Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I will first off say that I have given this product 5 stars for it's overall quality and ease for the price that is paid for it. I've had four different Littmann stethoscopes (Classic, Lightweight I, Cardiac II, and Cardiac III), an Ultrascope, and numerous off-brand stethoscopes. While I find that this stethoscope works extremely well, it would be ludicrous for me to say that it outshines it's Cardiac III sibling--but $50 is very different from $300+ for the pricier items. It works excellent for the money that you pay. Most often, it is a nursing student or nurse/paramedic/EMT that is looking into whether or not to buy a Littmann Lightweight vs. a Littmann Classic. I'm an EMT, a medic in the Army, and a near graduate nursing student. I will stand behind the lightweight for a few reasons: 1. Price for quality. I've heard (and believe, myself) numerous opinions about which is better (the lightweight vs. the classic). Seeing no large differences, it is probably best to go for the cheaper of the two. 2. Weight: While only a few ounces seems like nothing, when you wear a stethoscope around your neck all day, it get's tiring. The lightweight stethoscope provides a convenient lightweight feel that allows your neck to breathe a bit more (even if only a little bit, I'll take it!). 3. Sound quality: I've been in loud, field-type situations with the lightweight, the classic, and the cardiac II & III. While it is obvious that the Cardiac II & III are better for assessing cardiac sounds (S3/murmurs, etc.) everywhere (including loud situations), I found no real difference in normal sound quality for lungs, bowel sounds, and normal S1 & S2 heart sounds. So unless you are working on a cardiac unit, your best shot is to try the cheaper scope & if you end up needing something better--sell it to a poor nursing student, because it makes hearing the sounds so much easier at a smaller price for new learners. Side notes: Littmann stethoscopes are easy to clean and the colors that are offered are wonderful (and none of mine have faded in the 5+ years I've had them). Many local places in my area (as well as some online) will digitally write your name on them and they come out looking great. Other off-brand stethoscopes do not give this option with the way they are crafted. Ear Buds: The Littmann stethoscopes usually come with extra earpieces, however the lightweight II SE does not. It comes with the Snap Tight Soft-Sealing Eartips, which are softer than most off-label brands and provide great sound quality. I've actually bought a pair of replacements just to slip on my Ultrascope (which was a gift) because they are so soft and great quality. Colors: I've seen many colors of Littmann stethoscopes since I've began in the medical field. Most are true to the colors described. The best thing is that if you don't like the color that you originally desired, you can send it right back to Amazon for a replacement. I recently bought the seafoam green. The fun colors make Pediatric nursing fun, and allows you to distinguish your own scope from the others at the hospital. We all know in the medical field that stethoscopes and pens are hot items and we do not want them out of our sights! Length: I find the 28" stethoscopes (like the Lightweight II SE) to be long enough for myself, but not too long. I have a muscular neck that is about 16". I find that this is not too long, as the 32" I've used caught on everything I bent over near; and the 27" was just a bit too short for my liking. But again, my neck is larger than the average female's neck. Should work perfectly for a male, however. Diaphragm shape: It is a convenient ovoid shaped chestpiece. This works perfectly to get in the right spot for blood pressures without having the cuff rub too loudly on the bell. Also, just turn the chestpiece or tubing and you can use the bell to auscultate different frequencies. I hope you enjoy your purchase as much as I do.