littmann vs ultrascope

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Sep 19, 2007

ive heard alot about the two...specifically the littmann classic II but what are the pros and cons of each?
im having avery hard time with the steth i bought, its a double tubed from scrubs and beyond.
any advice or suggestions between the two?

I have no experience with the ultrascope but I swear by my Littman Classic II. I can hear so clearly with it. Its light so its not annoying to hold or have around my neck. It has several sized earpieces so almost everyone can find one that fits them best and is most comfortable. I've had a lot of different stethescopes in my day but once I bought a Littman years ago I was a faithful customer, I'll probably never get another brand. The only con I can think of off hand is maybe the price is a bit steep for some, although Ultra's aren't cheap either.

The double tubing was awful for me, the tubes rubbing together would cause me to hear it in the earpieces and it masked the sounds I was supposed to be hearing.

Hospice Nurse LPN, BSN, RN · Sep 20, 2007

I've been using an UltraScope for about 4 years now and I LOVE it. I think it really boils down to personal perference.

MiaKeaRN · Sep 20, 2007

I purchased my Ultrascope prior to starting nursing school in August, and was pretty upset when the instructor told me they preferred that I used the regular type scope with the bell and diaphragm. Well, last week when we were learning how to take BPs, she asked to borrow my Ultrascope and absolutely LOVED it. She played with it for about an hour, and told me that she had no problem with me using it now that she had a chance to see that it actually has the capability to hear both high and low type sounds and pitches. It just depends on the amount of pressure you put on it.

Have fun steth shopping!!

APBT mom, LPN, RN · Sep 20, 2007

I have a Ultrascope and I love it. I can hear everything and you don't have to switch the bell back and forth like some other stethescopes to hear the finer sounds it just depends on how hard you press the bell. I let everyone try it out especially the ones that have a hard time hearing things. They come in different colors and you can get different bells with designs in them. I got it because it didn't have double tubing like some of the Littmans do which has a tendency to rub and distort/muffle sounds. I believe the cost for both is about the same in the models that you listed. If you look online you can find deals on both. I would first check with your program if you decide to get an Ultrascope because I know that some programs where I live require your stethescope to be a certain color or type.