I guess I’ve been lucky, I’ve been reusing e- clips as long as they retain their shape and spring back tight in the piston. I prefer the double arm type like Damien has in his piston, they are much easier to install and remove.
Yep, I prefer the double armed type myself...My new Phantom came with E clips, I didn't use them but went down to the 2 and 4 cycle small engine repair shop and got another set of the double armed ones instead.