Kila

beyondx4 · May 16, 2008

I'm currently using both the Kila single-head and dual-head stethoscopes. The dual-head's performance is about on par with my Littman Classic II SE and much better than my Sprague. Recently though, since my listening skills have improved, I've preferred the single-head due to its bigger diaphragm and better sound isolation. There seems to be so much more details from each heartbeat with this scope. I'm not going to buy another Litmann unless I'll be working in a Cardiac-ICU or similar unit; then I'd consider the Cardiology III or Master Cardiology scopes.

KylesScreenName · May 29, 2008

I just looked these up - they look pretty legit.

I'm bumping this to try to get any other opinions... I want one!

beyondx4 · May 30, 2008

I used to have a Littman Classic II SE throughout nursing school and it was great until it disappeared. I do have a Cardiology III as a gift that I also love but don't use too often because I don't want to lose another expensive stethoscope. Now, if you like the Classic II SE, the Kila dual head stethoscope is an excellent clone and peforms just as well (I've used one for about six months now); however, you may like the flexibility and accuracy of the Cardiology III (with binaural tubing and to have both a pediatric and adult diaphragm, or to convert the peds into a bell). I was recently introduced to the GRX Medical CD27 by a few medical students. It is a super-duper clone of the C-III for about 1/4 the price (check their ebay store promotions). I'm currently still testing it out but can tell you this: head-to-head with my Cardiology III, it'll embarrass the C-III when you factor in the value, quality, and performance. Surprisingly, you could also get it in a dozen diff colors! On the other hand, if you prefer the Littmann Master Cardiology but couldn't afford its $200 price tag, I feel Kila does make an excellent single-head clone.

KylesScreenName · Jun 3, 2008

OK I just received my Kila single-head. I like it a lot, I think. The acoustics are good, but it's kind of goofy looking - the tubing is elongated (like an oval cross section) which isn't bad, it just looks weird. I wish one of the diaphragms didn't say Kila on it, because I would have liked to switch it out.

Also, the packaging (I know, stupid) was disappointing. It's three dollars extra if you want the box - which I got because it would be easier to pack it to bring and store it it at the camp I work at. The box is 1/2 of a box, and a plastic wrapper that was Scotch-taped onto the box from a Littmann name tag, which was then taped onto the bottom half (which was an actual box). I don't know - it kind of fried my cheese, but it's a good scope.

beyondx4 · Jun 3, 2008

kylesscreenname,

i've ordered from kila multiple times and have never received boxes like these. the boxes should be similar in style and quality to, say, a 3m littmann box. email them and complain about the packaging. their customer service is very good and will at least refund your $3. i'm not sure if you have dealt with a scope with thicker dual lumen tubings in the past, but they are usually not perfectly round and slim like your typical classic ii se tubings. i thought it was a little weird when i first used it too, but adjusted to it quickly. i've directly compared my single-head with my friend's littman master cardiology and could safely say that i've made a sound purchase!

Student Mike · Feb 20, 2010

Does anyone know about the Kila rebuild kits for the Littmann SE? I start school in April and I wanted to use my mom's old stethoscope. She died last year and was unable to see me get through school. I wanted to use her scope to keep her with me, but it seems to have a problem with the tubes. :crying2:

j_tay1981 · Feb 21, 2010

MikeFS,

Sorry to hear about your mom. That's a nice sentiment, using her steth in school. I think you can contact various other outlets, like allheart.com or steeles.com and get actual Littmann replacement tubing. I do not know how the Kila stacks up, but if you can't find a provider of the official Littmann parts, I have seen the Kilas on eBay. Might be able to get them cheap enough there to get you up and running. Definitely keep hold of your mom's steth throughout school and clinicals. If it says Littmann, people love to use 'em and not return 'em. Good luck in your studies!

j_tay1981 · Feb 28, 2010

OK I just received my Kila single-head. I like it a lot, I think. The acoustics are good, but it's kind of goofy looking - the tubing is elongated (like an oval cross section) which isn't bad, it just looks weird. I wish one of the diaphragms didn't say Kila on it, because I would have liked to switch it out.
Also, the packaging (I know, stupid) was disappointing. It's three dollars extra if you want the box - which I got because it would be easier to pack it to bring and store it it at the camp I work at. The box is 1/2 of a box, and a plastic wrapper that was Scotch-taped onto the box from a Littmann name tag, which was then taped onto the bottom half (which was an actual box). I don't know - it kind of fried my cheese, but it's a good scope.

That's weird about the packaging. I just got my Kila single head in th mail yesterday, and it came in a nice box like my Littmann did. So far really happy with this scope, especially for the price paid.

Peace!

kilalabs · Mar 19, 2010

Hello

The 'weird packaging' was our attempt to go "Green".

We were not shipping the cardboard box and reducing the shipping cost by $3.00.

So it was a discount for green shipping - not an extra charge for the box.

We will soon re-introduce this option.

There is no point shipping cardboard across the country.

Incidentally, we have been sued by 3M Littmann in US District Court.

Prad

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