This is a difficult review to write. Over the years I have usually got what I paid for but not for the Kaman wheelchair. In fact, it is so bad that because of safety concerns and lack of missing features given in the Amazon website for the product, I will dispose of it. This does not relate to Amazon but rather the company that created the product description writeup, Amazon is jus the middleman, so to speak, for selling what is presented.
I might add, that the material used to make the wheelchair can be rated as five stars, since the metal parts are really the best quality but everything else stands as one star. The reason for one star will be explained next.
I have taken the description detail features for the 980 Karman wheelchair directly from the Amazon website and compared them to the actual wheelchair features:
Fixed armrest with wide cushioned arm pads:
>No cushioned arm pads, just bare hard plastic.
Swing in/away removable footrest, adjustable height footplates with heel loops. Back height: 19 inches.
>No heel loops, just a flat plate that would allow feet to slip off the back of the plate.
Seat width according to the Amazon description: 18”x16”
>Seat actually is: 16”x16”.
The braking mechanism is very conveniently located for the person sitting in the chair since it’s on the left-hand side and within easy reach. The LT-980 had incorporates handbrakes at the wheel of the chair so that the user could activate them if needed.
(The above is presented exactly as printed in the Amazon website.)
>This is referring to two braking mechanisms. The first one is supposed to be something on the left side of the chair. There is nothing there.
>The second mechanism is a lever on each side of the chair just to the right and left of the front of the seat area. When they are pushed forward, they press a bar against their respective tires. They will stop the wheels from moving if continued pressure is maintained to hold then forward.
>There could be a problem in getting out of the wheelchair. Since there is no hand brake and you cannot hold pressure against the tires with the levers while getting up, the wheelchair could move making getting up creating a possible dangerous situation.
Another statement made in the Amazon description of the LT-980 features refers to the comfort behind the padded nylon upholstery. This refers to the seat cushion, which is just several layers of nylon attached to the sides of the chair. There is no firm (stiff) surface to sit on.
The following is from the 'Guide' provided with the wheelchair (not related to Amazon website):
The ‘User Guide’ that came with the Karman LT-980 is rather limited in it’s information. First, the cover shows that it applies to 13 Karman models. Page 2 of the ‘Guide’ shows the specifications of what I assume is a typical Kaman wheelchair. However, it shows a wheel lock that does not apply to the 980.
On pages 3 and 4 of the ‘Guide’ are assembly instructions. Pages 5 and 6 are some accessories that can be ordered.
Pages 7 and 8 are Safety Tips and maintenance recommendations.
Under Safety Tips there are some tips on Footrests, but I could not understand anything written.
Under the caption ‘Opening and Folding the wheelchair’ there is a tip not to place your fingers between the seat sling and the frame rail when opening or folding the wheelchair.
>My LT-980 does not have a seat sling. To close my wheelchair I have to put one hand on the front of the seat and the other hand on the back of the seat and pull up.
>Lots of tips on wheel locks but the 980 does not have that ability to lock wheels.
And last, but not least, to get a warranty or to register the Kaman wheelchair, it is necessary for fill out an 8x11 form, supplied by Kaman, and mail it to California. They supply the address. It asks for a lot of personal data. In my case it could be difficult to do it since the form came taped to a box.
P.S. Sorry but I am not able to produce photos or a video.
In the wheelchair's present condition, especially with no wheel lock, I could not give it to anyone for safety reasons.
I certainly did not get my money value out of this product.
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From the manufacturer
Adjustable Seat Height
Custom seat height for each user. Most users may require some adjustability in their wheelchairs. This two position not only allows the height to be adjusted, but also the angle for which a user may wish to position their pressure in a wheelchair. These are optional adjustments and proper height and positioning should be advised by your medical professional.
Options Available
Anti Tippers available as safety. This is a standard must if you live and/or travel in a hill or decline area. Most users will not need such extra parts just by simply mobilizing on a horizontal platform. Having this is a safety feature for your travel destinations. It is easily removeable through a pin attached an release mechanism which is tool-less.
Soft Touch Brake Tip
The high quality on every component. With a soft touch grip handle and hardware built to stand the test of time, Karman brakes are uniquely designed to ensure form, fit and function. This brake unit does not share with any other brand or design and is unique to our brand.
Removable Footrest
Swing away footrest are standard. These high strength poly-resin based were designed specifically with impact resistant, brittleness resistance and injection molded with an architecture that brings lightweight and strength into your wheelchair. This design allows us to continue to lighten the over weight of the wheelchair to under 24 lbs. You may choose to flip up, remove, or rest your feet while operating the wheelchair.
Karman LT-980 Series
LT-980 - Karman Ultralightweight Wheelchair with Non-Marking Light-Grey Color Wheels
The LT-980 is the most competitively priced, available wheelchair weighing in at 24 lbs., ultra lightweight, lightest weight, best priced k4 wheelchair. This chair comes in a 18" seat width, which is the most popular seat size for manual wheelchairs. Find out why this is one of our best sellers through reviews and standing the test of time in getting the lower priced true entry level into the ultralight weight category. Our polyurethane non marking light grey wheels is perfect for indoor and carpet use. Not only do we have the ability to keep our wheels squeaky clean, but there is a specially made handgrip for ease of manual propel when using the wheelchair. A truly unique chair that will excel amongst most traditional entry level wheelchair.
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Rating | (943) | (99) | (424) | (361) | (27) |
| Price | $310.59 | $639.99 | $399.99 | $299.99 | $299.00 |
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | Fenetic Wellbeing USA | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| Are batteries included? | No | No | No | No | No |
| Are batteries required? | No | No | No | No | No |
I bought this for my 96 year old aunt and it works great. Only problem is the breaking mechanism broke and being the weekend the company is not open. Not sure where to get a replacement part. I ordered a generic part from Amazon and will contact the company during the week and I will update soon.
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