Which hand controls...? [Archive]

JDR

11-28-2004, 08:07 PM

For those of you who have hand controls on your vehicles.....which brand/type do you use?

Has anyone had any experience with these?
Sure Grip (http://www.sidewinder-conversions.com/Mobility/Hand_Controls_/Sure_Grip__Coming_/body_sure_grip__coming_.html)

Thanks

"...I ask for, not at once no government, but at once a better government. Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step toward obtaining it". ~Henry David Thoreau

canuck

11-28-2004, 08:16 PM

Monarch Mark IV been using them for 19 years same set, a few peices have been replaced here & there but otherwise bullet proof

jimnms

11-28-2004, 10:25 PM

That's the type that was in the first car I drove while still in the hospital. They felt solid, and will probably be what I get when I get my car.

I drove a van with the Monarch controls and I didn't like them at all. They felt cheap to me, and they'd hit my knee so I couldn't get full throttle. I almost couldn't get the damn van up a hill because of it.

_____
Learn from the mistakes of others, you won't live long enough to make all of them yourself.

Andy

11-29-2004, 04:21 AM

I have MPD controls in my car. I like 'em. I was looking at the site you posted, I think it would be weird to drive having to pull the lever back all the time. With a push down for gas control all you have to do is hook your finger on it and rest your hand for gas, less muscle strain I think.

fuentejps

11-29-2004, 04:49 AM

ive only ever used mpd, work great, no maintenance

nick

11-29-2004, 09:34 AM

JDR,
I drive an 03' Ford van and have the sure grip. I think it's great, but I have had problems a couple of times where they become jammed when driving. Had them looked at but they found no malfunction. It's nice because I can drive w/ one hand. Just use two fingers to accelerate and my thumb to steer. I had the sure grip mounted as close to the wheel as possible. Good luck in your findings.
Ed
T-10 complete Jan. 03'

McDuff

11-29-2004, 09:56 AM

I don't have firsthand knowledge yet but they are the type I've picked. Hopefully be able to let you in a month or so.

This will be my first set of controls, so won't be able to give a comparison.

Here is another view of them on their webpage.

www.suregrip-hvl.com/handposition.html (http://www.suregrip-hvl.com/handposition.html)

McD

"Rather be ridin' than rollin'"

-scott-

11-29-2004, 10:00 AM

I've got MPDs currently, used 'em for > 5yrs w/ zero maintenance. As long as I'm not making a big turn, I can drive w/ one hand as well (& I'm C6/7). I like the fact that the Sure Grip doesn't have a bar that I wouldn't jam into my knee when accelerating hard, but I'm with Andy... I don't know about having to pull back on the accelerator all the time. It's very easy to just "rest" my hand on the MPDs.

JDR

11-29-2004, 10:15 AM

Thanks for the info everyone. I've tried out the Sure Grip and the Monarch brand hand controls. I actually felt much more comfortable driving with the Sure Grips. They seemed to be more quickly responsive than the others and didn't start with a "jerk" on first accelleration. I think I'm going to go with those.

"...I ask for, not at once no government, but at once a better government. Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step toward obtaining it". ~Henry David Thoreau

jimnms

11-29-2004, 09:15 PM

With the SureGrip you don't actually pull back, it's more of a pivot motion. When I drove with them, I just rested my palm on top and pushed down to go.

JDR I noticed the same thing between the two. The SureGrip seemed more smooth and controled. With the Monarch, there seemed to be a huge "null zone" then it kicked it. It took a while to get used to it.

_____
Learn from the mistakes of others, you won't live long enough to make all of them yourself.

canuck

11-29-2004, 10:35 PM

The null zone sounds like a set up problem to me, I've had this happen & had my mechanic make some adjustments to the controls & it fixed it. You might also want to look at your throttle cable, the gas on my monarch was really stiff & I thought it was the controls turned out that my throttle cable was sticking.

