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A guide to outdoor and safety whistles
- January 17, 2023
Whistles are a deceptively simple invention that can be used in a huge range of situations and scenarios. From whistles used by train conductors, to those blown by referees and coaches on the pitch, to safety and survival whistles, these small pieces of equipment are remarkably diverse and useful.
More effective than the human voice, especially in loud conditions and over long distances, whistles have found extensive use among people who spend a lot of time in the great outdoors. Their use as a safety and survival tool is considered essential by many, and they have saved plenty of lives over the years.
If you are in the market for a safety or survival whistle you need to make sure you choose the right one for your needs. Some whistles are poorly made and can be unreliable which can be deadly in an emergency situation so you should always go for a quality whistle that will not let you down.
Our whistles are known worldwide for their build quality and attention to detail and we know that our customers often use our whistles in demanding situations. As such, every single one is handmade to our high standards in our Birmingham factory, undergoing thorough testing before being allowed to leave the workshop.
What makes a great safety or survival whistle?
There are several factors that make a whistle ideal for safety and survival uses and you should consider all of them before settling on the right one for your needs. A survival or safety whistle needs to be loud, durable, reliable, portable and easy to use.
You will need to decide whether you prefer a pea whistle such as the ACME Thunderer or a pealess whistle such as the ACME Tornado. Pea whistles are the classic form that contains a small ball of plastic which rolls around as the whistle is blown, giving its call a trilling sound. Pealess whistles don’t contain a plastic ball which means they produce a single note.
Each type has its benefits and there are some key differences between the two. For example, pea whistles are not the best to use in very cold, sub-zero environments because moisture in the air can cause the whistle to freeze to the inside of the whistle body.
A benefit of choosing pea whistles over pealess whistles, however, is that they can produce a good sound with very little effort. On the other hand, pealess whistles are best for cold environments but will need a well-supported breath in order to produce a clear, loud sound.
ACME safety and survival whistles
Our whistles are made either from high quality metals or tough, shatterproof plastics. As you can imagine, a plastic whistle weighs a little less than one with a metal body. The difference is only small, but for ultralight backpackers where every pound counts, a plastic whistle may be the preferred choice. Plastic whistles are also more comfortable to use in cold weather.
You can expect to get years of use out of a plastic ACME whistle and they easily withstand being dropped and knocked, but no whistle is truly indestructible. If you are looking for something a little tougher you may want to consider a metal whistle instead, but we are confident in the strength and durability of our plastic whistle models too.
If you are interested in investing in one of our beautifully made safety whistles then have a look at our most highly recommended survival whistles here. We know how important it is to get this choice right, so if you require some advice or have any questions about our whistles then please feel free to reach out to us.