Reddit reviews ADC Adscope Lite 609 Ultra Lightweight Clinician Stethoscope, 31 inch Length, Tactical Black - 609ST

I have never used a knockoff littmann, or seen one that I know of. I would be weary of a $10-15 stethoscope. You want something decent for school because you are just learning things like how to take a manual B/P, how to auscultate heart and lung sounds, etc and you want to be able to hear what you are listening for. I have used a cheap stethoscope (something like one of these) and it sucks. I had trouble getting a b/p because it was hard to hear.

You don't have to go all out and get a Cardiology III or anything, or even a littmann. There are other decent stethoscopes out there, but get one you can hear with. I used a littmann lightweight in school and it was decent and it only costs about 40 bucks on amazon. If you buy the right stethoscope now, you shouldn't have to buy a new one when you graduate, think of it as an investment. Just put your name on it so it doesn't walk away.

Here's the classic II in (what most nursing students use) in navy blue for $68.

Here's The lightweight for $39.99 in burgundy, the other colors are $44.

Here's an AdScope for $15-$18. I've never used one, but it has good reviews and I have heard of the brand before, so it might be worth a shot if you are truly that strapped for cash.

Adscope 609ST is what I use.

No it's not as good as the more expensive ones but it comes pretty close. And after losing a $300 electronic one, then a $200 cardiology master, well I have to say I am more emotionally attached to this $20 gem than I ever have been to any other I have owned.

I'm not saying the expensive ones aren't better, they certainly are. But after many years of experience and being able to tell the difference between artifact and the sounds I'm looking for. The expensive ones were never needed.

Honestly IMO the most important part of a stethoscope is the ear pieces. Buy some replacement littmann ear pieces and put them on a disposable isolation scope and you'll start wondering why you ever forked out so much for a scope.

Edit:

I would just like to add that technique is more important than your stethoscope. Make sure the diaphragm is completely against the skin or at most over the gown without any leads, wires, or anything else obstructing a complete seal. Then have your patient take a deep breath, then cough.

The bell of a simple stethoscope is important too, which is why I prefer this $20 scope over something even cheaper like the isolation crap. Just get that seal on the diaphragm and those soft ear buds sealed in your ear. That's all you need.

Are ADC's avalible in Australia? I was having trouble going between littmans after freak accidents broke them so I bought some cheap ADC's from Amazon. And in my opinion it works almost as well as a littman does and it's a better value from a cost/benefit standpoint.

ADC ADSCOPE-Lite 609 Clinician Stethoscope, 31 inch, Tactical https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002TMPO0I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_zFfsyb995S6SS

I bought this when I first got into class and it does everything I need a basic scope of practice. (Lung, bowel, BP ect) Like everyone is saying don't go overboard for the first if he later wants to hear the minutia of heart tones during a rocket launch he can upgrade later. I recommend this one or that Littman lightweight.

Best stethoscope I've ever bought was a ADC Stethoscope on Amazon for like $19. I've had the expensive stethoscopes before, Littman, all that jazz, but this one does just as good as any of them. Plus it was only $19 so I have no issue bending it and sticking it in my pocket to go. If it gets damage I can just buy another. Here's a link if you want to look it over.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002TMPO0I/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1