TiFit
Unlike other manufacturers, the frames of TiLite chairs aren't made from standard parts bolted together. Not a single tube is bent until your order is placed - your wheelchair is created directly from your measurements. TiFit allows for custom frame options including:
Custom frame depth - specified independently of the seat, allowing you to balance the chair, adjust the centre of gravity forward, and increase handrim access.
Front frame angle - allowing you to position your body, legs and knees for maximum comfort, stability and function. Chairs built using "standard" frame parts often cannot accommodate the frame angle, front seat height and rear seat height that best suits you, resulting in compromises.
Seat taper - customise the front seat width independent of the rear seat width to better conform to your body shape.
V-front end - fitting to the shape of your legs in a more natural way than an inset frame. Conventional front frames and insets are also available.
Ergonomic seat - a bend in the rear of the seat frame that creates a well for the pelvis; this increases seat stability and is ideal for experienced wheelchair users who know their ideal seating setup.
ZR frame
The TiLite ZR Rigid Wheelchair is a welded chair, saving over 600 g of weight compared to the ZRA, making it the lightest TiLite chair (joint with the TR). This obviously sacrifices adjustability in the process; it is therefore best suited to experienced wheelchair users who know how they want their chair configured.
The clean mono-tube design is familiar to high-end rigid chairs, and affords excellent transportability. The aerospace-grade titanium frame provides excellent vibration dampening, unrivalled by conventional aluminium frames. As the metal with the strongest weight-to-strength ratio, it gives unparalleled durability, and retains a 44% strength advantage over 7000 series aluminium.
Customisation
Each ZR is individually built with a wide range of options to match your chair to your lifestyle requirements. This includes industry standards such as Spinergy wheels and Natural Fit handrims, as well as carbon fibre sideguards, a great selection of footrests, castors and more.
As a Permobil company, TiLite chairs are available with their range of Roho Agility lightweight air backs and cushions, and third-party seating can also be fitted if desired.
Style
TiLite's titanium chairs offer a level of style above and beyond the competition. As with most manufacturers' chairs they can be customised with a range of frame colours and accents. Where they really differ is the option for the raw titanium finish to the frame - the satin finish has an understated elegance to it, and you can add "tattoos" to this to really stand out. Our demo ZR has a satin finish with the "Flower Garden" tattoos on it, purple accents, and purple-spoked Spinergys. If that's not to your style, try the flaming skulls of the "Need for Speed" tattoo!
Our Verdict
TiLite have a well-deserved reputation for offering some of the best quality wheelchairs available. Their precision fit is a level above what you will get from conventional manufacturers. The ZR is a little more expensive than the adjustable ZRA, but for those who know their ideal setup, the weight savings justify this cost.
We would suggest also considering TiLite's TR, which has a dual-tube design that reduces flexing; TiLite consider that their flagship wheelchair and an even better performer.
