Do you suffer from a serious mobility issue? Has your search for the right wheelchair to help you deal with it and regain a measure of freedom and independence left you frustrated to this point?
If you answered yes to either of those questions, you’ll love this review, and more importantly, you’ll love the wheelchairs Broda makes.
We’ll look closer at Broda and its complete product lineup. We’ve done this many times before with other wheelchair brands and product lines, and often, we find that a given company will have hits and misses, with some of its products being significantly better or worse than others.
That’s not the case with Broda. One thing that will jump out immediately as you read this review and learn more about the Broda Wheelchairs is that they’re remarkably consistent. Every model this company offers is excellent and targeted at highly specific needs.
These chairs are pricey, which may make them out of reach for some. Still, most insurance companies offer coverage provisions for wheelchairs and other mobility aids, which should make one of these amazing chairs a real possibility.
If what you’ve read so far has piqued your interest, let’s jump right into the details and specifics!
About Broda
Before we get to the chairs themselves, let us introduce you to Broda, a name you may not be familiar with.
Broda is a division of MITY, Inc., a company that sells a wide range of industrial equipment marketed primarily to hospitals, critical care facilities, and the like. Broda focuses primarily on wheelchairs and a wide range of accessories that allow for a tremendous amount of personalization and customization, letting each user fine-tune their wheelchair so that it meets their specific needs.
The company’s corporate headquarters are in the United States, its manufacturing facility is in Canada, and it sells its products worldwide. It has been in the business for nearly 40 years and has featured its patented Comfort Tension Seating system since 1981. This system facilitates optimal heat and moisture exchange and prevents skin breakdown.
Broda’s chairs aren’t designed for people with moderate mobility issues. They’re specifically for people with serious mobility issues and require long-term seating and mobility solutions. They’re expertly engineered and built to last. With proper care, this will be the first, last, and only wheelchair you’ll ever need.
About Broda’s Product Line
Broda makes thirteen different wheelchairs, and some of those have one or more variants. Overall, twenty-one models are available that cater to almost every imaginable need. We’ll begin by taking a high-level view of the Broda Wheelchairs and then drill down and start talking about the specifics of each model. Here’s a quick overview of the company’s impressive product line:
Broda Wheelchairs I Comparison Table
|
|
|
|
Primary Rating:
4.7
|
Primary Rating:
4.7
|
Primary Rating:
4.4
|
|
Adjustability and Customization:
5.0
|
Adjustability and Customization:
5.0
|
Adjustability and Customization:
4.3
|
|
Comfort:
4.5
|
Comfort:
4.8
|
Comfort:
4.7
|
|
Versatility:
5.0
|
Versatility:
4.8
|
Versatility:
4.3
|
|
Ease of Use:
4.3
|
Ease of Use:
4.3
|
Ease of Use:
4.5
|
|
Seat Width:
16", 18", 20", 22"
|
Seat Width:
16”, 18”, or 20”
|
Seat Width:
16”, 18”, or 20”
|
|
Seat Height:
14" to 19"
|
Seat Height:
20.5”
(custom heights are available) |
Seat Height:
14” to 19”
(adjustable in 1” increments) |
|
Seat Depth:
16", 17", 18", 19", 20"
|
Seat Depth:
17” or 18.5”
(20” custom depth available) |
Seat Depth:
17” or 18.5”
|
|
Max. Supported Weight:
250 pounds
|
Max. Supported Weight:
350 pounds
|
Max. Supported Weight:
250 pounds
|
|
Variations:
Encore Pedal Rocker
Encore Pedal Chair |
Variations:
Synthesis Transport Chair
|
Variations:
Latitude Mobility Rocker
|
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
|
Our Verdict:
An incredible, versatile chair. Highly recommended.
|
Our Verdict:
Worth it for the Trendelenburg position alone. A wonderful chair that can pull double duty as a napping recliner. Highly recommended.
|
Our Verdict:
A bit more narrowly focused than some of the company’s other models, but exceptional for the right user. Recommended.
|
Encore Pedal Chair
- Ergonomically designed, highly adjustable, reclines in place, has an optional rocking feature, tons of extras on offer.
- Expensive. If you order the chair with the Dynamic Rocking feature, there’s a decrease in maximum supported weight.
(custom heights are available)
(20” custom depth available)
- Ergonomically designed, highly customizable, infinite seat angle and recline positions, Trendelenburg position available!
- Expensive.
(adjustable in 1” increments)
- Ergonomic seating, slight rocking and reclining function, a bit less expensive than some of the company’s other models.
- Limited recline range. This is a good day chair but a poor choice for a napper. Underwhelming maximum weight limit. Still pricey.
Encore Rehab Wheelchair
An incredible, versatile chair. Highly recommended.
Although Broda doesn’t say as much, the Encore can rightly be considered the company’s Flagship Model, and by any reckoning, it’s a masterpiece of design.
Even a casual glance reveals that this is not your ordinary Broda wheelchair. The first thing that jumps out is that it comes with an incredibly high back, like a proper recliner or a fully articulated headrest, depending on which seat back height you order. You’ll also notice that the frame supporting the seat is slightly longer than expected, making this a larger wheelchair than most.
Chair Specifications
Before we go any further, let’s take a more in-depth look at the basic stats that define the model:
As you can see from the basic stats, this is a highly adjustable and configurable chair. Even better, it’s ergonomically designed to foster improved posture, which is critical for anyone spending extended periods in it.
