I like to benchmark products. I purchased 3 breathing whistles -- $9.98, $17.95, and the Komuso for $90.00+. I started out with the two cheaper ones because I could not believe I needed to pay so much for a simple design. I was disappointed. They weren't designed the same way as the Kosumo. They were not a "straw" design at all but instead had the ends blocked and the air could only escape through tiny vents. The result was you had to blow much harder and also it made an oddly unpleasant ragged gurgling sound. I was hoping for a soothing sound more like the wind or breath. So I decided to try the Komuso and was thrilled. It is exactly what I was hoping for. It is beautiful, pleasant to touch, just right resistance to blow through and the sound it makes is soothing. In the end, I have to say it is worth the price. It is obvious it has been carefully engineered. My only complaint is the beveled end where the mouth goes. It looks nice, like a flute, but it is akward to place in the mouth -- you have to twist it to get it to sit just so otherwise it feels odd if it is placed sideways or upside down. Buy this product, it is worth every penny.