S3 Series
The S3 is Panthera's most popular model of active wheelchair, famed for its tried-and-tested lightweight box frame design and chrome molybdenum manufacture. The range of models in the S3 Series offer similar features but in a range of sizes, to fit shorter, taller, or larger body shapes, as well as those needing an abduction front frame.
S3 chairs are adjustable, with various features such as the seat angle, backrest position, and footrest length able to be tweaked to fit. There are also a range of customisation options to pick from such as footrest options, sideguards, push-handles, rear wheels, handrims and tyres. This allows you to build a wheelchair that revolves around your lifestyle demands.
However, Panthera chairs are a little different from other manufacturers, as they have a pre-built chassis in a small range of seat widths that is then adjusted to fit with the selected options fitted. While this will suit most people and sizes and allows for quicker delivery, it does limit them to an extent compared to more made-to-measure active wheelchairs that have much wider ranges of configuration and sizing options.
The box frame on the S3 series gives the chairs their strength; they are still easily transported in the back of a car just by popping the quick release rear wheels off and folding the backrest down. However, the dual tube box frame does take up a bit more space than a more conventional open "monotube" frame like that seen on the Rogue 2.
Panthera
Panthera are renowned for making the lightest active wheelchairs on the market, and the S3 is no exception, with a starting weight from just 4.4kg - you won't find another active chair this light at this cost. This weight makes a real difference when propelling yourself around or lifting your wheelchair into a car, and it cannot be emphasised enough just how light Panthera chairs are, including the S3, when compared to their competitors.
Panthera, however, have not always had a reputation for making the most attractive wheelchairs - they tend to focus on function over form, and don't have the same style as for example Progeo or Quickie wheelchairs. Beauty is, of course, in the eye of the beholder, but we tend to agree - the S3 isn't quite as good looking as other models on the market. Despite this, it can still have a pleasant "clean" appearance particularly in the standard black and silver colour scheme. A choice of alternate frame colours is also available, which helps to personalise your chair further.
Our Verdict
The Panthera S3 Series Wheelchair is a popular wheelchair, and most people who get a Panthera chair will stick with Panthera chairs over the years to come. They do the fundamentals excellently - they're light, strong and manoeuvrable. Panthera's slightly sportier U3 is worth considering alongside the S3 - it has a slightly different frame shape that some people prefer. There is also a version of the S3 with swing-away legrests - the S3 Swing - for those that need clear space in front of the wheelchair for transfers.
Otherwise, for wheelchairs around a similar price point, Ki Mobility's flagship Rogue 2 is a little heavier but a better looking chair with a more conventional and discreet monotube design. TiLite's TRA is an adjustable dual-tube titanium frame chair with more frame customisation options.