The reed starts cracking side to side, usually toward the rivet end. A break is usually pre warned by a wonky sound from the reed. I have owned 54 accordeons. I have never broken a reed.
I have had 3 accordeons with Binci reeds and about 20 with Antonellis.
Here is another differentiation..
The majority of the Antonelli reeds found on boxes in the US are "tipo a mano" not "a mano"..
Castaganari, considered by many to be the best production box made, use "tip a mano" Antonellis as standard.. Bincis on request. Hand made Antonellis on request.
The majority of Binci reeds are true "a mano".. not "tipo a mano" so an apples to apples comparison is not usually a fair comparison.
Also reed sellers are prone to sell Antonelli "tipo a mano" at the same price as Binci "a mano"..
If you are buying Antonellis...ask if they are "tipo a mano" or "a mano".. pay a fair price.
I personally prefer Antonelli "tipo a mano" , however this is also a matter of the tuner who sets and tunes the reeds, and because I am used to them.