I play on a 3.5, and it's working very well for me. They seem difficult at first, and hurt your lower lip, but they drastically improve tone quality and ease of dynamic changes.

It depends on your mouthpiece. If you use a piece that has more of a closed tip, like a Slemer c*, I would go with a harder reed. If you use a more open piece, like me, I tend to like softer reeds more.

Take the money you'd spend on a box of reeds and spend it on a lesson. And I'm not being sassy. It would be best for someone in the know to set you up properly. 2.5's are ok if you're playing on a very open tip. What kind of mpc are you using? Harder reeds ARE harder to play on to a certain extent. If your embouchre is under-developed, you'll get tired faster using a stiffer reed, but like anything, that goes away with practice. Don't be in a hurry to rush into stiffer reeds - meaning "stiffer better player". It's not how stiff it is that matters, it's what you do with it that counts... or something like that.

i use 3 1/2 in jazz and 4 in wind ensemble. but i cant get my reaction out of the 4s co im switching back to 3 1/2 all around. 2 1/2 are weak, but if u cant get good sound on higher strengths, then dont use them

Hmm well I think that lower strength reeds create a lot more tunning problems and gives you a bright sound. I recommend that you switch to 3 and 3 1/2s. Your sound will be more stronger and fuller and your tunning will be even easier. Dont worry about sounding airy and not as good. Your sound will eventually focus and you will get use to stronger reeds. Trust me just try switching and playing with them. Your sound will sound fuller and bigger not to mention better in tune.

If you ask me, its all about personal preference. I use Med-Hards and 3s, but there are people who I play with that can get the same sound out of softer reeds. If you are overblowing a reed, get a harder one. I don`t think it is just you... it took me a while to get used to harder reeds, but now I like them a lot. Try some different strengths and see which ones you like better.

Who recommended you switch? Did that person hear you play? Was the recommendation made because of your sound, or because that person thinks a stronger reed means a better player? Regardless, I would suggest using the stronger reed for about half your practice time for a while, so your embouchure can learn the difference. After a couple of months (maybe 6), record yourself with each type, and listen. Decide for yourself which is better for you.