Opinion time again. Any of you use the Fox 40 Mini CMG's? I really like the CMG. How does the mini sound and how does it feel? (Smaller is not the answer I'm looking for!) I'm thinking about using one for volleyball.

Whats your email? I have some questions for you about Volleyball.

I normally use the classic CMG as my whistle of choice, but at a camp I was at last year they gave us all mini's, so I tried it for a game. I thought the sound was a bit off. It just didn't sound or feel right. So I went back to my classic at half time.

Classic all the way! :)

The sound of the mini is fine for MS and any game where there are less than 50 fans. I know some disagree, but I think the mini is not as loud as the classic. It does hold up better to chewing, though.

I was using a mini and didn't realize it until I had my first varsity game. When asking for feedback, my partner told me I needed to be louder and more authoritative on my whistle. I checked, and sure enough, had a mini. Ordered some classics from honigs when I got my new pants, and won't go back to a mini regardless of the gym size (personal preference).
I worked with that partner again last weekend in a middle school tournament, and after the game was over, before I left, he stopped me and mentioned that my whistle sounded louder. :D
I think the difference is subtle, but other refs will notice and you may seem more unsure of your calls with a softer whistle.

Try the Fox-Pearl
 

Any time you change whistles, it will take time
to adjust to the difference in tone or how hard you need to blow, or if it's too loud or not loud enough.

If you work games in gyms that don't have too much fan noise, you can use the Fox-Pearl.

The tone is lower than the Fox-40.
The wholesale cost is slightly less than Fox-40.
They are made for survival, hunting, boating ,etc
but work very well (once you get used to their tone)
in gyms where the crowd noise level is low.

Classic user! Definite difference in sound...Classic commands attention. There are some who carry the "mini" as a spare....for emergency use and clearly a bit smaller in the pocket.

wl

Classic all the way. Mini isn't loud enough!

I use the classic for all varsity games. I use a mini for everything else (easier on the mouth and plenty loud enough). I'd probably use the mini for varsity games too except that nobody else around her does that.

Z

CMG is way too big - it is actually a couple millimeters wider than the classic, plus there's the cushioning. I found it too bulky.

If the mini-size offsets the cushion factor, it might be worth a try....

I went Classic --> Mini --> Classic CMG (Thank you, Tony) -->Mini CMG --> Classic CMG.

Either *tweet* makes 'em stop.
mick

Re: Try the Fox-Pearl
 

Not a good idea. I know that in my area the Pearl is looked down upon. We all need to be sounding the same. If everyone uses the Classic, all whistles will sound the same.

How can you hide an inadvertent whistle if you're the only one with a Pearl??? ;)

I use the mini-cmg for volleyball & it works great - very comfortable. I also switched to it from the classic-cmg this year for basketball, and have had no complaints about not being able to hear it. The classic may be slightly louder, but that hasn't been a problem for me, as I tend to have a pretty loud whistle anyway(anyone within 10-15 feet tends to cringe when I blow it with either one). As Mick said, either one makes them stop.

IMHO, the mini and the pearl are kind of like the grey shirts: just a way to sell folks with a whistle a new one. The CMG, OTOH, was a real improvement. I was about chewing through my classic. It felt like I was working with a 2x4 in my mouth for the first game, but I've gotten used to it and like it better.

On second thought, I take back what I said about the grey shirt. I like the look of those and would get one if they were used in my area. Still wouldn't buy another mini (got one the first time by mistake) or pearl.