I tap quite a few reds with buckets and their inconsistency is normal if not maddening, they will produce but generally less than sugars and with lower sugar content. That said I have some really big reds that are great producers and have a relatively high sugar. Red maples do better on vacuum than buckets but for a lot of us that is not always practical.give them some time and they should do alright if not try them again next and if the results are the same you can just skip after that.
2008 700 ranger xp sap hauler/45 hp 4x4 tractor/028 super stihl
2x4 mason hobby/blower/new for 2014 smoky lake hybrid pan
2014 300ish buckets and still need bigger evaporator/14 x 20 square log shack
2015 2x6 drop flue phaneuf approx. 325 buckets, 1 year older, not sure about the smarter part ?
gets expensive in a hurry!!