Shaun

11-30-2004, 08:31 AM

Hey JDR,i use the Sure Grip and i love em.I find them so easier than the other's ive tried,there more comfortable and better for my balance...imo

~~Need more friends with wings,cause all the angels i know put concrete in my veins~~

jplw

11-03-2005, 12:16 AM

Hey Justin-

Did you go with the Sure Grip controls? YOu've had about a year to try them out...do you like them? I'm getting my controls this week. MPS, I think. The guy said that's the only kind he puts in and it should be done this week. I forgot these existed until today when I was peruzing the equipment forum.

Zaphod

11-03-2005, 01:00 AM

I've got sure grip controls in my 4*4 and love them for that application, but I'm a bigger guy and in my mustang there's no way there'd be room. In there I use Menox contols they're very slick looking and very precise, the only drawback I've found with them is that brake stands are out of the question it's impossible to apply brake and throttle at the same time. The sure grips can brake stand.

McDuff

11-03-2005, 03:48 PM

Jplw - I have been driving with SureGrips since January, I love 'em. Got them adjusted so that at crusing speed the handle is right next to the wheel and I can do both with one hand one on straightaways. Of course I use cruise when circumstance allow too.

You will probably be happy w/ the MPD's, they are probably the most sold h/c's. For future reference though, I won't let anybody tell me "that's the only kind I install". You are the customer, tell him what you want. My dealer also was gonna use MPS but I told him I had researched out h/c's and knew what I wanted, so I got my SureGrips. Remember, it's your money.

Zaphod - I thought the Menox had a brakelock for sitting at redlights. That would work for powerbraking, or does it auto-release when you gas it?

Myc0

11-03-2005, 05:03 PM

I took a driving class and they used the MPD hand controls (I think). I went by the one place in town that sells and installs hand controls and the MPD were the only ones they had in stock, but I asked them about Suregrip as I read good reviews and recomendations for them here. They said they could order the Suregrips if I put down a deposit, and the mechanic guy who installs them said he thought they would probably be the best, even though the salesman guy was kinda trying to push the MPD. So I am going to get the Suregrips ordered soon, as I think they will work the best in my car.

Zaphod

11-03-2005, 06:14 PM

IT DOES HAVE A BRAKELOCK, TO GET IN AND OUT OF PARK, AND AT LIGHTS ETC. BUT IT LOCKS THE CONTROL FORWARD AND TO APPLY THROTTLE IT HAS TO BE RELEASED. i LOVE THEM THOUGH, AND BARRING SOMETHING RADICAL COMING OUT, FOR CARS i BELEIVE THEY'RE THE ONLY WAY TO GO.

CapnGimp

11-03-2005, 11:36 PM

http://www.wheelchairjunkie.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/010359.html

Here's a pic of what I use. Got them back in 2002 from Canada for about 150 bucks Canadian. Actually pretty simple to make. I modified the handle and added a motorcycle handgrip. They are push-pull type. Can't see throwing money at a glorified broomstick. They work great, you can adapt them any height/side. Lay them aside to get in and out with no hassle.

donz

11-04-2005, 12:07 AM

i put PHC III portables in my 98 concorde... working great so far, driving again rules www.wheelability.com

11-22-2005, 07:38 PM

I have had MPS Monarch Mark IV for 34 years, they are the best I never had a problem with them.

spaceboy

11-25-2005, 10:53 PM

Check out http://menox.org/eng/handcontrols.htm.

I don't use them but am checking into it.

jplw

11-27-2005, 11:04 PM

I ended up going with the MPS hand controls. For some reason in the first two years, I didn't try out different set ups. I waited until I had a van that I wanted done "NOW!". It would have taken four to six more weeks for me to try out and order the Sure Grip controls from another place. Note to self... do research ahead of time. I like the way they drive and got used to it right away. And yes Donz. driving again does rule.

dan_nc

12-02-2005, 12:29 PM

Has anyone used the menox h/c? They look really slick but I'd like to know if anyone has had problems with them.

