Sometimes they whistle and sometimes it?s just wind noise. The straps are very soft and stretchy. I then set up Rachio to run once a week for 15 minutes, starting after 5:30am, on a Smart Cycle soak. Cant beat for 55 bucks or whatever. You just have to measure three or four times and make sure that the screws in the wall are the correct spacing. My other pair bit the dust after 3yrs and 3 deployments so Id call that a good deal for the price. I woulnt buy Teva again. Any grown man who puts a new pair of boots on and complains about them not being pre-worn in, is actually a woman. The sound is as good as you are going to get in an outdoor setting. I highly recommend this product if you want something that is comfortable and compact.