Chair Design and Features
The seat and the seatback feature a slatted tension support design, similar to those in top-end office chairs. This ensures the optimal level of ergonomic support as the owner moves around in the chair.
There are several innovative features to discuss here. First, like all of the chairs Broda sells, it features their innovative Comfort Tension Seating system, which, as we mentioned previously, is pivotal in helping prevent skin breakdown.
The Encore also has attractive, racy mag wheels and universal leg and footrests. The standard version doesn’t rock, but you can order your Encore with Broda’s patented Dynamic Rocking feature, which studies have shown helps reduce depression and anxiety.
Note, however, that ordering your Encore with the Dynamic Rocking feature will reduce the amount of user weight the chair can support. Conversely, the rocking tension can be adjusted, giving you another way to customize your Broda seating experience.
The chair can also recline up to 33 degrees from a sit-straight position and adjust to an infinite number of positions between fully upright and 33 degrees back.
Most interestingly of all, when your caregiver reclines you to the angle you want (managed from the push bar at the back of the chair), you’ll be reclining in place, which is to say that the chair pivots neatly on its axis, much like a space-saving living room recliner does.
In addition, the armrests are independently height adjustable, and the leg rests are likewise independently adjustable and conveniently slide out of the way. This allows the person sitting in the chair to wheel up to a desk or dining table and fully engage with work, family, and friends.
Customization Options
When you place your order, you can choose from a modest selection of frame colors, including:
In terms of upholstery, your options are as follows:
If all of that wasn’t enough, you can purchase several fun optional accessories, either when you initially order the chair or later, as your needs evolve and change. These include:
In short, this is an amazing design that the company has built a couple of closely related models around. It’s a rugged, long-lasting Broda chair that’s easy to use and a joy to sit in.
Encore Pedal Rocker
An incredible, versatile chair. Highly recommended.
Since the Pedal Rocker is based on the classic Encore frame, all of its core stats are the same so that we won’t replicate them here. Instead, we’ll focus on the key differences between this chair and the baseline model.
The first major difference is that this chair should rightly be considered a variant of a transport chair rather than a wheelchair, given that it comes equipped with small 5” rolling casters on both the front and the back. Unfortunately, unlike a proper Transport Chair, it’s not collapsible or lightweight enough to fill that role properly.
Although it’s not quite as versatile as a wheelchair, it does allow the user to propel themselves with their feet, allowing them to navigate through their homes or for short distances without the assistance of a caregiver.
The Pedal Rocker comes standard with the Dynamic Rocking feature and is outfitted with much more generous padding than the baseline model. The standard padding package includes:
Also, note that additional padding packages are available as optional accessories. In addition, all of the options and accessories that fit the baseline model also work with this chair.
The generous amounts of padding make this a particularly interesting design because almost every other transport chair on the market today lacks padding. While it’s certainly true that the padding this model offers doesn’t compare favorably with a standard living room recliner, its heads, and shoulders are more comfortable than any other transport chair we’ve ever seen.
Combine that with the fact that this chair rocks and reclines, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better transport type chair offered at any price. While it’s not for everyone, this design is perfect for the right user.
Note: Since this chair features Dynamic Rocking, it suffers from the same weight limit (250 pounds) as the baseline model if you order it with that feature.
Customization Options
Here, your frame color options are identical to the baseline model, and the upholstery options are as follows:
Encore Pedal Chair
This Broda chair is identical to the rocking version of the Encore, save for the fact that it doesn’t rock. Since the rocking feature is absent, this variant costs a bit less and has a higher (350-pound) weight limit, in line with the baseline model without Dynamic Rocking.
The key difference between this model and the baseline model is that the stylish mag wheels are replaced by 5” casters, which makes this much more of a transport chair than a proper wheelchair. As we mentioned with the model above, the comparison to a transport chair only goes so far because it’s not collapsible to a small enough footprint nor light enough to fit into that role completely.
It also can’t recline quite as far as the others we’ve discussed, but it features twenty-five degrees of recline from a fully upright position. It features the same standard padding package as the Encore Rocker.
Overall, this chair is a good budget option that will save you a bit of money if you’re looking for a good reclining chair for home use, can live without the rocking feature, and can’t afford the fancy mag wheels that the baseline model features.
This chair’s customization options are identical to the Encore Pedal Rocker.
Synthesis Tilt Recliner
Worth it for the Trendelenburg position alone. A wonderful chair that can pull double duty as a napping recliner. Highly recommended.
Although the Tilt doesn’t rock like Broda’s flagship model, it offers a tremendously valuable feature hinted at in the model’s name. Before we talk about it, though, let’s review the core stats:
It should be noted that these are just guidelines for the most part. If you want or need a custom seat height, width, or seat depth, contact the company, and they can work with you on that. Similarly, although the tilt’s default configuration has 6” rear casters and 5” front casters, this too can be customized if you desire. Those facts make the Tilt one of the market’s most adjustable and customizable chairs today.
As with the Encore, the Tilt is ergonomically designed and has a slatted seat and seatback that provides dynamic, ergonomic support as the user sits and moves in the chair. This is augmented by well-implemented head and neck support, independently adjustable armrests, and leg rests that can either be moved as a single unit if you leave the calf pad on or, if you remove it, each leg rest can be adjusted independently.
The real strength of this design, however, comes in the form of its tilt and recline functions. The angle of the seat can be tilted up to 40 degrees, and in addition to that, the chair reclines up to 90 degrees, which means it lays completely flat.
