Curry 8.5 VC vs Denis Wick 4W
The Denis Wick 4W has a wider cup diameter, the Denis Wick 4W has a larger throat opening.
Cup Diameter
The Denis Wick 4W has a cup diameter of 16.40 mm / 0.6457 in compared to 16.23 mm / 0.6390 in on the Curry 8.5 VC — a difference of 0.17 mm / 0.0067 in. A wider cup generally produces a fuller, darker tone but requires more air support.
Cup Depth
Both mouthpieces share a very deep cup depth, so the sound character from depth alone will be very similar.
Throat Diameter
The Denis Wick 4W has a wider throat (4.58 mm / 0.1803 in vs 4.31 mm / 0.1697 in). A wider throat allows more air through, increasing volume and projection but reducing resistance.
Which is better?
Neither mouthpiece clearly dominates the other — the right choice depends on your embouchure, playing style, and the sound you're after. Try both if possible.