Has anyone used reed boning (http://store.corsetmaking.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=NA-RREED1&Category_Code=NA)? What's it like? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
I have a tabbed corset with reed boning. One has to be careful because I recently snagged a tab on something (I'm always running into things) and completely broke the reeds in one tab. Luckily with it being on the bottom it didn't effect it. It's just fragile. Plus I don't know if you can wash it without it eventually getting mildew/mold since it's natural. :\ I spot clean my corset only. One advantage though is that the reed eventually conforms to your body shape, which makes it more comfy than steel but still being supportive.
I have only used actually reeds once, for a client. She loved the look and feel, but did not care much for the ultra support.
I personally use, and have recommended over and over to use straw, as in a broom (I like industrial treated non bacterial, if I can't get hand pulled). It is a washable, breathing and moving corset. It is rare that I use anything else. If a tab breaks (rare, and only when I did something stupid, like try to climb a wall fully garbed), it is a pain to replace, but the comfort level is amazing. Yes, I am fully supported! I do use metal lacing bones, just because I still use metal grommets.