I'm going to try paper clips and see how I get on with those. I've found that impact shields and the like really cut down distance on the cast. The simpler you can make your rigs the better I think.
i use cascade swivels with srt springs on all my clipped rigs. for the bottom i use a breakaway IMP. the imps are pretty fool proof and ive never had one not release.
Have always used Breakaway relay clips rather than impact shields. Seem to be fairly trouble free and I like the way one can slide them to accommodate the snood length.
I must confess that I have never used them as I don't seem to have a problem. I do however when using a running leager put the bottom hook on one of the grip wires and it has never failed to release on impact.
Cheers
keith