Elite 100/200- yay or nay to rechargeable? And 2 or 3 MHz?

[Peppamint]

I think I theoretically prefer the probe shape on the Nicolet brand of dopplers and the fact that they're made in the USA, though after reading some older threads here in BP I like the idea of the magnetized probe on the Tria and the good sound quality of the Huntleighs.

So... I was looking at the 100 and noticed Cascade also offers it in 100R with rechargeable 9V battery. Do those work well? I like the idea of a rechargeable battery but not if it's a pain in the butt.

I'm not ready to buy just yet, but I've been reading about them and dreaming (and thought I'd watch online for a great deal once I decide).

[Charmie981]

my apprentice has the rechargable and I have the regular batter. I guess it's a novel idea, but I like the comfort of knowing that I have a backup battery or two in my birth bag, as well as in my prenatal bag. If you can use a backup 9V non-rechargable, then I say go for it, but if you have to have the cord to charge it if the battery goes down, then I'd skip it. Also, my apprentice found this on ebay from france (I think!) for $150.00, which is WAY DOWN from when I was buying my doppler a few years ago!!

[Peppamint]

Good point... I'll have to scout around and see if I can find out whether a spare 9V battery can be used or not. I don't need it just yet, I'm only backup asst but I thought I can just watch online and maybe stumble onto a great deal- wow, your assistant got a steal! So far the cheapest price I've seen is $435 at Cascade.

[Peppamint]

Charlotte- if you don't mind my asking, which mhz do you use? I found a good deal on an Elite doppler but it has the regular 3mhz probe (I'd like the waterproof probe but this is an awesome deal).

[Peppamint]

Oh- and I see all the references on eBay to it being a regulated item but that's not an issue with a doppler is it?

[Charmie981]

I only have the 3mz probe also, and I've been happy with it. If you can get a really good deal on an elite, you can buy a separate waterproof doppler later (that's my plan, anyway), usually for around $250.00. Right now I have doppler sheaths in my birth kit and use those for checking heart tones in the water. It works, as long as you put gel between the probe and the sheath.

ETA: yes, that's a very good deal. I paid over $500.00 for the exact same doppler about 3.5 years ago (new, though). This is the waterproof doppler I've been looking at. I've only found it in the UK for the price above, but many places will ship to the US for reasonable prices.

And no, that regulation tag doesn't apply to dopplers.

[Peppamint]

THanks Charlotte, that helps. I hated to pass up such a good deal, though I suppose I am taking a bit of a risk because it won't have the normal warranty. With or without the lcd, I'd be looking at around $500 and since I'm not in a permanent apprenticeship yet, there's not way I could justify that much! Of course, that said I'll have to justify the $185 to dh (we're snowballing debt and I've gotten onto him for spending money, now it's my turn ).

You know, that doppler you linked to, I think I saw it on eBay, or once that looks like it. I'll have to go look. eta: my bad, it's Sonotrax and Stork Radio, not BabySonic, so I don't know if they are the same or not, and they don't have the waterproof probe.

Thanks for answering all my questions, I appreciate it.