Given its generous padding, the tilt can double duty as a reasonably good napping recliner, especially if you invest in one of the even plusher padding options. It gets even better, though. This chair features an advanced seating option in a Trendelenburg position!
What’s remarkable is that while the position is occasionally offered in high-end recliners and lift chairs, it is rarely seen on a wheelchair or other mobility device. It’s a wonderful addition to this design because it has documented benefits for people who suffer from chronic pain and poor circulation or who have recently had and are recovering from surgery.
When you place your order, you can choose from a modest selection of frame colors, including:
Where upholstery is concerned, the following options are available:
In addition, the chair you order will have its headrest cushion, shoulder bolsters, upper side pads, lower side pads, and sole pads upholstered in the color of your choice. The seat, back, and calf pads will be black, with white or grey terry cover options also available.
While the full range of accessories are available and will fit on this chair, according to patient and caregiver statistics collected by the company, the most popular accessories purchased with this model include:
It’s an amazing model with a lot to offer, but in our view, the model’s biggest selling point is that it can lay completely flat and has an advanced seating position, which is virtually unheard of in a wheelchair.
Synthesis Transport Chair
The transport version of the Synthesis features all the great features of the core model but also comes equipped with a variety of safety features that optimize the chair for transport from one location to another, with the user remaining in the chair during transport.
This is a departure from a conventional transport chair. Conventional transport chairs are typically designed to collapse for easy storage while the user sits in the transport vehicle and then is transferred into the chair when the destination is reached.
The additional safety features included in this model are:
As the company describes it, the Synthesis Transport chair “bridges the gap between a standard wheelchair and a stretcher.” Given its ability to lay flat, it’s easy to see where the comparison comes from.
Note that the transport variant of the Synthesis is every bit as adjustable as the baseline model. According to company statistics, the most popular accessories purchased with this model are:
Latitude Pedal Rocker
A bit more narrowly focused than some of the company’s other models, but exceptional for the right user. Recommended.
With 5” casters all around, this chair falls into that curious middle ground that’s not quite a wheelchair or a transport chair. It is an exceptional chair for use around the house, though, and although it is a little more narrowly focused than the models we’ve discussed previously, it’s still a solid design and perfect for the right user. It’s just that the pool of ideal users is somewhat smaller for this particular model, owing to its modest maximum supported weight.
Before we go further, let’s take a closer look at the chair’s core stats:
This model shares some traits in common with the Synthesis chair in that a number of the dimensions are customizable beyond the thresholds mentioned above. Refer to this brochure for the particulars.
Like the other Broda models discussed, the Latitude is ergonomically designed. It provides exceptional dynamic back support, augmented further by the modest recline of the seat. However, this is a limitation, as the seat only reclines 18 degrees.
On the other hand, the model also rocks back up to 33 degrees, which adds to the chair’s versatility. Note, however, that the user sitting in the chair cannot activate the rocking function. It’s activated by a control on the seatback, just beneath the push bar. Also note that the Latitude features a tension control knob that controls the amount of force needed to rock in the chair, allowing the caregiver to set this to the user’s taste.
In addition, the side “wings” are removable, the caregiver can lock the rocking function as a safety feature, and the armrests are height adjustable to ensure that the chair fits the person using it like a glove.
The standard padding package for this model includes the neck rest pad, lower side pads, shoulder bolsters, and seat and back pads.
Customization Options
Where upholstery is concerned, this model offers the following options:
There are two frame options available: Black and Grey Hammer.
According to the company’s statistics, the most popular accessories purchased with this model are:
Latitude Mobility Rocker
This model is identical to the baseline Latitude, save for one difference. Instead of having 5” casters all around, this variant has a mag wheel upgrade, which allows the person sitting in the chair greater freedom of movement and the option to propel the chair with their arms instead of simply pedaling around with their feet.
All upholstery and frame options are identical, and the same accessories are recommended for this variant.
Broda Wheelchairs II Comparison Table
|
|
|
|
Primary Rating:
4.5
|
Primary Rating:
4.6
|
Primary Rating:
4.7
|
|
Adjustability and Customization:
4.3
|
Adjustability and Customization:
4.3
|
Adjustability and Customization:
5.0
|
|
Comfort:
4.8
|
Comfort:
4.8
|
Comfort:
4.8
|
|
Versatility:
4.5
|
Versatility:
4.8
|
Versatility:
4.0
|
|
Ease of Use:
4.5
|
Ease of Use:
4.5
|
Ease of Use:
4.8
|
|
Seat Width:
16”, 18”, or 20”
|
Seat Width:
16” or 18”
|
Seat Width:
24,” 26,” 28,” or 30”
|
|
Seat Height:
12.5” to 17.5”
(adjustable in 1” increments) |
Seat Height:
20.5”
|
Seat Height:
21,” 22,” 23,” or 24”
|
|
Seat Depth:
17” or 18.5”
|
Seat Depth:
17” to 18”
|
Seat Depth:
21” or 23”
|
|
Max. Supported Weight:
350 pounds
|
Max. Supported Weight:
350 pounds
|
Max. Supported Weight:
600 pounds
|
|
Variations:
None
|
Variations:
Elite Tilt Recliner
Elite Transport Chair |
Variations:
None
|
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
|
Our Verdict:
This is an ideal chair for shorter users with wider hips, owing to the custom seat width options (discussed in the review section). Provisionally recommended.
|
Our Verdict:
Despite the confusion currently swirling around this model, it is exceptional and incredibly customizable. Recommended.
|
Our Verdict:
It’s definitely a niche product and as such, it’s not for everyone, but if you need a bigger chair capable of supporting a lot of weight and you don’t want to sacrifice on features, this one belongs on your short list. Recommended.
|
(adjustable in 1” increments)
- Ergonomic seating, very slight recline function, and more custom options than offered by the Latitude.
