I go with buckets and drop lines. I drill a hole for the tubing just below the top edge of the bucket.
Seems holes in the top eventually leak and though it doesn't amount to much water, it usually discolors the sap.
I also put chunks of wood or rocks around the buckets to make sure the stay put and often to shield them from the sun.
2019-2023 40 to 50 taps to get 8 to 10 gallons of syrup
2018 Built the sugar shack, produced 10.5 gallons (converted some to sugar,& cream). taps varied 45 to 50
2017 Built 2x4 arch for a divided pan, 8.5 gallons from 30 taps increased to 42 taps during season.
2016 Produced 3 gallons & 1 quart Syrup, Block arch & 3 buffet pans, 12 taps
2015 Thought about tapping