Now then, I am new to saxophones (it`s still in the case and I cant have it until Christmas morning), but it hasn`t put me off buying some spare reeds.
I bought Rico Royal reeds, a box of 10.
Out of that 10:
1 was broken on the tip
4 were badly cut with the shoulders badly aligned (wasn`t a "U" or "V" shape, more like a "J"

Is this normal? Should we really have to pay for crap? Is there no "quality control"?
Obviously Rico have made 50% profit by allowing thier rubbish to be packaged as reeds, (not a bad scam if you get away with it).
Any other industry would insure good standards, so why do reed makers get away with supplying substandard products?

Are there any better makes out there (that dont include crap) or are all major reed manufacturers thieves?

GO TO SAXQUEST AND ORDER SOME ALEXANDER SUPERIALS THESE IN MY PERSONAL OPINION OR THE BEST ALL AROUND REEDS MADE. SO FAR I HAVE BEEN VERY PLEASED WITH EVERY ONE I HAVE TRIED. A LITTLE MORE EXPENSIVE BUT WHEN YOU CAN USE THEM ALL IT IS CHEAPER IN THE LONG RUN.

Well, Rico is a low budget brand of reeds. I would suggest buying some more expensive reeds lose (yes, one or two at a time) because then you have the opportunity to check them before you buy them even if it, in the long run, will cost a little more (it is always like that, buy many of one thing and you get it cheaper). Look for reeds that are cut the way you`re best reed is cut and buy those. For clarinet (I`m still looking for a really good reed for the sax) I use Vandoren, which is a good brand as long you don`t plan to play a concert the same evening that you bought the reed.

dude. Rico reeds aren`t worth the bother...!!!! wouldn`t even spend time looking at them!!
has anyone tried plasticover reeds yet?!

Rico reeds are the worst a person can buy. I prefer La Voz. For me, they`re pretty reliable.

Well, I have e-mailed Rico for thier comments, especially as thier website boasts how each reed is individually checked by quality control (meaning that the rubbish reeds were deliberately passed by quality control as good, or QC were not doing thier job properly).
Needless to say they have not returned my e-mail.
Here in the UK such a company would be investigated by our "Trading Standards Department". Any false claims, false advertising would be stopped, and the chances are they would end up on our television screens for the public to become aware of thier substandard goods. What about in the USA? surely there are laws stopping this type of deception?

I now have some Vandoren reeds
Much better quality! Will try other makes as I go, but never again shall I purchase Rico Rip-off Reeds.

rico royal reeds in general are brittle, unlike other brands which are more resilient. however, always remember that each reed has its own individual quality producing a unique sound. if you have several reeds, you dont use one until its broken, instead, you choose which particular reed is fit for your mouth during performances. you`ll notice that a reed that is fit for you today might not be so great the next day. find what reed is suited for you regardless of brand.

rico royal reeds in general are brittle, unlike other brands which are more resilient. however, always remember that each reed has its own individual quality producing a unique sound. if you have several reeds, you dont use one until its broken, instead, you choose which particular reed is fit for your mouth during performances. you`ll notice that a reed that is fit for you today might not be so great the next day. find what reed is suited for you regardless of brand.