Published Oct 28, 2015
artusoa
150 Posts
Hi everyone -
So I'm preparing to start my nursing program in January and I'm shopping around for my new stethoscope right now, and I came across the Littmann Classic III. I know its relatively new, and I've looked around for a decent amount of reviews but fell short.
I was wondering if anyone uses this daily and what they think of this stethoscope?
I had a Littmann Lightweight II when I did my EMT program, but the sounds weren't all that great. I'm slightly hard of hearing in my right ear, so I'm hoping to really find something with better acoustics.
Would the Classic III do this for me? Or should I spend the extra money now (versus after graduation) and go for the Cardiology III for the acoustic quality?
Any information I greatly appreciate!
Thanks :]
NICU Guy, BSN, RN
4,161 Posts
Your Lightweight has a Littmann Acoustical Rating of 6/10 and the Classic III is a little better at 7/10.
If your intention is to ultimately buy the Cardiology III (9/10), why spend $80 on the Classic for a year or two and then turn around and spend $140 for the Cardiology III after graduation. They don't wear out that quickly. If money isn't an issue, buy one you want now.
turnforthenurse, MSN, NP
3,364 Posts
There are a lot of reviews on this scope on Amazon:
Amazon.com: 3M Littmann Classic III Stethoscope, Black Edition Chestpiece, Black Tube, 27 inch, 5803: Industrial & Scientific
Thanks you guys :]
I think the only reason I wasn't wanting to 100% spend the money now on the Cardio III was because of my fear of it growing legs and walking away during skills lab or a clinical rotation. I would be much less upset over an 80$ one versus one double that, but I think given the quality difference, I still might go for it. Just be a little extra cautious
NurseNikki420
2 Posts
Thanks you guys :]I think the only reason I wasn't wanting to 100% spend the money now on the Cardio III was because of my fear of it growing legs and walking away during skills lab or a clinical rotation. I would be much less upset over an 80$ one versus one double that, but I think given the quality difference, I still might go for it. Just be a little extra cautious
"growing legs" that cracks me up :)
But just be extra concious about it. While I have the Classic II and LOVE it, I have left it on a isolation cart at clinicals once or twice.. just be sure to have your name on it. :)
amelia_sn
112 Posts
I have the Classic III and I LOVE it. I've had the lightweight, select and Classic II and the classic III is far superior.
My only complaint? It's heavy- about the same as the cards III I tested in store. I'm think about getting the master classic after graduation, as one of my classmates has it and raves about it constantly!
To help prevent your scope from growing legs and running away, have the bell and tubing personalized. It's extra $ but worth it if you're putting the money into a good scope!
BeachsideRN, ASN
1,722 Posts
If the classic 3 was available I would have gotten that instead of the cardio. The cardio is great but heavy.