When choosing a cane, the first thing you need to decide is whether you want a standard cane or a quad cane. Standard canes, also called single-tip canes, have only one tip. Quad canes have four. Which one will work better depends entirely on what you need it for and how you’ll use it.

quad caneQuad Canes

Also called quad-point canes, broad based canes or four legged canes, Quad Canes offer more stability than traditional canes. They are a popular option for those recovering from leg or ankle injuries.  The four tips make the cane more stable, but they also mean that the cane won’t fit on certain staircases. This makes navigating stairs potentially dangerous.

There are two types of quad canes—large base quad canes and small base quad canes. Large based quads are the sturdiest and offer the maximum stability found in a cane. But small based quads are smaller and more mobile.

standard caneStandard Canes

Though they don’t offer as much stability, standard canes tend to weigh a bit less. They are a popular option for those with limited upper body strength. Plus, they make stairs and even small rooms or hallways easier to navigate. Standard canes tend to be a little cheaper than quad canes, although both are relatively inexpensive mobility aids.

When choosing your cane, just consider what you need most—added stability or less weight. Think about whether you’ll be using the cane on stairs or in narrow hallways.  If you have any questions, feel free to browse our Tips & Advice Center or give us call!