MDF 777 vs. Littmann lightweight

Nurses Uniform/Gear

Published

I was considering buying a new stethoscope because when I listen to older patients with my MDF 777 the sound isn't as loud, but it has great sound when listening to my own heart. I was considering littman because of the brand and thought it would be better. I know the Littmann cardiology is the best but I don't want to spend a lot of money because I am just a student right now, but I want a good quality stethoscope.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have the Littman lightweight II se. It was my graduation present from LPN school in '04 and I LOVE IT!!! I've used it a ton to say the least and I'm bringing with me when I start RN school this coming Monday. It has never failed me and I've left it around my rear view mirror many times. It's awesome stethoscope.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.

I have the MDF MD One stethoscope, which is supposed to be comparable to the Littman Classic II. I love it! I have the black out edition (every part of scope is black) and its worked well for me throughout these past 2 years of nursing school. I am doing my individual practicum or preceptorship on the CVICU (Cardiovascular) and have heard murmurs and mechanical valve "clicks" easily.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Department.

I have owned a number of Littmann stethoscopes over the years. Currently, I have two that I use. The one I use the most is my Cardiology III and my backup is a model that they do not make any more: the "lightweight" which is the traditional round style, but very light compared to my Cardiology III. I have tried most of the other Littmann models, and I don't think that you would go wrong by choosing any of those. The more important thing for you to do is to make sure that you absolutely know what you are listening to and listening for. Once you know that, you should be able to use any stethoscope ranging from the $4 cheapies to the really high end $500+ electronic models.

I have used my current pair of stethoscopes for approximately a dozen years now, and they have yet to fail me. The Littmann stethoscopes are not the only quality stethoscopes out there. If you can, try to borrow as many stethoscopes as possible from as many different manufacturers as possible at store. If you have your own blood pressure cuff set, or you have someone willing to lend you theirs for trying the stethoscopes out, you will be in a good position to determine what quality of stethoscope you are willing to spend money on. The other thing to remember is that generally speaking, the more you pay, the higher the quality. That does not, however, always hold true between brands. You may find a $40 stethoscope from one manufacturer that outperforms for you a stethoscope that costs over $100 from another brand. That is why I say that you should try out different brands as much as possible.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You may find a $40 stethoscope from one manufacturer that outperforms for you a stethoscope that costs over $100 from another brand. That is why I say that you should try out different brands as much as possible.

Yes, exactly.

I've been using ADC (american diagnostics). They make models comparable to Littman for half the price. I got their ADC 601 cardiology for the cost of a Littman classic (I'd pick that over the lightweight by the way), it's heavy, but easily the best money I've spent on nursing gear. It's heavy, but worth the weight I think. My classmate has a Littman cardiology III, and we compared, my scope was the same or louder.

I've since lost that scope, and I replaced it with the ADC 600. It don't like it as much, it's supposed to be like a Littman master cardiology.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I went into the store with my mind set on buying a Littman. I did a "blind test" on the Littman Classic II and the MDF One per the reps recommendation. The MDF was more comfortable and had a better sound. I was impressed by the difference in sound and clarity. Everyone's hearing will be different so try some out, but don't go by brand alone. I absolutely love my MD One.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.
I went into the store with my mind set on buying a Littman. I did a "blind test" on the Littman Classic II and the MDF One per the reps recommendation. The MDF was more comfortable and had a better sound. I was impressed by the difference in sound and clarity. Everyone's hearing will be different so try some out, but don't go by brand alone. I absolutely love my MD One.

I love my MD one too!

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Littman makes a classic model that has a diaphragm and bell, for around $70. I like it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment