Low voltage landscape lighting questions

I have had these http://a.co/57pBdnr cheap low voltage floods for years and frustrated by individual ones going out regularly/weekly for one reason or another. Also my wife sees some other homes in our neighborhood which have better lighting coverage.

Issues I have:
-bulbs blow
-bulbs go out but come back on if I wiggle them in socket
-crimp connectors fail
-doesn't look as nice as neighbors

What I have tried:
-installed new floodlight fixtures of same type and new cable but the crimp connectors still fail some
-LED replacement bulbs http://a.co/iNf94ne, these are working better but had to get 4W bulbs, first batch weren't bright enough. The LED bulb color temperature are kind of cool still, I usually like really warm yellow
-ordered some of these http://a.co/7fzlgc4, but how to connect them since they don't have crimp? Wire nuts? Seems like a lot of cutting/splicing and wet connections

So what do the pros use and how do they wire them for reliable long term use???

Thanks!

 

Since it is 12vdc, you won't have the worries of line voltage. However any leak of current can affect downline lighting. I usually will use wire nuts with silicone shot inside them before I attach them. The silicone will help insulate against water infiltration and current leaks.

 

Yeah... the replacement plug-in LED bulbs in the crappy fixtures can try your patience.
Much better to replace the fixture with an LED type.

I do the same as Larry. I use regular #12 low voltage lighting wire and gel filled wirenuts.
They come already filled with gel and are considered a one-use item. They don't get re-used.
Install the wirenuts with the open end down and they will last a long time.

DryConn Large Waterproof Wire Connectors - Aqua/Blue - The Home Depot

DryConn Medium Waterproof Wire Connectors - Aqua/Red - The Home Depot

 

Thanks guys, will give those a try!