**MDF Iconica Palm Aneroid Sphygmomanometer - German-Made Professional Blood Pressure Monitor for Adults & Kids - Black (MDF848IC11) - Perfect for Home Use, Clinics & Travel**

I'm going to review this in comparison to the Welch Allyn 7030. I wish somebody did this before I made my purchases. I wasn't sure which one to buy so I bought them both.The MDF Iconica is the brand's flagship palm aneroid. They also have the Airius and the Bravecta, which I have not tried.The cuffs: MDF divides their sizes into pediatric, adult, and large adult (needs to be purchased). WA uses, child, small adult, adult, large adult. The extra "small adult" size is nice as it fits the smaller adults better than a pediatric. The MDF cuffs are thicker, rougher and have more velcro. The WA cuffs are slightly narrower going the lenth of the upper arm and they are thinner and smoother. Bottom line is the WA cuffs fit better, are easier place around the arm, and are easier to take off. I hate having to use all your might to open the velcro seal. Both brands are easy to swap fittings to the sphyg. The WA has a plastic clip right on the cuff, and the MDF has a metal seal (male and female) that clips the tubing together. The MDF coupling feels a little sturdier- it's steel vs plastic. The bottom line is I prefer the WA cuffs to the MDF.The sphyg: they are both palm aneroids with the gauge attached right to hand pump vs clipping to the cuff. This eliminates artifact from the tubing rubbing together. The MDF has a larger and easier to see gauge. The WA is smaller, recessed under the rim, and often reflects too much light. They both have a turn valve- the MDF on the side and the WA on the back. The MDF is quite smooth and made of steel. The WA is made of plastic. The WA is ambidextrous while the MDF has the valve on the left. It is very difficult to operate the valve with the right hand. It seems to be made for a righty who holds it with his left hand. What is odd is that there is a backing or plate on the hand pump that seems to be made for operation with the right hand. Regardless, the MDF sphygmomanometer is smoother to operate and easier to visualize the readings. The knob of the valve on the WA is made of plastic and does not feel as smooth and sturdy. It is also too large. My preference goes to the MDF sphyg. However, the entire back of the gauge is made of steel and it is HEAVY. If you think about how often you pick it up and plop it down, heavier may not be better. It's still a pleasure to operate. WA makes a similar sphyg with a trigger instead of a turn valve. I have not tried it as I thought it may be awkward, but now I regret not buying that one instead.The MDF requires a separate purchase for the "large adult" cuff while the WA includes it. I like the sphyg of the MDF much better, however my overall preference goes to the Welch Allyn set because of the cuffs. I can ultimately fit them faster and better than I can the MDF. What would be great is if I can rig the WA cuffs to fit the MDF sphygmomanometer. I'm sure it can be done if the coupling will fit inside the tubing. Still I don't know if I want to return the MDF as I REALLY like the sphyg, all things considered.If you are a nurse or work in healthcare, I think this is a great investment. The cuffs on the unit are kind of junky, leaky, not so smooth and are difficult to use on a lot of patients, especially those who are contracted or cannot externally rotate their shoulder. I have to take 10-15 blood pressures on a shift so I don't regret the purchase one bit. If you are looking for a premium sphyg and set of cuffs you can't go wrong with either of these choices.