This is just my personal method, and it is slightly more expensive but I NEVER use tippet unless it's 1x and tied to a sinking leader for streamers or big nymphs, or the tippet is tied to a fly hook for a dropper. I buy 9' 4x leaders or 5x if it's a small clear stream and that's what I use. Once I use up too much of the tippet section and the leader gets short, I use a new leader. I don't mess around with tippet because I've had too many failures at that knot, and if the wind kicks up sometimes the knot(s) can catch the fly and screw up my cast.
Does it cost more? Sure. I get a 2 pack of leaders for $7-$8. If I fish from dawn to dusk sometimes I'll go through 2 leaders, so $8 for the day. Considering the gas, beer/food/license and other gear costs, it's pretty insignificant compared to the pain in the ass that I've had with tippets.
And don't even get me started on tying your own leader. Remember the rope climb in gym class with the knots every foot? That's what custom leaders remind me of and I absolutely refuse to deal with that.
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