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. Ideal for experienced users who know their optimal seated position.
Aero T frame
The Aero T features TiLite's flagship swept-in dual-tube frame. While it may seem counter-intuitive that a dual-tube frame be higher-end than a mono-tube one, for TiLite's T-series, this is actually the case. Able to utilise narrower tubing than the mono-tube Aero Z, the Aero T is actually lighter! What's more, the key benefit of the dual-tube design is it increases rigidity and decreases flex in the frame - allowing more of your energy to go to propelling yourself, rather than be lost to flex in the frame.
The traditional downside of dual-tube designs was that they took up more space to transport, when the wheels were removed. The swept-in Aero T frame isn't like a traditional "box frame" - it's compact and just as transportable as a mono-tube frame.
The Aero T is an adjustable wheelchair, benefiting from Precision Lock technology. Adjustments can be made to seat height, centre of gravity, backrest position and more. This makes the Aero T ideal for those who may still need some tweaks made to their chair either as they develop their wheelchair skills or to cater for changing conditions.
Customisation
As you would expect from a high-end chair, each Aero T 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. One we would highlight is the "standard" Out-Front Shadow wheels, which are anything but standard - they are lighter, better performing, and sleeker than the competition.
As a Permobil company, TiLite chairs are available with their range of Roho Agility lightweight air backs and cushions, and we have found the Comfort Company Curve cushion to be a popular cushion for those without pressure requirements - stylish and comfortable.
Style
TiLite 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 ability to have "tattoos" on the frame - for the Aero T this means a blasted aluminium frame with a clear cut tattoo, which makes it really stand out from other wheelchairs.
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 - while this will benefit experienced users the most, those newer to wheelchairs will still find that having the wheelchair built to them (rather than to the configurations that are compatible with standard frame sizes) will fit them best.
The Aero T is a little more expensive than the mono-tube Aero Z, but we consider that worth it for the weight savings and improved rigidity. Try it alongside a mono-tube wheelchair like Kuschall's K-Series or Ki's Rogue ALX to feel the difference.
If you're after even more weight savings, then look for the titanium-framed equivalent, the TRA, which also offers improved vibration dampening.
