Let's Talk About Whistles

Tolly

Tolly

Joined
Jan 1, 2006
Messages
555
In various threads here on BladeForums whistles are mentioned from time to time, and occaisionally threads are started where someone posts about a good deal they found on a certain brand whistle. However, I do not recall ever seeing a thread that simply discussed whistles in and of themselves.

I for one think the whistle is an under appreciated, but very inportant piece of kit that at least deserves it's own thread...

So, lets hear it about your favorite whistles. What models do you like, and why? What models don't you like, and why? What are your thoughts on whistle size, construction, etc.. and anything else you would like to ad. Thanks.
 
the last thread did..
it is my opinion (as a lifeguard) that the two best options are a fox 40, and a storm whistle.
both come in regular and small sizes, except i believe the storm whistle goes by a different name, while the fox 40 is just a "mini" or something.

Both whistles work while wet, unlike acme thunderer and similar with a cork "pea"
the fox 40 has 3 chambers that produce slightly different tones, making it very shrill. The storm does have a pea, but it is plastic & works well when wet, and even works underwater to some degree, though about half of your breath goes to filling the chamber that follows the whistle section so that the usual air-air interaction can occur.
The storm is even louder than the fox 40 on land.
 
The whistle I have in my pack also has a thermometer, compass, and magnifying glass. While I don't expect the other functions to work very well, the whistle itself is very loud.

I try to avoid whistles with the little pea inside. Besides that, most whistles are okay with me.

Have to agree with you Tolly, the whistle is often under appreciated. They're also pretty straightforward which could explain the lack of discussion.
 
xxguitarist said:
the last thread did..
Click to expand...

I apologize for starting another thread about something that has apparently already been discussed. Some board members are overly sensitive and anally cranky about that.....unless they are the ones doing it of course!

Anyway, would you please post up a link to this last specific whistle discussion thread? My search skills are not the best when it comes to this forum. The only things I found were threads about PSKs that mentioned whistles, or a thread about a specific brand of whistle. Thank you.
 
Tolly said:
I apologize for starting another thread about something that has apparently already been discussed.
Anyway, would you please post up a link to this last specific whistle discussion thread? My search skills are not the best when it comes to this forum. The only things I found were threads about PSKs that mentioned whistles, or a thread about a specific brand of whistle. Thank you.
Click to expand...

I had no problem with it, just mentioning another resource on the topic..
which as it turned out didnt discuss as much as i remembered.. oops!
only really about whistles for the first half, then theres some from me about other stuff.. heh

anyway here you go. http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=500337&highlight=whistle
 
I still use an old US Military chrome plated steel whistle. I'll have to look for a Fox 40 as they are ovbiously well liked.
The Military weighs quite a bit. I think it might drag me to the bottom if I ever end up on the wrong side of my boat.
 
I use the Fox 40 as well. I have a Storm but its freakin huge, very loud though. I give it to my daughter when we're out. I also have an ACR which are nice for kits as they are flat and square.

Most of the time I use my index and ring finger with the middle finger folded down, so as long as I have fingers I can whistle real loud. It is a very advanced design, pealess, and the tone can be varied through the entire Brazilian national anthem just by pushing in or pulling out. The downside is that, when out in the bush, my fingers taste like tree sap and termite mounds, hence the Fox 40.
 
I have one of the Storm whistles. It is certainly L-O-U-D! The size (and price) of the thing is a little much, but the performance of it might certainly make it a bargain at any price if it saves your life somehow....

I just bought a handfull of the little zipper pull mounted whistles that Eric Isaacson is selling here on the forums (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=375876&highlight=zipper+whistle). I put one on each daypack, fanny pack, backpack, hunting bag, etc. I have. Neat little product at a great price.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
The Fox 40 Rescue Howler Micro is what I have my kids wear when we go out. Louder than the original and a slimmer profile so they don't mind wearing as much.
 
I have two that I use more then I like to while I hunt, a Fox 40 and a Gonia high pitch.

When I go canoeing I keep the Fox 40 with me. I also like it better in the winter because theirs no pea to freeze up in the whistle when in use.

I've given some thought to a Storm whistle but haven't bought one yet.

Just a heads up, if you go to http://www.lcsupply.com/Product/Whistles-Lanyards-p1/ you can listen to what some of the whistles sound like

Helle
 
Quiet Bear said:
The Fox 40 Rescue Howler Micro is what I have my kids wear when we go out. Louder than the original and a slimmer profile so they don't mind wearing as much.
Click to expand...

