3M Littmann 2630 Master Classic II Stethoscope, Caribbean Blue, 27 inch

I purchased this stethoscope in 2014 and am still using it everyday! I purchased it in navy blue but it was available in many different colors. The sound quality is outstanding and the diaphragm can be adjusted to hear lower or higher pitched sounds by just adjusting the pressure applied so you don't even have adjust the chest piece. I find the length of the tubing to be "just right". Its not too long and not too short..You can fold it over to carry it in your lab coat pocket or wear it around your neck..It is lightweight to so if doesn't pull on your neck.The earbuds are soft and they seal well..I admit sometimes I have trouble hearing abnormal breath sounds at times and this has improved tremendously since I started using this stethoscope..I have found this stethoscope to be very durable..I am not easy on it and I tend to toss it into the car, on my desk, etc. It is not showing any signs of wear even 2 years later! I do keep it clean..when you wear it around your neck for prolonged amounts of time dead skin tends to build up on the tubing but that would be with any stethoscope. This is a superb quality stethoscope that you can purchase without breaking the bank! When it does come time for me to purchase a new one I will be sticking with this brand!

The Littman Master Classic II is my favorite stethoscope by far (and I've been using a stethoscope for more than 30 years). When I started out in practice, I used the Littmann cardiology III and it was OK, although the acoustics weren't as good as my new Classic II. About 5 years ago I bought the Littman electronic stethoscope but was pretty unhappy with it. I had to return it once because the battery kept dying. The replacement wasn't much better. Suddenly, without warning, it would stop working, and I would have to leave the patient in the room and get my old one. I had to replace the battery every month or so. Plus it had a poor seal and would pick up noise from skin, clothes and hair. Although it was pretty good for blood pressures and heart sounds, I thought it functioned very poorly for lung sounds where sounds from the chest wall or clothing obscured the breath sounds. I bought the Master Classic II a month ago and I love it. I find the acoustics to be better than any other stethoscope I've had. I don't miss having the pediatric diaphragm even though I see a lot of babies. I like resting my fingers in the two "slots" which gives me a great seal, and it works fine for everything. I highly recommend it.

I've actually had the ability to compare this stethoscope to the Littman Cardiology III and the Master Cardiology. It is at least as good as these, period. The double lumen of the cardiology stethoscopes doesn't improve anything IMO. I mean how does splitting the tube in two help if both tubes lead to the same single head chamber ? The only thing it does is greatly increase manufacturing cost and selling price. I guess if you have the money and feel snobby then get the Cardiology ones, but they are not any better than this one.In comparison, the Cardiology III is not as good because having the two-sided head means you can hear more of the outside environment, and the bell really has little use. With the 3M tunable membranes you don't need a bell. Not to mention that if you use a membrane on the bell side it eventually perforates.In comparison, the Master Cardiology is much heavier than this one.This is definitely the best stethoscope I have used thus far. Definitely worth the price.

Ok, I'll confess. I originally purchased this stethoscope so I could listen to my cat's heart and be able to take his pulse. This was after he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. Let me just say, I didn't want to plop down a big chunk of change (since I was purchasing it for the cat... not that I haven't done worse). However, I thought after reading the reviews that it would suffice. If you've ever tried counting the heart beats of a cat (170+ beats a minute), you'll know that it is a task just getting to the point that you can hear the heart beat. This stethoscope did the trick. Easily pick up the heart beat. Use it frequently. It works nicely for humans too. My other half also has a heart issue so he frequently uses this stethoscope too. You know you are getting old when you bring it out when company is over and compare heart rhythms. (Yes, we are getting there and we have done exactly that). No complaints what-so-ever.Add it to your arsenal of at-home-medical tracking devices.

I am a volunteer EMT and wanted a stethoscope that would allow me to hear heartbeats and blood pressures in the back of a moving ambulance (which is sometimes no easy feat!). Well, this was a GREAT purchase. The color is very nice, and the scope works really well to pick up even the faintest sounds. It was well worth the extra $20 or $30 upgrade (depending on color) in my opinion.The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I think they should provide ear 'buds' in a size smaller. These are a little large for my ears and can be uncomfortable at times. The other ones provided are even worse. But as far as quality goes, you won't regret the purchase.** Be warned - you CANNOT return the scope if you don't like it, so make sure you know what you want before you order :) **