Quality between Littmann models that big of a difference?

I<3H2O, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2012

I own a Cardiology III, a master Cardiology, and the LightWeight II. My very first scope was the Cardiology III which I purchased b/c it was the first one I tried that I could actually hear through. It was stolen by a physician (recovered 3 years later thanks the the engraving I had on it) so I purchased the Lightweight II b/c it was the only one available in my small town and I needed one with no time to order. This scope was mediocre. For my job as a MedSurg nurse, it worked but it wasn't fantastic. I wore it around my neck often and the tubing became stiff in no time at all. I wanted the all black Master Cardiology so my husband bought it for me for a gift. I like to have top of the line stuff and I thought that I would be able to hear all types of miraculous things through this scope as it was rated the BEST of the non electronic scopes for sound quality. I have had the Master for a few years and honestly, I NEVER use it. I prefer my Cardiology III. It has the best sound quality. With all of that being said, you can get a cheap LightWeight or Select and be able to do your job however if you want to have better ability to hear those faint crackles or already diminished lung sounds, I recommend something better. You do not have to have an electronic scope to work on MedSurg but I recommend something a little better than the LW or Select. Just my $0.02.

ChaseZ · Dec 17, 2012

I have owned both the Master Cardiology and the Cardiology III. As far as sound quality goes I think they were pretty much even, both are fantastic. My problem with the Cardio III was the size/height of the dual head, it was cumbersome and awkward to handle. It was very hard to maneuver around chest tubes, drains, etc. The dual head did have some advantages and did work great though. You can't go wrong with either scope I just prefer the Master Cardio due to its single head design, if were in the ER or office setting I would probably stay with the Cardio III.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 17, 2012

My preferred stethoscope is the Littmann Cardiology 3. Personally I do not find that it is a difficult stethoscope use in and around drains and chest tubes. I used a number of stethoscopes over the years from $4 cheapies to stethoscopes in cost over $180, as of 10 years ago. By far, my favorite is that Littmann Cardiology 3. I have used that particular stethoscope in many areas, including ambulances, and have rarely found it difficult to hear anything that I needed to hear over the years.

I've also used single headlands over the years and I have found that I preferred dual head style over single head style.

melsman1904 · Dec 31, 2012

During nursing school, I had the Lightweight II S.E. and it worked ok. In fact, I used it for probably a year or so after graduating. I had the opportunity to use a Cardiology S.T.C for a while and the difference was night and day to me. I got a Master Cardiology for Christmas this year and I find that the acoustics on it are about the same as the STC. I will say that the STC feels like a freakin anvil hanging off your neck. The chestpiece will do some serious damage to desks, bedrails, etc. if you drop it. Heavy!

ChaseZ · Jan 2, 2013

With any of the cardiology stethoscope I would definitely invest in a Batclip. They are very heavy and get annoying around your neck. Amazon.com: The BATCLIP (BLACK): Health & Personal Care