Between 2 VMAX4s, 2 SXs + a SRX I have tried pretty well all the reeds/cages
IMO:
Carbon tech reeds on stock cages:
-when I installed with reed spacers on my mainly stock 600 + 700 SXs, they made the most noticeble difference of any reed changes we have made when compared to stock.the SXs at that time were not ported or piped
-best bang for the buck
VFORCE 1s:
-worked very well on stock + trail ported VMAX4s...pulled very well at higher RPM
VFORCE IIs:
-I have used these on trail ported and mod engines and I think these are the most durable of the VFORCE reed cages, good all around reeds
VFORCE IIIs:
-my least favourite when compared to the other VFORCEs...come with a little spacer.
-these reeds are designed more like the VFORCE Is but are completely open behind the carb boot and I had sealing issues to my SRXs "Boost Bottle" carb boots
Boyesen Rage Cages:
-I am using these on my trail ported SRX right now
-high quality aluminum cage
-I found they run a little richer in the lower throttle positions
-I like them and durability so far is good at over 2000 miles
-can't feel any power gain or loss over the VFORCE reeds
None of these reeds are going to make a huge, or even noticeable, difference over stock cages in daily riding especially on a basically stock Yamaha. They are all about moving air and the hole engine has to be a better "air pump" to take advantage of the potential flow increase these after market reeds potentially offer.
The most noticeable seat of the pants real world performance increases come from clutching improvements. If you are piping, porting ect your sled then you would probably add reeds to compliment the other improvements.
JM.02c