- Very limited recline angle. If you’re looking for a reclining wheelchair, this isn’t the model you want.
Elite Transport Chair
- An expertly designed, ergonomically powerful chair capable of laying more than flat!
- Expensive. This model seems to be in flux and undergoing some changes. At present, one variant is for the US market and the other is for the European market.
- An incredibly customizable chair when you place your order. Delightfully comfortable with a recline function that lays the chair nearly flat, allowing it to pull double duty as a napper. Even tilts forward and has hand grips allowing the user to get an assist getting into and out of the chair.
- Not an adjustable chair (it is customizable when you place your order – if your needs change, however, this chair can’t change with you).
Sashay Pedal Chair
Ideal chair for shorter users with wider hips, thanks to the custom seat width options. Provisionally recommended.
The Sashay is a somewhat smaller chair than the Latitude, but it can support more user weight despite that fact. There are a couple of important tradeoffs between these two models. Before we get into the particulars of that, let’s review the basic stats that define this model:
The first thing that jumps out at us is that this model supports an extra hundred pounds of weight but has a significantly lower seat-to-floor height range than the Latitude. This unusual combination of features makes it a fabulous choice for shorter, heavier users.
Like all the other chairs we’ve discussed, this one is also ergonomically designed for incredible dynamic support. Unlike most models, it doesn’t rock and only reclines marginally—a scant 18 degrees.
That makes it a relatively poor choice if you’re looking specifically for a reclining chair, but it is delightfully comfortable, with the standard padding package that includes:
If you decide that the Sashay is the chair for you, know that there are a few custom configuration options available, including optional seat widths of 22”, 24”, 26”, or 28” and custom seat depth options of either 15.5” or 20”.
Customization Options
The following upholstery options are available for this model:
There are two frame options available: Hammer Grey and Black.
According to Broda’s statistics, the following accessories are most commonly paired with this chair:
Elite Tilt Semi-Recliner
Despite the confusion currently swirling around this model, it is exceptional and incredibly customizable. Recommended.
The Elite is an interesting model because it has recently been compressed with two retired variants. Unlike the other products in the Broda lineup, the two remaining Elite models are targeted at different markets. This variant is sold in the United States, and the other Elite variant is offered only in Europe.
Before we get into what makes this model different and unique, let’s take a look at its core stats:
What jumps out at us about this model just by looking at the numbers above is that it’s not quite as adjustable as most other Broda chairs since the seat height is static. However, the base stats only tell part of the story. This is one of the company’s most customizable chairs.
In addition to being able to choose between 20” or 22” mag wheels, if you have a custom need where some of the dimensions are concerned, you can contact the company directly and ask to get your Elite with:
In addition, the baseline model of this chair allows the seat to recline by up to 40 degrees, and the back can recline an additional 15 degrees beyond that. If that’s not enough for you, you can order your Elite recliner with the capability of reclining by up to 80 degrees.
Combined with the seatback recline angle, the chair can lay more than flat if you want it to, and of course, you’ve got an infinite degree of recline angles to choose from, so you have perfect recline freedom.
The standard padding on the chair (which includes the seat and back pad, the upper and lower side pads, a sole pad, and a calf pad) makes for a decent napping recliner. Even better, more deluxe padding options are available.
Like the rest of Broda’s chairs, this one features an innovative slatted seat and seatback design. This provides exceptional dynamic, ergonomic support while sitting in the chair, enhancing its comfort.
Customization Options
This model has fewer upholstery and frame color options than the other chairs we’ve discussed. The frame is available in either Grey Hammer or Black, while the upholstery color options are:
According to company statistics, the following accessories are most commonly paired with this model:
Although you don’t get as many fun color options, make no mistake: The Elite is a serious contender and one of the best wheelchairs on the market today.
Elite Tilt Recliner
This chair is functionally similar to the Elite Semi-Recliner but is geared to the specifics of the European market. While there are a few structural differences to meet European standards, it’s fundamentally the same chair. If you live in Europe and want one of these, just let them know where they’ll be shipping it to, and they’ll make sure you get the right chair for your part of the world.
Elite Transport Chair
Although this model is still mentioned in a couple of places on the company’s site, it appears to have been discontinued in preference for the Elite Tilt Recliner. We wanted to include a brief mention here for completeness and to avoid confusion.
Elite Tilt Chair
Although this model is still mentioned in a couple of places on the company’s site, it appears to have been discontinued in preference for the Synthesis Transport Chair. We wanted to include a brief mention here for completeness and to avoid confusion.
Vanguard Tilt Recliner (Bariatric)
If you need a bigger chair capable of supporting a lot of weight and you don’t want to sacrifice features, this one belongs on your shortlist. Recommended.
The Vanguard is Broda’s largest chair and can support far more weight than anything else in the company’s lineup. Despite its substantial size, the Vanguard is built to the same high standards that the rest of the company’s products adhere to. No corners are being cut here!
