I will start nursing school this fall and need help deciding on some equipment! Should I get the 3M Littmann Classic II S.E. ($80 and a 4.5 star online review) or the 3M Littmann Master Classic II ($105 and a 5 star online review). I am willing to spend the extra bucks if it really makes a difference. Any advice helps!

I bought a Littman Cardiology III and absolutely LOVE it! I have had it for 2 years now. I have heard good things about all the Littmans, but have not tried them personally. Whatever you decide on, make sure to personalize it somehow, either with a permanent tag or engraving. Good luck!

I too have a cardio III which I bought in nursing school but I feel the classic is just as good. The only thing about my cardio III is has a shorter tube than some stethoscopes so you have to get closer to your patient but the sound transmission is better.

I have the all black edition so I know which one is mine

i'd love to hear suggestions as well. the ones we got with our program SUCK!

Anything other than a Littmann is a waste of money.

I recommend the Classic SE II- great value, bell and diaphragm, make sure you get it engraved (~10 bucks).

I was trying to decide between those two as well and wheny with the classic one and I love it. Also my school makes you have one with a seperate bell but didn't tell us until class started so I thanked my lucky stars I got teh one I did. I ordered it from Medisave.net and got it for I think 69.99 and that incuded free engraving which came out nice and I got with just the basic shipping in 2 days which I thought was amazing. Anyhow my friend had the master classic and my hubby the select and I've tried those three and honestly teh sounds on them all are amazing, you won't go wrong eitehr way.

Turd Ferguson: Love ur name everytime I see it I laugh, not sure why jsut does

Thanks everyone! I appreciate you taking the time to help me!!!

I own both a Master Classic II and a Cardiology III. I greatly prefer the Cardiology III. It fits tighter in to the ears and transmits a much "clearer" sound. Having the peds side that is convertible to a standard bell is an added bonus.

Either way I too vouch for Medisave. The laser engraving was outstanding and it ships the same day if you order it early enough in the day.

We bought cardiocare stethoscopes when the company first started marketing them back in 1997. A great deal too, The company sold them to our class for $25 each. Now they run about 140$. These stethoscopes do not have a bell and diaphragm that you flip. It has a big chunky head that works as both a bell and diaphragm by alternating the pressure you use to listen to heart sounds. I won't use anything else. The head blocks out extraneous noise and you can hear a heartbeat through 6 layers of folded up towels applied to the chest. Excellent for ppl who may be HOH.

Littman's are very nice steths.

When I worked on a med/surg floor, I learned that the brighter colored your steth was, the less chance it had of "walking off" (a doc picking it up by accident.)

Seriously, I would steer clear of the traditional black and get something that stands out a bit. It's like a little insurance policy for your stethoscope.

All the best,

Diane, RN:nurse:

I got an Ultrascope stethoscope (made my Littmann) - It has a Lifetime warranty and they are even cute- Definitely pricey but so worth it.

I LOVE my Littmann Classic II S.E. In my opinion it is the best all around stethoscope for nursing school and beyond. I have used friends that have the Master and Cardiology, and while they are fine, I don't consider them to be any better for our purposes as students and general nurses. The Classic II is lightweight and precise. But PLEASE get it engraved or get one of those name tags for it. I thought I misplaced mine two weeks ago and was running all over the hospital looking for it ... turns out it was in my backpack the whole time but I got a major reality check about not having my name on it in case I really lost it! :)

Oh I should mention the Cardio III is heavy and will hurt your neck. I keep mine in my pocket.