HurryCane vs StrongArm: Which Cane is Better?

If your healthcare provider recommended that you start using a cane, you might wonder what model is the best for you. There are a range of reliable options, but the HurryCane and the StrongArm are some of the most popular choices among older adults. The HurryCane and StrongArm both offer unique designs for individuals in need of balance and postural support as they walk. But we wanted to determine which is the better cane, so we put them both to the test to help users in their search.

	StrongArm Comfort Cane - Self Standing Support View Product
	Drive Medical HurryCane Folding Walking Cane View Product

Weight Distribution

• The StrongArm does an excellent job distributing the user’s load by shifting weight from the wrist to the forearm. This not only helps a person manage this weight better as they walk, but it also relieves pressure on the wrist. In addition, the StrongArm has an ergonomic handle that keeps your wrist and forearm in a neutral position to further prevent injury from occurring. This is especially helpful for those with any form of arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
• The HurryCane does not offer weight distribution, which means people who use this device might experience strain in the delicate structures of the wrist. This is not ideal for people with existing joint problems.

Sit to Stand Assist

• The StrongArm has dual handles, which allows users to take advantage of both hands to go from sitting to standing and vice versa. Users can place one hand on the lower handle and another hand on the upper handle to get well-rounded support as they transition from one position to another. This is especially helpful for individuals who struggle with balance and coordination that prevents them from safely going from one spot to another.
• The standard handle on the HurryCane makes it harder for someone to move from sitting to standing, since they must place one hand on the cane and the other hand on the armrest of the chair they were sitting in. This requires them to stretch between the two, which often makes people feel less secure as they move about.

Self-Standing Base

• Each of these canes has a self-standing, all-terrain base. This keeps the cane in an upright position even when it’s not in use or being held by the user, which allows them the convenience of grabbing it and going on their way. The all-terrain base allows users to benefit from their cane regardless of where life takes them: across carpet, tile, and linoleum indoors as well as grass, dirt, gravel, asphalt, and concrete outdoors.
• Aside from its base being all-purpose, the StrongArm can support up to 500 pounds with its 5-inch base. This offers a much wider base of support than traditional canes can give, which leads to unparalleled stability and ease of movement. This type of base helps prevent balance loss, incoordination, and other concerns that might result from not using a cane or walking with an overly-narrow cane.

• The HurryCane only has a 350-pound weight capacity, so it’s not a good fit for individuals who surpass this limit. The base of the HurryCane is also much smaller than that of the StrongArm, which means this cane will not offer as much support as a cane with a larger base would. With a smaller base, individuals are more likely to feel their cane move under them as they make even small postural changes such as raising their arm or adjusting their clothing.

Portability 

• Portability is a major factor when selecting a cane, since people who utilize this mobility device often need it primarily while they walk. This means a cane should have a feature that allows it to be stored when a person is seated, standing in line, or able to access other support. The unique cradle on the StrongArm lets users hook it over their forearm so they can still use both hands for chores, holding items, browsing in stores, and much more. This feature is truly what sets the StrongArm apart from other canes, since it allows users to be more functional and productive alongside their mobility device.
• While the HurryCane does fold into a smaller size and can be stowed in a travel bag, this device does not offer the same convenience as the StrongArm. The user needs to take the time to fold it up properly and might even need assistance with this if they lack the strength to unlock the mechanisms in place. If users choose not to use this folding feature, they will need to assume an awkward posture to hold the cane in their hand or tuck it between their arm and their torso, which is not ideal.

Height Adjustments 

• The StrongArm is highly adjustable and has 12 different height settings. Since people come in various sizes, it is always better to have more options in this area. The cane can be adjusted anywhere between 28 inches and 39 inches, which is measured to the top of the handle. This is a good feature for people who are tall and those who often need support while reaching to higher or lower heights.
• The HurryCane is also height-adjustable, but this device only has 8 settings. The adjustment range on this cane spans 31 to 38 inches, which means only a limited number of users can benefit from this cane.

Final Thoughts

Each of these canes offers added stability for individuals who struggle to walk safely and securely. However, the StrongArm cane offers many more features that make it a better fit for those who need assistance getting around their environment. With a wide, all-terrain base, sit to stand assist, optimal height adjustment, and ultimate portability, the StrongArm is a superior option for anyone who needs a reliable, convenient cane that goes where they go.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the difference between these two popular cane brands! We hope this makes your decision a bit easier and leads you to an ideal mobility device. If you are interested in learning more about mobility devices and other durable medical equipment, take a look at our other articles on Caregiver University.