The Dietz Sango Advanced Powerchair is the larger of Dietz's two main powerchair models, being wider than the Sango Slimline. It gains outdoor performance as a result, with increased solidity and stability, and also is better suited to larger people who require wider seat sizes.
Choice of Drive Types
Dietz's Sango Advanced is available with three different power bases:
Sango MWD - Mid-wheel drive offers the best manoeuvrability, ideal for those making extensive indoor use of their chair. The Sango MWD is no slouch outside, and combines excellent traction with high levels of comfort.
Sango FWD - Front-wheel drive is not the most intuitive for those new to it, but is widely considered to offer the "best of both" with a balance of excellent turning for indoor use, and large front wheels to help overcome obstacles outdoors.
Sango RWD - Rear-wheel drive is ideal for those focusing on top-notch outdoor performance, with excellent traction. It steers extremely steadily, even when driving at high speeds. Sprung front forks are available as an optional upgrade for even more comfort, as is a kerb climber that aids overcoming kerbs of up to 9cm.
All drive versions feature a durable rubber suspension system that absorbs both everyday vibrations and larger bumps for a smooth and quiet drive experience. They also have a pivot bar that helps to stabilise the chair on cambers and when turning.
A choice of battery sizes from 50 up to 78 Ah allows the range to be extended if desired, while a motors of up to 8 mph are available if you want to get around quicker. Gyro modules are available to aid straight-line driving, and are recommended particularly on the Sango FWD when opting for high-speed motors.
Sego Comfort Seating
The Sego Comfort seating system features on the Sango Advanced. It is a highly configurable seating system designed both to accommodate those after a chair offering outstanding comfort for all-day use, and also those with advanced clinical needs such as precise postural support and high-end pressure relief. Every part of the seating system is configurable, from armrests to headrests, legrests to backrests, and cushioning too. The backrest poles also allow for easy attachment of specialist seating from other manufacturers, ideal for those with particularly complex clinical needs.
Powered seating functions available on the Sango advanced included lift, tilt, recline and elevating and articulating legrests - both centrally mounted and individual swing-away legrests. Of particular note is the imaginatively named Catapult seat that tilts forward to aid with standing transfers. This is a unique and particularly popular feature that makes a real difference for those transferring forwards from their powerchair.
Transit
All versions of the Sango Advanced are crash-tested, allowing them to be use for occupied transport in a wheelchair adapted vehicle. Ultra-low seat heights of 38cm are available, depending on configuration, aiding those who want to drive their vehicle from their wheelchair. The Sango Advanced can also be ordered with preparation for the DAHL drive system to further help with this.
Style
Dietz powerchairs have a distinctive look to them courtesy of their unique construction. They aren't typically considered as being so attractive as products such as Quickie's Q-Series or Permobil's powerchairs, with Dietz products having more of a functional look to them. However, they still remain relatively modern in appearance, with a minimalist design, choice of chassis colours, and black tyres.
One of the key differences is that the Sango Advanced eschews the plastic shrouds and components seen on many competitor products, opting for the solidity and durability of metal wherever possible.
Our Verdict
We've been really impressed by Dietz products - they are well-built, reliable and perform well. The seating can be configured to suit a wide spectrum of requirements, from comfortable everyday use up to the highest clinical needs.
If your use is primarily indoors, then the Sango Slimline is worth considering instead, as the narrower base will help with manoeuvring. Otherwise, we would recommend looking at Permobil's range for equivalent high-end powerchairs, such as the mid-wheel drive M3 and M5, and front-wheel drive F3 and F5.
