Stinkfoot:

You can buy the 15' Rio tips by themselves in various line weights and sink rates. It has been awhile since I bought one but I think they go for around $9.00. They come with a small stiff loop already on the butt end. For the flyline, I use kevlar loops you can get from either Kaufmans or Patrick's in Seattle. They are stiffer than other braided loops and the stiff loop to loop seems to cut down on the hinging problem. As for the tips themselves, if you are near Seattle, try picking them up at the Outdoor Emporium as they are cheaper than your local flyshop.