I've been using Fibracell only, for over 3 years. When I try a Vandoren blue or Java (half-grade harder) they seem to be equivalent, so if I have a good one, they play the same. Just remember to first try 1/2 grade softer than your cane reed.
I need to buy about 5 per year. Old or new, they play consistently until eventually there's a sudden change and that's the end. I perform on flute and clarinets in C, Bb and G. And, I live in a dry climate where cane reeds dry out quickly. I'm grateful to be liberated from taming the wild cane.
My pref. is for soft reeds, #2 cane, which equates to Fibracell 1.5. Legere and Forestone don't make 'em that soft, so I can't compare.
My only issue – On the Fibracell, the side edges where the lip contacts feel sharp and irritating to me. I lightly sand or scrape to round the edges in that area, so they feel smooth on my lip. It doesn't effect the performance. The texture across my lip feels slightly rough, but I have never had any irritation from it.