How to make Wheelchair Racing Gloves with Aquaplast, by Sarah Werner
Wheelchair racers use several main types of gloves to push with. Racers often start out in the sport with “soft gloves,” which are made of leather and rubber. These provide a wide pushing surface and are useful in developing a good pushing technique.
“Hard gloves” are made out of aquaplast or 3D-printed plastic with rubber glued to the pushing surface. They are lighter and cooler than soft gloves, but can be harder to learn pushing technique when just starting out in racing. 3D printed gloves are rapidly gaining in popularity because they are made for a wide variety of hand sizes and aquaplast can be tricky to mold, especially if you don’t have the help of a knowledgeable person to make them.
The benefits of aquaplast gloves if you have the skill and time to make them are numerous. They allow you to create a glove uniquely fitted to both your hands and your pushing style. They are also significantly cheaper than soft gloves or 3D printed gloves, which cost between $150 and $300.
An aquaplast kit only costs around $40 and comes with aquaplast beads, aquaplast sheets, and rubber sheets. You can make them as large or small as you like, depending in your pushing style. You can glue hook and loop straps if you want a more secure fit. Aquaplast is also easy to remold before you glue anything onto it, so you can start over if you find that the fit is not ideal after you mold them the first time. The kit I ordered came with 16 ounces of aquaplast pellets and two sheets of rubber. Some kits also come with sheets of aquaplast and less pellets. I had the help of my occupational therapist in making these, so we melted the pellets in a hot water bath at 190 degrees Fahrenheit.
What to Look for when Buying Wheelchair Gloves
If you are a wheelchair user and propel yourself on a daily basis or even once in a while you will agree with me that a lot of pressure is exerted your palms, and when repeated it may lead discomfort, abrasions and blisters. And honestly, you will not be able to propel yourself in your wheelchair another inch with painful palms. But here is the best news, with a pair of gloves you will never go through such pain. Gloves will protect your hands from potential injuries; they also shield your hands from repetitive stopping and starting of your wheelchair. Choosing wheelchair gloves should be done with care, the following tips will help you.
Durability
Propelling a wheelchair is a tough job; the regular spin of the wheel exposes them to wear and tear. The reason why you should choose gloves that can withstand regular wear while protecting your hands from harsh weather conditions. Moisture increases the risk of wear and tear for your gloves. To save your money consider choosing gloves that will “breathe” and not retain moisture.
Perfect Fit
Pushing and pulling your wheelchair is a daunting task in itself not only for new wheelchair users but even for users with experience. When purchasing wheelchair gloves do not only go for those that give protection to your hands but test and make sure they feel good on your skin. The material used should be appropriate, soft leather and gel padding will do great for your hands and palms. Continue reading
7 Must-Have Wheelchair Accessories
Any wheelchair user will confirm that wheelchair accessories are Godsend. They have numerous benefits and make everyday life in a wheelchair comfortable while at the same time enhancing your independence. The choice of the accessories varies with among other things your type of wheelchair, your day to day life; whether you are a student, sports person or other. It is important to also choose accessories based on whether the wheelchair is going to be used indoors or outdoors.
Keep reading to find out must-have accessories for improved mobility and comfort as you go about your daily routine.
Brake Extensions
Picture how unsettling it would feel if you were to ride a wheelchair you had to stretch and strain to reach the breaks handle. Sometimes the standard break handles seem to be short and an extension is needed to ensure you access the break easily. This is vital for your safety and the safety of other road users.
An Additional Off-road Front wheel
Adding off-road front wheels on your manual wheelchair will increase your mobility on sandy roads, grassy patches, and muddy pavements and even on paving slabs. Here is how it works: The added off-road front wheels increase propulsion and the result is excellent mobility. Continue reading
