I just got my second Cardiology III stethoscope. My first one lasted 11 years of constant use, and this was use in a veterinary clinic where puppies will chew on the tubes and ear tips. Over the life of the stethoscope, I had replaced the rings and ear tips twice. Admittedly, I have not been gentle with this stethoscope so I am very happy with how durable this stethoscope has been. The metal bar between the arms snapped when I was putting it on one day, but like I said: it has been in use 8 hours a day, 6 days a week for 11 years. What really makes this stethoscope standout is the sensitivity of the acoustics. I can accurately differentiate the heart sounds from the background noise of a purring cat or heavily breathing dog. I have no trouble ausculting grade 1/6 murmurs in very small patients. While waiting for my new Cardio III to arrive, I used a Classic II short tube and I felt like I couldn't hear a thing. I fully expect to get another 11 years out of this stethoscope and I hope they are still making them in 2022.