Well besides the reeds the Banshee started in 1 kick every time. The machine is pretty tight. I have actually owned a Banshee before. I have also owned other 2 strokes like Tecate 3 wheelers, a quadzilla, 250r's. This is the first time out of all those machines a reed went bad. I don't know much about reeds, but these seem to be better than the stockers? I just cant afford V-force right now. I am very particular about my stuff, and the vito's seemed ok according to the reviews?