Curt Leatherbee

12-03-2005, 12:20 AM

To the Sure grips about a year ago. At first I did not like the Sure grips as they took some getting use to, but at this point I really like them. The advantage they have over the DADC is they are a far easier install and less likely to have problems such as cable breakage.

JayColorado

12-06-2005, 06:07 PM

maryonwheels46

12-06-2005, 08:57 PM

MPD controls for me, also. I have to make sure my leg is streached out so I don't bump it.
Mary

Adaptive Driver Trainer

07-16-2008, 09:58 PM

For those who never driven with any type of adaptive equipment, Get a Evaluated first!! You don't want to have the wrong equipment installed. If the company doing the installation doesn't request an eval, find another one that does. The company that does cares about you. As for which is a better product let your evaluator made the decision. I've been teaching since 1986 and use MPS, Manox and other brands All of which are good products. Good luck and drive safe!!

Adaptive Driver Trainer

07-16-2008, 10:15 PM

I should have also mentioned, MPD is a popular brand as well.

Curt Leatherbee

07-17-2008, 12:25 PM

Recently I switched back to DADC twist grip in one car as they are a lot less fatiguing and more pleasurable to drive than the sure grips. The DADC really are a great control.

arod636

07-17-2008, 02:30 PM

I bought those tnt portable ones. I installed them myself. I went around the block a few times and I learned. I passed my driving test an got my license back. I would just get some of those and just make sure they are put on correctly instead of wasting over a thousand dollars for some hand controls then payin someone for an evaluation. Its driving people not rocket science

CapnGimp

07-17-2008, 02:37 PM

You tellim dude ! That's what I've been saying all along. But some folks just have to throw money in the fire I guess. I drive to get there, I do my stylin an profilin after I get out :D
It AIN'T rocket science. Figured I'd say it for emphasis. Make'm mad :p

I bought my first set from a mechanic in Canada, I had a mustang conv then. His had a pic of a cute model in her mustang with them. Cost a bit over 100 bucks counting shipping. I thought they came with the model, they didn't though :(
Later when I got my truck, I used the rods and modified the handle/pivot and attachment method, basically rebuilding them with stuff I had laying around. All you need is something to push the pedals with for paras. It is a lot easier driving when they are fully adjustable, usable with either/both hands and you can place them anywhere, instead of two hands at the wheel all the time.
That's my opinion.

I don't have to be purrty, I just have to BE.

arod636

07-17-2008, 02:47 PM

Yea I remember you telling me that when I was asking about hand controls. The vendors just want to sell you some expensive hand controls and make u get evaluated with companies they are partners with. If you guys want to waste your money send it my way Im always accepting donations.

fishin'guy

07-17-2008, 04:13 PM

Mark IV by far and away. Got mine on e-bay , they go for about $230-$240 bucks, But they may have to be adapted, because they have different mounting for diff. cars. My son min law made a smallblock and mine has worked ghreat. I feel it's alot easier to drive w/ hand controls than feet. You'll love it.

ScottS

07-20-2008, 07:02 PM

http://www.emc-digi.com/

I am a C5/6 and I'm looking at fully automated controls for gas and brake. My left hand is stronger than my right hand so I plan to use a tri pin system for steering with my left arm and a push/pull control for gas and brake similar to the one in the picture below.

http://www.emc-digi.com/site100-01/1001408/Images/1001408input-l-3in.jpg
This one is made by EMC, and I'm curious if anyone has ever used their stuff?I assume some sort of tri pin can be rigged up for this I can sit my hand sideways and lock it in. Any insight from those of you who have been there and done that would be useful...

Thanks, J.
that's what i use. i'm c5-6, too. yup, they put a tri-pin on it, and by pressing it side to side it toggles thru functions like blinkers, wipers, horn, etc. it's very pricey, tho, so be prepared.

definitely get evaluated 1st, like ADT said, it'll save you headaches. but also get smart on options so you don't rely only on what 1 person's opinion is... in case the trainer is a fool or biased toward certain systems.