I was given one of these years ago. I've even used it in hill country during the winter. I would not say it is the best whistle I own, but it did the job when needed twice. I happened to have it readily available at each of those instances. So, I'd agree it isn't the best, but what other $3 whistle would you say was better?

BTW, the reason I had it available was that it was the backup whistle, on my belt as it fits in a swiss army knife sheath WITH the swiss army knife and I left my bigger kits out of reach. This whistle does have *some* application given that I can stick it almost anywhere with a little give. Again, I wouldn't put it up against the decibel levels of a larger-sized whistle. If that's my main criterion, then I go for the storm whistle (http://www.stormwhistles.com/).