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This doesn't really relate to the original question but since the ball bearing versus barrel swivel is in the discussion:
I've gone back to bb swivels even in the surf. As a braid fisherman I think it helps. With mono I'm not sure it effects things so much, but either way here's why: barrel swivels barely qualify to be called a swivel. Put some tension on the popular Spro Power Swivel and it only reluctantly turns. I think barrel swivels are at least partly just something to grab onto when landing a fish.
Here's my theory. Barrel swivels don't work that well and braid DOES accumulate twist that will encourage wind knots. Since braid doesn't really have much power to it's twist it will have a lot of trouble turning a barrel swivel to relieve the twist, but it can probably turn a ball bearing swivel even under pressure.
In practice (not theory) I'm fairly convinced now after a year or so that it helps in the surf. And I know for a fact it helps when I'm fishing for albies or tuna. (No snaps when chasing hardtails of course, just a bb swivel plus a fluoro leader with a loop knot)
Ball bearing swivels do cost more but they cost far less then a snarled bird's nest of expensive braid coughed up by a spinning reel in the darkness. As Flap said, your mileage may vary but if you deal with chronic bird's nests in braid on spinning reels it's worth giving ball bearings a shot. It isn't always "loose wraps" in the braid causing those tangles.
As for the main topic, I still use snaps when fishing for stripers as I don't like ending up with a short leader after changing just a few plugs. I like as long a leader as physically possible. I still use the old reliable R34 coastlock and I haven't even tried a Breakaway. I haven't had any failures that have made me feel like I need to change.
I've also seen too many big fish caught during the day in gin clear water on top water lures with a snap to think a snap matters , never mind in the darkness when fishing for stripers. If they like what you're throwing and how you're working it a snap just does not slow them down. Flats fishing for stripers is obviously a different game, but in general a snap doesn't seem to bother the bass. I do think as your lure gets smaller there more you have to think about going direct.
If it's a "subtle" presentation I think it might matter (6 or 7.5" Sluggos for example) but on a big splashy Pencil or Danny, no way.
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