Magna Fortis Metacardia review

[genesis49]

I am new to the forum, but have noticed there is interest but little information about these stethoscopes. Lat year I needed to replace the Littmann Master Cardiology I got as my graduation present. Unfortunately for me it was stolen by an unscrupulous dirtbag. before anyone says I should have had it engraved, it was on the bell and the binaurals.

I ran across the Magna Fortis Metacardia and thought I'd give it a shot. I originally got the ULT2. It is very lightweight, but there is a little too much feedback from the tubing getting brushed or rubbed. probabyl because it's so lightweight, there is little insulation to protect the sound quality.

I sent it back and received a Meatcardia LT.10. The sound quality of this scope is unbelievably loud and crisp. It is at least as good of sound quality as my Master Cardiology, and much louder. The dual bell headpiece makes for a more accurate assessment as far as I'm concerned, but I liked the Littmann style too. So that is a wash for me

The tubing of the Magna Fortis isn't quite as nice as the Littmann, but it has held up well and the colors are a bit more vibrant.

The eartips are more difficult to replace on the Magna Fortis, but they are more comfortable to me. And there are more options. I generally choose one size and firmness and stick with it, so also not a problem. on the Littmann, i tended to lose the earpieces, since I'm rather rough on my equipment.

Teh quality of the headpieces are pretty much equal. They both have good weight, and finish is excellent. I liked the black finish much better on the Littmann, and the Magna Fortis only comes in a stainless steel type finish..

I prefer the diaphragm and "accessories" of the Littmann as well. But Magna Fortis seems to be a bit less expensive for replacement parts if you need any. They just aren't nearly as available as what you can get for any of the Littmann's

Overall, I'd give a slight edge to the Magna Fortis, maybe a little because nobody else on the unit has one.

Sound quality goes to the Metacardia

Fit and finish Littmann

Parts, definitely Littmann

Given the chance to buy either one, I would be very satisfied with either one, and have been. I would however never have bought the Magna Fortis if I hadn't had my Littmann stolen. Now my scope NEVER is off my person except when I put it in my private locker

Hopefully I have been some help to any Nurse looking for a new scope. if you have any further questions please feel free to ask. I am pretty unbiased between the 2 scopes, other than only having the Metacardia currently

[Crossfit SRNA2b]

Thanks for the review. I jus graduated (well in two days actually and I'll be working on a CICU so my gf but me the metacardia LT.10 as a graduating gift and i was like what is this stethascope? She said it was suppose to be one of the best ones, and sure enough the sound quality rocks. Much much better than my classic littman.

I also totally agree w/ the review above, the rubber of the magna fortis seems a bit cheaper? or at least much bulkier and less flexible than a littman. But i would recommend buying one as well

[Sublime716]

I also bought a magna fortis stethoscope, it was great while it worked. I can't turn the bell to the diaphragm, and have contacted the company several times with no success. It has been the worst display of customer service yet, so I would say that if Littman has equal sound, better components, and better customer service, then I'm willing to pay for it.

In addition, I just checked the BBB and they got an "F". There were 45 customer complaints.