I have one that came on my North Face Recon pack. It is plenty loud enough, and if you can't manipulate it, you are a thumbless retard...regardless of other "expert" testers opinions...

With all due respect and noting that I am far from being a PC person, I would kindly ask that you refrain from using such a derogatory remark.

Thank you-
Pete

Glock-A-Roo, those are some interesting tests and some of the methodology is interesting too.

The actual dB rating (which manufacturers state) will be measured in a LAB with perfect conditions and probably using a source of compressed, dry air, so its not surprising that results will vary.

Montanero,
For field testing, having two (or more) people test each whistle, giving three blasts, three three times would give a good average sound.

The ease of use is important for a main whistle, but I think that - for me - I'm willing to compromise on some features because my principal criteria is the ability to fit in my wallet. But its still a consideration.

Afterall the Best Whistle is the one which you actually have with you when you need it.

Some additional tests could be to measure the sound over distance, perhaps from the other side of a bush to try and gauge how the pitch travels (I would expect the multi-pitch whistles to fair best).

And remember to wear hearing protection too, those whistles are LOUD.

I recently started using the handy little REI Flash 18 pack for ultralight dayhikes. I noticed that the sternum strap whistle on it is curved. Looking closer, the mouthpiece on the whistle has a larger air entry and is easier to use without overdoing it.

A little googling shows that ITW Nexus has redesigned the WhistleLoc for better performance. Check item #3081b on this page.

Old style with straight whistle body

New style with curved whistle body

Hey Glock. Great Idea and work on the whistle. Thanks for sharing and the great photos. Years ago I bought a knock off of the AITOR JUNGLE KING. Some of the gadgets were ok, butthe the tiny steel whistle was very good. Takes up little space in an Altoids tin and is very shrill but not as loud as a FOX 40 of cocourse. I think I'll look for one of those buckles and cut it down for the ultra light kit I'v been working on. Thanks again.

As the father of a daughter who suffered a head injury and multiple challenges as a result thereof, I join with Paramedicpete in requesting the end of the use of the "R" word, which is functionally equivalent to the "N" word, even if not intended as such.