Freedom Factory – Revolution Pro Comp Monoski

After a couple years of learning how to ski again after I broke my back, I graduated from the now-extinct Shadow Monoski to the much more advanced Freedom Factory Revolution Pro Comp. Thanks to this monoski, I am now an expert skier again and having more fun than I ever did standing up!

Overall Rating: ***** 5 Stars

Pros:

Very durable
Adjustable for different ability levels
Affordable replacement parts

Cons:

Shock is not strong enough for advanced skiers
Monster Binding

Review:
I bought my monoski used (barely) and from the first day I could see a huge difference in my abilities as a skier over the Shadow that I had learned on. The first 700 days (about 8 years) that I skied on the Revolution Pro Comp this rig was incredibly durable taking nearly every beating that I handed it. I skied bumps, powder, steeps, and trees, as well as taking it off its fair share of jumps and drop offs and the only regular maintenance I had to perform was to have the original shock rebuilt or recharged every other year or so.

What I really liked about the Revolution was that as my level of ability increased I was able to make minor adjustments to lengthen the struts to leaned me forward more. From my experience, the more you are leaning forward, the stronger you ski – faster, tighter turns, and more control. After more than 700 days of skiing, and as parts started to wear out and/or break, I found that replacement parts for the Pro Comp were actually pretty reasonably priced through the family-owned factory (Works Performance).

What I liked least about the Pro Comp is the durability of the stock shock that comes with the rig. The first few years, as I was learning and not really testing its limits, the shock performed very well. But as I got better and started pushing the limits of the shock by skiing bumps and hitting jumps, I found I had to take the shock in often for rebuilding and/or recharging. Now in its 9th season, even after having the factory (WP) rebuild it and replace some parts, I get hardly any performance, play, or length out of the shock and it’s just basically time for a new one. Unfortunately, they aren’t as cheap as the rest of the parts I’ve had to replace.

I also had a chance to try out Freedom Factory’s Monster Binding that is built specifically for the Revolution Pro Comp and was not satisfied with this accessory at all. Even after mounting the binding to the exact specifications recommended and then again after several adjustments by professional ski technicians, I could not get the binding to hold my rig in while skiing.

Overall, I would recommend the Pro Comp to beginner, intermediate, or advanced level skiers. Once you are an expert however, I think its time to look elsewhere for better durability (stronger struts, bigger bolts and rods, etc) if you are skiing frequently and really pounding out your bumps and turns.

Spinergy Spokes

After my very first wheelchair literally fell apart on me more than ten years ago, I swore my next chair was going to be a lot more durable. And part of that process included having sturdy wheels with spokes that didn’t bend and break all the time. That’s when I found out about Spinergy Spokes. While reviewing new wheelchairs at a local hospital, the Spinergy rep brought his wheels in and swore they were the toughest wheels on the market. And to prove it, he put one of the wheels on the ground and proceeded to jump up and down on the spokes. To my amazement, nothing broke or bent under his 200 pound weight. I was sold.

Overall Rating: ***** 5 Stars

Pros:
Very durable and strong
No replacing bent spokes
Keeps your rims true
Very light weight
Great for wheelchair athletes
No spoke creaking

Cons:
Need a special tool to replace spokes when (if ever) necessary
Pricey

Review:
The first thing to know about these spokes is that they are incredibly strong. One or two spokes every couple of years might need to be replaced, but that’s nothing compared to standard metal spokes. Because they are flexible, they absorb shock and are ideal for wheelchair athletes whose chairs take a beating.

There is also no need to worry about bending a spoke when you catch one on a corner or on a piece of furniture. And even if one does break, the rest of your Spinergy spokes will keep your wheels straight and true (as I’ve personally tested). These spokes are also very light. Each spoke is made up of 30,000 fiber strands which create a flexible and very quiet spoke. I noticed right away how quiet my wheels became and that I never had to listen to that steel-spoke-creaking again! And because they are not steel, I never have to worry about getting them wet and rusting.

There are very few problems associated with Spinergy spokes. The cost is the most prohibitive, usually selling for several times the cost of traditional wheel sets. The price if often balked at by insurance companies, but more and more companies are starting to realize the long-term cost-effectiveness of spending the extra money.

You also have to have a special tool to change and/or fix spokes when (if) they need it. Make sure that you keep yours in a safe place as this is not a tool that most people have in their toolboxes at home. However many bike shops now carry Spinergy spokes and will be able to help you make adjustments. I’ve had numerous cycling-addicts come up to me and comment on my Spinergy wheels! Spinergy's website includes both a cycle and wheelchair section, have recently added handcycle information, and are currently looking for sponsorship athletes!

Overall, I would recommend these wheel sets and spoke systems to anyone in a wheelchair who is remotely active and/or involved with sports and outdoor activities, or who wants to pay the extra cost for the assurance and peace and quiet of this wonderful invention.

SoloRider Golf Cart

In 2005 we were lucky enough to begin using a SoloRider regularly, after the City of Steamboat purchased one for the Haymaker Golf Course, a Scottish Links course in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Needless to say, it’s great to be back on the links!

Overall Rating: ***** 5 Stars

Pros:
Front mounted rack for your clubs
Soft swivel captain’s chair for easy transfers and play
Hand controls
Reasonable price

Cons:
Play time is lengthened with any adaptive cart
Chest strap can be uncomfortable after time
Potential extra charge for adaptive cart usage


Review:
I have actually tried out several different brands of accessible golf carts over the years and of the ones that I have tried so far, the SoloRider has proven to be the most dependable. The front mounted rack for your clubs is very convenient and the swivel captain’s chair makes transfers very manageable. With the addition of hand controls and easy to use waist and chest straps, this cart is really quite amazing. Its lightweight design and special weight distribution and soft tires allow you to go anywhere on the course, including the greens and sand traps. The price is also surprisingly reasonable when purchased through a golf course at just a couple thousand more than standard carts.

The initial problems I ran into included whether or not there was an extra cost to rent the cart, even though we really don’t have a choice of whether to walk or ride and whether or not the cart was charged and ready to go when I arrived. Again, not problems with the cart, but the course getting used to having one that someone used on a regular basis.

Another issue you will run into is that you cannot golf with a friend who is disabled that would use the same cart unless the course has two carts. Golfing is also heavy exercise despite what you might think about riding around in this cart. I usually only have the stamina for 9 holes. And if you are hitting balls on the driving range, make sure to take a break every ten or so swings. As I mentioned, the chest strap is great for holding you up, but it really digs into your chest if you hang on it too long. Last, play time is definitely lengthened by the time it takes to set up with this cart, although this decreases with practice and is inevitable with any adaptive cart.

Overall, I would recommend this cart to anyone or any course who is interested in buying one. Golf courses can get financial aid from the USGA with a well-written grant application. The pros definitely outweigh the cons here. As I always say, anytime you can get out of your wheelchair and leave it behind gives you an incredible sense of freedom and independence. Now got our there and hit some balls!


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