Which reed is best???

jsesere wrote:14 carot gold. A little japaneese man on the Ginza in tokyo makes them for me

Paul Gibeaut wrote:High-Power REED VALVES: The original Cox copper/beryllium reeds tend to 'float' at
~17,000 rpm and so they are not optimal for top performance. In a reed valve engine, top
performance is only attainable by using the clear Mylar reed. I find the cross shape better in
tanks that use a 'G-Clip reed retainer wire and the rectangular ones better in the tanks
using the nylon retaining cap. This last production change allows reed engines to be on par
with “Tee Dee’s” in performance! My test bench results indicate that 24,000+ rpm is
achievable for steady-state running with such reeds.
What about 'other ' reed materials and shapes? Cox engine designer Larry Renger prefers
the Cox stainless steel reed over the Mylar reed. My main concern with the steel reed is
that it wears the anodizing right off the mouth of the venturi tube, although the rpm seems
to be the same. I've tried other reeds made of thinner steel, floppy disc material, etc. and so
far haven't found anything better. One Australian made metal reed was indeed 300 rpm
faster, but it broke away after only a few
minutes of running. Teflon reeds may or may
not work as well. I've not found them to be
any faster, and sometimes worse. The final
reed sealing check is done by attaching a
piece of tubing to the tank venturi and
sucking on it. A proper fitting reed will hold
the pressure and not leak.