What's your Littmann stethescope of choice?

Maverick80 · Oct 18, 2006

i have nothing bad to say about the classic II. I however have a Cardio III and i love it. I got it at Reddingmedical.com for about 122.99. allheart.com has them for around the same price. The warrenty is longer and i figured if i was buying it myself i might as well get the one i want, and i knew other students who said they love the cardio III!! Just my 2 cents, buy whichever one you want!!

dano · Oct 18, 2006

It appears the only major difference is the diaphragm between the Cardiology III and Classic II S.E. I'm sure there's more, but that's the only biggie I can spot.

Littmann's site says the C III is better for cardiologists and specialists, and the C II S.E. is better for nurses, med students and general practitioners.

Anyone that's owned both have anything to add?

ann945n, RN · Oct 18, 2006

I have the cardiology III and love it. Also if you buy them online they are cheaper and you can have your name engraved on it improve the chance of it getting returned if stolen lost ect. I will say the down side is its a bit on the heavy side and slips off the neck in the course of a few hours if not moved/used. It has a great sound never and problems. I would say pick yours based on weight and if you want both a peds and adult side. If you want just adult go with a light weight one.

BeccaznRN, RN · Oct 18, 2006

I am another fan of the cardiology III. It's a bit heavy as ann945n says, but it's a great stethoscope. I got mine for a gift when I began nursing school from my mom, and I think she paid about $130-135 for it, including shipping and tax.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Oct 18, 2006

First year as student, used a Sprague. Liked fine, but too heavy, clunky. Bumped up to Littman Lightweight Select. Didn't like at all. Requested for graduation a Master Cardiology (steeles.com for $150, no tax or shipping, and including some freebies like name tags, audio CD).

LOVE it.

browneyedgirl71 · Oct 18, 2006

I'm in my first semester and I love my classic II SE. It works well for me. Most people in our class have the classic II SE, but some do have the cardiology one and they love it. I would test them both out to see which one works best for you :)

browneyedgirl71 · Oct 18, 2006

I'm in my first semester and I love my classic II SE. It works well for me. Most people in our class have the classic II SE, but some do have the cardiology one and they love it. I would test them both out to see which one works best for you :)

Reno1978, BSN, RN · Oct 18, 2006

I'm a first semester student and I got a Classic II SE. It works just fine for taking a manual blood pressure and listening to heart and lung sounds. If you have the opportunity to "test drive" a few types, do it! Just listen to your own heart and choose the one you like most.

prmenrs, RN · Oct 18, 2006

This is the ONLY Littman model that comes in an infant size. Doesn't that just bite.

Wendy_RN · Oct 18, 2006

I have both models and the Cardiology III is definitely my favorite. It is heavier than the other one, but much better. It is worth the investment. I ordered mine from Redding like someone else had mentioned. Their service is great and they offer free engraving.

ERNP · Oct 18, 2006

When I was first a nurse I used the Littman classic. Worked fine and got the job done. Then I saw a Master cardiology and liked the floating diaphram... got one... loved it. Still have it but it is now my back up stethescope. It worked fine when I was only seeing adults but is a little bulky for the kiddies.

Now I use a cardiology III and i absolutely love it. Same floating diaphram but in 2 sizes.

I have encountered one problem with it however. I have had to replace the ring that holds the smaller diaphram on a couple times already and have only had the thing a couple years. Otherwise it is fantastic.