Stethoscope suggestions

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Specializes in Gynecology/Oncology.

I need to purchase one for school. I've heard some say they love the double ones, some hate it, some say a Littman is the best, others say not worth it. I'm confused! :confused: Can I get opinions, please?? Thanks.

Littman Lightweights stink IMO. The other Littmans I have are great (Master Classic, and Cardiology III)

The double tubing steths can be a bit of a pain because the tubing rubs together and causes noise when you are trying to listen.

I used a Sprague stethoscope (the heavy one with double tubing and costs$20) while I was in school and just out. To me they work just fine. Thats not to say that they are nearly as good as the Littman, but it depends on what you are using it for. If you are doing a lot of auscultation of the heart and lungs I'd say littman. If you need it for things like BP, counting apical HR, verifying tube placement etc then the Sprague will do fine IMO.

Just stay away from the $2 steths like the ones a lot of facilities supply. I think they are called "Nurse Stethocopes". If someone can actually hear anything softer than a scream out of it then I must be deaf.

I received a Littman Classic II SE as a gift before I started nursing school. I've used it a few times and I reeeeallly like it. I know others who rave about the Littman Master Cardiology, but it's EXPENSIVE!!! I'd go with a Littman...but then again, every person you ask is going to give you a different preference. Hope you find one you like!

D.

Specializes in Cath Lab/Critical Care.
I need to purchase one for school. I've heard some say they love the double ones, some hate it, some say a Littman is the best, others say not worth it. I'm confused! :confused: Can I get opinions, please?? Thanks.

Talked to my cousin last nite-she suggested that I stick with the $20 dollar el cheapo becuz her steth was stolen 3 x's, and many others in clinicals with her. She said that steths grow legs and walk, no matter how careful you think you are going to be. Also, I heard that steths with one tube, not the double tubes at the end are best becuz the double tubing echos and makes little noises as it rubs together. Don't know if this is true for everyone.

having not had one for the first 6 months I worked as a CNA, I have borrowed one from about every nursi on my floor. The Littman's are AWESOME!! The Sprauge is so-so but if you ever use a Littman you will never go back. Even for blood pressure the sound quality is amazing. With the cheapo's you just wait for a dull thud and mark it but with the Littman, especially the cardiology III you can hear the blood rushing, even make out heart sounds! This difference is night and day. I have used the Master Classic II and it is very good, probably more than most nursing students will need to start, but the cardiology III is tops. The two in one lumen gives you sounds that don't show up at all on any other scope. And it has like a seven year warrantee so IMO it is worth the money in the long run if you can keep from losing it :) BTW I've looked everywhere and http://www.stethoscope.com has the best deal I have seen, $130.00 with no shipping! That's over $40 less than Litman sells then on their website. Anyway that's my 2ยข ;)

i found allheart to have the best prices....i got my master classic II se w/ my name engraved and shipped for like 80 bux about a year ago. i wouldn't use anything other than a littman! i did borrow a friends lightweight though and didn't like it at all. they do walk away, but if your careful and don't let anyone use yours or set it down, you won't lose it (guard it w/ your life).

i found allheart to have the best prices....i got my master classic II se w/ my name engraved and shipped for like 80 bux about a year ago. i wouldn't use anything other than a littman! i did borrow a friends lightweight though and didn't like it at all. they do walk away, but if your careful and don't let anyone use yours or set it down, you won't lose it (guard it w/ your life).

I think allheart has the chepeast prices too. When I bought my Master Classic I think I payed under 80 with shipping. BTW, I really like the Master Classic, but have heard the Classic II's are nice as well, and of course the cardiac scopes are nice.

Specializes in Emergency Dept, M/S.

I bought a Littman Classic II SE also, and have used it a few times. I bought a couple of cheapy ones to keep my 8yo son occupied (didn't want him playing with the GOOD one!), and I can absolutely tell the difference in sound. Everything is so crystal clear with the Littman, and much harder to hear and differentiate with the double-tubed, and even cheap single tube ones.

I got in in a blue-ish green color, and plan on not only putting a tag on (I forgot to get in engraved), but using permanent marker and attaching it to me surgically if I have to.

I bought a Littman Classic II SE also, and have used it a few times. I bought a couple of cheapy ones to keep my 8yo son occupied (didn't want him playing with the GOOD one!), and I can absolutely tell the difference in sound. Everything is so crystal clear with the Littman, and much harder to hear and differentiate with the double-tubed, and even cheap single tube ones.

I got in in a blue-ish green color, and plan on not only putting a tag on (I forgot to get in engraved), but using permanent marker and attaching it to me surgically if I have to.

have you checked w/ your local uniform store? they may be able to engrave it...or maybe point you in the direction of someone who could.

Specializes in Gynecology/Oncology.

Thanks, guys. I just talked to my brother, and he's had his Littman for 10 years, with no problems. (And even more impressive, without it disappearing! :chuckle ) I looked at some in a uniform store today, and they didn't have much at all. And this same store wanted $7 for one pair of socks! I also need a latex free bp cuff, so I guess I'll be doing some surfing. It sounds like the internet is the cheapest place.

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