Let’s take a more in-depth look at the chair’s basic stats:
When we look at the baseline stats, the first thing that jumps out at us is that nothing about this chair is adjustable. Just about every aspect, though, is highly customizable at the time of your order.
That’s both good and bad. On the plus side, if you take careful measurements, you can get exactly the chair you want and make sure it fits you like a glove.
The flip side is that if your needs evolve, the chair can’t evolve with you. We understand why the company took this approach, but it is somewhat limiting.
In addition to the basics, this chair features the company’s patented Comfort Tension Seating and is ergonomically designed to provide exceptional dynamic support, which enhances the Vanguard’s comfort.
This model features 6” front casters and 8” rear casters and a standard comfort package that includes:
On top of that, the chair features height-adjustable armrests, seat or base mounted armrests, at your option (specify at the time you place your order), and it comes with removable wings and stand-assist handles to help the person using the chair transfer into or out of it.
This one reclines as with so many of Broda’s chairs, but there are two fun innovations regarding this feature. First, it can recline up to 30 degrees backward, tilting in space like a wall-hugger recliner.
In addition, the backrest can recline an additional 45 degrees. While that’s not enough to make the chair flat, it comes close. It’s certainly enough that the Vanguard would make a good napping chair.
It gets better, though. This model can also recline up to 10 degrees forward, which makes it a bit like a lift chair without the actual lift function. Even so, the fact that the chair reclines forward is genuinely helpful for transferring the patient into or out of the chair, especially given the presence of the hand grips.
That’s not all, though. The Vanguard is unique because its recline function is controlled via a simple foot pump mechanism. Many of Broda’s other models only recline at the whim of the caretaker. The fact that the user can control this one via a foot pump is amazing. We love it!
Customization Options
Even though the Vanguard is one of the most customizable chairs regarding stats and measurements, it comes up short regarding upholstery and frame options. Color-wise, you only have three choices: Renaissance Burgundy, Renaissance Charcoal, or Silvertex Sapphire Blue. You don’t get any choices regarding the frame. It only comes in Grey Hammer.
Based on company statistics, the following are the most popular accessories purchased with this model:
This chair is not going to be for everyone. Still, if you’re a bigger, heavier person with a serious mobility issue, the Vanguard is (or can be) an absolute game-changer.
Broda Wheelchairs III Comparison Table
|
|
|
|
Primary Rating:
4.7
|
Primary Rating:
4.7
|
Primary Rating:
4.3
|
|
Adjustability and Customization:
5.0
|
Adjustability and Customization:
5.0
|
Adjustability and Customization:
4.3
|
|
Comfort:
4.3
|
Comfort:
4.8
|
Comfort:
3.8
|
|
Versatility:
5.0
|
Versatility:
4.8
|
Versatility:
4.8
|
|
Ease of Use:
4.5
|
Ease of Use:
4.3
|
Ease of Use:
4.5
|
|
Seat Width:
16,” 18,” or 20”
|
Seat Width:
16,” 18,” or 20”
|
Seat Width:
18” or 22”
|
|
Seat Height:
17” to 22”
(adjustable in 1” increments) |
Seat Height:
20.5”
(custom heights are available) |
Seat Height:
24.5”
|
|
Seat Depth:
17” or 18.5”
|
Seat Depth:
17” or 18.5”
(20” custom depth available) |
Seat Depth:
18”
|
|
Max. Supported Weight:
350 pounds
|
Max. Supported Weight:
350 pounds
|
Max. Supported Weight:
400 pounds
|
|
Variations:
None
|
Variations:
None
|
Variations:
Revive Bariatric Tilt Chair
|
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
|
Our Verdict:
A great, well-rounded chair. This model offers a bit of everything. Highly recommended.
|
Our Verdict:
Just as we highly recommend the Synthesis chair, we highly recommend this model too.
|
Our Verdict:
For those that need this type of chair, it’s best in class and highly recommended.
|
(adjustable in 1” increments)
- A wonderful ergonomic design offering a surprising level of comfort. Massive recline capability, and Trendelenburg capable!
- Expensive.
(custom heights are available)
(20” custom depth available)
- We feel that this should simply be listed as a subset of the Synthesis chair, but Broda lists it as a unique model. It’s simply a better padded Synthesis, with all of that chair’s strengths and weaknesses.
- This is a better-padded variant of the Synthesis chair.
- This is a highly specialized chair that’s very good at what it does. It’s the chair of choice for people who have severe mobility issues and need a chair like this to assist with bathing, urination and bowel movements.
- Too narrowly focused to be useful to the mainstream market.
Midline Tilt Recliner
A wonderful ergonomic design offering a surprising level of comfort. Massive recline capability, and Trendelenburg capable!
The Midline is a relatively unassuming design, but it’s one of our favorites. Before we get into the specific reasons why, let’s take a moment to review the core statistics that define the model quickly:
The seat-to-floor height of this chair makes it good for more than just sitting around the house. This is a working chair, and the seat height adjustment range perfectly matches the standard range found on office chairs sold worldwide.
In addition to that, and this model incorporates all the proprietary tech and ergonomic goodness that Broda’s other models do, the key selling point of the Midline is that it offers an incredible recline range.
The seat tilts in space up to 38 degrees, which makes it similar to the recline function of recliners that feature “wall-hugging” or space-saving technology. On top of that, the seatback reclines up to 90 degrees. Taken together, this chair can lay flat and then some.
