I use furled leaders with loop to loop connections. I will use 12" of 4x-5x tippet off of the leader and then use a surgeons knot to add 6x-8x tippet. The trick to a strong surgeons loop = Only two passes, wet the knot with spit, tighten slowly making sure the loops close up evenly then snug it. Uneven loops, fast tighten, or no spit will weaken the knot every time.
Pete