U3 Series
Panthera's U3 is similar to their popular S3 series, but with a tapered and front and steeper footrest angle. This results in a more compact frame, making the U3 more manoeuvrable and responsive. It also gives a more upright and active driving position when compared to the S3.
A Y-front frame is available on the U3, again helping to reduce the footprint, and the Y-front variant is also available in Short and Low configurations, providing a better fit to shorter people.
Chassis
The U3 features Panthera's trademark chrome molybdenum dual-tube chassis, which has a distinct appearance compared to other active wheelchairs. It is particularly strong, with less flex than monotube chairs, and also keeps the weight down - the U3 has a transport weight starting from just 4.5 kg.
Panthera
Panthera's wheelchairs are made a little differently to those from other manufacturers. Pre-built chassis in a range of widths are assembled to your dimensions and with your choice from a range of personalisation options, such as tyres, sideguards and footrests. This results in a quick lead time from ordering, and the sizes and options available will suit most users. However, Panthera chairs consequently don't have the thousands of combinations of options that most other manufacturers' models have, and there will be some cases where a Panthera chair cannot be tailored to suit. Despite this, for those who suit and therefore get a Panthera chair, they tend to stick with Panthera chairs going forwards - testament to their quality.
Our Verdict
The Panthera U3 Wheelchair isn't significantly different to the S3, so the choice between the two tends to be a personal preference based on which fits your body shape best. Both are durable and extremely lightweight wheelchairs - far lighter than equivalent-priced models from Panthera's competitors. More experienced users may prefer the welded frame U3 Light, which makes significant weight savings by cutting out adjustments.
However, they won't always suit every requirement, and some people prefer the more discreet and compact mono-tube design of typical active wheelchairs such as the Rogue 2 over the larger box frame. Panthera chairs are also not the most modern looking, and don't match the style of Quickie and Progeo models such as the Nitrum or Joker R2.