How do you know what strength reeds you need?

[WorldIRC]

When switching mouthpieces, how do you know what strength is necessary?

[xuanvu]

Generally, the bigger the tip opening, the softer the reed is...

[WorldIRC]

No a #5 - C* facing would be 3.5 reed?

[retread]

The only way to know is to experiment. I have a Tenney Link and a Tenney Broadus, both .100, both larger chamber pieces. The Broadus plays better with a reed that's maybe 1/2 strength stiffer than the reeds that work best on the Link. I supose the Broadus may have a longer lay.
Anyway, considering the differences between players and mouthpieces, no one can tell you what reed strength or brand is best for you.

[xuanvu]

I have a Morgan 1C (quite close) and use #3 fibracell reed. A Beechler #5 and use it with #3 Hahn reed (sometimes 2.5)...

[WorldIRC]

I got La Voz Medium Hard -- perfect match!

[Vortex]

WorldIRC, you will not find definitive answers to questions like this because there are none - it's all about experimentation. It depends on how good your chops are too. If your embouchure is underdeveloped you'll have a hard time finding the 'right' strength for a mouthpiece (about probably complain that you only get 2-3 playable reeds per box) while if you have a strong embouchure you can probably use a variety of strengths on the same mouthpiece for different tones. However for figuring it out for a new mouthpiece, you must consider the (from greatest to least significance) tip opening, facing length, chamber size, and baffle height of the new mouthpiece.

[WorldIRC]

Like I said.. I chose La Voz Medmium Hard. They are perfect for me. I do have a strong embouchure as well so no worries there.