Not only is that a good chair for napping, which is rare enough in the wheelchair world, but it’s also Trendelenburg capable.
That’s a term we’ve mentioned a few times throughout this Broda Wheelchairs review because it’s something that’s built into more than one of Broda’s models. While you occasionally find a high-end recliner or lift chair that offers Trendelenburg or one or more Zero-G seating positions, you rarely see that sort of thing on a wheelchair.
It matters because advanced seating positions like this have proven health benefits for people with poor circulation in their lower extremities, who suffer from chronic pain, or who are recovering from surgery. In other words, it’s a superb addition to a wheelchair, and we’re happy to see it included in more than one of Broda’s models.
Like many of their chairs, this one features 5” casters, putting it in that curious, ‘not quite a Transport chair, but also not a Wheelchair’ category. Fortunately, you can order yours with Mag wheels if you like, which allows you even more freedom and independence while not sacrificing any of the chair’s capabilities.
Customization Options
The Midline comes in your choice of three different colors: Renaissance Burgundy, Renaissance Charcoal, or Silvertex Sapphire Blue. You can also select from either Grey Hammer or Black frame options.
If the baseline stats don’t work for you for some reason, you can order the following custom enhancements for this model:
You can also get a mag wheel upgrade for this model, which turns it into a proper wheelchair.
According to company statistics, the following accessories are purchased most frequently with this model:
This is an incredibly versatile design. What it lacks in fun colors and frame options, it more than makes up for in terms of raw capability. One of our favorites.
Acute Care Chair
Just as we highly recommend the Synthesis chair, we highly recommend this model too.
This chair is listed as a separate model, but we believe it should rightly be considered a minor variant of the Synthesis chair. It’s the same chair with different padding. Given that, we won’t repeat a discussion of its strengths and weaknesses here. Instead, we refer you back to the review of the Synthesis model. It’s an exceptional chair; it doesn’t warrant an entirely separate entry.
Revive Tilt Chair
It’s the chair of choice for people who have severe mobility issues and need a chair like this to assist with bathing, urination, and bowel movements.
This is one of the most narrowly focused products Broda makes. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with the chair. There isn’t. It’s as exceptional as the rest of the company’s product line, but this chair isn’t for everyone. Before we get into exactly why, let’s do a quick review of the basic stats that define the model:
As you can see, this chair supports a bit more weight than most of the other Broda models we’ve discussed. It’s also very different from the rest of the company’s lineup because it’s designed to help people with the most serious mobility issues with bathing and bowel movements.
Naturally water-resistant and easy to clean, it’s very good at what it does. When you’re not using it for those more specialized purposes, it’s also a comfortable chair for sitting in, even for several hours at a stretch. Even so, this is a niche product.
Despite its narrow focus, it still utilizes the same excellent ergonomic design and Comfort Tension Seating as all the company’s other chairs. It reclines back twelve degrees, with the back reclining an additional 67 degrees beyond that.
In addition, the seat tilts forward by up to ten degrees, making it easier to transfer the person into or out of the chair. It’s not exactly a lift function (like on living room lift chairs), but it accomplishes the same basic goal.
The commode seat is well padded and comfortable, the bedpan is removable for easy emptying and cleaning, and it features 5” casters all around. It’s a solid, well-designed product, but as we said at the start, it’s not a chair for everyone. Your mobility issue is either bad enough to need something like this or won’t consider it.
Customization Options
There are no upholstery or frame options with this chair. The seat upholstery is black, and the frame is white. That’s what you get.
According to the company’s statistics, the most popular accessories ordered in tandem with this chair are:
Revive Bariatric Tilt Chair
This chair is functionally similar to the baseline model, but as a bariatric variant, it’s bigger and built to hold more weight.
Let’s take a look at the core stats for the model so you can see how much is different:
The numbers are a little different, but the biggest single point of differentiation between this chair and the base model is that this one can support twice the weight. At an 800-pound limit, this is the sturdiest chair Broda has for sale today.
It serves the same specialized function as the baseline model, but it does it for bigger and heavier people. The market for this chair is anyone who needs the baseline model but weighs more than 400 pounds and less than 800 pounds.
Customization Options
This chair offers few options. The upholstery on the seat is black, and the frame is white. The company offers no choice on either of those fronts.
According to company statistics, the most popular accessories with this model are the molded headrest and the padded transport seat.
It’s a good chair and an important part of the company’s lineup, but it’s targeted at a very specific segment of the market and is almost entirely self-selecting. Either you suffer from such a serious mobility issue that this is the kind of chair you need, in which case, it will be on your shortlist, or you won’t even give it a second look.
