I use the Kup-L-Taps as well. The higher price is worth it to me for not having to play around with stripping the live drop and taping an energized split bolt while working off a ladder. The things are reusable, so I do try to get them back from the utility when they come out to make their permanent connections. I use a standard split bolt on the neutral to save a few $.
Have experienced no reliability problems with them at all, even on a couple installations where the PoCo never replaced them.
I ALWAYS check the wiring for shorts/grounds with a meter before making up the service drop splices.
