on their crutches (but it wasn't for me).I was then sent another one (free of charge) and decided to reasses it again. This time, the crutch I received was able to bear my weight. Thus, I'm satisfied that what I had received originally was defective.Since I was a child, I've used crutches. First I had those crutches that went under the armpit (never again), then changed to forearm crutches. I then tried more "ergonomic" crutches, and usually that meant a decent and comfortable grip, but having a crutch for the left hand and one for the right hand, which was ok, but the crutches were not interchangeable (the crutch tips wore down unevenly), still, the advantage of having something to minimize the strain on the hands and wrists was worth it.I then started to see crutches that had "shock absorption" qualities. Believe me, after many decades of shocks to my shoulder and arms, it was taking a toll. I then decided to look for crutches that were ergonomic (as I defined above) and had shock absorbing properties, and found these at amazon. So I figure, give it a go.The crutches are the heaviest I've ever had (2.25 kg/pair or 5 lbs/pair without knee rests attached (being a polio victim I had no use for it)), though for me it's a non issue since I have fairly decent upper body strength and arms. As a comparison, my other pair of crutches weiged in at 1.60 kg/pair or 3.5 lbs/pair, with both pairs having the exact same crutch tips.The angle of the forearm part is offset 30 degrees from vertical, and as it turns out, it really does seem a better design (it wasn't just a gimmick) than your normal straight vertical forearm part. The grip is both comfortable and shock absorbing in it's own right.Oftentimes I try to carry something and the grips on these are a little more "awkward" per say for that use, but I think a bit of practice and ingenuity will remedy the situation.The main shock absorbing mechanism though is located on the bottom of the crutch staff, which I can already notice is a help in dampening the shock of going up and down.As for the Ergobaum crutch tips, it's also the heaviest crutch tips i've used by far (.45 kg/pair or 1 lb/pair), easily double the weight or more of any crutch tips I've had before.I actually separately purchased the tips for a different crutch pair (wise to have two pairs of crutches just in case), so have had a couple of months to test out the tips itself. It's ok, but traction wise, at least anecdotally from my experience, I can't really say it's any better or worse than your generic ones. I've fallen, unfortunately, with both the generic and the Ergobaum crutch tips "sighs".The best way not to fall is to be careful (from the school of hard knocks). As of yet, I haven't had a crutch tip that was truly gripping in both smooth and dry surfaces, much less wet or slippery surfaces.I've only had the Ergobaum for a few days so can't comment on it's durability (maybe for a future assesment), the literal bells and whistles, and miniflashlight. Having said that, and having been a manager that was also responsible for quality control, I would recommend stricter scrutiny or replace your supplier (an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure).So, overall, I would give it 9 out of 10, but since Walmart has a 1 to 5 scale (I do wish they would change it to a 10 scale), I'll give it a 5, not because it's a perfect crutch, but since Ergobaum provided excellent customer service. That in my book is the best one can hope for in this imperfect world.Yeshua bless you!24.Aug.2015It's been a few months since my last assessment, unfortunately after just 3 months, both "shock absorbers" on the left and right crutches are shot. As was mentioned in my previous reviews, quality control seems to be lacking with this product. The first time I received it, the upper part was clearly out of funk, and now after only three months, the shock absorbers are no more :(On the bright side, their little mini flashlight (pun unintended) turned out to be quite practical and useful! The little horn not so much.Thus, if they ever get their act together (product wise), with their fine customer support, one would be able to recommend the product, but as of now, it's one quality control failure after another.God bless.