[Wendy_RN]

I have both models and the Cardiology III is definitely my favorite. It is heavier than the other one, but much better. It is worth the investment. I ordered mine from Redding like someone else had mentioned. Their service is great and they offer free engraving.

[ERNP]

When I was first a nurse I used the Littman classic. Worked fine and got the job done. Then I saw a Master cardiology and liked the floating diaphram... got one... loved it. Still have it but it is now my back up stethescope. It worked fine when I was only seeing adults but is a little bulky for the kiddies.

Now I use a cardiology III and i absolutely love it. Same floating diaphram but in 2 sizes.

I have encountered one problem with it however. I have had to replace the ring that holds the smaller diaphram on a couple times already and have only had the thing a couple years. Otherwise it is fantastic.

[traumaRUs]

I spoiled myself and got the Littman 3000 - the electronic one. I can hear ANYTHING now - lol.

Because I work around central lines a lot, I needed something that muted the extraneous noise and whew - this works great. Also - the lightest Littman I've ever owned!

However, I paid $300 for it...don't tell hubby!!

[fetch33]

I have the Classic II. Did you know that when the tubing wears out and cracks, you can cut the bell off and send it to Littmann. For about $35 they will clean it and put on new tubing and ear pieces in the color of your choice. It also gets a two year warranty. I did this with my stethoscope last year and it is as good as new! Just Google the website for info.

[Mudwoman]

I have a Littmann Lightweight that I've had for 13 years. I love it.

[scribblerpnp]

I've had both types and prefer the Cardiology III. I found it was less expensive to purchase on line than buying at a store. For me, I needed an stethoscope that worked well for peds/infants/ and adolescents and this one fit the bill. It IS heavier, but this hasn't been a problem for me. I've had mine for 4 years, used it extensively and haven't treated it very nice (floor of car, bottom of duffel bag, etc) and there is no look of wear or tear to it at all. I have also found that applying a small amount of baby oil, cooking oil to the tubing periodically keeps it supple and keeps the tubing from cracking.

[marilynmom]

Another vote for the Cardiology III. Someone gave it to me and I can't say enough about it, you can hear *everything*. I love it!

I had a Sprauge and though it is ok for basic nursing I sometimes had trouble even hearing bowel sounds if they room wasn't quite enough, there were times I wouldn't even hear s1 and s2 with it if the room wasn't quite enough. But there are nurses who use them so its just very individual!

[dano]

Well I ordered the Cardiology III after all the good things you guys had to say about it. $135 shipped from Redding.

I tried it out on my family lol. I've never auscultated a baby before and I tried it out on my 4 month old nephew. It's cool to hear a HR that high.

[jill48]

I love the Littman stethescopes. They are so light and work so much better than the cheaper ones. If I may offer one piece of advice, don't get it in black. I have had more doctors steal my black stethescopes than I can count. I prefer black because it looks more professional. But now I buy pink or teal - I seem to keep them out of others' hands longer.

[EmerNurse]

Love my Master Cardiology - have had it for years. I like a little weight on my 'scopes, because then I REALLY notice if it's not around my neck LOL - I don't forget it and if I take it off to use, and set it down, I notice very quickly.

I put an allergy band around the center part (wrapped around a couple times) with my name on it because the engraving is small and doesn't show up from far away. I guard it with my life - I had a sprague stolen once and vowed never to let it happen to this one. Also, I have a littman peds/infant 'scope and several cheaper models - you know, you collect things hehe.