The best pa rin talaga ang branded reeds, better sounding and longer lasting. However, sa problema ng reeds wearing out coz of constant practice, it is also best to use a separate (maybe cheap one) reed. And I discover that we can repair the reed kung yung dulo lang naman ang nasira. I usually experience that. So, kung pwede pa remedyuhan ay ginagawan ko ng paraan.
Ang ginagawa ko ay ginugunting ko yung part na nasira (kung mga 1-2mm lang naman sira from the tip), then I used sand paper para bawasan yung upper part (the part na naiipit sa ligature), isinusukat ko sa brand new reed para magpantay, until makuha ko ang right and proper configuration. presto, kahit paano nakakatipid sa reed. I used a good quality reed for actual performance. Pero kung grabe and irrepareable and sira, tapon na sa basurahan.