When is it time to replace your reeds? (/w Pics)

[KamakazieX]

I needed help, and I took photos of my cage. Someone - feel free to steal my photos to make a tutorial for newb's like myself. So, is it time for me to replace my reeds?

..Is porting the cage removing the cross bars? Is it advisable?

Nice 7.2 MP Supermacro shots:








So..

Can I grind these off or will my dual stage reeds fail prematurely?

[DirtDemon]

Looks like they aren't closing all the way.

[2twin350s]

I replace my reeds once a year if I ride the machine alot.
Porting your cage is opening the intake side of it for more airflow.Do not remove the slots though.I really dont think it makes a huge difference porting your stock cage.
I would advise you go with a boyeson Rad valve or v-force system for more performance.You never did say what kinda bike you have?

[flotek]

i agree you might as well get some new carbon reeds or a vforce cage,portin the cage makes minimal differences in my opinion some guys flip the used reeds so its closed against the cage surface better but this means they are over streesed /worn though and will bend the other way very soon as well ,worn reeds need changed every other season or depending on the application .. they are like pistons,unfortunatly they wont last forever