The Rio welded loops worked well for me last season with one exception. I did have a Rio Grande 6 wt loop separate but hold together. I used it that way for the better part of a day without it breaking on the Madison in MT. That surprised me. It seemed to be holding together by a hair. I did cut it off and nail knot a perfection loop to the end. No issues and it still floats well. So many lines sink at the tip. I have not had that problem since going to Rio.