i justify using leashes in two ways. Lighter than brakes, and more reliable on hard steep snow conditions. The B and D leash looks like a good tool for sketchy upper mountain conditions, or deep pow days, but is heavy. I use the Black Diamond Clipwire like Charlie, but have found that zip ties are not strong enough or predictable enough (suffer from wear). Some brands may be better than others. I use a 14ga solid copper loop with four twists at the loose ends. This seems to hold well, and consistently, with no significant wear over the years, and will pull loose with about 100# force (tested several times in my shop). I will probably try the B and D leash next spring with my La Sportivas, since they have no where to attach a link.