Broda Wheelchairs IV Comparison Table
|
|
|
|
|
Primary Rating:
4.7
|
Primary Rating:
4.4
|
Primary Rating:
4.3
|
Primary Rating:
4.3
|
|
Adjustability and Customization:
5.0
|
Adjustability and Customization:
4.8
|
Adjustability and Customization:
3.8
|
Adjustability and Customization:
3.8
|
|
Comfort:
4.5
|
Comfort:
4.5
|
Comfort:
4.5
|
Comfort:
4.5
|
|
Versatility:
4.8
|
Versatility:
4.3
|
Versatility:
3.8
|
Versatility:
3.8
|
|
Ease of Use:
4.5
|
Ease of Use:
4.3
|
Ease of Use:
5.0
|
Ease of Use:
5.0
|
|
Seat Width:
16” or 18”
|
Seat Width:
16,” 18,” or 20”
|
Seat Width:
18,” 20,” 20”
(not a typo!) |
Seat Width:
12,” 14,” 16”
|
|
Seat Height:
14” to 19”
(adjustable in 1” increments) |
Seat Height:
19.5,” 20.5,” or 21.5” options available
(specify when you place your order) |
Seat Height:
16,” 18,” and 18”
(not a typo – see review for details) |
Seat Height:
10,” 12,” 14”
|
|
Seat Depth:
16” to 20”
(adjustable in 1” increments) |
Seat Depth:
17,” or 18.5”
|
Seat Depth:
18,” 20,” and 20”
(again, not a typo) |
Seat Depth:
10,” 12,” 14”
|
|
Max. Supported Weight:
250 pounds
|
Max. Supported Weight:
250 pounds
|
Max. Supported Weight:
250 pounds
|
Max. Supported Weight:
200 pounds
|
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
Pros:
|
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
Cons:
|
|
Our Verdict:
It’s an exceptional, if somewhat narrowly focused chair. Highly recommended.
|
Our Verdict:
An awesome chair, but the modest weight limit correspondingly limits its appeal. Provisionally recommended. There are comparable recliners on this list that support more weight.
|
Our Verdict:
Situationally useful and provisionally recommended. If you have a mobility issue, you’ll definitely get some value out of this model.
|
Our Verdict:
A great chair for kids with any sort of mobility issue. Bear in mind, however, that this is a supplemental piece of equipment. It’s not a mobility aid in and of itself. Provisionally recommended.
|
(adjustable in 1” increments)
(adjustable in 1” increments)
- Incredibly durable and versatile design. Highly moddable and customizable.
- Disappointing weight limit.
(specify when you place your order)
- A highly adjustable, comfortable, ergonomic reclining wheelchair.
- Disappointing weight limit.
(not a typo!)
(not a typo – see review for details)
(again, not a typo)
- A wonderful lower cost option that’s comfortable and provides genuine relief.
- Not a true mobility device. Listed here for the sake of completeness.
- A wonderful lower cost option that’s comfortable and provides genuine relief.
- Not a true mobility device. Listed here for the sake of completeness.
Comfort Tilt Chair
It’s an exceptional, if somewhat narrowly focused chair. Highly recommended.
This is an interesting model because it’s the only one of Broda’s chairs that doesn’t come with seat and back padding as a standard feature. The good news is that you can order whatever padding (and in whatever color) you like and add it to the chair. And, if you decide you don’t want or need padding, you can save yourself a bit of money. We’ll begin as we have previously by reviewing this model’s basic stats:
There are a couple of interesting things to talk about here. First, this is the only Broda model with an adjustable seat depth. We love it and wish that was a more common feature on wheelchairs, as it would make all of them more versatile.
Second, with a seat height that starts at 14,” this is an ideal chair for shorter people of any age. The flip side is that although the seat height goes to 19” which would make it a decent choice for taller folks, it only supports a maximum of 250 pounds. Hence, it’s not a great choice for anybody but taller people with light build and longer legs.
The other thing to mention here is that although this chair doesn’t come with a seat or back padding, it does come standard with padded sides (black), so bear that in mind if you decide to order an additional padding package. Also note that you can order this chair with either 5,” 6,” or 8” front casters and with your choice of 20”, 22”, or 24” mag wheels.
Customization Options
As we mentioned, this chair doesn’t have cushions, which are sold separately. The good news is that you can get them in any color the company offers. The frame is black. You don’t get any options there.
Based on the company’s statistics, the following accessories are most commonly paired with this chair:
It’s a solid design and one of the best values for the money that the company offers.
Centric Tilt Chair
Provisionally recommended. There are comparable recliners on this list that support more weight.
This is yet another highly adjustable Broda reclining wheelchair. It has the limitation, however, of only supporting a relatively modest amount of user weight. As good as it is, other Broda models fill more or less the same niche and do a better job. Before we go further, let’s review the core stats that define the chair:
Take a look at those numbers. The seat-to-floor height range is on the bigger/taller side, but the weight limit is just 250 pounds. Although it’s a good fit for taller people with lighter builds, the stats are not a great combination, which paints this as a niche product.
Like the other chairs we’ve discussed, it has adjustable armrests. It is built with Broda’s proprietary Comfort Tension Seating, which helps prevent skin breakdown and provides excellent dynamic, ergonomic support, enhancing the chair’s comfort.
It’s also a capable recliner. The seat itself can tilt in place and recline up to a maximum of 25 degrees, with the seatback reclining an additional 45 degrees beyond that. The chair doesn’t recline completely flat, but it’s close enough that this chair would serve as an excellent napping recliner in a pinch.
The wings are removable, the leg rests elevate, and the chair comes with a generous cushioning package that includes:
It’s a robust design, and if you compare this chair to one made by almost any other company in the business, it comes out on top. However, it falls a little short compared to other Broda chairs.
Customization Options
The Centric is available in three colors: Renaissance Burgundy, Renaissance Charcoal, and Silvertex Sapphire Blue. The frame is only available in Grey Hammer. According to the company’s statistics, the following accessories are most often purchased in tandem with the Centric:
This is a good chair, but the problem is that all of Broda’s chairs are good. The company makes better models that are just as adjustable and support more weight. This model has nothing wrong with it, except that it competes with other Broda products. Against almost any other wheelchair, this one wins hands down, but it is one of Broda’s weaker models, in our view.
