How to Choose the Right Reacher
Welcome to our comprehensive guide to help you select the perfect reacher from Blue Badge Co!
With numerous options available, it can be challenging to decide which one is best suited to your needs. This guide will walk you through the benefits and features of some of our most popular reachers to make your choice easier.
What is a Reacher?
A reacher is a practical daily living aid designed to help you pick up and grasp items from a distance, such as a mug, TV remote, or car keys. It is especially beneficial for those with limited reach and mobility.
Our primary supplier, The Helping Hand Company, has been creating innovative and useful products for over 60 years. Their reachers, which are NHS-approved, are developed in collaboration with healthcare professionals to enhance independent living. In 2019, they received a Queen’s Award for International Trade, recognizing their excellence and innovation.
Let’s explore some of the fantastic reachers from Helping Hands and their features.
The Classic Range
Classic Pro Reacher
The Classic Pro Reacher is distinguished by its black and yellow design. It features a non-slip jaw for a secure hold on various objects. Additionally, it serves as a dressing aid with its hooked trigger and dressing post, ideal for pulling up socks and assisting with dressing. The magnetic tip is perfect for picking up small items like keys and hearing aid batteries.
Lengths Available: 66cm (26 inches) and 81cm (32 inches)
Folding Classic Pro Reacher
This reacher offers all the benefits of the Classic Pro but can be folded for easy storage. It’s perfect for carrying in a bag, rucksack, or keeping beside your wheelchair. Just find the folding point and split it in two to reduce its size by half.
Lengths Available: 68cm (27 inches) and 89cm (35 inches)
Classic Max Gel Handle Reacher
The Classic Max Reacher features a unique molded gel handle and straight trigger, providing the best grip in the range and reducing hand tremors. It’s ideal for those with Parkinson’s, arthritis, or weakened dexterity, ensuring anyone can reach items easily.
Lengths Available: 66cm (26 inches) and 81cm (32 inches)
The Handi-Grip Range
Handi-Grip Pro
The Handi-Grip Pro has a rotating gripcert claw and jaw, making it perfect for picking up bottles, tins, jars, small items on the floor, and even drawing curtains. Its hooked trigger doubles as a dressing aid. It comes with a yellow stick clip for attaching to a walker or wheelchair.
Lengths Available: 66cm (26 inches) and 81cm (32 inches)
Handi-Grip Mini
The Handi-Grip Mini, at just 18 inches, is compact and lightweight, suitable for those with limited arm and shoulder movement. Its small size makes it ideal for children and wheelchair users, easily fitting into a bag or side compartment.
Handi-Grip Max Reacher
Similar to the Classic Max, the Handi-Grip Max features a molded gel grip and straight trigger for those with weakened dexterity and tremors. The grip can be locked in place, eliminating the need to keep squeezing while holding.
Lengths Available: 66cm (26 inches) and 81cm (32 inches)
Classic or Handi-Grip?
Which range should you choose?
The Classic range is excellent for smaller, delicate items, with its magnetic tip ideal for keys and cutlery. It also includes a unique dressing post. The Handi-Grip range excels with larger items, and the locking grip of the Max reacher is perfect for those with reduced strength. While there is no foldable option in this range, the Handi-Grip Mini’s compact size is a convenient alternative.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your personal preference. Both ranges offer top-quality aids to enhance your daily life.
Get in Touch
We hope this guide has been helpful in choosing the right reacher for you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, our friendly customer service team is here to help. Thank you for reading!