I think going up a full size is much too drastic of a jump. Going to a 2.5 will be an easier transition while still providing some of the benefits you need from a thicker reed. Also remember that you must have a box or 2 because there are only a few really good reeds in any one box.
Soak all the reeds and then play them one by one and you’ll soon discover which ones are the good ones and which are bad.