Smooth half link set up?

[Fundamental]

I will be up gearing from 28:10 to 30:10, but to keep the wheel in that 'sweet spot' I have to run a half link.

I live on the top of a hill, and some of my riding consists of bombing the hill to the local schools for a session, then climbing the 1-2 miles back uphill(sometimes steep).  My bike has always had KMC 510 chains and it's perfect blend of strength,weight, and price.  I've tried using the generic KMC half link and it was smooth on some set ups, but 'knotchy' on others.  Also, that thing is thin, so putting a lot of pressure on it is scary and always a concern when riding.  Not very confidence inspiring.

I had a used Cult half link for a bit and that thing was rough, you could feel and hear every link roll over the driver, and it wore into my Rachet hub a bit...  Granted, I don't know how worn in/ out that thing was but it sure wasn't smooth.

So, basically, what's a good, smooth, running half link set up?

[tim_sch]

Keychain, 1 halflink is more than enough.

[CMB]

I've been running the Odyssey Bluebird chain for a few years and its pretty smooth with the pre-installed half link.
A few of my friends have the Cult 510 and its good too.
The KMC 510 chain is also available with a half link now as well.
http://www.danscomp.com/products-PARTS/464132/KMC_Z510HX_FS_Chain.html

[Narcoleptic Insomniac]

My Fly tractor chain has been flawless.

[master]

Keychain.

[DontcallmeKenneth]

My keychain is better now that i bent the links back into place.

[metalbmxer]

Keychain is aweosme I run the hollow pin version with half link and ONLY use pedal pressure on my freecoaster. Not a peep.

[weedbix]

Keychain preferably, Bluebird on a budget

[blueee]

mushroom the pin and youll be alright.

[dude...]

ive got some castoff bits of shadow chain i use. try switching the roller with one from a spare link from your chain, sometimes that helps. ive had to use one off an mtb chain recently to make it thin enough, got a keychain ready to go on as soon as i can be fucked to get it set up

[Danno]

I did exactly the same ratio change with a hollow Keychain and it's been sound so far.

[MSBNL]

I've been running an Odyssey bluebird with preinstalled halflink for over a year and it's been great. I got a Cult chain for the 2nd bike, also with preinstalled halflink, but the pin on the preinstalled halflink was way too long. Like easily 3 to 4 mm on each side, impossible to ride with a sandwich MDS sprocket (and it was even grinding on the hubshell). No idea why they made the pin so long.

[montymitch]

I was so happy with the last Cult 510 I bought. It lasted for two seasons without issue, so I replaced it with a fresh one and it lasted two rides. The half-link is fine.

[Fundamental]

Thanks for all the replies.

I stopped by the LBS, and picked up the Primo 510 with preinstalled half link.

The Keychain looked good but is way more chain than I need.  It's hard to justify three times the price of the 510 chains, which work well for me already.