Littmann Classic II vs Classic III: What Is the Difference?
The 3M Littmann Classic II and Classic III look similar and, at MOAM, cost the same: 49 KD. So which one should you pick? The answer depends on what matters more to you: acoustic flexibility or color choice.
Quick answer
- Choose the Classic III if you want the better all-round stethoscope for clinical training, rotations and general practice.
- Choose the Classic II if you mainly take blood pressure and listen to lungs, and you want more color options.
Side-by-side comparison
| Classic II | Classic III | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult side | Tunable diaphragm | Tunable diaphragm |
| Pediatric side | Traditional bell | Tunable diaphragm, converts to an open bell |
| Tubing | Standard tubing | Next-generation tubing that resists stains and skin oils |
| Warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
| Colors at MOAM | 7: Black, Blue, Gray, Burgundy, Plum, Pearl, Black/Smoke | Black and Grey |
| Price at MOAM | 49 KD | 49 KD |
The real difference: the chestpiece
Both models have Littmann's tunable diaphragm on the adult side: light pressure for low-frequency sounds, firm pressure for high-frequency sounds. The difference is the smaller side. On the Classic III it is also a tunable diaphragm, so it works well on children, thin adults and around bandages, and you can convert it to a traditional open bell when you need one. On the Classic II the smaller side is a traditional bell.
Durability
The Classic III uses Littmann's newer tubing, which stays flexible longer and resists the stains and skin oils that harden older tubing. That is one reason it carries a 5-year warranty against 3 years for the Classic II.
Which one by role
- Medical students, interns and GPs: Classic III.
- Nursing students and ward nurses: either. The Classic II is a great choice if you want a color like Plum, Burgundy or Pearl.
- Pediatrics: Classic III, or the dedicated Classic II Pediatric for infants.
- Cardiology, ICU or ER: neither. Look at the Cardiology IV, and see our Classic III vs Cardiology IV guide.
Make it yours
Both come with 2 free personalized accessories from MOAM, such as an engraved name tag or ID ring in Arabic or English, and free delivery inside Kuwait.
Shop the Littmann Classic II · Shop the Littmann Classic III
