how long's your leader?

[one more minute]

Or more specifically, does anyone use a shock leader? This year I plan to progress from a bait chucker to a full blown surfcaster and am wondering how to set up my new spheros reel and power pro coming from UPS any day now. It seems like having a 15' shock leader would protect my finger and provide abrasion resistance. However, the knot (braid to leader) would probably have to be pretty low profile to go through the guides without getting hung up. Also, if I wanted to use a swivel near the lure (which is something that sounds key for preventing braid twist), that would add some more knots and potential weak points. Is a shock leader something just used by anglers throwing heavy weights - it doesn't sound like many of you use one? Thanks!