Tranquille Glider
Situationally useful and provisionally recommended. If you have a mobility issue, you’ll definitely get some value out of this model.
The first thing to say about this chair is that it’s not a mobility device. We’re mentioning it here because Broda makes it, and we didn’t want to leave any stone unturned. It’s a chair that offers genuine therapeutic benefits. Hence, as a supplemental piece of furniture, even without wheels, this is a good addition to any home where a person suffers from some mobility issue.
The second thing to discuss is that this model comes in three variants. We’ll post the details below so you can see which one is the best fit for you:
| Tranquille Variants | Small, Low-Back Model | Low-Back Model | High Back Model |
| Seat Width | 18” | 20” | 20” |
| Seat Depth | 17” | 17” | 17” |
| Back Height | 26” | 26” | 32” |
| Max. Supported Weight | 250 pounds | 250 pounds | 250 pounds |
| Comfort Features | Side panels, seat, and back pad | Side panels, seat and back pad | Side panels, seat and back pad, height adjustable neck rest |
Note that although these chairs aren’t designed with the mobility of the person sitting in them in mind, all three models come equipped with rear transport wheels designed to make moving the (unoccupied) chair from one location to another easy and convenient.
So, if this isn’t a wheelchair or transport chair, what is it exactly? It defies easy classification, but it’s a therapeutic glider with the advantage of compatibility with all of Broda’s accessories.
It also features detachable rear wheels that aren’t useful for moving about in the chair while sitting in it but make it easy and convenient for a caregiver to relocate the chair as needed.
Customization Options
The Tranquille is available in a generous selection of colors, including:
The chair’s frame is also available in a variety of different colors, including:
According to Broda’s statistics, the following options are most commonly purchased in tandem with this chair:
This model obviously won’t be for everyone. Still, it should be on your shortlist if you want something to augment your mobility devices and give you more seating options.
Aspire Pediatric Chair
A great chair for kids with any mobility issue. However, remember that this is a supplemental piece of equipment. It’s not a mobility aid in and of itself. Provisionally recommended.
This is a pint-sized version of the Tranquille, built specifically for children. It has all the same basic features and limitations as the Tranquille (including detachable wheels that aren’t designed for use with someone in the chair but make it easy for a caregiver to relocate the chair). We won’t go into much detail repeating all that information.
Like the Tranquille, this model comes in three sizes, called small, medium, and large by Broda. Here are the details for the three model variants.
| Aspire Variant | Small, Low-Back Model | Low-Back Model | High Back Model |
| Seat Width | 12” | 14” | 16” |
| Seat Depth | 10” | 12” | 14” |
| Back Height | 18” | 20” | 22” |
| Max. Supported Weight | 200 pounds | 200 pounds | 200 pounds |
| Comfort Features | Fixed position armrests, soft vinyl seat cushion, and back pad | Fixed position armrests, soft vinyl seat cushion, and back pad | Fixed position armrests, soft vinyl seat cushion and back pad |
Customization Options
If you have a child who suffers from a mobility issue and you want to get one of these for him or her, you can order yours in the following upholstery colors:
The following frame color options are available:
According to Broda’s statistics, the following accessories are most commonly paired with this model:
Let’s face it; kids can be cruel, and having a normal-looking chair like this can do a lot to make a child forget that he or she even has a disability and allow them to more fully engage and participate in activities that other children are enjoying.
In addition, the chair’s gentle gliding actions are calming and soothing, making it comfortable and relaxing.
Like the full-sized version, this isn’t a chair everybody wants or needs. It’s very much a niche product, but it’s an important niche, and we didn’t feel that our review would have been complete without mentioning it.
Lots of Accessories on Offer
At the very beginning, we mentioned that Broda offers a wide range of accessories, which allows their customers tremendous freedom when personalizing and customizing their chairs to meet their particular needs better.
Each model is different, and some accessories only apply to certain models. Still, the company has an accessories catalog that breaks each model down and lists the accessories compatible with that chair.
We recommend that unless you know, you’ll need one of these extras, you start by purchasing whichever model offers the best overall fit for you and use it in its stock configuration for a month or two to get a feel for it. Then, once you’ve got some hands-on experience with the chair, review this list of accessories again to see if something would add value to your experience and make those purchases incrementally.
In addition to accessories, the company sells replacement parts for each component of every model. If something breaks or wears out, it’s simple to get a replacement for that particular part and keep it ongoing. These chairs were built for the long term, and given the level of support the company provides, and the availability of replacement parts, any Broda chair you buy can easily last a lifetime.
Here’s a link to the company’s current parts and accessories catalog.
Broda Wheelchairs Review Conclusion
As you can see, Broda has a lot to offer. Their chairs are incredibly well-designed, durable, and long-lasting. Even better, they can do things that most other wheelchairs simply can’t, making them a breed apart.
Sure, you’ll pay a premium for Broda Wheelchairs, but this is a case of getting what you pay for. If you have a serious mobility issue and long-term needs, Broda belongs on your shortlist of chairs to consider. They’re amazing, and we recommend the entire product line without reservation.
REFERENCES & RESOURCES
- BRODA, Official Brand Website.
- What It’s Like to Travel When You Use a Wheelchair, Healthline.
- A Student with Cystic Fibrosis Explains How Her Wheelchair is a Fashion Statement, Teen Vogue.