I use a Vandoren Optimum AL4, and I have to say that I'm absolutely in love with it! The sound is warmer than the traditional Vandorens, and the mouthpiece itself has great consistancy, intonation is better than any piece I've ever player, and the articulation I feel is much cleaner than the traditional Vandorens. The only beef I'm having with it is that the high notes in the palm keys tend to get bright and sometimes harsh. Part of that is that the mouthpiece has so much power behind it at first it can be overblown. The mouthpiece has a fair amount of resistance on it, similiar to a Teal in my opinion. They're definitly worth a try. Just a side note; Otis Murphy switched to the Optimum as well as Dr. Steve Stusek at UNCG