I’m looking for that reliable session whistle in the $100-$200 range that can be heard at a big session. I’ve been thinking of the Sweetheart Pro, Burke, or Reyburn. Any others to consider?
I haven’t played a Reynburn, but the Sweetheart Pro and Burke are terrific choices. Also, be sure to check out the Hudson Winds:
A wonderful whistle that really deserves more attention than I see it getting here.
Burke DBSBT
I’ve never played in a session(grumble grumble) but my Reyburn D/C session set can certainly cut through all the noise of a tourist district. Oftentimes I’ll start playing(I do alot of busking) with one of my other whistles while I’m warming up and I’m always surprised at the difference when I pick up the Reyburns.
Take Paul’s advice too and don’t discount a Hudson. I’ve never played one but, those who have love them. They’ve got a great sound and they’re very handsome looking too!
I’ve heard good reports on the Reyburn and should receive one next week. Also, I’ve played Overtons and they can be heard in a crowd. A little over budget at about $210.
I use the Burke aluminum “session bore” D, and it’s a fine-playing whistle that has enough volume for the session I attend. I also have a Susato high D that I don’t like playing but is very loud; it only comes out when I have to be heard against accordions and banjos.
Ditto. It’s the best I’ve found. Correction: it’s my favorite. 
Absolutely the Hudson Winds. It’s what I play for sessions.
Good luck,
Mike
Generation brass D.
(Donate the rest of the money to the Poor Henke’s new flute fund").
The sweetheart has never failed me for volume. Be prepared to have a couple of whistles eventually though. Reyburn, Sweetheart, Hudson, and Burke are going to show up a lot in your thread. Those are the LOUD whistles in your price category. They all have different voices and characteristics that you’ll like.
I’ll chime in on the Sweetheart (I have the Pro D in dymondwood), the Burke (I have the DBSBT), and the Hudson (D). All three are excellent whistles, well able to be heard, great tone and well made. I would recommend any one of them.
I have yet to have the privilege of trying a Reyburn, but they have an excellent reputation. I also have not yet gotten hands on an Overton, but that is about to change. 
Thin Weasels are good so I would assume that Busmans are as well. They do cost $50 over what you said you are willing to spend though.
I’ve been going on about these, but my Thornton is great. I took it to a session on Tuesday, and it was perfect. Loud enough to be heard, but not so loud that it drowned out everything else. The more I play it, the more I like it. And, its well within your price range for a D/C set.
Yes,… my friend has a Thin Weasel, and it certainly is good at session, but she usually goes for her Burke.
I had the luck to try a Busman Delrin, and liked it very much. I need to see if my neighbor will allow me to try her Busman Blackwood at session sometime. … (hmmm… plotting bribery materials… hmmm)
I wish I had a nieghbor that played the whistle. Especially one with some really nice ones… maybe an MK… 
I always like trying new whistles. Water Weasel whistles are really good too and they only cost around $100. The only problem is that they can be hard to find.
Howdy,
I’ll add a vote for Reyburn.
Best,
Dave
I hinted But she’s not interested in owning big ones.
And get your covetous eyes off of my Water Weasel! The only reason I don’t take mine to session is that it is a non-tunable, and not quite up to standard pitch.
I lucked into ($100) a high D Water Weasel a few weeks ago. It’s tunable and just simply excellent. Good back pressure; spot on tuning and great intonation. Did I mention it’s loud? I would say “jump on it !” if you find one.
I’ve been borrowing a local musicians water weasel and I really want one. That’s too bad that yours isn’t tunable, hers is. The only problem is that it’s in C. Anyway… you should never of told me you had a water weasel, it is in D, right? 
Give!
You have one too, eh? It’s to bad you like it, you could of given it to me if you didn’t.