These are good reeds. One just has to find the correct strength for the mouth piece. What many folks don't know is that the Vandorens are hard reeds. For example, one of my horns is an LA Sax straight soprano. I use the curved neck (unless my mike is used for someone else) with a metal Otto Link 7 star, a "cut-down" Rovener ligature, and a Vandoren #2 (or a #2-1/2 if I need a little more volume). With this combination, the equivalent LaVoz reed is a "Medium Hard". If the Vandoren you are using is too airy, then you're playing too hard of a reed. Another thing to watch for when matching a reed to a mouth piece is the physical size of the reed. Notice whether or not the reed actually hangs over the side rails when you close the reed down to the mouth piece with your thumb. If the reed hangs over the side rail near the tip, get another style/brand reed, because you won't be happy otherwise. Hope this helps. BTW, I've been playing alto for forty-three years and soprano for around ten.