Spades vs. Banana plugs ??

I had bananas.  The weight of the cables broke those. Sent in and had spades installed. They did not stay tight.  I am now using Rhodium coated 45° banana.   They also have a knurled knob on a pin that goes into the spade and expands the 3 piece spade.  You couldn't pull them if you wanted! 

I like spades most of the time. If it’s a stiff cable and there is stress on the insert position they will come loose and potentially cause a short. That’s the downside to me. I check them occasionally and give them a firm twist. 

Locking low mass banana plugs for me.   Locking is important as it improves the connection and makes them less likely to get pulled out.  I use the WBT-0610Cu bananas.   I understand their newer version is better, but I’ve not tried them.

devinplombier posted 

"- What happened to old-fashioned ring connectors and nut-and-bolt posts? They provide superior clamping force, and ring connectors aren't slipping off or pulling out ever. Seems they would make sense when cable gauge, stiffness, and weight are on the rise."

Curious if folks using the bare wire method ever loop bare wire and twist itself into a loop similar to a hangman's knot.  Then tin it.  Seems like the wire would never fray and no worries about a loose strand shorting out.  Also the complete ring would give contact all the way around the post.  Never done it, but this post got me to thinkin'.  -John

Well made tight fitting BFA bananas are the way to go for me. They make very good contact, don’t come loose like spades can, and are just easier.