[Dexter555]

I was intrigued by this product in the context of "solution looking for a problem." It's not as bad as represented in the thread. It's not supposed to "pulse"--it does that when the battery is low and the button is held down. It should work just like any other whistle, just push button instead of blow. And it supposedly replicates the Fox 40 sound well. Apparently it breaks easily if dropped and the lanyard is not that robust. I can't imagine a hand-held device the size of a Snickers bar helps with signaling mechanics.

All that said, there were only two reasons I could see using it. (1) It is somewhat directional and can be used away from the ear by any officials/coaches for whom a regular whistle causes them ear pain. (2) The other is best explained by a product review from Amazon: "I have been officiating high school basketball for 50 years. Because of a recent dental issue I am no longer able to blow a whistle and my career as an official appeared to be over. Then I discovered the Fox-40 electric whistle. It far exceeds any other in sound. The lanyard works just fine. I have not had any issues with it. I highly recommend this whistle to any officials who have problems blowing the standard Fox-40. My State Officials Association requires that I use a Fox-40 with a lanyard. This whistle meets all the criteria. I think it just added at least another 20 years to my officiating career.... Alright, maybe only another 15."