Those will make a nice stocking stuffer for my ladies this year.;)

Thanks
Helle
 
I carry an Atwood tactical whistle on my keychain next to my Shivworks/Rinaldi Li'l Loco...

Taken verbatum from his website: www.atwoodkinves.com :)

"Each Atwood Tactical Whistle is turned from a solid bar of grade 303 stainless steel. The whistles measure 2.5" long and .5" in diameter and feature a black Delrin® reed insert for long life. Virtually impervious to the elements, these tools are guaranteed to last your lifetime and beyond. They deliver a clear sharp ear splitting blast that can be easily heard over the wind or other sources of noise. An essential safety and survival tool for hikers, boaters and urban dwellers, these whistles belong on every keychain. They make an excellent and thoughtful gift as well.

I tried a measurement with a handheld decibel meter and the whistles were pushing about 108. Your mileage may vary, but that's pretty darned loud!"

He ain't kidding! :thumbup:
 
I have fox 40 and its loud. my 6 year old niece can easy out yell it over and over. She has a very high pitch voice. When she was born the nurses said they never heard anyone so loud before. I take her hiking with me problem solved lol.

Sasha
 
sasha said:
I have fox 40 and its loud. my 6 year old niece can easy out yell it over and over. She has a very high pitch voice. When she was born the nurses said they never heard anyone so loud before. I take her hiking with me problem solved lol.

Sasha
Click to expand...

But doesn't she take up a lot of room in your PSK? And isn't she hard to fold up? :confused:
Doc
 
I use the ACR whistle as it is compact and light-- so it is there when needed. I carry a lanyard with the ACR, small compass, firesteel, a small knife/multi-tool, and a micro LED light.

Some whistles are so loud I don't think I would be able to hear anyone answering it by voice after blowing it for a while. Don't worry, that wouldn't stop me! Group your signals in threes: ... ---...---

If you can't find your whistle, remember the old trick of putting a peice of cellophane or a blade of grass between your thimbs to make a whistle.
 
Doc she is alot more fun to take with me then any whistle. She loves going geocaching with me. Lets not forget that i do have to carry food and water for my whistle. But she can yell i kid you not

Sasha
 
I carry a Storm and my GF carries a Fox 40 when we go out. The Storm is almost too loud, it is ear shattering. I find that the Fox 40 requires more effort than the storm to get any real sound out of it and I could foresee problems if someone was injured and could not produce a large breath. My storm will actually begin to whistle when held up in a stiff wind! The main con of the Storm is certainly its size.
 
I carry a Jet Scream !!!







Hearing is believing! You can't out-scream this whistle!

Almost everyone, from small children to seniors, can benefit from our patent pending JetScream's™ piercing whistle. The Ultimate Survival JetScream™ Whistle is a superb, low-profile signaling tool that is just as useful in the city as it is in the woods.

You don't need a bulky whistle to make a loud blast and this little device proves it!This unique whistle focuses man-made air streams through harmonically tuned chambers to create a piercing shriek that out-screams any other noise. So whether you're hailing a cab over city traffic or signaling for rescue in deep woods, our JetScream™ Whistle will do the trick.

Make sure your children have a JetScream™ with them wherever they go, especially when unescorted by an adult - playing in the woods, in the street, or when they walk to school. Carry JetScream™ with you in the city to protect you from crime or signal for help in the event of injury. And of course, you should carry it with you in the great outdoors - whether you're camping, hiking, or hunting, you never know when you may need some help. And don't forget that due to its pea-less design, JetScream™ even works when wet, making it the perfect accompaniment to all outdoor activities near rivers, lakes, or oceans. So whether you swim, kayak, canoe, surf, or fish - JetScream™ is an essential tool to help ensure that all of your recreational experiences are positive ones.

The JetScream™ is sleek and streamlined and will fit unobtrusively in your pocket. In addition, it includes a short lanyard attachment for your convenience. Hook it to your key chain, your purse, your backpack, your wrist, or anywhere else that is easily accessible. Just make sure you have one with you.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Material: High strength plastic
Length: 2.3 inches (5.8 cm)
Weight: 0.3 oz (8.5g)
Color: Black
Visit our
 
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