I live where there are fairly consistent tradewinds. This tends to cut out the whistles if I’m outside and not sheltered. Are there whistles–either brand name or certain general types–that hold up better outdoors in breeze/wind than others?
Of the whistles I have the Cheiftain, and Susato do best in the breeze. A Sweetheart also does well, though I have only had it a short time so can’t be sure. My observation is that larger holes and more air required translate into better performance in wind. Some whistles that I own that do not do well in the wind include: Hoover, Elfsong, Clarke original, Burke. Quiet whistles fade to a whisper outdoors and a strong wind only makes it worse.
Some people turn the plastic fipple upside down so it is exposed to less wind. Some people face away from the wind, some face directly into the wind. Playing in shifting winds can be challenging no matter what the whistle. Playing in the upper register helps (more air).
My Syns ( High A to E), Alba (High D Standard), Cheiftan (Low F), and Merlin (Low D) are fine in the wind I play outside all the time with them except the A Syn which is really weak and sensitive anyway. My old Dixon did horrible in the wind.
Most Copeland whistles (from C on down to low D it looks like) have a built-in wind screen:
Susato has worked for me before.
–James
P.S. on any tunable whistle, try reversing the way the fipple faces; have the windway point back toward you. That way you become a sort of windshield; it helps.
My Alba Q1 is great outside as long as there’s not a gale blowing!
Interesting and helpful responses. Thanks.
I see that Wanderer includes this general category on his whistle reviews, though some of the earlier reviews don’t. It’s a good resource.
http://www.tinwhistler.com/music/reviews.asp
Of course, more comments about which whistles have good wind resistance (or not) would still be welcome.
Cheers,
Keith
My Sweetheart Professional handles wind with aplomb…as do my Susatos. Anything else I own requires me to do the “wind dance.”
Redwolf
Who here remembers this?
http://geocities.com/dazedinla2002/index.html
(Hope the picture shows; it’s a GeoPiccie…)
Any whistle with a tuneable headjoint will do fine in the wind. Just twist the head so that the window is facing your chin. 
Hi Ava, Haven’t seen you 'round for a while. I hope you’re able to deal with London. Been happy slapped yet?
This thread was a bit ago, but today I happened to take my Walton’s Little Black Whistle on my short walk to work (a walk that takes me straight into the tradewinds). The Little Black–that interesting whisp of a whistle–played really well through the wind. Go figure. Someone could probably explain the physics behind why some work well and others don’t–just not me.
Thanks again to all who commented. I especially like the tiny umbrella cover and the others on the link.
I used to think big toneholes, volume, and high air volume and/or pressure would make a good wind-resistant whistle..
I’ve recently been totally fooled..
Hoover was good in wind (doesn’t have any of these characteristics)
Overton wasn’t (has these characteristics more than many whistles)
I’ve found absolutely the best for wind:
Susato
Abell
Copeland
Sweetheart Pro
I’ve never had to give my outdoors playing a second thought when using one of these.
I was playing my Bleazey in the full blast of a window style AC and it did really well.
If it’s a tuneable whistle, you can play with the fippple downwards. I’ve noticed that some of the simple low cost whistles play better upsidedown in the wind and sometimes they just sound better upsidedown period.
My coach whistle plays well in any small or storm of a wind,never clogs, but is non tunable, and only has one shrill note. 